Jefferson City Council approves development proposal despite strong opposition

The Jefferson City Council passed a proposal for development of a new subdivision despite strong opposition Monday.

Council members voted 6-4 to pass the final subdivision plat of River Bluff Estates Subdivision after a public hearing.

About 20 residents from the Hayselton Drive area gave testimonies in opposition to the proposal during the public hearing.

According to one resident’s testimony, 24 homeowners signed a petition against the plans. But according to the city, only four of the signatures met the boundary requirements so the petition failed its requirement.

Many of those residents said they were not opposed to the development, but the proposed entrance to the new subdivision off Hayselton Drive which sits on what the residents called a hairpin curve.

Residents said drivers cannot see around the curve, which would make it a dangerous intersection. The residents urged the city council to reconsider moving the entrance to West Main Street.

However, Mike Bates with Central Missouri Professional Services said the Hayselton Drive entrance was the only viable option due to the lot’s difficult terrain and cost difference.

Jefferson City Public Works Director Matt Morasch said according to Missouri State Highway Patrol data, there were no crashes on the Hayselton Drive curve from 2005 to 2014.

In a 7-3 vote, the council also passed a bill to rezone nearly 15 acres on the lot from high density housing to RS-3 Single Family Residential zoning.

The council also voted to pass a bill banning parking on the north side of River Bluff Court in the River Bluff Estates Subdivision in a 6-4 vote.