Richland Center Postpones Action on Stori Field

It was a full crowd with only enough room to stand at Tuesday night’s Richland Center City Council meeting, at which many of the residents living in the Stori Field neighborhood spoke against a housing development.

Despite multiple past efforts to attract interest in the Stori Field Subdivision, the city has been unsuccessful in securing a viable housing development proposal, until now. Developer Doug Enke signed a Pre-Development Agreement with the city for construction of an eight-duplex, zero-step housing project on city-owned land. To incentivize this much-needed housing, the city is offering to sell the land for $1, recognizing the substantial private investment and infrastructure responsibilities the developer is undertaking.

In return, the developer agrees to construct all required public infrastructure, complete the project within 24 months of land transfer, meet all applicable design and permitting standards, and deliver zero-step accessible housing. The land offered at $1 is in lieu of the market value, as it was previously acquired by the city for $1 from the school district.

Tax revenue from the development is estimated to be between $100,000 and $140,000. A motion to approve the Stori Field Duplex incentive package, including the $1 land sale, and terms outlined in the proposed Pre-Development Agreement was postponed to next month’s meeting as members of the council would like more information on the proposal.

In other action following the completion of the City’s Hotel Request for Proposal process and review of proposals received, the Common Council directed staff to engage in negotiations with Cobblestone Hotel Development, LLC. A Pre-Development Agreement was drafted outlining the City’s proposed financial assistance and development terms. The package includes two primary components: Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Assistance of $1,150,000 Municipal Revenue Obligation (MRO), issued on a Pay-As-You-Go basis and repaid from 85% of actual tax increment generated by the project.

The MRO requires no minimum value guarantee and is capped at 10 years or until $1,150,000 is paid – whichever comes first. Additionally, the sale of city-owned property to the developer for $125,000 is a requirement. Additionally, the developer must secure all project investors and financing within nine months of Council approval. Upon Council’s approval of these terms, a formal development agreement is to be executed. City Staff recommended approval of the Cobblestone Hotels incentive package as outlined in the Pre-Development Agreement.

A motion to approve the Cobblestone Hotels incentive package as outlined in the proposed Pre-Development Agreement and to authorize staff to execute a development agreement was made. When discussed, Council Member Melany Walters expressed that she feels this agreement means more for Cobblestone and does not do as much for the city. Ron Fruit, Karin Tepley, Tom McCarthy, Rachel Schultz, Doug Martyniuk, Steve Downs, and Ryan Cairns all voted in favor of moving forward with the plan. Melony Walters voted against.

The Richland Center City Council was informed that the landowner at 695 North Chestnut Street was given 90 days to raise the home on the property. The 90 days ends Saturday, Sept. 6. The council instructed City Administrator Ashley Oliphant to seek bids if it has not been razed by Saturday. The city can then charge the landowner. The council also directed Oliphant to look into restructuring the Tourism Department to make it its own entity rather than a branch of the city.

In other action the council approved:

• The denial of a Conditional Use Permit by Guru Ramdas Shaa, LLC for property on Sextonville Road.

• An amendment to consolidate and clarify which city officials are authorized to issue citations by creating a single, comprehensive list in the municipal code. The list of authorized officials includes the Police Chief and Police Officers, Zoning Administrator, Director of Public Works, City Attorney, and City Administrator or their designee.

• An ordinance amendment of the municipal code relating to forfeitures for public nuisances, finding and establishing clear forfeiture amounts. A revised agreement for the co-responsibility of Symons Recreation Complex with the county.

• A contract with Chrome Fireworks & Displays, LLC for City Fireworks on June 27, 2026.

• Temporary alcohol beverage licenses for St.. Mary’s Parish Festival on September 20; for the Greater Richland Area Chamber Suits & Sequins Wine Walk on September 26; and for the Richland County Performing Arts Council Central Avenue Fall Bash Block Party on September 27.

Richland Center City Mayor Todd Coppernoll also reported that work is beginning on the additional two buildings at Panorama Estates.