O’Fallon, ill. (First alert 4) – O’Fallon officials are about to make a decision next week on a development of $ 275 million which sparked excitement and opposition.
It is a project with clear economic incentives, but also criticism of neighboring residents.
“We had no intention of building a house that had a golf installation behind us,” said Jamie Clark.
Clark could easily see – and potentially hear – an element of golf entertainment offered near his family’s house. The installation would be open until 10 p.m.
“Our son is special needs and he goes to bed at 7:30 am and his bed is of course at the back of the house,” said Clark.
Clark is one of the many residents pushing the big plan that would go next to the O’Fallon family sports park.
The project provides 442 apartments, 68 houses, row and duplex, a hotel, restaurants and a golf entertainment center similar to Topgolf.
“Normally, communities are not holding motion. Normally, they fall back and we do not want to see our community falling back, ”said Mayor Herb Roach.
Roach said the city cannot build apartments quickly enough to meet demand. He also thinks that the plan would attract tourists to the city thanks to popular sports fields nearby.
“If nothing else, the dads could, between the matches, go to strike it,” said Roach.
But concerns persist.
“Adding something so big will really increase traffic,” said Clark.
Clark is worried about all cars from outside the city, but seems to be the most concerned about noise.
“They say that we are not going to hear it and I find it difficult to believe, I went to a topgolf, I know how noisy they become,” said Clark.
Roach said the city had listened to the public’s comments and made changes. This includes the reaches and expansion of roads nearby to facilitate the circulation and carrying out solid studies to respond to noise concerns.
“We have tried to hide anything in anyone. We tried to release it in public,” said Roach.
He added that if and when the project is built, it would generate millions of dollars a year for local schools.
“I think growth is good for communities, but it must be intelligent growth,” said Roach.
The municipal council should have a final vote on Monday. Clark thinks it will pass.
“I have the impression that my hands are really linked and I don’t have too much word to say, I have the impression that the decision has already been made,” said Roach.
The project also includes an exchange of land between the city and the developer. The city would abandon unused land and, in return, would receive money and goods near the sports complex.
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