Council hears support and concerns for 173‑unit senior living campus proposed on Wing Haven Boulevard

A development team told the O'Fallon City Council on March 12 that it wants to build a 173‑unit senior living campus on Wing Haven Boulevard that would include independent living, assisted living and memory‑care units.

Stephanie Harris of the applicant’s team said the project includes 104 independent‑living units, 49 assisted‑living units and 20 memory‑care units and that the developer has received “a certificate of need from the state of Missouri,” indicating demand for the service. She added that the proposal would create 65–75 full‑time jobs and an estimated $3 million in payroll, and that during construction the project would support roughly 450 construction jobs.

Supporters from comparable facilities described the quality‑of‑life benefits for seniors. Irene Cowan, a resident of a similar community, said living in an on‑campus senior community allowed her to maintain social ties: “I’ve made friends and it’s like we’re family,” she said. Bob Starkey, another resident speaker, described freedom of movement and on‑site services as reasons he favors the model.

Opposition and conditions: Arnie C, the city’s public advocate, said he is not opposed to senior housing in principle but urged caution if public financing will be used. “If this project does have any public financing, such as Missouri Housing Development Commission funds or tax abatements, I will be against this project,” he said, and he asked the council to disclose whether public funds or tax incentives would be involved. He also called for assurances about environmental remediation of an abandoned pipeline on the site and about robust detention/retention on the property.

Technical and safety questions: Council members pressed the applicant on site access and building systems. The project team described two access points (a full access and a proposed right‑in/right‑out) and said fire‑code requirements are driving the need for multiple points of access. The architect explained the building steps with the grade and said elevators and refuge areas are included in the assisted‑living design to meet Missouri regulations for evacuation and sheltering in place.

Affordability and operations: The applicant characterized the product as a “middle market” senior option and said the all‑inclusive monthly cost with full services starts at roughly $3,000. The applicant also emphasized that the project would not draw children from the school system and that it would not have a negative school impact.

Council action and next steps: On the record, councilmembers introduced Bill 7845 (rezoning the tract to an R‑4 apartment house district) and Bill 7846 (a conditional use permit to allow the senior living community in R‑4) for further consideration. No final votes on those bills were taken on March 12; the items will return for future readings and possible hearings.

What remains unresolved: Several speakers asked for explicit commitments on whether public funds, tax abatements or other incentives would be requested; the applicant said at least one speaker’s question about tax credits was answered in the meeting by the applicant saying none were being requested at that time. Councilmembers also asked staff to confirm details on environmental remediation, detention and long‑term maintenance requirements before final action is taken.