Staff writer
Hillsboro City Council met with Mennonite Brethren Foundation president and CEO Jon Wiebe during Monday’s meeting to consider a request for rezoning locations at 200 E. D St. and 410 and 412 S. Washington St.
Zoning regulations as they are at present would not allow the foundation to construct a planned new office building at 200 E. D. St., adjacent to the properties in question.
Wiebe told council that one reason the foundation felt comfortable with building a new office in Hillsboro was how much they had grown over the years.
“We started 25 years ago with less than $10 million of assets, today we’re at $175 million,” Wiebe said. “I think it’s time in this city and in our organization of ministry to just put a different face forward of a more significant phase, as well as to accompany our growth.”
Wiebe also told commissioners MB Foundation had approached Tabor College with the possibility of a collaborative project, replacing Tabor’s welcome building, but Wiebe said the timing was not right.
“Our timing was a little bit more aggressive than their ability with the fine arts center being front and center,” Wiebe said. “We were glad we were able to find property so close to the Tabor campus, because while we serve a lot of different charities, they are a key partner for us.”
Council agreed that the addition could help with the appearance of D St.
“It’d be a nice addition to Hillsboro,” councilman Bob Watson said.
“I think we’re all kind of excited about this,” Mayor Delores Dalke agreed.
The council approved the request unanimously.
In other business:
- A request for a no-parking zone on Prairie Pointe near Hillsboro Mennonite Brethren Church was approved.
- Council approved a request to close down Main St. from north of Grand St. to south of W. 2nd St. for a Hillsboro Chamber of Commerce block party on April 19.