Crestwood Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting – June 5, 2025

The Crestwood Planning and Zoning Commission met on June 5, 2025 (note: the agenda listed June 4, 2025; the provided instruction states the meeting occurred on June 5, 2025). The meeting covered a conditional use permit for a massage establishment, a fence exception request, a discussion on temporary signage regulations, and various aldermanic updates.

Consent Calendar

• The minutes from the May 7, 2025 meeting were approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No general public comments were offered at the outset.
• Later in the meeting, after a suspension of rules, a resident (name not recorded) expressed concerns about traffic safety at the intersection of Garber Road and Sappington Road in relation to the Long Elementary School traffic plan. The speaker noted that the prior discussion had focused on a signalized crosswalk but did not address impacts on Garber Road, including parking congestion and potential secondary effects on adjacent streets. The speaker urged the commission to consider a broader traffic flow analysis.

Discussion Items

• Conditional Use Permit (CUP-1-25) – Massage by Stevie: The applicant, Stevie Minley, a licensed massage therapist of 16 years, plans to operate a massage establishment within a 90-square-foot space inside Align Health and Wellness at 10019 Watson Road. The property is in the C-1 Local Commercial district. Staff found the use consistent with the comprehensive plan and recommended approval with standard conditions. A commissioner raised concern about the lack of clear ADA parking at the site; staff agreed to follow up with the property owner. Another commissioner questioned why massage establishments are grouped with sexually oriented businesses in the code, noting that it is a health profession. The commission voted 6-0 to approve the CUP with staff's recommended conditions.
• Fence Exception Request – 9652 Yorkshire Estates Drive: The applicants, Matt Braun and family, requested an exception to install uncoated galvanized chain link fence along the rear property line and part of the east side lot line, to match existing fence and neighboring fences. The code requires coated chain link. Staff recommended partial approval: allow uncoated on the east side but require coated on the rear lot line. The commission discussed that the existing fence is being relocated, and imposing a different fence type would look odd. The applicants stated they would repaint the fence. The commission voted to approve the exception as requested, allowing uncoated chain link on both the rear and side lines, overriding staff's partial recommendation. The vote was unanimous (6-0).
• Discussion – Temporary Signage Regulations: Staff planner Danny presented an overview of issues with the current temporary sign code, including conflicting provisions, unclear duration limits, and content-based language that could raise First Amendment concerns. He proposed consolidating temporary sign rules into a single section with clear, content-neutral time, place, and manner regulations. Commissioners agreed the code is a “mess” and recommended involving the city attorney for a comprehensive rewrite. No formal action was taken; staff will discuss with the city administrator about proceeding.

Aldermanic Report & Other Updates

• Alderman Greg Hall reported on city projects: new landscaping at the Government Center (installed by the Beautify Crestwood Club); Andy’s Custard opened May 14; Grace Chicken and Fish expected to open June 13 at the former King Edwards location; community center groundbreaking on May 23 with construction starting soon; the 8800 Watson Road project missed a deadline for a commercial zoning review permit but has a demolition bond and plans to demolish by August 1; public works director James Swingle resigned; two new paramedic firefighters were sworn in.
• A commissioner asked about progress on the Long Elementary School traffic signal issue; staff said the mayor and city administrator met with the school district and submitted a letter to St. Louis County requesting reconsideration, but no response has been received yet.

Key Outcomes

• Conditional use permit (CUP-1-25) approved for Massage by Stevie. (Vote: 6-0)
• Fence exception granted for 9652 Yorkshire Estates Drive, allowing uncoated chain link fence. (Vote: 6-0)
• Staff directed to work with city administrator and city attorney to prepare revised temporary sign regulations for future commission review.
• Staff to follow up on ADA parking at the massage establishment property.
• Note: The agenda listed the meeting as June 4, 2025, but the provided instruction states the meeting occurred on June 5, 2025. The transcript does not explicitly confirm the date. This summary uses the June 5 date as instructed.