The founder of the Gathering Tree, which has a project called Eden Village explains why a lawsuit was filed against the mayor and the city of Springfield.

Dr. David Brown says Mayor Ken McClure told him he would be in favor of the re-zoning, but he then voted no, with the re-zoning request failing by one vote.

Brown says the lawsuit is not because the mayor voted no but rather why he voted Supporters of Eden Village says the lawsuit would be dropped if the city could come to a resolution.

Founder Of Eden Village Explains Why Lawsuit Was Filed Against The City Of Springfield

(Information provided by the city of Springfield)

“The city of Springfield has considered The Gathering Tree, LLC a community partner and our staff has worked with them extensively to develop Eden Village. At the direction of Mayor Ken McClure and city council, the city also allocated approximately $300,000 to assist them with infrastructure improvements that made the development possible.

A second proposed Eden Village development at 3303 W. Division required a zoning change that failed to pass city council. Six votes were required for approval and the measure received five affirmative votes.

In this case, there was a protest petition that required a higher threshold of affirmative votes. If owners of 30 percent of the property within 185 feet of the property proposed to be changed, sign a petition, a 2/3-majority vote is required. This protest petition constituted 72.8 percent.

City officials met with Eden Village partners recently to discuss other paths forward. Alternate approaches offered to them included applying for a planned development or waiting until the city had time to review and possibly update our zoning regulations.

We were disappointed to learn through media reports that they have instead decided to file a lawsuit.

The city of Springfield has not been served with a lawsuit and therefore, officials have not had a chance to review.”