Forest Park Council Approves Conditional Use Permit for Assisted Living Facility

The City of Forest Park Council convened on September 2, 2025, to address several key agenda items, including the approval of a conditional use permit for an assisted living facility and the establishment of a new business license type for massage therapy services.

The meeting began with a discussion regarding a conditional use permit for 5000 Governors Drive, where the applicant sought to establish and operate an assisted living facility within a single-family residential district in Ward 2. The facility, currently known as Governors Glen, is already licensed for memory care and operates under a previously approved permit. The new application aims to reflect a change in ownership and business name without altering the existing operations or land use. The Planning Commission had already approved the conditional use permit on August 21, 2025. Council members expressed no questions or concerns, leading to a unanimous request for approval from the staff.

Following this, the council reviewed a proposal to establish massage establishments as a new business license type within the city. This marked the first application of its kind, as the city had recently received a request from a massage therapy business intending to operate at 1105 Forest Parkway. The application had undergone reviews by various city departments, including planning, fire, police, and building, with no objections noted. Council members discussed the application, with some expressing satisfaction with the details provided. Staff requested approval to allow the applicant to proceed with establishing the business.

The meeting concluded with a motion to enter an executive session to discuss personnel, litigation, real estate, or legal matters. The council voted in favor of the motion and subsequently reconvened to continue their work session.

Overall, the council meeting addressed significant developments in local business operations, reflecting the city's ongoing efforts to adapt to community needs while ensuring compliance with existing regulations.