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Over the last few months, the council rezoned the property to R-4 planned residential use and approved a development plan for an apartment complex on the site.
Griesheimer, who submitted a letter to the Missouri Housing Development Commission endorsing Gardner's application, said he's been accused of doing things behind closed doors.
"What really bothers me is that the council is not owning up to the fact that they voted on this. They voted to rezone this property and they approved the plan," Griesheimer said. "Now it's like they all have amnesia."
If Gardner withdraws his plan, someone else could come in, build the apartment project and rent to tenants who receive government housing assistance, Griesheimer noted.
"Once the property is rezoned for apartments, they can't stop subsidized housing," the Washington lawmaker said. "It's up to the landlord to offer subsidized housing. The next developer may build it and take vouchers and no one would know."
Griesheimer said the developer, Mark Gardner, is seeking tax credits through the MHDC to help finance construction of the project. "All we're talking about is how he would finance the project."
The MHDC application requires letters of endorsement from the state representative and state senator from the district where a project is proposed, and the mayor.
After a meeting last month with Gardner, both Griesheimer and Mayor Dick Stratman sent letters endorsing the application. State Rep. Scott Dieckhaus has given a "qualified" endorsement which is dependent on three-fourths of the council members supporting it.
Stratman said this week that he believes all eight council members will oppose the application.
Griesheimer said he first met Gardner back in August and felt he could bring a "real good development" to Washington. The Gardner firm has developments in 28 communities with more than 1,100 units.
"He's been to Washington," Griesheimer said. "He loves our town and said he wanted to do a development here. I encouraged him to come here. To bring his money and jobs here and provide good, affordable housing.
"I absolutely believe he would build a first-class, top-notch development," Griesheimer said.
Not Invited
Griesheimer said he was disappointed to learn that some Stone Crest residents met Saturday with Ward 2 Councilman John Rhodes and state Rep. Brian Nieves, but neither he nor Dieckhaus were invited.
"Whoever called that meeting should have invited the two elected representatives from this area," he remarked. "It's disappointing that a representative who doesn't live here or represent this area was at the meeting and we weren't invited. If they want straight answers, why not ask us?
"Some of the claims that have been made are just ridiculous. I love this community. I'd die for this community. I'll never support anything that I believe would hurt this community," he commented.
