Fred Powers, 7401 Clayton Road, addressed the Board providing a brief history of how Wydown began; stated that the project is too large for the residential neighborhood; suggested creating a small public gathering space. Susan Weber, Polo Drive, addressed the Board with opposition to the project; project is out of scale with neighborhood; and is aesthetically unpleasing.

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Carol Neffle, owner of four buildings in the Moorlands, addressed the Board with concerns that the neighborhood is already unrecognizable; she referenced the construction of the development at Hanley and Clayton Roads; feels that the parking lot is under-valued; traffic will create car pollution; community already has five markets.

Charlie Voellinger, 606 E. Polo, addressed the Board with opposition to the project; feels the process is “backward”; the Board should spend time on data; and concentrate on the Master Plan first.

Betsy Wack addressed the Board expressing the need to work on the Master Plan first and involve the citizens.

Patricia Martin, President, 800 S. Hanley, addressed the Board representing the 39 residents in her building as to opposition of the project.

Barbara Deem, addressed the Board expressing her opposition to the project.

Steve Lichtenfeld, resident, former alderman, Chairman of the Plan Commission, addressed the Board expressing the importance of the City’s process and encouraged everyone to be mindful and allow the Board to proceed with the process in place.

Sam Chimento, owner of two four-family buildings related to the development, addressed the Board providing a brief history of the due process of the development on Clayton Road and DeMun Avenue.

Alderman Winings commented regarding hearing several speakers tonight acknowledging their opposition. He said that this is not our (City’s) typical process and that this has been an unusual process; explaining the typical steps (discussing the merits of a proposal, looking at curb cuts, the height of a building, colors, etc). The agenda tonight is to discuss whether to sign a contract that would be subject to getting all those approvals later. This is a different situation because the city owns a portion of the subject property – an opportunity for them to come to us before they have a contract and for us to get a preview of the developer’s vision. The community has looked at it, the Board of Aldermen has looked at it and what we’ve seen is that this project has not being embraced by the community. A lot of significant concerns have been raised, some concerns I share, some I don’t, but clearly there’s a lot of work ahead for this project. He noted that he is not in a position tonight to vote in favor of a contract given the challenges that are ahead for this proposal.

Alderman Boulton commented that she agrees with Alderman Winings. She noted that since being on the Board one of the things that happens is that the Board gets your public opinion on situations like this. In referencing DeMun Point she said that that process was even more painful than now, but what came out of it was really pretty good. She said that voicing your opinions is a great thing and the Board wants to hear what you have to say so that we can make it work for the neighborhood. She is sensitive to the public’s concerns because Ward 1 has some areas that are not dissimilar to yours – DeMun/Hi Point. She noted that they have received lots of conversation (letters, emails, etc.) and although they may not have responded to all of them, they have read all of them. In reference the City’s General Fund she explained that after eight years of austere years the City let go of well-paid senior staff as well as general staff. She stressed that they are constantly worried about this so when a development comes along, they must pay attention, they are not doing their job if they don’t pay attention. She asked that they

She stressed that they are constantly worried about this so when a development comes along, they must pay attention, they are not doing their job if they don’t pay attention. She asked that they

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try to understand that they are trying to do the best for everyone, but at the same time they must pay the bills and they are looking at a potential deficit of $2 million in three years. She encouraged the audience to come to the City’s budget meetings as well.

Alderman Lintz stated that this has been an interesting project and that there are a lot of good things that can come out of this project. He likes the colonnade idea, walkways, and gourmet market. He said that obviously it doesn’t quite fit the picture of the neighborhood. He feels that one of the things that was missed when starting the RFP process was perhaps finding out what would work there to make everybody happy. We have a very old master plan, this is the second round of the RFP because the first proposal we sent back because we didn’t like it; this is the second and we’ve sent them back a couple of times because we didn’t like it. The City is not just throwing anything out there, but nonetheless we obviously didn’t hit the mark. He expressed that at this point he is not ready to pursue, but instead would like to go through and complete the process.

