Resident asks why Lakota Group omitted Marshall and Summit as an opportunity area in comprehensive plan update

A Webster Groves resident raised concerns at the Business Development Commission meeting that a previously identified opportunity area—Marshall Road and Summit—was not included in the most recent presentation by the Lakota Group on the city's comprehensive plan.

"When they were here last October, they identified 3 opportunity areas for future development... Marshall Road and Summit was not there, and I just made a note that said, where did it go?" the resident said during the public-comment period. He asked whether Marshall and Summit had been removed, noting the site had earlier been positioned as a possible fourth business district in Webster Groves.

City staff later told the commission the comprehensive-plan update by the Lakota Group was presented to council and that the group produced a roughly 75‑page document available on the city's website and a recorded presentation on YouTube. Staff encouraged commission members to review the materials and noted that the Lakota Group had emphasized the value of the city's three existing business districts as opportunity areas.

The resident asked that the comprehensive plan explicitly recognize the three current business districts as opportunity areas and urged the city to consider the Moody Avenue development and available parking as assets for future growth. City staff did not provide a timeline in the meeting for whether Marshall Road and Summit will be restored as an identified opportunity area; staff directed commissioners to the Lakota Group materials for detail.

Commissioners and staff said they welcome ongoing feedback and public comment as the city moves forward with zoning and planning updates.