Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Development Kingsbury topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council approves 74‑lot Kingsbury PUD after split vote over brick wrap
Summary
Forest Park council approved Ordinance 25‑2026 to rezone 28.77 acres at 1501 Kingsbury Drive for a 74‑home residential planned unit development. Debate centered on a planning‑commission condition requiring a brick wrap; the developer objected, saying the cost would add roughly $30,000–$40,000 per home. The ordinance passed 5–2.
Council adopted Ordinance 25‑2026 on July 20, 2026, approving a residential plan‑unit development for 28.772 acres at 1501 Kingsbury Drive that would allow 74 single‑family homes and set minimum design standards. The motion to adopt was moved and seconded after council considered a late amendment requiring timing targets for construction phases and a deadline that all sidewalks be installed within 36 months of infrastructure construction.
Brian Hosel, land acquisition manager for Miranda Homes, presented the plan and told council his company agreed to numerous conditions — including upgraded vinyl siding, covered front porches, and a 50%+ stone or brick front — but strongly opposed the planning commission’s requirement for a three‑sided brick wrap. "That brick wrap adds $30,000 to $40,000 for the price of the home," Hosel said, arguing that the cost would translate to roughly $200 a month on a mortgage and could put some buyers out of reach. He said the builder offers brick as an option but that in his experience few buyers voluntarily select the $30K upgrade.
Council member Brown moved an amendment adding phase start/finish targets and a 36‑month sidewalk deadline; the amendment passed on a recorded vote (announced in session as 5 to 2, with a roll‑call counting discrepancy noted on the record). On final passage of the ordinance the council again recorded the result as carrying 5 to 2. Opponents voiced concern about long‑term planning and housing mix; supporters said the PUD preserves green space (more than 0.25 of the land area) and helps the city’s population goals.
The developer said the community will include a 50‑foot tree‑line buffer along the southern property line, that most homes would have basements and two‑car garages, and that minimum lot and home sizes conform to the PUD as proposed. Hosel also confirmed the development will be an HOA community to maintain open space features. Council did not adopt the brick‑wrap requirement as the developer requested relief from that condition.
Next steps: the ordinance takes effect as adopted and the developer will proceed under the PUD approval and the council‑added timing conditions.
