WEBSTER GROVES (KMOX) - A massive re-development of the area north of Old Webster would replace 15 acres of older buildings with new apartments, condos, restaurants and offices. But residents sound skeptical of the $320 million plan.
The Webster Groves Plan Commission held a special meeting Tuesday night to allow public comment on the project known as "Douglass Hill." Many residents were concerned about increased traffic, the height of new buildings and the possibility of losing their properties from eminent domain.
"I ask you to commit to not using eminent domain as a way to take our properties," one commentator stated. "It's one thing if our property is taken for public use like a fire station or some kind of publicly-owned facility. But in this case it would be taking my property and giving it to another private developer."
Developers say it's "extremely unlikely" they'd use eminent domain. SG Collaborative, a new partnership of local companies Green Street Real Estate Ventures and Seneca Commercial Real Estate are asking for $35 million in tax breaks, which is up before the city's TIF commission Wednesday night.
The Douglass Hill plan calls for as many as 700 apartments, 100 condominiums, and more than 100,000 square feet of retail and commercial space in an area between W Kirkham and N Gore Avenues, and N Rocky Hill Road:
Developers say they'll look at "creative solutions," like having offices and condos share parking and they are "not looking to build skyscrapers."
You can see the full plan, here.
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