<hr /> <i>By Allen Edmonds, The Democrat Missourian</i></p><p>Belton Mayor Jimmy Odom, required by city charter to deliver a state of the city address annually, reveled in his duty Jan. 10 at the Belton Chamber of Commerce&#x92;s monthly membership meeting at High Blue Wellness Center.</p><p>Odom reported the city to be bucking the economic trend, issuing $3.4 million in residential building permits and $32 million in new commercial permits for 2011. The bulk of the non-residential building involves the major Research Belton Hospital renovation, but the city is also looking ahead to the anticipated March 1 opening of the new Cosentino&#x92;s Price Chopper at State Route Y and M-58, he said.</p><p>In addition, the surrounding Crossroads project has moved its Phase 2 development plan ahead, with several retailers indicating interest in the area around the Price Chopper. Additionally, JoAnn Fabrics will open this spring, and a Chipotle Mexican Grill has purchased the former Backyard Burgers location and remodeling will begin soon.</p><p>A new oil change facility will be built in the center near Kohl&#x92;s on M-58 and a major retailer is close to committing to the Markey Parkway area.</p><p>Finally, he said, Belton has achieved &#x93;Tree City USA&#x94; status due to the work of the newly formed Tree Board and the Belton Park Department.