In light of the recent call to reduce the number of St. Louis County municipalities, either by consolidation or elimination, it will be interesting to follow the progress of two proposed apartment developments. One project site is in South County at the intersection of Bauer Road and Tesson Ferry Road, which is unincorporated St. Louis County. The other site is near I-64 and Schoettler Road in Chesterfield, an upscale municipality.
Both are in close proximity to existing single-family residential communities. Both are being vehemently opposed by concerned property owners. News articles to date indicate that developer J.H. Berra’s South County project has been temporarily withdrawn at the developer’s request. Sixth District County Councilman Kevin O’Leary originally introduced the project to the Council and has ignored opposition expressed by his South County constituents. Political tealeaves: Berra will resurrect the project when the opposing clamor subsides.Â
The Chesterfield development is proposed by KU Development LLV and Mills Properties, but has yet to be voted on by Chesterfield officials. Will municipal government prove more malleable by citizen pressure? Or will County government be more responsive to its citizenry? Time will tell.
Michael K. Broughton
Green Park