1990-10-15 Reg - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Session 1530, Minutes Page 3 October 15, 1990 (me Mr. Allan Stewart, 1077 Jackson, spoke in opposition to the proposed vacating of the City's easement on Ahern west of Jackson. He felt that building a harm at this location will have an effect on his property, which backs on the River Des Peres. He also was concerned that a new hoarse might affect the sense of neighborhood and possibly the environment. He asked the City to maintain the property as it is now. Mr. Bret Rich, 1076 Jackson, said he was a new resident who is opposed to the City's abandoning the Ahern right-of-way and to the development of the proper- ty in question. He was concerned about construction near the flood plain, and he objected to the removal of trees and vegetation, fearing that would affect the flood plain also. He noted this area has been used as a park by neighbor- hood children and that there were few places in the area with open space and trees left in their natural state. He understood that a feasibility study was conducted, but apparently the City does not have a copy. In addition, neigh- bors have not seen any house plans, and he was concerned that it might not fit in the neighborhood. He also was concerned because of the report that several parcels may be landlocked if the vacation is granted. He said many questions remain to be answered, and the City doesn't have sufficient information. Mr. E. C. Hill, 7371 Ahern, said he was concerned about the proposed develop- ment, and there also seemed to be some question about who owned the land in front of his house. He was told the City awned it and was worried that some of his property might be taken. Mr. Dan Levin, 1081 N. Jackson, was also opposed to the vacation. A new resi- dent, he admired the beauty of the area and felt building another house would spoil the rustic atmosphere. He was concerned that too many trees would be cut down, and the construction would be too noisy. He also said he was told when he bought his house that the land behind it could never be built on or developed in any way. Councilmember Adams said there seemed to be a misconception regarding the size of the land under discussion--the City owns a very narrow strip, and the rest is owned privately. Ms. Gloria Roth, 7360 Ahern, said the neighbors understand the City owns only a small strip, but that is what would make the property accessible, and the neighbors object to its relinquishment. She said the main reason property values have remained stable in University City is because of wooded areas that help keep things quiet, and this area is an ecological park with raccoons, owls, and other wildlife and is a wonderful place for children to play. Jeff and Joyce May, 7351 Tulane, the property owners requesting the vacation, came forward. Mr. May said there are many misunderstandings to be cleared up. Holding a map, he showed the area they owned, and said their only request is for vacation of the small strip of City-owned land so they may build a drive- way to the single family home they plan to build. He pointed out that Mr. Hill already has a driveway on this paper street. Mr. May said he and his (re wife are not developers and in fact are nature lovers, and no more trees will be cut down than absolutely necessary. They have an engineer's report showing that the home site is not in the flood plain, but five feet above it, and they