St. Charles condo project stalls amid opposition

By Mark Schlinkmann

ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH

08/29/2006



ST. CHARLES



A five-floor, 66-unit condo building could be the latest in a string of new developments just south of the city's historic downtown area along South Main Street.



But the Katy Trail Lofts proposal has stalled at City Hall amid opposition from some nearby residents and businesses who contend that it would be too high and large for its surroundings.



"It's a big buster of a building," said John Dengler, who owns a tobacco shop. "The main thing we're concerned about is the height."



Dengler was among eight people who spoke against a rezoning needed for the proposal, by Brightstar Development LLC, at a city Planning and Zoning Commission meeting Monday. Disagreeing was Bob Schuette, who owns the First Capitol Trading Post.



"Sixty-six quality condominium units and people who want to live down here and shop and eat and bring their families and friends to enjoy the festivals - that only adds to the mix," Schuette said.



Schuette said he doesn't object to the size because the building would be in a transition area of several blocks between the historic downtown and the Ameristar Casino and the casino's 25-story hotel under construction. He was among two downtown business owners who spoke in favor of the proposal.



In light of the opposition, Brightstar asked the commission to delay a vote to allow time to study the possibility of changes, said the developer's attorney, Keith Hazelwood.



In addition to loft-style condos on the second through fifth floors, plans now call for 4,200 square feet of commercial space on the ground floor. Two floors of parking would be offered at street level and underground. A unique feature, Hazelwood said, would be a courtyard in the middle of the building on top of the ground floor.



The city development staff has endorsed the project, which would replace four single-family homes from 1028 to 1038 South Main that the developer already has acquired. The site is on the east side of Main, north of Barbour Street. The area is in the South Main Preservation District.

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I don't think this is really a case of nimby. However, I would have to withold my judgement until I see a map of exactly where on south main this would go.

If it is on the historic strip, I can see why people would oppose it. If it is south of trailhead, then there is a case of nimbyisms.

Then it would seem that such complaints are mute. I personally would think that this would only add to the good things that are down there.



Oddly, I think its the old timers (70's and 80's era) still hibernating there that are raising such a stink. Saint Charles city (proper) used to be a little town that all people with an "outlaw" attitude used to flock to if they had any sense.

There was not a huge police force and pretty much everyone left you to your own thing. Whether that was being a biker or shooting up heroin with your wifes mom.

It's these guys that get the most upset by all this developement, they feel its sort of a paradise lost if you will.



Personally, as a past homeowner in the area, I was always happy about developement. You wouldn't believe how I cashed out on an old A frame after 10 years of slight improvements.



Let's just say that I made almost as much money as I bought it for.

Didn't you guys know that density is a leading cause of crime and lawlessness?

"not in my back yard"



Basically it means that many people are ok with progress until it effects them visually or physically.

"Didn't you guys know that density is a leading cause of crime and lawlessness?"



Oh that's what causes it?To think that all this time I thought it was demons possessing people.

Everyone knows that density causes crime. Too many people living together creates socially deviant behavior! Suddenly everyone stops attending school, starts selling drugs, and then people in the surrounding areas get their TV's stolen. I am so glad St. Charles doesn't want crime ridden density! Maybe St. Louis could build this instead?

I was being sarcastic.



In a way, Doug is correct. Back when there was a tax proposal to bring the metrolink to St. Chuck, I was avidly attempting to talk everyone I would meet down there into the benefits of such a thing. Nearly all of the people who opposed it were basically opposing it for ridiculous "quasi racist" fears.



It was pretty depressing.



I wonder if the same proposal was put up in about 5 to ten years if the residents would go for it? It seems that with all the new residents in the area that those with progressive ideas might trump the old school logic that seems to pervade... then again there is still absolutely no public transit in Saint Charles - so probably not.

Yeah its sad that the worldview in St. Charles is so screwed up and based upon stereotype.



Density and mass transit have great benefits and would really help St. Charles economy.



Hopefully this project gets approved.