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Webster Groves to send updated comprehensive plan to City Council; housing, 'resilient neighborhoods' prioritized
Summary
The Webster Groves Planning Commission reviewed the draft comprehensive plan and discussed its 'resilient neighborhoods' chapter, which highlights housing attainability, missing-middle strategies and opportunity sites; staff will present the plan to the City Council on the 19th.
The Webster Groves Planning Commission discussed its updated comprehensive plan and confirmed staff will present the draft to the City Council on the 19th. Commissioners described a 60-page implementation section and encouraged residents to read the plan online before the council meeting.
Commissioners said the plan's 'resilient neighborhoods' chapter addresses housing attainability, including references to missing-middle housing types, conservation districts and community land trusts. The chapter sets goals such as diversifying housing options and preserving distinctive character, and lists proposed implementation actions tied to each goal.
Commissioners pointed to several 'opportunity sites' identified in the draft, including the Watson Corridor and areas near Pacific, and said the plan includes illustrative sketches that show how mixed-use buildings with retail below and residential units above could increase population density without dominating adjacent single-family blocks. Commissioners repeatedly emphasized that acceptable building heights for many mixed-use areas would likely top out near four stories.
The commission also discussed using the plan to shape future requests for proposals (RFPs) so developers know the city's expectations and are more likely to propose projects compatible with Webster Groves character. Commissioners urged that RFPs be specific about desired outcomes to avoid proposals that seek to maximize developer profit without responding to local priorities.
Commissioners noted the plan underscores the need to disincentivize demolition of smaller, older houses and to create incentives for rehabilitation as part of a broader strategy to keep housing attainable and preserve neighborhood character.
The meeting's presenters said the draft is posted on the city's website and encouraged residents to review the relevant neighborhood sections for context when council considers development proposals.
Looking ahead, commissioners said the City Council presentation on the 19th will be an opportunity for councilors to finalize the plan and for the community to continue engagement during implementation.
