The Jefferson City Council meeting Tuesday night was primarily focused on one particular item.

An over two-hour discussion took place on the second reading to amend an ordinance to rezone property at 403 West Head Street from light industrial to multi-family residential. About ten people spoke against the proposed 40-50 apartment units planned by KCG Companies, and about three people spoke in favor.

Some of the concerns that were voiced included rental rates, using tax credits for subsidized housing, increasing crime that could overwhelm the police department, the types of jobs people would need to live there, and the location that has poor drainage and near the railroad tracks. Those against the project also pleaded with the Council to vote with their constituents and it was mentioned that the majority of residents do not want this project to happen. Those that spoke in favor talked about the Thriving Communities designation that the city received which drew the developer to the city in the first place, along with the other amenities in town.

KCG Representative CJ Litner was there to answer several questions and noted that they don’t offer Section 8 housing vouchers for low income individuals, they do accept those vouchers. He said that the apartments are not subsidized but rather are paid by federal tax credits and the company’s debt. Following the lengthy discussion, the Council voted 4-1 to approve the second reading, with Council member Chad Sloan as the lone no vote. Council member Pat Zmolek said he received lots of communication from the public and that he wanted the Council to do further research into the company prior to the third reading at a future meeting.

A public hearing was also held for the plans and specifications, form of contract and cost estimate for the East Lincoln Way resurfacing project. It was mentioned that the current road would be milled down from Locust Street to the city cemetery and replaced with an asphalt overlay, along with reconstructing the north end of the road to lay a proper base and re-pave over that. The Council approved the resolution and will consider awarding the contract at their next meeting in March.

The Council set another public hearing on March 12th for the plans and specifications, form of contract and cost estimate for the upper story apartment project for The Centennial. The Council also approved to write off $2,379 of bad debt for utilities from 2015-2019, the fifth pay estimate of $14,782 to Jensen Builders for the airport runway project, the resolution reconfirming Joe Foote as the Golf Course Clubhouse Manager, and hiring Bolton and Menk for $16,700 to prepare the capital improvement plan, by a 4-1 vote, with Council member Sloan voting no.