Plans Unveiled for New $10 Million Subdivision in Hannibal

A Hannibal builder plans to construct a 43-home subdivision on the city's west side. Jim Mulhern is requesting the city annex a 50-acre tract of land off Westover Road, south of the Hummingbird Subdivision.

A public hearing on the request was held just prior to Tuesday’s Hannibal City Council meeting.  One resident who lives on Westover addressed the council.  Frank Janes said he generally supports the project, but expressed concerns about increased traffic in the area.

A bill approving the annexation request was given a first reading during the regular council meeting.

In other council business:

• Two resolutions are approved regarding sale and renovation of the St. Elizabeth Hospital Building.  One authorizes the city to deed the property back to Ales and Co. investors, after the city obtains a $200,000 grant for asbestos removal.  Ales will then convey the property to the Hilltide Partners who plan to utilize Missouri Housing Development tax credits to develop the building into 55 senior apartments.  The second resolution outlines city support for the project including property tax abatement, waiving of building permit and inspection fees, and administration of the $200,000 asbestos removal grant.  City Manager Jeff LaGarce says the incentives are essential in order for the developer to complete the project.  Without the project, the city would be left with a $500,000 to $800,000 expense of demolishing the structure.
• A busy Hannibal roadway is scheduled for a facelift in 2018.  MoDOT plans to overlay Highway 61 through Hannibal and construct new curbing and sidewalks at several intersections on the east side of McMasters Avenue.  The council gave a first reading to a bill granting access to MoDOT and allowing the closure of side streets while the intersections are being rebuilt.
• Second and Final Reading was given to a bill authorizing the issuance of $65 million in industrial revenue bonds for expansion of the General Mills plant.
• Two parades are approved for the downtown area:  The Veteran's Day Parade at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday,  November 11, and a Christmas Parade at 5 p.m. on Saturday, December 2.