St. Charles Committee Greenlights Industrial Park Zoning, Church Permit, and First Street Updates

Sep 8
2 min read

Introduction

On November 10, 2021, the St. Charles Planning & Development Committee reviewed several high-impact projects, including the rezoning of the former Pheasant Run golf course, a special use permit for Emmanuel Myanmar Church, and revised development plans for downtown First Street buildings. The meeting also focused on the stalled Crystal Loft project, signaling potential enforcement action.

Key Approvals at a Glance

Pheasant Run Industrial Park: Rezoning and preliminary plat approved, pending conditions.
Emmanuel Myanmar Church: Special use permit granted with temporary occupancy limits.
First Street Building #3: Approved revised PUD for residential/office flexibility.
First Street Building #2: Approved pergola modification as a minor PUD change.
Crystal Loft: Summons scheduled for December due to ongoing delays.

Pheasant Run Industrial Park Zoning and Subdivision

The committee approved rezoning the 84-acre former Pheasant Run golf course to M2 manufacturing for a planned industrial park featuring 1.1 million sq. ft. of warehouse space across four lots.

Key Access Points: Route 64, Kautz Road, and a planned connection via Keel Road through airport property.
Traffic Study Findings: Current infrastructure can handle projected traffic but may need updates, especially on Kautz Road.
Conditions: The developer must finalize access rights, add trees, and address outstanding staff comments before City Council review.

Committee members expressed concerns about increased truck traffic and long-term wear on local roads but moved forward to support industrial growth.

Special Use Permit for Emmanuel Myanmar Church

The committee approved a special use permit for Emmanuel Myanmar Church at 1713 Howard Street, allowing services of up to 80 attendees.

Temporary Occupancy: Limited to 60 people until spring due to weather-related construction delays.
Parking Improvements: Required seal coating, restriping, and a hammerhead turnaround.
Enforcement: Parking and occupancy concerns will primarily rely on community reporting.

The decision balances the church’s immediate needs with safety and neighborhood considerations.

First Street Building #3: Flexible Residential/Office Use

The Sterling Bank building (First Street Building #3) received approval for a revised PUD:

5th Floor: Conversion into a single residential unit with rooftop deck and two dedicated parking spots.
3rd & 4th Floors: Flexible use as residential or office space to reflect declining office demand.
Parking Concerns: Committee discussed long-term strain on public parking as downtown residential units increase.

Both the Historic and Plan Commissions supported this plan to adapt downtown properties to changing market needs.

First Street Building #2: Pergola Modification

A minor PUD change for Building #2 allows replacing an existing pergola top with a solid roof and retractable screens, improving usability. The Historic Commission approved this change, ensuring alignment with the building’s design.

Crystal Loft Project: Enforcement Moves Forward

The Crystal Loft project remains stalled despite earlier assurances of progress.

Timeline: After missing an October 25 construction start date, a violation notice was issued October 26.
Next Steps: A summons is scheduled for December 2.
Potential Sale: The property is reportedly under contract, with a potential November closing.

Officials expressed frustration over delays but expressed hope that new ownership could break the stalemate.

Conclusion

The November 10, 2021, Planning & Development Committee meeting demonstrated St. Charles’ focus on balancing growth with accountability. From approving industrial and religious site plans to addressing stalled downtown projects, the city is positioning itself for both economic expansion and stronger urban planning oversight.