Debate over proposed Wash-U development in Clayton continues
Residents in Clayton who live next to Concordia Seminary are still fighting hard against a plan by Washington University to build a number of baseball and softball fields near their homes. Last week, the city’s board of aldermen discussed the plan for a second time, and neighbors again voiced their concerns.
CLAYTON, Mo. – Residents in Clayton who live next to Concordia Seminary are still fighting hard against a plan by Washington University to build a number of baseball and softball fields near their homes. Last week, the city’s board of aldermen discussed the plan for a second time, and neighbors again voiced their concerns.
The two sides have agreed to an 80-year land use agreement that would allow the university to build baseball and softball fields where the seminary’s student housing currently stands.
Clayton Mayor Michelle Harris tells FOX 2 she understands those concerns and is working to find common ground. She feels right now is the city’s chance to put guardrails in place around a project that’s likely going to happen whether they like it or not.
“They are going to try to squeeze every inch out of that property,” Harris said. “We want to reign that in legislatively, which is a very strong way to do it.”
The city's efforts to approve an overlay district for the in question land, as opposed to the more traditional route of approving the project through a conditional use permit, are at the heart of much of the debate surrounding this project.
Residents fear the overlay district gives the city less control over the process. But Harris argues the opposite is true and says she’s also optimistic that Wash-U will build a facility that stays true to the area it is building in.
Still, neighbors have expressed concern. Longtime Tuscany Park resident Branko Marusic feels the city should not approve anything until they know exactly what Wash-U plans to do with the land.
“We love Clayton. We love Wash-U. But it is a residential neighborhood, and we need to keep it that way,” Marusic said.
Marusic said neighbors are worried about an increase in traffic, noise and light pollution.
Harris said she’s hopeful everyone can come together and reach a solution that brings about the best of both the overlay district and conditional use permit process.
“To come to some compromise, to come together, to get the best of both worlds,” Harris said.
The city’s board of aldermen will meet again next Tuesday, Dec. 10 to talk about this plan and potentially vote on it.
If you’d like to watch last week’s meeting, visit this link.
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