The plans for a gated subdivision surrounding an old family cemetery are no closer to final and may be facing an even more uncertain future. While Springfield City Council amended the proposal for a more “balanced” agreement for the southside subdivision to move forward Monday, June 23, the developer indicated they will not move forward unless their original plans are accepted.
At the core of the months-long controversy is a preliminary plat for the proposed 18-home subdivision at 6116 S. Farm Road 175, dubbed Hidden Gem Estates. It includes private roads with gates that would restrict access to the Doran family cemetery. The subdivision south of Evans Road is being pursued by TAG Property Development LLC, registered to local realtor Terri Herman, according to the Missouri Secretary of State business database, along with Gary Herman of Herman Custom Critical Homes.
The proposal had already been heard by council in April but was remanded back to the city’s Planning & Zoning Commission when the Doran family raised concerns about future access to the nearly 200-year-old burial site. The city’s main task is to review the plan for gates and road access. The main road in question was Ruby Court, a proposed street on the east side of the property that would provide access to a dozen lots and the cemetery…