Committee Extends Outdoor Dining, Reviews Apartments

The St. Charles Planning & Development Committee convened on September 16, 2021, to discuss several key city planning and development issues. The meeting addressed natural area easements, property sales, restaurant permits, the temporary outdoor dining program, and the conceptual apartment development at Springs at Smith Road.

Key Decisions from the Meeting

• Omnibus Vote: Items 4a and 4b were approved.

• Natural Area Easement – 918 Fox Glenn Drive: Approved with condition requiring sapling replacement.

• Waiver of Right of First Refusal – 201 East Main Street: Approved contingent on staff review of final documents.

• Temporary Outdoor Dining Program: Extended through April 15, 2022, allowing winter operations.

• Beef Shack Special Use Permits – 2015 West Main Street: Approved for restaurant and drive-through operations; monument sign tabled for future city-wide planning.

Action Items:

• Fox Glenn Drive owners must obtain HOA approval and provide a plan for easement vacation.

• Staff to review final documents for 201 East Main Street property sale.

• Springs at Smith Road applicant to revise concept plans addressing density, green space, playgrounds, traffic, flooding, and multiple entrances; submit updated wetland studies.

  
  

Detailed Discussion

918 Fox Glenn Drive – Natural Area Easement Amendment

Property owners Jay and Maria Reading requested to reduce a 45-foot easement to expand their rear yard for a pool and deck. Historical precedents for limited easement reductions were noted. Key conditions included replacement saplings for removed trees and HOA approval prior to City Council consideration. The motion passed unanimously.

201 East Main Street – Waiver of Right of First Refusal

The property sale from Second and Main Partners LLC to HC Hospitality LLC required waiving the city’s right of first refusal and assigning the pedestrian walkway license. The motion was approved with the condition that staff review final documents. The right of first refusal remains active until 2025.

Temporary Outdoor Dining Program

The committee extended the COVID-19-inspired outdoor dining program through April 15, 2022, accommodating businesses like Altar Brewing using enclosed winter dining spaces. Discussions highlighted long-term public space planning, including potential fee structures and future First Street Plaza management.

Beef Shack Special Use Permits

The committee approved restaurant and drive-through permits at 2015 West Main Street, reusing the existing building and establishing a one-way circulation system with two stacking lanes. The proposed monument sign was deferred pending city-wide signage planning.

Springs at Smith Road – Apartment Development Concept

Continental Properties presented plans for a 340-unit multi-family development on a 26–27 acre property, featuring:

• Townhome-like units with direct access entries

• Tuck-under, detached, and surface parking

• Amenities including clubhouse, fitness center, pool, and pet/children playgrounds

Committee and Public Feedback:

• Density Concerns: 340 units viewed as excessive; suggestion to explore lower-density townhouse models.

• Green Space & Playgrounds: Additional areas for children recommended.

• Traffic & Access: Suggested two main entrances for traffic flow and safety.

• Flooding Issues: Emphasis on mitigating existing water problems in adjacent areas.

• Gated Community Debate: Safety benefits acknowledged, but concerns about restricting public access raised.

• Market Feasibility: Applicant confident in demand, citing high occupancy rates in other properties and aggressive timeline (groundbreaking May 2022, completion June 2024).

No decisions were made, as the presentation was conceptual, with the applicant tasked to revise plans and address all concerns in the next submission.

Timeline of Key Discussions

Time	Agenda Item	Outcome
4:48	Omnibus Vote (items 4a, 4b)	Approved
5:10	918 Fox Glenn Drive Easement	Approved with sapling replacement
12:13	201 East Main Street Waiver	Approved (staff review required)
16:35	Temporary Outdoor Dining Extension	Approved through April 15, 2022
24:00	Beef Shack Special Use Permits	Approved (monument sign tabled)
27:40	Springs at Smith Road Concept	Presented; feedback given; no vote
1:27:00	Meeting Adjourned	—

Conclusion

The September 16 meeting reflects the committee’s focus on balancing development with community interests. Approvals like Beef Shack permits and outdoor dining extensions allow local businesses to thrive, while Springs at Smith Road will require revisions to address density, flooding, and traffic concerns. The decisions demonstrate a forward-looking approach that supports growth while preserving neighborhood character and public safety.