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Planning commission backs annexation and R‑1 PUD for 94‑acre Caballo Farms subdivision
Summary
The O'Fallon Planning and Zoning Commission voted Feb. 5 to recommend annexation and an R‑1 PUD for Caballo Farms, a 94‑acre, multi‑phase subdivision expected to yield about 276 single‑family lots and roughly 40 acres of common open space; developers and residents debated traffic and density before the recommendation passed.
The O'Fallon Planning and Zoning Commission on Feb. 5 recommended that city council approve annexation of about 94 acres on Gallup Lane into the city and grant an R‑1 planned unit development for a proposed single‑family subdivision known as Caballo Farms.
Jeremy Roth, a project representative for McBride Homes, told commissioners the plan would create three "villages" with roughly 276 lots in total, provide nearly 40 acres of common ground (about 41% of the site), include eight stormwater basins and one wet retention lake, and be built in three phases. The proposal includes three house products—heritage (about 119 lots), bayside (122 lots) and Oakwood (about 35 lots)—and a target density of roughly 2.93 units per acre, Roth said.
The developer said infrastructure capacity has been coordinated with local utilities: "PWSD Number 2 has the capacity to serve this site," Roth said, and county and state agencies have been consulted on roadway improvements. He added that the earliest residents would likely occupy homes in 2027 or 2028.
Opposition and support split along predictable lines. Arnie C. Deenoff, a city public advocate who identified himself during public comment, argued against the PUD and said the commission was considering the project before traffic study results were available: "We haven't seen the traffic study," he said, urging caution. A resident from Whispering Hills asked whether annexation of his subdivision was planned; Mayor Hennessy responded that there were no plans to annex Whispering Hills without residents' consent.
Business owners, contractors and several residents spoke in favor, saying the subdivision would supply needed single‑family homes and support local employers. Local contractors said the project would create construction work and jobs for O'Fallon businesses.
Commissioners discussed specific conditions requested by staff, including completion of a traffic scoping meeting and compliance with any required traffic study. After questions about setbacks, buffers and where the Deer Road extension would tie into the new development, the commission voted to recommend approval to city council. The item was scheduled to appear on the next city council agenda.
What happens next: The city council will consider annexation and the R‑1 PUD recommendation at its next meeting; the commission's vote is a recommendation, not final approval.
