Creve Coeur Reacts Now That Restaurant Proposal Has Been Filed

Back in June, when backers of a possible in Creve Coeur, they said they hoped to have a proposal to the city by the end of the summer. They also said they held out the possibility of proposing amending city zoning laws to make the project work.

Within the last two weeks, there have been developments on both fronts. to allow for drive thru restaurants on lots larger than an acre has been submitted and will be the subject of a public hearing Sept. 19.

Site plans have also been submitted to city planners for review, although it would likely be October before a project would be up for review by the Planning and Zoning Commission.

One resident in the area who met with developers back in June said by email that she had not been in touch with them since. "The intersection as it currently is experiences high traffic volume almost all of the time," wrote Jill Hunt. "To add a high volume fast food restaurant here makes me shudder."

Part of the review process for the project includes a new traffic count in the area.

Ward 1 Councilwoman Beth Kistner, who represents the area, including the proposed development, said she wants to hear from residents in her ward and the adjacent areas in unincorporated St. Louis County. Kistner and fellow Ward 1 Councilman David Kreuter both told Patch late last week that they had not seen the submitted proposal, which also includes a bank tenant on the site but Kistner said she was "curious" and described having an "open mind".

She also said the project could be a primary topic of a potential Ward 1 Town Hall Meeting.

Ward 4 Councilman Scott Saunders, said Planning and Zoning "needs to remain laser focused on carefully considering the broader implications throughout our zoning districts…not just related to the subject property bringing forward the request…and decide whether there are some intrinsic merits to allowing drive-through restaurants on properties of not less than one acre throughout the city."

A commercial realtor working with the restaurant on the project said he was aware of the concerns raised by residents. Peter Sheahan told Patch they have tried to "accommodate and or be receptive to them as much as possible."