Springfield: City planners to host workshops with center city registered neighborhoods

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

City planners are seeking input from residents as part of the implementation of the Forward SGF Comprehensive Plan related to housing. City of Springfield planners will host a series of workshops with registered center city neighborhood residents to brainstorm where select "missing middle" housing options could fit in in their neighborhoods. This is part of the citywide remapping process, following the adoption of the Land Development Code by City Council earlier this year.

The first workshop will take place in Woodland Heights, 6:30-8:30 p.m. May 20 at Doling on Atlantic, 1423 W. Atlantic.

The recently updated Land Development Code will create new opportunities for gentle density and diverse missing middle housing types– such as duplexes, multi-unit homes, and townhomes – through a newly established residential zoning district, R-MX1.

Missing middle housing refers to a range of residential building types that bridge the gap between single-family homes and large apartment buildings.

According to the City's 2023 Housing Study and Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy and Forward SGF, "missing middle" housing types should be integrated into Springfield's existing neighborhoods to increase housing diversity through moderate increases in density while maintaining neighborhood character to provide a wider, more equitable range of housing choices.

"We want to engage with neighborhoods that have the greatest potential for increased housing density – specifically those within the Center City Neighborhood placetype," said Senior Planner Hanna Knopf.

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Center city neighborhoods are identified in Forward SGF as residential neighborhoods generally dating back to before WWII. These neighborhoods are typically made up of a gridded block pattern with alleys, tree-lined streets, and a well-connected sidewalk network. Visit forwardsgf.com/initiative2/ for more information on placetypes.

"The focus of these meetings will be to have neighborhood residents and property owners identify, through a guided mapping exercise, areas within their neighborhood where they would support low-density mixed residential (R-MX1 ) zoning to allow duplex, townhouse and multi-unit (up to four dwelling units) building types. Staff will consider the feedback during the citywide remapping process of potential areas to rezone to accommodate and promote 'missing middle' housing."

Next up on the meeting calendar is West Central Neighborhood Alliance, 6:30-8:30 p.m. May 27 at Resurrection Church, 545 S. Broadway.

Westside Neighborhood Betterment Association's meeting is scheduled for June 16, with the location and time to be determined.

Tom Watkins Neighborhood Association's meeting will be at 6 p.m. June 17, location to be determined.

Meetings are also planned for Weller, Doling Park, Heart of the Westside, Grant Beach and Midtown.

This news release will be updated and resent once meeting details are finalized.

"Woodland Heights has empty lots that could potentially welcome some 'missing middle' housing," said Becky Volz, Woodland Heights Neighborhood Association president and Neighborhood Advisory Council chair. "We have a few properties that could work as a remodel for duplexes as well. I'm hopeful these meetings with City staff will outline the process and intention for development. Neighbors are concerned about the possibility of  developers coming in with no thoughtfulness of our historical roots and homes, but we can work and dream together for the betterment of Woodland Heights and all center city neighborhoods. I have seen some of the plans and concepts for 'missing middle' housing and it is fascinating. I think it will enhance neighborhoods without compromising historic style or affordability."

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While Robberson, Rountree and Phelps Grove also fall within the Center City Neighborhood placetype, Knopf said staff will attend those neighborhoods' meetings to explain the citywide remapping process.

"The residential properties within Robberson are currently zoned R-TH, Residential Townhouse, which will automatically translate to R-MX1 during the citywide remapping," Knopf said. "Rountree and Phelps Grove have updated neighborhood plans and have more recently discussed development within their neighborhoods and the neighborhood plans reflect those discussions. With these neighborhoods, staff will attend one of their neighborhood meetings and explain the overall citywide remapping process rather than focus on 'missing middle' housing."

There are 12 remaining registered neighborhoods in Springfield that fall outside of the Center City Neighborhood placetype that are designated with a Traditional Neighborhood placetype. They are:
  1. Bissett
  2. University Heights
  3. Fassnight
  4. Mark Twain
  5. Greater Parkcrest
  6. Oak Grove
  7. Brentwood
  8. Seminole Holland
  9. Meador Park
  10. Delaware
  11. Bradford Park
  12. Galloway Village

In these neighborhoods, Knopf said staff will attend regularly scheduled neighborhood meetings to explain the citywide remapping process as it relates to the Land Development Code update.

A mapping exercise will not be conducted in these neighborhoods as they are generally made up of homogenous housing types that are separated from dissimilar uses by distinct zoning boundaries that present different opportunities than the Center City neighborhoods, she added.

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For more information, please contact Melissa Hart at 417-536-7648.

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