Talks Resume on New Mental Health Facility
Date Posted: November 5, 2024
Posted In: Projects,
From Webster-Kirkwood Times: After meeting strong opposition from residents, applicants for the development of a new mental health facility in Webster Groves twice requested the city defer consideration of its application.
Now, several months later, partners KVC Missouri and St. Louis Children’s Hospital say the added time has allowed their representatives to further engage with project opponents and address the concerns of residents.
The two entities, in partnership, have applied for rezoning at KVC’s Webster Groves campus, 330 N. Gore Ave., to construct a new mental health hospital. They maintain the proposal keeps the same footprint as the existing campus, and reduces the overall number of children at the facility. Proponents say the project will help address an urgent pediatric mental health crisis in the region.
City officials, who confirmed there is no limit to the number of deferrals a petitioner may request, said last week they expect talks to resume during the Webster Groves Plan Commission meeting on Monday, Nov. 4.
The plan commission, comprised of citizens appointed by the city council to review development proposals and make recommendations to the city council, first held a public hearing on the proposal in July. During a second public hearing in August, residents’ concerns prompted the applicants to ask that the commission delay its deliberation.