Alderman Berkowitz stated that his opinion has not been keep a secret during this time period and his feelings about the Wydown District are very strong. He stated much appreciation for everyone who showed up tonight to show how much that care about the neighborhood, whether it’s the old-world European charm, or if it’s Zoe’s restaurant, or enjoying the walkability. Change is difficult when you enjoy what you already have otherwise you don’t care if things change. What he hears you saying is that you like what you have, but could stand something different, but would like it studies, and to also be a part of the decision. He stressed that although you are here tonight it is important that they maintain their involvement and be a part of the process because in a year from now they could end up with a plan that says this is the answer. He added that the City does have a responsibility to pursue development; he provided a brief history of important budget information. It’s important that everyone understand that when pursuing these things, we are trying to represent the City’s best interests. In this case we all got the message, we learned from each other and hopefully a good plan comes out of it.

Alderman McAndrew stated not being repetitive everyone has said some insightful and important things. She thanked everyone and expressed appreciation for the public sending emails, telephone calls, coming to the meetings, and their opinions – the Board does listen. Clayton gets developers coming to the City, it is a great place to live and we are lucky to draw them, i.e. John Pennington, Tyler Stephens, who want to build in Clayton. She is concerned about the project and does feel that they are not at the right place now to go forward with the contract.

Alderman Buse stated that she has the advantage of saying “ditto.” It is not her first time with a packed room at a Board meeting and it is critical – we are your neighbors, we do care, we go to your restaurants, businesses, walk your sidewalks, and attend the schools. Everyone does listen, we do care, and Mayor Harris has done a good job managing. She’s excited about going into a much better plan that recognizes both the neighborhoods and all working together as a City. This process created a lot of emails, telephone calls, including analyzing information and the work done by the developers and architects has pushed the thinking and that is good. The input heard throughout this process has brought out what the values are for that neighborhood and what those visions can be in order to move forward and that is helpful. She agrees that they are not ready to go forward on this and thinks it is going to make whatever is done stronger and she encouraged the citizens to continue providing their input.

Mayor Harris stated it’s been important to all of us but especially to me as a new mayor to have the support of all of you and many others who are not here tonight who have expressed their

Mayor Harris has reviewed and agrees with the recommendations for appointment to the respective Board or Commission and, therefore, submits the following nominations for the Board’s consideration. Board of Adjustment Anne Bishop Ward 2 (Appointment for a 5-year term through June 30, 2024)-moving from alternate to member-replacing Ward 1 opening

Community Equity Commission Laura Horowitz Ward 1 (Appointment through June 30, 2022)

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Frances Pires Ward 1 (Appointment through June 30, 2021)

Ben Uchitelle Ward 2 (Appointment through June 30, 2021) Christine Schmiz Ward 2 (Appointment through June 30, 2022)

Stuart Berkowitz Ward 3 (Appointment through June 30, 2020) Yvonne Tisdale Ward 3 (Appointment through June 30, 2022) Adam Sheble Ward 3 (Appointment through June 30, 2020)

Motion made by Alderman Winings to approve the appointments. Alderman Boulton seconded.

The motion passed on 6 – Ayes; Alderman Berkowitz abstained.

Other

Alderman Winings reported that the Parks and Recreation Commission met last week; a presentation was provided on the potential uses of the recreation center.

Alderman Boulton reported that they received quite a few applications for the Community Equity Commission and lots of good applicants; hard selection decisions; very thankful for the citizen’s interests.

Alderman Lintz reported that the Plan Commission/ARB met last week and discussed the following: • Clarendale project advertisement signage is 5’ x 100’ • Conceptuals were presented for (1) Residence Inn; and (2) 7 N. Bemiston

Alderman Berkowitz reported on the Parks and Recreation Commission.

Alderman Buse reported that she attended the City/School Breakfast meeting last week. Thankful for the citizen’s interests in the Community Equity Commission.

Mayor Harris reported that the Clayton Chamber of Commerce Leadership Clayton class was held last week at City Hall.

There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 9:09 p.m.

____________________________

Mayor

ATTEST:

____________________________ City Clerk