Bell

Building Ban on Federal Site

The Bell City Council has passed an ordinance aimed at protecting the 130-acre former Cheli Air Force Base site from development “not compatible” with the city’s plans for the surplus property.

The action, approved at the council’s meeting Monday night, bans the issuance of building permits on the federally owned site, effectively halting future development while city officials study their own plans to redevelop the land. The ordinance also directs city staff members to hire a consultant to “expeditiously complete such study.”

The city has been considering the land, located near the Bell Poker Club, for redevelopment into retail shops and light industry.

Since it is “possible that development could well frustrate the purpose of the study and could result in developments which would not be compatible with surrounding and adjacent land uses,” according to the ordinance, the moratorium “shall take effect immediately” until the study is completed.