Collinsville residents willing to ‘fight’ over Haven Hill development proposal
An aerial view of the proposed Haven Hill residential site in Collinsville.
By Ray Popkess • Every week since its decision to be tabled during a July 10 planning commission meeting, Collinsville residents have been voicing their opinions in front of city council to ensure the zoning conversation regarding the 18-acre plot at Haven Hill will yield to their wishes.
Residents approached the podium to share statistics with the council regarding where the city stands on its multi-family housing to home-ownership ratio, stating that 35% of Collinsville housing is multi-family, matching the national average. Speakers also shared petition signatures and anecdotal stories from residents surrounding the Haven Hill plot and their interactions with the wildlife within the area.
Jimmy Mundloch, Managing Partner of JRG Holding Companies and IP Holding group, gave his two cents regarding the Haven Hill project. “While I respect their initiative, it isn’t surprising that most everyone would sign a petition favoring a patch of woods over apartments in their backyard when presented with that choice.”
He also mentioned it was imperative that he attended and spoke at the council meeting since he was unable to share factual updates on the Collinsville Connect Facebook page as he was blocked by page administrators.
“The fact of the matter is, I am simply wanting to build apartments for human beings, some of which are indeed disabled, on grounds that the city has already zoned for apartments, and is fully consistent with the city comprehensive plan,” he continued.
Since their last planning announcement, Mundloch addressed prevalent concerns brought forth by citizens. The revised adjustments are as follows:
- A reduction from four buildings to three
- Decreasing the number of units from 96 to 60
- Lowering the building height from three stories to two
- Increasing the number of parking spaces per apartment from one and a half to two
- Increasing exterior masonry to 50%
Long-time and established real estate developer of Highland Gayle Frey shared strong words with conviction to the council and attendees.
“Every single project we’ve completed over a 29-year period, the property values of the area have gone up.”
Residents voiced concern that Osborn Development would oversee the project since they still own the land. Frey addressed these concerns by saying they have no affiliation to Osborn Development.
“Holland Construction is a nationwide reputable contractor out of Belleville.” Osborn has no involvement in the development other than currently owning the plot of land.
Frey mentioned that between 2009 and 2012, the Haven Hill project was 60-70% cleared when Osborn was still in charge, according to Madison County GIS maps.
“I’ve never done a project with a neighbor that was like ‘Man, I really hate that cornfield or patch of woods,” commented Frey, addressing the ‘destruction of a wildlife’ concern brought forth by citizens. “But that’s not realistically how property rights in this city, state or country work.”
The planning commission is set to resume discussions regarding the property in September as the plan commission was just the first step in the process – building and zoning and other committees or commissions may be involved before the Collinsville City Council takes up the matter.
