Prison Panel Votes 8-0
By Amanda McKay, Constitution-Tribune
Wednesday, Sept 16, 2009

Proposals from Chillicothe Transitional Housing and Training, a non-profit corporation formed this year by Armand Peterson, of Chillicothe, and the Foutch Brothers, LLC, based out of Weatherby Lake, in Platte County, Mo., were presented to the Chillicothe Prison Committee Tuesday afternoon. After nearly 2-1/2 hours later, the panel voted 8-0 in favor of the Foutch Brothers, LLC. The proposal will now be forwarded to the Chillicothe City Council for consideration.

Both proposals called for purchasing the property for $1 and both proposals supported improving the existing buildings with very little demolition.

CTHT proposed the facility be used as a home for mentally handicapped women, second chance house for women transitioning from a correctional facility back into society, a home for youth, and substance abuse treatment center for women. The proposal called for each building to house between 77 to 123 women. Each housing unit would be equipped with a kitchen, dining area and living area where the women would be responsible for cooking, cleaning and learning basic life skills for transition into society.

Foutch Brothers proposed that the 42-acre facility and buildings be converted into residential and commercial spaces. Eight of the buildings currently on the campus would be used for approximately 95 rental loft/condo units while two buildings would be converted into retail and office space. The Hyde School building would serve several uses due to the theater and gymnasium that would be available for commercial and public events.

The proposal also included the vacant sites to the west and south of the property in which Foutch Brothers, LLC would co-develop with the city for low-cost public amenities such as walking/biking trails with fitness stops, Frisbee golf, skateboarding park, more soccer and tennis facilities, ball diamonds, etc.

Future of Former Prison Site: 2 Proposals Submitted
Published: Monday August 24, 2009, C-T

The city of Chillicothe received two proposals for the purchase/development of the old Chillicothe Correctional Center facility located on the south side of Third Street. The 42-acre site consists of both open land and numerous buildings and the city is selling the property “as is.” Proposals were accepted until 2 p.m. Friday.

The proposals came from Chillicothe Transitional Housing and Training, a non-profit corporation formed this year by Armand Peterson, of Chillicothe, and the Foutch Brothers, LLC, based out of Weatherby Lake, in Platte County, Mo. Both proposals called for purchasing the property for $1.
The proposals will now be forwarded to the mayor-appointed Prison Committee for review. It is anticipated that the committee will then make a recommendation to the city council.

The Foutch Brothers’ proposal, received on Thursday, calls for converting eight of the buildings into approximately 95 residential lofts and developing two of the buildings into office/retail space. The majority of Chillicothe City Council members as well as many Prison Committee members recently toured the old Mead factory in downtown St. Joseph, which was a project of the Foutch Brothers who renovated the factory and turned it into residential lofts.

The CTHT proposal, received on Friday, calls for improving the existing buildings so that the area can operate as a gated community to assist in the training and preparation of life skills for former inmates trying to transition back into society. CTHT also proposes improving the facilities so that they could be leased for other uses, such as a home for mentally-handicapped women, a second chance house for women, one for youth, and one for women who need treatment for substance abuse.

City Seeks Proposals for Prison Property
Published: Friday, July 31, 2009, C-T

CAPTION: Chillicothe is seeking proposals for the development of the old prison property on the south side of Third Street. The deadline for proposals to be turned into City Hall is 2 p.m. on Aug. 21.

C-T Photo/Laura Schuler

The city of Chillicothe is currently requesting proposals for the purchase/development of the real property and buildings of the old Chillicothe Correctional Center facility located on the south side of Third Street. The 42-acre site consists of both open land and numerous buildings and the city is selling the property as is. Proposals will be accepted until 2 p.m. on Aug. 21, 2009, at City Hall, 715 Washington Street, Chillicothe, MO 64601.

The legal description of the property, specifications and any additional information may be obtained by contacting City Administrator Dean Brookshier at 660-646-2424. Those interested are asked to obtain a complete copy of the request for proposals before submitting a proposal.

NORTH SIDE

Housing Development Work Starts
First phase involves construction of seven, single family homes
Constitution-Tribune
Tuesday, March 23, 2010

CAPTION: Construction work at the Mystic Heights development site in southwest Chillicothe has started this week with the installation of a new sanitary sewer line to serve Phase 1 of the development. The first phase of construction work — involving the building of seven single family homes — should be completed by mid to late July.

C-T Photo/Laura Schuler

Work has commenced at the Mystic Heights construction site on the north side of Third Street in southwest Chillicothe. According to David Buttman, co-developer, the work being done this week involves installing a new sanitary sewer line to serve Phase 1 construction of the development.
Buttman said the current plan for Phase 1 consists of seven single family homes with a variety of floor plans.

