Should Springfield get its first major housing development since the ’90s? One board says no.

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But members of CEDA recommended not approving a zoning request for the project at their most recent meeting earlier this month, said Bryan Heck, Springfield’s deputy city manager. Members of CEDA could not be reached for comment, but Heck said there are some concerns voiced by residents in the area.

“I believe their concerns were related to residents that came out and spoke out against it,” Heck said.

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DDC Management had filed a request for a zoning change for 37 acres of property south of the Tuttle Road Walmart along with an additional 15-acre tract to the east of the Walmart.

The proposed development is expected to be reviewed by members of the Springfield City Council on July 17, Heck said. He noted that although the CEDA board recommended against the zoning change, that does not necessarily mean the project is stalled.

Developing new housing stock was a key part of Connect Clark County, a recently developed countywide comprehensive plan for the area.

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“We have not seen a substantial subdivision in the city limits since the 1990s,” Heck said.

Heck said the city council will take CEDA’s recommendation into account when reviewing the proposed zoning change for the project, but the final decision lies with the city commission.

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Economic development officials in both Clark and Champaign counties have previously told the News-Sun a lack of newer homes has made it more challenging to draw new business and encourage skilled workers to live in both counties.

Officials from DDC management have described the proposed subdivision, estimating there could be room for more than 200 single-family lots, with prices potentially in the $200,000 range on the lower end, although its still early to say. The site already has access to water and sewer utilities.