City Council OKs next step for new residential subdivision near Deer Park, approves grant funds

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- A proposal for a new 32-acre residential subdivision by Deer Park and grant awards for three social service agencies were approved Monday by St. Joseph City Councilmembers.

A proposal to develop 32-acres east of South Leonard Road into a new residential subdivision with single-family homes took the next step forward Monday as councilmembers passed an ordinance for a preliminary plat entitled “Venetian Falls” as requested by developer Ventura Homes, LLC.

The housing development plan -- which could start as early as this summer -- includes roughly 89 lots for new single-family homes by South Leonard Road and west of University Avenue, as well as significant roadway and infrastructure upgrades to accommodate additional traffic.

A public hearing was also held on a second ordinance to rezone the land from a C-3 Commercial District to a R-1-B Detached Single Family Residential District, a measure that was approved despite concerns raised by one nearby resident during the hearing.

Eric Wattenbarger, a local resident since 1971, voiced concerns about increased traffic and the impact of site grading and new infrastructure on stormwater drainage onto his property directly across the street -- which sits roughly 60 feet lower than the highest point on the proposed land adjacent to his.

"My purpose is to ask you to make sure that the proper hydrographic and traffic studies are done prior to proceeding with this," Wattenbarger said. "My property is at risk of being inundated by flood."

Shawn Duke, a professional engineer on the project with Snyder and Associates, spoke on behalf of the project's developer and noted a preliminary drainage analysis had already been carried out to determine the location of a new detention pond to mitigate runoff, with a full drainage study to come later with final permitting plans.

Duke said no additional runoff is expected to drain on to his property according to project analysis.

Properties adjacent to the proposed project are largely zoned for residential use already. The Thousand Oaks subdivision located to the south and east of this parcel is zoned as such. The proposed development of this parcel will be similar in form and density to the existing Thousand Oaks development.

"Thanks for bringing more rooftops to St. Joseph," Councilmember Madison Davis said to Duke during hearing.

City Councilmembers also approved three grant agreements at Monday’s City Council meeting, including Community Missions (Emergency Shelter -- $100,000), the Social Welfare Board (Dental Program -- $66,807) and YWCA ($54,405) to provide funds through the city's HUD-funded Community Development Block Grant program.

A total of 13 social service agencies will receive Community Development Block Grant funds in fiscal year 2025-2026 for a total of $401,694.

City changes parking rules for Olive and Pacific streets

Parking will be prohibited on the north side of Olive Street from Sixth Street to Eighth Street, as well as the south side of Pacific Street from 33rd Street to the Belt Highway, under new changes approved by councilmembers on Monday.

City Councilmembers approved a measure to amend the city's code of ordinances to prohibit parking on the north side of Olive Street from Sixth Street to Eighth Street and the south side of Pacific Street from 33rd Street to the Belt Highway.

City initiates plan for evaluation of Water Protection Facility

A separate contract approved Monday will see the city execute a $66,934 work order with HDR Engineering to carry out an industrial evaluation of the Water Protection Facility, paving the way for potential facility improvements geared toward industrial users.

HDR is tasked with evaluating the capacity of the industrial wastewater treatment train to determine whether it can accommodate additional loading from existing industrial users. This includes reviewing applicable pretreatment permits, loading data, and compliance records to verify existing and projected pollutant contributions.

HDR will conduct evaluations to assess system capacity, identify limitations and evaluate performance under increased loading conditions. Based on the findings, the consultant will develop potential improvement alternatives, including conceptual modifications or upgrades to the treatment system.

City Council OKs large equipment purchases for multiple departments

Monday's meeting saw the approval of more than $210,000 in city funds to approve three large equipment purchases for both the parks and streets department.

Purchases will include a $55,000 John Deere Cab tractor for the Parks Department, as well as a $39,130 Caterpillar 275 Compact Track Loader and a $119,882 Caterpillar 308 Excavator for the city's Streets Maintenance Department.

Other bills approved by City Council

An ordinance accepting a deed of gift for constructed street, sanitary sewer, and storm sewer infrastructure located in Country Lane Estates plat 2 from Arium Development, LLC.

Execution of a housing rehabilitation contract with Debbie J. Banks (owner) and superior exteriors of Northwest Missouri, LLC, (contractor) for a housing rehabilitation project located at 1317 S. 25th street for a total amount not to exceed $32,780.