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Residents push back on small‑lot rezoning proposals near Weldon Springs; council receives multiple public objections
Summary
At Monday’s meeting residents opposed rezoning and lot splits for multiple properties in the Weldon Springs/Summers Road area, arguing new smaller‑lot subdivisions would change neighborhood character and raise traffic and stormwater concerns.
Residents told the St. Charles County Council on Sept. 8 they opposed several introduced zoning measures that would allow smaller lots or additional homes in long‑established rural neighborhoods.
Speakers during public comment asked the council to reject a rezoning application for 2630 Forest Drive (file RZ25‑10) and a related subdivision plat, saying the plan would place seven homes on 3.18 acres in a neighborhood of 2‑to‑3‑acre lots and add traffic to Highway DD, which currently lacks a left‑turn lane in that location.
Cynthia Lopane, a nearby resident, said the neighborhood was chosen for its rural character and large lots and warned that a cluster of smaller homes and repeat cookie‑cutter façades would not fit the area. “If the council approves this project, I only hope it’s for one home,” Lopane said, describing erosion and infrastructure concerns on Forest Drive.
Elizabeth Drury objected to a proposal to divide a 3‑acre parcel on Snipes Drive into a 0.6‑acre lot and a remaining parcel; she told council members such a split would “change the entire dynamic and landscape of this neighborhood” and set a precedent for future divisions.
Bax Engineering representative Jeff Simmons and property owner/developer speakers described technical remedies — revised septic designs, vacation of alleys and adjustments to parcel boundaries — that, they said, would allow some subdivisions to meet county standards while staying out of floodplain. Developers said a number of the lots in question were originally platted in the early 1900s; some are smaller than today’s minimums and require variances.
Council members noted these items were at the introduction stage and would return for formal consideration at a later meeting; the council did not vote on any zoning or platting measures on Sept. 8. Councilman Swanson reminded the public that bills introduced on Monday would be considered at the next meeting and that no final decisions were made that night.
The public record will include written opposition that residents said they submitted to Planning & Zoning. The council indicated it would review those submissions and that staff will prepare formal materials for the next hearing cycle.
Ending: Several residents said they would attend the subsequent Planning & Zoning and council hearings to press their opposition; the council will consider the rezoning and subdivision bills at forthcoming meetings.
