Boom Town

Growth continues with $70 million, 475-plus unit build expected at U.S. 60, Republic Road
 
Among the 34-plus action items on the April 20 meeting agenda of the Republic City Council, was a rezone request of 40 acres of farmland just south of the intersection of U.S. Highway 60 and West Republic Road. If developer Jeff Boyce, of JSB Investments, is successfully granted the rezone request—which has already been recommended by staff—the farmland will be transformed into a $70 million build that will include retail, housing and a 55-plus gated community.
Among the high points of the exceptional expanse will be:
- 6.6 acres of general commercial use;
- 12.5 acres of multi-family residential use (252 units);
- 3.8 acres of multi-family residential (23 units);
- 11 acres of multi-family residential designated for 55-plus residents (207 units).
The development will also include public streets, and a main road that will connect U.S. Highway 60 and West Republic Road.
Local architectural firm H-Design Group, often used by the Republic School District, is overseeing the potential future development, and had architect Brent Stevens on hand at the meeting to answer any questions by the council.  
The council will likely be asked to formally grant the request following the ordinances second reading at the May 4 meeting.
In other action...
The council officially accepted the April 6 election results and City Clerk Laura Burbridge swore in the newly elected members of the council, Gerry Pool, Ward 2; Jim Deichman, Ward 4; Shane Grooms, Ward 3; and Mayor Matt Russell.
Following the installation of the new board, member Garry Wilson nominated Deichman to serve as mayor pro-tempore. A vote by the board of 5-1 in support of Deichman made it so. Eric Franklin, Ward 1, who made it known he'd gladly accept a similar nomination, was the only member to vote against Deichman. Council member Brandon Self was absent from the meeting and member Christopher Updike was 30 minutes late to the proceedings.