“Most (homes) will be single story with attached, two-car garages, but some will be one-and-a-half stories and a couple of them will have detached garages,” Buttman explained.

The start date for the remaining Phase 1 construction has not yet been set, but will begin shortly, Buttman said. He predicted the first phase of construction work should be completed by mid to late July. Buttman also said that a few multifamily units have been planned for Phase 2 and 3.

City OKs Plat for Mystic Heights
Constitution-Tribune Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Chillicothe City Council members approved the final plat for the first phase of Mystic Heights Development when they gathered for their regular semimonthly meeting Monday night at City Hall.
The plat, presented by Randy Constant of Mystic Land Development, had been recommended for approval by the city’s Planning and Zoning Board and its approval was the final action needed to be taken by the council to allow development to begin. Ron Urton, of the city’s contracted engineering firm of Shafer, Kline and Warren, said work could start after the developer provides an escrow account for the cost of improvements for Phase I and final construction plans. The proposed Mystic Heights development consists of around 14 acres of land on the north side of Third Street in southwest Chillicothe. The land was previously owned by the state of Missouri and used by the Department of Corrections.

Constant, along with David Buttman, also of Mystic Land Development LLC, of Chillicothe, plan to build 100 medium-income level housing units, with the half of them to be completed within five years. The first phase to be developed is along the west side of the property (Woodrow Street) and consists of nine single family dwellings.

City Council OKs Plans for Mystic Heights
Constitution-Tribune, Tuesday, Sep 15, 2009

After nearly an hour of discussion regarding plans for a new housing development, Chillicothe City Council members Monday night unanimously approved a conditional use permit and preliminary plat for Mystic Heights Subdivision. The subdivision, to be developed by David Buttman and Randy Constant, of Mystic Land Development LLC, of Chillicothe, is being planned for around 13 acres of the old Chillicothe Correctional Center site on the north side of Third Street. One hundred medium-income level housing units are planned, with the half of them to be completed within five years.

The conditional use permit was required because the developer is proposing to reduce the exterior boundary setback requirement from 35 feet to 25 feet and reducing the required minimum for lot size. The conditional user permit also waives the 20-foot exterior boundary landscape area. There will also be a reduction of common or dedicated open space from 35 percent of the development to 5 percent. The average size per single family lot will be around 60 feet by 120 feet.

The matter had been unanimously recommended for approval by the city’s planning and zoning board.

The first phase to be developed is along the west side of the property and consists of four single family dwellings and two duplexes. It is hoped that the first phase would be completed next year. The following phase would be at the southwest corner. The final phase would take place along the north part of the property.

The housing units are projected to be in the $90,000 to $130,000 price range and build for various demographics and age groups. Phase I will test the market and help the developer determine what type of unit is going to sell the best. The proposed development calls for the units’ garages to be accessed through alleys behind the housing units.

Most of the discussion Monday night took place between members of the public who had questions about the project and project architect Brian Hendrickson. Residents expressed concerns about the community not having a demand for additional housing and the need for more senior housing. It was noted that if the development tends to attract senior citizens then future development may be tailored more toward the senior population. Hendrickson said that a majority of the homes would have universal access and some units, where possible, would not have steps. Members of the public also expressed concerns about proposed buildings which would house multiple housing units (up to six per building), fire safety concerns, and the possibility of the units becoming rental properties. Hendrickson addressed the fire safety concerns and he also said that it is the intent of the developer to sell - not rent - the housing units.

Development plans for the former Chillicothe Correctional Center south of Third Street have yet to be determined. The mayor-appointed prison committee was to meet Tuesday and vote one of two proposals to recommend to the City Council.

CAPTION: David Buttman, Jenny Butman, and Pam Constant of Mystic Land Development signed a purchase agreement this morning (Friday, July 31, 2009) at City Hall for the north prison property on Third Street.

(Not pictured: Randy Constant). Robert Cowherd (center) drew up the agreement and Mayor Chuck Haney (second from left) and Roze Frampton (right) signed for the City of Chillicothe. Sherry Parks and Dean Brookshier also attended the signing.

C-T Photo/Amanda McKay

City OKs Housing Plan
Published: Thursday, July 2, 2009
By Laura Schuler, C-T

The Chillicothe City Council approved a proposal to convert approximately 14 acres of old prison property on the north side of Third Street into a 100-unit carriage home development. The unanimous decision came after an hour-long discussion Wednesday night in the Council Chambers at City Hall. The special meeting was called expressly for that purpose and was held two days after a regular semi-monthly meeting when the council first considered the issue.

Prior to the vote, a few councilmen told those gathered of the constituent input they have received since Monday night’s meeting. Council members who said they had received comments said the majority of opinions they heard were in favor of the development. “I’ve talked to about 25 people in the last two days and the majority of everyone thought it was best for the city to do this,” said 3rd Ward Councilman Tom Douglas.

