Petition Opposes Plans to
Build Housing on Charbonier

               By Carol Arnett
  The Florissant City Council held two public hearings last week relating to a plan by Greg Rowles to build 18 new homes on property behind the new Shop N Save on Charbonier Road. Several residents were present and presented a petition opposing the plan.
    The first public hearing was for the proposed rezoning of the property at 2315, 2355, and 2375 Charbonier Road, and the second was for approval of the development.
   The rezoning is being requested to allow the homes to be closer together than would be allowed on the current zoning. Rowles said that the current zoning allows 32 lots on the property, but because of the terrain and subdivision restrictions, it would be impossible to put that many at the site. The proposed zoning would allow 32 lots, but Rowles’ proposal would have 18 lots, with an average lot size of 9062 square feet.
   The subdivision requires a 100 feet set-back from Charbonier. The houses would be on one road that ended in a cul-de-sac. Rowles said that his company’s market research showed that there was a market for houses on smaller lots. “Some people don’t want to have to maintain a big lot,” he said. 
   Councilman John Moran had several questions for Rowles. “The people who live there now count on us, the council, to help them keep their neighborhood,” he said. He noted that several residents along Charbonier did not like the planned development.
   Several residents were present at the hearing and presented a petition against the development signed by all of the adjacent property owners.  Several residents spoke at the meeting, most expressing concerns about how close the proposed houses would be to the property line. Some also expressed concerns about water run-off with the new development.
   Councilman Tim Lee said he approved of the plan. “It looks like a very good use of the property,” he said. 
   The city’s Planning and Zoning Commission (P and Z) recommended approval of the zoning change and denial of the proposed development. 
   In other matters , the council heard from Bill Bray, representing the Friends of Old St. Ferdinand Shrine. He asked the mayor and council about the artifacts found during the recent archeological digs at Spanish Land Grant Park.  He said the Shrine could display the artifacts. 
   Mayor Robert Lowery responded that the artifacts were in storage at the University of Missouri – St. Louis. “I was told that they needed to be stored under ideal conditions,” Lowery said. “If you have the proper setting, they can be on display at St. Ferdinand,” he said. 
   In other news, Lowery announced that he had been in meetings with Ameren UE. He said that equipment in several locations in Florissant would be buried. “I want to thank Ameren for finally listening,” Lowery said. He said Ameren was doing the city of Florissant before other cities. 
   Lowery also announced that the nature lodge at Sunset Park would soon be built. He said the city is working with several unions to complete the project.