BonnerSprings.com

Edwardsville — The on-again, off-again Landmark Tower project is on again.

Tom Overby, the head of the Kansas Tornado Landmark Tower Project, told City Couincil members Monday that he and other backers of the project are going ahead despite the state’s decision to withdraw the possibility of STAR-bond financing.

Overby, and his wife, Diane, presented the Council with a letter of commitment from a local property owner and a list of the project’s core development group.

The project as now envisioned by Overby will sit on a 25-acre plot in north Edwardsville, one-fourth of a mile east of 110th Street on the north side of Riverview Avenue.

Though the footprint will be reduced considerably from the original 125-acre proposal, the project will contain all the same components, including a demonstration farm. Instead of 20 acres or more, for example, the farm will be reduced to a couple of acres, he said.

Overby told the Council that it is important to note that those involved in the project are more than just one or two people.

“The information we give the City Council are facts, which allows you to make good business decisions,” he said.

The core development group identified by Overby includes:

• Avenue Area Inc., Overby’s group.

• Norman Gaar, attorney and bond counsel.

• John Martin, developer.

• AG Edwards, bond placement.

• Crawford Architects & Engineering.

• Thornton Tomasetti — Engineering.

• Walton Construction, general contractor.

• Vegelahn Construction, construction manager.

The project includes 29 additional specialized companies, Overby said.

“This is a huge team,” Overby said. “We plan on breaking ground this year. We’ve invested over $300,000 in cash and are ready to move this project forward.”

Overby stressed to Council members that he needed some things from the city.

“I need to know, as soon as possible, from the mayor and the city council, and from your staff, where you plan on sewers.”

Overby said the developers were anxious to get started.

“We look forward to working with you,” he said.

Several Council members voiced their support of the project toward the end of the meeting.

Council member Craig Crider told the Overbys: “I am thrilled to receive this letter of commitment … I can’t wait to get this thing going.”

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1. 31 January 2008 at 6:26 p.m.

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   stree (Anonymous) says…

   I can't understand why the tower hasn't been approved a long time ago. It would make a great addition to the expansion around the speedway. Edwardsville is going to lose out on any revenue if they don't do something quickly.

2. 31 January 2008 at 9:49 p.m.

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   eddy (Anonymous) says…

   Will this be built using a special tax or with property tax money from the city or state? Where does the money come from? Will the citizens get a chance to vote for this funding or special tax?…. I'm confused! …..Any information would be helpful.

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