Residents Voice Concerns About Rezoning in Maryville
by Kathy Turner
MARYVILLE — Maryville residents attended a public hearing held on Wednesday, Dec. 4 in Maryville to voice their concerns about a proposed rezoning of property in the Village. The proposal was to change five parcels on Stonebridge Crossing Drive from agricultural to single-family residency.
Residents spoke of concerns about drainage and lot sizes. It was explained, by the developer Cade Osborne of Osborne Properties, that the request was for rezoning only. Even as they are – with an agricultural zoning – the lots could be built upon but not with the guidelines required with the single-family designation. As such, only single-family homes with a minimum square feet requirement will be allowed.
And he pointed out that the lot sizes are in fact the same size as those surrounding the property with just a different configuration. Construction requirements such as set-back guidelines and so forth will be in place to assure that the new construction aligns with existing homes in the subdivision.
When the Board meeting progressed on that evening the Village Board voted to approve the requested rezoning.
In other business, the Board agreed to authorize Mayor Craig Short to negotiate and execute an employment agreement with Tonya Flannery for the position of Village Administrator. It is anticipated that Ms. Flannery will begin her duties on December 16.
The Board also approved the hiring of Brandon Smiley as a lateral-transfer police office. He will be sworn in at the next meeting of the Village Board.
During staff reports, Chief Tony Manley announced that the department, along with Collinsville and Caseyville, will conduct a Shop with the Cop event on Dec. 14. The three departments held fundraisers during the past few months to fund the program. They will be providing ‘shopping’ experiences for 15 families and providing Christmas for 42 children.
Manley also reported 1144 service incidents in November with 142 citations and 13 accident reports completed. There were four training sessions attended by officers during the month.
Shane Fulton reported that the Building and Zoning department issued 14 permits. Total valuation of the improvements will be just over $1.8 million.
Chief Dankenbring reported that the Fire Department responded to 155 calls for service in November. In addition, Captain Shane Fulton completed his fire officer training and received his certification. Firefighter Tyler Daniels completed the OSFM Fire Services Instructor Course. And probationary firefighter Andrew Hylton completed the courses needed to be designated a basic operations firefighter.
In final action the Board accepted the 2025 schedule of meetings presented by Mayor Short for Village Board and Committees.
The Board will meet on Wednesday, Dec. 18 at 6:30 p.m. for the final time in 2024.
