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Council tables special‑use permit for 11350 Blake Drive indoor baseball and softball training facility
Summary
The council heard a staff presentation and applicant testimony for a proposed 17,500 sq ft indoor baseball/softball training facility at 11350 Blake Drive; planning commission recommended approval (12‑0), several council members expressed support, and council ultimately tabled the bill for further consideration.
Bridgeton — A proposal to convert a vacant 17,500‑square‑foot tenant space at 11350 Blake Drive into an indoor baseball and softball training facility drew supportive remarks from council members but was tabled for additional review on Jan. 1.
Zach Greitens, planning and zoning officer, presented application 25‑PZ‑19 and said the planning commission recommended approval by a 12–0 vote with conditions (limiting the permit to the proposed tenant space, requiring maintenance of the parking lot and landscaping, and requiring any future expansion to obtain an amendment). Greitens said staff found existing circulation and parking adequate for the proposed use; the property has about 150 parking spaces and multiple public‑right‑of‑way entrances.
Applicants Keelan Powell and Earl Green described community need, existing club experience and target users. Powell said there is no similar facility within a 12‑mile radius and that the center will serve ages roughly 8‑18 and also college or adult teams during off‑peak daytime hours: “There is no facility within a 12 mile radius,” he said. Council members asked about the entrance location, future signage, lighting, bathrooms and noise; Powell said the landlord will install a double‑wide storefront and that permits for storefront work have been approved. Several council members welcomed the project as a community amenity and noted proximity to other recreational uses (Arch Pickleball, an adventure park and BMAC).
Council member Luther moved to table bill 65‑24 (the ordinance establishing the special‑use permit) and Council member Luke seconded; the motion carried by unanimous voice vote. Staff noted that authorizations for design details and building finishes may return later under separate review processes.
Why it matters: The proposal would add an indoor training venue in a part of the city that council and applicants described as a growing cluster of recreational uses; if approved later, the permit would limit the approved operations to the tenant space and require ongoing maintenance and compliance with conditions.
