08/10/2026
The Planning and Zoning Committee table the agenda item for the Pinewood Apartments Development. It's expected to be on next month agenda.
Below is a summary of the Planning & Zoning meeting tonight at 6pm.
The meeting is at City Hall Chambers, 1001 Schoeder Creek Dr. I hope to see your there to let the P&Z committee hear your opposition to the project
Pinewoods Park Apartments Hearing:
Application 26‑40‑PZ,
request to rezone 24.32 acres at 1461 Pinewoods Drive from Agricultural to PD‑MXD for the proposed Pinewoods Park Apartments and three commercial Projects
Background:
This parcel has a long history of proposals:
2018: Annexed and zoned Agricultural as part of “The Lake at Pinewoods,” which was later abandoned.
2023: First apartment proposal — recommended for approval by P&Z, passed first reading at the Board, then withdrawn by the applicant.
2025: Second attempt — denied by the Board of Aldermen.
2026: The current application uses the same plans and documentation as the 2025 submission.
This history matters because the applicant is not presenting a new concept — they are asking the City to reconsider a previously denied plan.
Comprehensive Plan & Land Use:
According to the adopted Comprehensive Land Use Plan, this property is designated Commercial.
Staff states clearly that:
The residential portion — 240 apartments at 11.16 units per acre — is not consistent with the adopted plan.
The three commercial out‑lots are consistent with the plan.
A draft update to the Land Use Plan was shown in June, but it is not adopted, and staff cannot rely on it for zoning decisions.
Requested Exceptions:
The applicant is requesting two zoning exceptions:
Density increase from 8 units/acre (R‑3B standard) to 11.16 units/acre.
Reduced commercial front setback from 30 feet to 20 feet along Interstate Drive.
These exceptions are being requested to make the project feasible for the developer.
Infrastructure Concerns:
Staff identifies significant utility and roadway issues
Water Capacity– Water pressure and fire‑flow capacity in this area are not yet sufficient.
The City is working on multi‑phase water line extensions and a new water tower, with construction bids expected in 2027.
No construction permits can be issued until the developer proves compliance with water‑flow standards.
Sanitary Sewer:
A lift station may be required unless gravity sewer capacity is confirmed.
Traffic:
The Traffic Impact Study is still valid, but staff requires:
Wentzville Parkway South must be connected to Interstate Drive before any occupancy. This is a major condition because the roadway is not yet complete.
Staff Recommendation\Staff concludes:
The residential portion does not align with the adopted Comprehensive Land Use Plan.
The commercial portion does align with the plan.
The mixed‑use concept may have merit if future market conditions justify it — but that is not the case today under the adopted plan.
If approval is recommended, staff requires five conditions including:
water‑system compliance
roadway completion
architectural standards,
full future permitting.
Closing Position:
Given the inconsistency with the adopted Comprehensive Land Use Plan, the requested density increase, and the significant infrastructure requirements that are not yet in place, I urge the Commission to carefully evaluate whether this rezoning represents the best long‑term use of this property. The City has repeatedly emphasized the importance of aligning development with the Comprehensive Plan, ensuring infrastructure capacity, and protecting existing neighborhoods. Those standards should guide this decision.
