Politics & Government
Morris Property Development Withdraws Request for Lower Fees
The proposed 906-unit Orchard Road apartment complex had earlier asked the Village and School District to consider reducing impact fees.
Well, that was rather anti-climatic.
The Morris property, otherwise referenced as the Orchard Road Apartments, has withdrawn their request asking the Village of Oswego for fee reductions.
Village administrator Steve Jones informed the Village board Tuesday evening that the request had been submitted by attorney Richard Guerard, who represents property owner Don Morris.
The proposed 906-unit apartment complex was to be located on 68-acres just west of Orchard Road north of the railroad tracks on Mill.
In December 2013, Guerard approached to Village to request a reduction in impact fees, from about $16,000 a unit to less than $10,000.
The fee reduction would have come from Village fees, like water connection and roadway construction.
“This is an economic engine,” said Guerard of the property. “It will generate more than $4million every year. The impact fee is a one-time thing in the beginning."
Village residents were very firmly opposed to any reductions and questioned many of the numbers provided by the complex in regards to those who would live in the apartments and attend Oswego 308 schools.
The Morris Property was expected to speak again to the Village board on Jan. 6, but was postponed due to the inclement weather. They were to appear on Jan. 21, but withdrew their proposal instead.
"We've yet to see if they’re going to come in with an alternative plan," said Jones.
Trustee Gail Johnson requested during trustee initiatives that the board still take a look at the Village's impact fees for future proposals.
But at least for now, there won't be any updates or news on the Morris property.
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