Crystal Thomas
The State Journal-Register
In a close vote Tuesday, Springfield City Council members shot down approving zoning for the redevelopment of the former Bally Vaughn apartment complex, which has been vacant for four years.
The apartment complex, 1301 W. Washington St., has been falling into disrepair for years, and was purchased last year by Springfield Village LLC. The company, owned by Tampa resident David Rodriguez, wants to redevelop the property from a 72-unit building to 68 units, with parking on the land next to it. The land would be purchased from Sharon Keene of Playhouse Daycare, contingent on the zoning changes passing.
The plans face opposition from the Historic West Side Neighborhood Association and neighboring schools, which worry about the density of the complex and what they perceive as a lack of parking. The complex is bordered by Sacred Heart-Griffin High School property on two sides.
Rodriguez, who was at Tuesday’s city council meeting, said he was in no way connected to the former owner of the complex, and his company manages more than 1,000 units. He bought the complex in an auction after the bank foreclosed on the previous owner. He wants to revamp the complex by putting in new doors, balconies and windows.
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The council, along with Mayor Jim Langfelder, voted 5-5 on the plan. It needed six “yes” votes to pass. Ward 9 Ald. Jim Donelan voted present, saying he was on the SHG board and wasn’t sure if that presented a conflict.
Langfelder, Ward 5 Ald. Andrew Proctor, Ward 6 Ald. Kristin DiCenso, Ward 7 Ald. Joe McMenamin, Ward 10 Ald. Ralph Hanauer voted against the proposal.
Both Langfelder and McMenamin said they voted “no,” hoping the developer and the neighbors would work on a compromise.
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Joe McMenamin for Ward 7 