Florissant Council Approves Land
Swap For New 108-Home Subdivision

                                                By Bob Lindsey
The Florissant City Council Monday night gave a second and third reading for final approval of a bill for land swap of nearly 32 acres of Koch Park for a new McBride Homes subdivision. Most public comments was against the plan and council members comments favored it. The vote was unanimous 9-0

Mayor Tim Lowery can now transfer ownership of 31.9 acres of park property to Koch Park Development LLC, in exchange for 43 acres adjacent to Sunset Park to be used as parkland. This overlooks the Missouri River and has a scenic walking trail. Under the plan the city would get more park terrain.

Most of those who oppose the land swap said there was not formal land appraisal or request for more public input on potential uses for Koch field. A few questioned a land swap and said it should be voted on by residents.
After about an hour of comments from residents, city council members, City Attorney John Hessel and former developer Mark Behlmann presented reasons for supporting the plan.
Hessell explained how the appraisal process for this land would not indicate how it might sell on the open market because of different circumstances. such as the economic impact the new subdivision would have. Behlmann gave a 30-year history of housing development in the Florissant area and the need for more upscale homes.  It was pointed out there are not many areas within the city limits that could accommodate new 100-home subdivisions

The plan would allow nearly 32 acres of Koch Park for the new subdivision in return for an area adjacent to Sunset Park totaling nearly 40 acres. This would include an improved greenway trail connecting Sunset Park with St. Ferdinand Park

Mayor Lowery said this plan came about through a comprehensive plan where residents voiced concern about too many outdated homes. McBride Homes Development project calls for 108 new single-family homes and 12 additional acres of green space with home prices between $250,000 and $500,000. Home sizes would be 1,200 to 2,500 square feet.  Lowery said Florissant is a growing community and positive outweighs the negative with this land swap and new upscale subdivision

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