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Grain Valley, MO —
Grain Valley is a step closer to approving an annexation that’s been opposed by some residents of nearby unincorporated areas.
Aldermen voted 5-1 Monday night on the first reading of a proposal to annex 12 acres just south of the city, near the South Middle School. The next vote comes July 23.
City Administrator Alexa Barton and her husband have bought the land and want to build a home there.
Some have opposed the move. Chuck Johnston, for example, has pressed the city on the costs of the change and has suggested it would benefit Barton at the expense of taxpayers. Mayor Mike Todd on Tuesday said he’s told Johnston he will tell him those costs when they are tallied.
“We just don’t have them (the associated bills) right now,” he said.
The mayor said officials understand residents’ worries.
“I think their basic concern is ... we’re getting closer and closer to (their) property,” he said.
He stressed that the city doesn’t do forced annexations and said the city is looking to the other side of the interstate for growth.
“If we’re growing, we’re growing out north,” Todd said.
Grain Valley is a step closer to approving an annexation that’s been opposed by some residents of nearby unincorporated areas.
Aldermen voted 5-1 Monday night on the first reading of a proposal to annex 12 acres just south of the city, near the South Middle School. The next vote comes July 23.
City Administrator Alexa Barton and her husband have bought the land and want to build a home there.
Some have opposed the move. Chuck Johnston, for example, has pressed the city on the costs of the change and has suggested it would benefit Barton at the expense of taxpayers. Mayor Mike Todd on Tuesday said he’s told Johnston he will tell him those costs when they are tallied.
“We just don’t have them (the associated bills) right now,” he said.
The mayor said officials understand residents’ worries.
“I think their basic concern is ... we’re getting closer and closer to (their) property,” he said.
He stressed that the city doesn’t do forced annexations and said the city is looking to the other side of the interstate for growth.
“If we’re growing, we’re growing out north,” Todd said.
