Resident urges broader review of Canton proposal, citing tree loss and flood concerns

Don Fitz, chair of the University Heights Flood Task Force, told the University City City Council on Oct. 13 that the stormwater commission—s written recommendation left out several non-drainage harms tied to the Enclaves at Canton development proposal. Fitz identified the parcel as an 11-acre cemetery and said the proposal would "clear cut and cement" mature tree canopy. He gave his address as 6954 Dartmouth Avenue, University City.

"There are, in fact, many adverse effects of the proposal," Fitz said, listing ecological destruction of mature trees, increased flood water from clear-cutting, the urban heat island effect from replacing trees with concrete, and what he described as a link between increased heat and increased violence. He said the stormwater commission's recommendation used conjunctive language that could require an applicant to address drainage while allowing other adverse effects to be sidelined.

Fitz referred to a recent St. Louis Post-Dispatch story that, he said, quoted Mayor Crowe as saying the city would request more drainage information and have another commission review before council discussion. Fitz urged the mayor and council to make clear whether they want the stormwater commission to consider "all of the potential adverse effects" of the Canton proposal or to limit review to drainage data.

The council did not take action on the development during the meeting. Fitz concluded by offering copies of his written remarks to the clerk.

The remarks occurred during the citizen participation segment of the agenda; council responses and any formal direction to staff or commissions were not recorded in the transcript.