The proposal calls for building 100 medium-income level homes on the property, with at least 50 to be completed within five years. The developer — Mystic Land Development, LLC, Chillicothe — projected that the units generally would be duplexes and triplexes, but said the market would determine what is built so that single-family dwellings as well as four-family homes could also be considered. The units would be marketed in the range of $99,000 and $120,000 each.

With council approval, MLD will purchase the land for $273,000. As an act of good faith, MLD gave the city a $70,000 check to be used as security at closing. The MLD proposal was the only one submitted after the city advertised for proposals in the newspaper in early June. The deadline to submit proposals was 2 p.m. Monday. City Administrator Dean Brookshier said that although there had been several inquiries, MLD was the only one submitting a proposal.

David Buttman and Randy Constant, of MLD, fielded a few questions from the council and some from city residents during the meeting. They told the council that they intend to develop the entire property, complete with interior streets and utilities — not just the exterior edges of it. Chillicothe resident Billie Fair spoke against the development for the second time in two days and asked the council why it has not taken more time to carefully consider the proposal. She went on to note that building 100 homes on 37 lots may lead to a housing development like those found in urban cities. "You're going to have a lot of people in a relatively small amount of space," she predicted.

Fair also asked who the other principals of MLD were, asked if onsite inspections were going to be conducted on the homes and wondered why the two buildings on the north property were being sold at such a low price - $20,000 within 60 days of the asbestos in them being abated by the city. The proposal stated that if the abatement is not complete within two years, MLD may purchase the properties for $1 each for each building and perform the abatement itself.

Constant said the cost of asbestos abatement runs in the neighborhood of $40,000. He also noted that the buildings need new HVAC systems and roofs. He also said the principals in MLD were Buttman, himself and their wives. He noted that the homes will comply with city building codes.

Local attorney Robert Cowherd, who attended the meeting in place of city attorney Adam Warren, said the city wants to avoid both the rapid deterioration of the buildings on the property, which are not winterized. He also noted that the city wants to attract new residents to the city who may be commuting to the new prison before they get used to the drive. Cowherd also said that having duplexes instead of single unit homes on the property will actually yield more green space around the buildings. Cowherd stated there are several reasons why the transaction, in fact, makes the city money:

• Reduces the overhead involved with property upkeep
• Increases property taxes indefinitely
• Increases revenue for the city-owned utility
• Yields more sales tax revenue from an increased population.

Buttman also said that MLD must pay for streets and utilities, which has been estimated to cost $1 million. That, in addition to construction costs, he said, must come out of pocket.

Following the council's approval, plans for the project will commence as soon as the planning process is done and the sewer line installed. "Realistically, it will be mid-October before we turn any dirt," he said. Constant said the size of the lots will be determined after the lots are adjusted in an effort to save as many of the large trees on the site as possible.

Housing Planned for Old Prison Property
Tuesday, June 30, 2009 by Catherine Stortz Ripley, C-T

CAPTION: Mystic Land Development has proposed building a carriage home development area on property formerly part of the Chillicothe Correctional Center grounds (in gray). This area is property north of Third Street.

Submitted Photo

The city of Chillicothe has a $70,000 check in hand from a developer who wants to convert the 13 acres of old prison property on the north side of Third Street into a 100-unit carriage home development. Chillicothe City Council members are now reviewing the proposal — which they received during their regular meeting Monday night — and plan to make a decision at a special meeting at 6 p.m. tomorrow (Wednesday) at City Hall. A decision could have been made last night; however, several council members said they wanted time to review the proposal and give the public an opportunity to provide feedback.

David Buttman and Randy Constant, representing Mystic Land Development, LLC, Chillicothe, told the Council and a roomful of community members Monday night that they want to buy the land to build medium-income level homes which would be marketed in the range of $99,000 and $120,000 each. MLD proposed buying the land for $273,000 and, as an act of good faith, gave the city a $70,000 check to be used as security at closing.

The development would be a community of patio homes, also known as carriage homes. “Historically, these have proven to be a great way to provide larger high-quality housing for less money, keeping the market prices in the appropriate range for medium income buyers,” Buttman said. The proposal calls for building 100 housing units on the property, with at least 50 to be completed within five years. The developer projected that the units generally would be duplexes and tri-plexes, but said the market would determine what is built so that single-family dwellings as well as four-family homes could also be considered.

The MLD proposal was the only one submitted after the city advertised for proposals in the newspaper earlier this month. The deadline to submit proposals was 2 p.m. Monday. City Administrator Dean Brookshier said that although there had been several inquiries, MLD was the only one submitting a proposal.

