Riverfront Development Debated, Community Input Scheduled

On October 11, 2022, the Planning & Development Committee convened to discuss two proposals for the former police station Riverfront site. The meeting lasted over three and a half hours, focusing on community input, project feasibility, and alignment with city guidelines. No final decisions were made, reflecting the city’s commitment to transparency and public engagement.

Meeting Overview

The session opened with remarks from the Mayor, emphasizing that the proposals were conceptual and subject to change. Staff reviewed the historical timeline of the Riverfront development, tracing the project back to the 2019 comprehensive plan amendment and the Request for Concepts (RFC) process initiated in 2021.

Two development teams presented:

1. Murphy Development Group – proposing a smaller-scale, economically feasible mixed-use residential project with public green space and river access.

2. Frontier Development – proposing a larger-scale “Plaza San Carlos” project including a luxury hotel, residential units, retail, and a grand public plaza, potentially requiring a TIF district for financial feasibility.

   
   

Murphy Development Group Proposal

Feasible, Community-Focused Design

Murphy Development emphasized a project that could proceed without city subsidies, highlighting:

• 141 multi-family residential units

• Restaurant and retail space

• Extensive public green space

• Riverfront access improvements

• Internal parking solutions with minimal visual impact

The team stressed historic compatibility, appropriate scale, and long-term flexibility for the city.

Financial Viability

Murphy’s proposal is self-funded, avoiding reliance on city financial support. They cited experience with similar projects in other municipalities, focusing on economic feasibility and tax revenue generation without risk to city funds.

Frontier Development Proposal

Ambitious, Large-Scale Plan

Frontier Development presented the “Plaza San Carlos” concept, which included:

• Luxury hotel with 164 rooms

• 106 residential units

• Multiple retail and dining options

• A European-style public plaza

• Potential TIF district financial model for city partnership

The team positioned the project as a potential new City Center, intended to boost tourism and economic activity.

Community Concerns

Public and council concerns included:

• Height and density incompatible with the historic district

• Potential demolition or alteration of historic municipal buildings

• Increased traffic in nearby residential areas

• Loss of public green space

• Risk of public land being given to private developers

Council Q&A Highlights

• Hotel feasibility: Murphy opted against a hotel due to current market conditions, while Frontier provided studies supporting a conference and tourism-driven demand.

• Financial model scrutiny: Council questioned the necessity of city subsidy and TIF district involvement for Frontier.

• Historic and community impact: Both developers were asked to ensure designs comply with city codes and preserve historic views, such as the City Hall tower and Potawatomi statue.

Public Input and Community Concerns

During the public comment session, residents voiced strong opinions, primarily opposing Frontier’s proposal:

• Over 600 signatures submitted via petition

• Concerns about “European-style” design inconsistent with Saint Charles character

• Traffic and parking pressures on adjacent neighborhoods

• Preservation of public riverfront land

• Calls for modest, community-centered development

Decisions and Action Items

Decisions Made

• No final decisions were made on either proposal.

• Meeting concluded with direction for further review and community input.

Action Items

• Next discussion scheduled: November 14, 2022

• Council members to gather constituent feedback

• Future entitlement process: If a concept is selected, it will trigger historic commission, planning commission, and city council review, providing additional opportunities for public feedback

Meeting Attendees

• Chair: Mr. Weber

• Mayor (unnamed)

• Staff: Russell Colby, Derek Conley

• Murphy Development Group: John Murphy, Dave Ariola, Floyd Anderson, Richard van Zyl, Chris Cable

• Frontier Development: Kurt Hirst, Mike Reschke, Lucy & Victor (architects)

• Aldermen/Council Members: Sulcitis, Worrall, McMahon, Collins

• Public Commenters: Mike Knute, Danielle Penman, Dean Bemis, Lee Colon, Jim Nachala, Al Watson, Michael Dixon (Zoom)

Conclusion

The Planning & Development Committee meeting highlighted the complexity of Riverfront development, balancing economic opportunity with historic preservation, traffic management, and community character. While the committee made no final decisions, the meeting underscored the city’s commitment to transparency, public engagement, and thoughtful planning.

The next scheduled discussion on November 14, 2022, will allow council members to review additional input and continue evaluating both proposals. Residents and stakeholders will have further opportunities to shape the vision for Saint Charles’ Riverfront.