By Kathy Feist
At Tuesday night’s Board of Aldermen meeting, Grandview Mayor Leonard Jones named the 2023 Civic Leadership Award and Citizen of the Year recipients. They were the same person.
World War II Veteran Ben Teevan, age 98, was chosen to receive both honors at Tuesday evening’s Board of Alderman Meeting. Accompanying Teevan were members of his family, the local VFW, and other military as well as close friends.
Teevan stood proudly as Mayor Leonard Jones read the city’s proclamation and later gifted him a piece of the decking from the USS Alabama on which he served as a Navy gunner from 1943-46. During his military career he shot down multiple aircraft in the South Pacific for which he received numerous ribbons and medals too long to list in the proclamation.
As a citizen of Grandview for 72 years, Teevan had also been awarded Yard of the Month twice. Both awards were given for “improving the quality of life of the community” and “contributing to the Grandview community.”
Shark Swim Team
Many may be unaware that Grandview has a swim team. Thanks to first-year swim coach William “Skip” Hill III, three young Grandview Shark team members placed in the South Suburban Swim League this year. Each was honored with a proclamation from the mayor. Otto Feldman placed 2nd in the category for Boys Ages 8 and under; Lena Seibert placed 3rd in Girls Ages 9-10, and Makayla Welch placed 2nd for Ages 13-14. This was the first year that swim team members placed in the league. “These kids came through in every way,” said Hill. “All accolades go to them.”
Infrastructure Solutions
The Board of Alderman unanimously approved two ordinances to approve a contract with Infrastructure Solution LLC for the 120th Terrace Sanitary Sewer Improvement Project and the 2023 Sidewalk Repair Program.
New Housing
Four Aldermen voted in favor of a Zoning Map Amendment and a Conceptual Development Plan for a residential subdivision at 3501 Blue Ridge Extension. The housing development planned for 10 acres of vacant land will include 20 duplexes, a new public street, playground starting at $550,000 each. Those voting in favor included Aldermen Bibbs, Taylor, Rouse, and Mahoney. Aldermen Runyan and Hartman voted against both ordinances with Runyan expressing concern over the transparency of the developer Anthony Boyd of Fulton Foundations. Runyan said those in his Ward where the development will be built are against the homes.
Joe’s Town
Joe’s Town, a flea market located at 13402 S. 71 Hwy (Truman’s Marketplace), received unanimous approval for a Conditional Use Permit. The owners are remodeling the property and needed to update their expiring permit.
Storage Facility
An outdoor self-storage facility planned for 13408 Spring St. failed to pass approval for a Conditional Use Permit. The property is located in the midst of a residential community.