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Crooks City Council Sets Vote on Downtown Development

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/23 .. y-council-sets-vote-on-downtown-development.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Monday, February 23rd 2026 at 18:09 GMT by KELO Sioux Falls
      Locales: Ohio, UNITED STATES

Crooks City, February 23rd, 2026 - The Crooks City Council has officially set March 10th, 2026, as the date for a pivotal vote that will determine the future of a key downtown lot and, potentially, the character of Crooks City itself. The ambitious redevelopment project, a mixed-use complex dubbed 'The Crooks Landing,' has been the subject of heated debate and extensive community engagement for the past six months, sparking both excitement and apprehension among residents and business owners.

This isn't simply a vote on bricks and mortar; it's a referendum on Crooks City's vision for its future. The proposal, spearheaded by developer Sterling Properties, outlines a multi-story structure incorporating residential units (approximately 150 apartments, with a percentage allocated for affordable housing - a sticking point for many), retail spaces, and a public plaza intended to serve as a community gathering point. Sterling Properties argues that 'The Crooks Landing' will inject much-needed life into the downtown core, attract new residents and businesses, and boost the local economy.

However, the path to approval hasn't been smooth. A vocal contingent of residents and long-established business owners fear the project will fundamentally alter the unique identity of Crooks City. Concerns primarily center around increased traffic congestion, potential strain on existing infrastructure (particularly parking), and the displacement of smaller, locally-owned shops unable to compete with the larger retail chains anticipated to occupy the new spaces. The 'Save Crooks City' coalition, a grassroots organization formed to oppose the project in its current form, has been particularly active in voicing these concerns.

"We're not against development," stated Eleanor Vance, a spokesperson for 'Save Crooks City', at a town hall meeting last week. "We're against this development. It's too large, it doesn't respect the historical character of our downtown, and it prioritizes profit over the well-being of our community." The coalition has proposed alternative designs and scaled-down versions of the project, suggesting a focus on preserving existing structures and supporting local entrepreneurs rather than attracting large-scale commercial interests.

The City Council's decision to schedule the vote follows a series of public hearings, workshops, and impact studies. The economic impact study, released earlier this month, projected a potential increase in city tax revenue of approximately $800,000 annually, along with the creation of an estimated 200 temporary construction jobs and 75 permanent positions within the new complex. However, critics argue that the study doesn't adequately account for the potential loss of revenue from existing businesses forced to close due to increased competition or rising rents.

Councilmember Patricia Ramirez, a key supporter of the project, emphasizes the long-term benefits. "This redevelopment is crucial for the future vitality of Crooks City," she explained in a press statement. "Our downtown has been struggling for years, and 'The Crooks Landing' will provide the economic stimulus needed to attract investment, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for all residents." Ramirez also highlighted the inclusion of affordable housing units as a significant win for the community, addressing a critical need in the city.

The upcoming vote is expected to be closely contested. The council is currently split, with three members leaning towards approval, two opposed, and two remaining undecided. The deciding votes will likely hinge on the outcome of last-minute negotiations and potential amendments to the project proposal. Sterling Properties has indicated a willingness to address some of the community's concerns, including exploring options for additional parking and offering financial assistance to affected businesses.

The March 10th meeting promises to be a pivotal moment for Crooks City. Residents are encouraged to attend and voice their opinions, as the decision will undoubtedly shape the city's landscape for generations to come. Beyond the immediate economic and aesthetic considerations, the vote represents a broader debate about the balance between progress and preservation, and the role of development in shaping the future of small towns like Crooks City.