Dear Editor:
I wanted to write you and explain what is happening with my company’s highly controversial project across the street from Crowder College, so all may understand the direction and proposed solution.

HD Properties has been working closely with Neosho city staff to address all concerns of the neighboring property owners in order to properly rezone this property and allow for the completion of the partially constructed apartment buildings.

In accordance with the City of Neosho Codes and Ordinances, HD Properties is applying for C-0 non-retail district zoning, with a housing project. The purpose of the housing project is to have a specific, agreeable site plan approved by all appropriate parties, therefore restricting the use of the property.

The letters sent to the city by the neighboring property owners have stated their concerns of having an apartment complex near property zoned industrial. We have added features to help separate our property from the rest of the industrial park and keep us near Crowder College. We focused on a buffer and other natural features to obstruct the views between the properties. Listed below are items that have been added to the site plan to address those concerns:

1. A four- to six-foot mowable earth berm will be built on the south and east sides of the property to shield our property from the neighboring properties. “Mowable” means the berm will be a three to one slope as to allow the use of a lawn mower to maintain the grass to be planted on the berm.

2. In addition to the berm, there will be three rows of White Pine trees with each tree 30 feet apart. Each row will be offset 10 feet to obstruct the views of the neighboring properties.

3. At the base of the berm we will install a six-foot chain link fence.

4. Lastly, we will not place any windows facing the property to the south.

There will be a first reading at the city council meeting scheduled for Feb. 19. The second and third readings will be heard at the city council meeting scheduled for March 4.

HD Properties is dedicated to providing a quality product that can be seen as an asset to the City of Neosho and help with the housing of Crowder College students.

Sincerely,
Garret Small, PE
HD Properties, LLC