Creve Coeur council approves tree-preservation amendment for Olya Village development

Creve Coeur — The City Council unanimously approved Resolution 1766 on first reading to amend the Olya Village site concept and Phase 1 development plan, allowing additional tree removals necessary for construction of a retaining wall while requiring an expanded planting program to mitigate the loss.

Jason Jaggi, the city's director of community development, told the council the amendment responds to construction-phase engineering needs that require clearing beyond the originally approved tree-protection footprint. Jaggi said the applicant submitted a detailed inventory and replacement schedule and that the changes are limited to Phase 1a of the retaining-wall work.

"Essentially, 30 additional trees to be removed, 27 in fair or better condition," Jaggi said, summarizing the table provided to council. Staff mapped the area, explained which portions of the wall face the development versus residential neighborhoods, and described a layered planting approach intended to screen views from the nearby homes.

The proposed mitigation lists a mix of canopy, evergreen and ornamental trees and shrubs; Jaggi reported proposed totals in the planting schedule including 21 canopy trees and numerous new evergreen trees and shrubs, with minimum sizes of 8-foot evergreens and 2.5-inch caliper deciduous trees to meet city standards.

Council members asked how root depth and species selection were being addressed on raised grades and whether a post-construction monitoring plan would ensure the survivability of new plantings. Jaggi said the landscape architect and a certified arborist selected species tolerant of the site’s conditions and that staff expects follow-up inspections and the use of the city's replacement requirements if plantings do not survive.

Residents raised questions about invasive underbrush in the buffer area, including honeysuckle and evidence of emerald ash borer, and whether clearing underbrush could improve long-term tree health. Jaggi said the tree-preservation amendment focuses on species and replacement requirements, and that removal of invasive underbrush is a related but separate matter the developer may address during final site work.

The council voted by roll call to adopt Resolution 1766; the motion passed unanimously. Jaggi said staff will return as needed to confirm post-construction plantings and any additional enhancements to the buffer.

The council’s approval allows the retaining-wall work to proceed under the revised tree-protection and planting plan; final engineering and inspection steps remain part of the permitting process.