The $70,000 check represents more than 25 percent of the proposed purchase price. The proposal up for council approval calls for the purchase price of $273,000. The funds would be distributed as follows: $100 will be transferred at closing; $70,000 to be deposited in escrow to be applied to the purchase price balance at the completion of the contract; at buyers option, either the balance of the funds will be due upon the fifth anniversary of the closing date or all undeveloped lots will be conveyed back to the seller; a credit of $5,500 will be given to MLD toward the purchase price for each housing unit that is constructed or under construction during the five-year period of the contract. If that figure meets or exceeds the purchase price prior to the fifth anniversary of closing, the contract will be considered fully executed and closed.

The development would be governed by a home owners association, which would give each resident input and control over the look of the entire neighborhood. MLD has proposed buying the two north side buildings - the former administration building and the training building (warden's house) for an additional $20,000 within 60 days of the asbestos in the being abated by the city. The proposal also calls for MLD to pay all of the initial cost of construction for the onsite utilities, streets, curbs and sidewalks. It will share the cost of off-site sewer installation with the city paying one-third of construction costs and MLD paying two-thirds of the cost. MLD is requesting no tax reduction or exemption on the project.

After the presentation, the council opened discussions for the general public. Chillicothe resident Billie Fair asked the council to consider more options for the property before making a decision. She also questioned why the city would divide the prison property between the north and south sides of Third Street. Fair asked the council to delay action in order to get more community input. Alvin Thompson, also in attendance, also expressed concerns about the council making a decision too soon.

What’s Next for Former Correction Center?
Tuesday June 23, 2009 by Catherine Stortz Ripley, C-T

CAPTION: The city of Chillicothe is seeking requests for proposals for developing a portion of the former Chillicothe Correction Center property. The first proposal to develop a vacant tract of land on the north side of Third Street into housing units fell through. The city is seeking new proposals for this part of land and the deadline to submit proposals is next Monday. The specific area for which the city is soliciting proposals is for the north side of Third Street, although proposals could include intentions for the property on the south side (shown above).

C-T Photo / Laura Schuler

What happens to the old Chillicothe Correctional Center now that the city of Chillicothe has full possession of the land and all its buildings? An indication could come as early as next Monday — the date when proposals are due for the purchase/development of a part of the real estate and buildings located on the north side of Third Street.

What’s in the works — if anything — is unknown to the public at this time. But, the city announced two weeks ago that it would seek proposals with the deadline being June 29. Whatever proposals are submitted — if any — will be reviewed by the Chillicothe City Council during their regular meeting that evening and a possible vote could follow, according to City Administrator Dean Brookshier. To date, no proposals have been submitted; however, several inquiries have been made at City Hall.

Brookshier said the specific area for which the city is soliciting proposals is for the north side of Third Street, although proposals could include intentions for the property on the south side of the street. It will be up to the council to determine what proposals are considered. If no proposals are received, it will be up to the council to decide how the city moves forward on the matter.

The prison committee — which was appointed by Mayor Chuck Haney “to seek solutions” for the use of the old facility — met Friday afternoon at Grand River Technical School. During the meeting, the city’s contracted economic developer Terry Rumery explained what has transpired since the city acquired the first part of property on the north side of street.

The city of Chillicothe took ownership of the property on the north side on July 9, 2008. This consisted of 14 acres of vacant land, the former administration building, and the parking lot. (The other building on the north side of Third Street — which once served as administrative living quarters — was deeded to the city two weeks ago along with the remaining former prison property on the south side of Third Street).

Through a request for proposals process, the city received and subsequently approved a proposal from the Ferguson Group to develop the property into multiple-family dwellings. The council approved the proposal Aug. 11, 2008, and had planned to close the deal with the developer the following month; however, the developer had trouble financing the project because its money was tied up in a bank that was being seized by the government. The city proceeded to grant the developer extensions with the final extension expiring June 5, 2009.

On June 10, the city issued another request for proposals - similar to the initial RFP. Brookshier said that the longer the city retains the property, the greater the liability for the city. He said that as long as the city retains ownership, the street department is in charge of its upkeep and maintenance and the police department is responsible for its security.

Member of the prison committee are: Ron Wolf, Robert Cowherd, Terry Rumery, Ed Turner, Dale Wallace, Linda Gray-Smith, Chuck Haney, Neil Nuttall, Dean Brookshier, Tom Bosler, Fred Simmer, Ken Lauhoff, Becky Steele, Amy Supple, Cindy Hanavan, Don Ratliff, Ron Keith, Lonnie Sewell and Paul Howard.

CAPTION: Proposals for developing this part of property of the former Chillicothe Correction Center are due Monday, June 29. This area contains about 14 acres of vacant land, the former administration building, and the parking lot.

C-T Photo/Laura Schuler