Crestwood Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting – October 2, 2025

The Crestwood Planning and Zoning Commission met on October 2, 2025 at 6:03 PM in the Aldermanic Chambers. The meeting included public comment from a local business owner, a hearing on a text amendment to the Watson Road Overlay Area use regulations, and an aldermanic report. The commission voted 5-0 to adopt the text amendment with an added modification.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the September 3, 2025 meeting.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Mike Johnson (owner of Victory Raceway): Expressed frustration that he received a 30-day eviction notice from his landlord without prior communication from the city. He stated he had been a tenant for 13–15 years, paid taxes and license fees, and had made financial commitments (e.g., a $30,000 non-refundable insurance deposit). He asked for more time (at least through Christmas) and complained that city officials did not respond to his emails or calls. He stated that the landlord’s lawyer indicated they would accept a delay if the city agreed. Commissioners expressed sympathy but noted this issue is outside the commission’s jurisdiction and that the mayor and city attorney were expected to contact him the next day. Commissioner Klosterman called the treatment “unconscionable” and warned of reputational harm to the city.

Discussion Items

• Text Amendment – Section 26-18 Watson Road Overlay Area Use Regulations:
  • Staff Presentation (Danny, City Planner): Explained that current regulations require most business operations to occur indoors. The Board of Aldermen sought to strengthen language regarding outdoor donation drop-offs and collection bins, which often cause illegal dumping and debris. Proposed addition: “collection of goods or items” must also occur wholly within an enclosed building approved for commercial occupancy. Existing businesses would be grandfathered. New thrift stores or donation operations would be required to conduct all collection inside. Temporary donation drives (e.g., holiday events) would still be allowed.
  • Commissioner Discussion:
    • Commissioner Charbonneau suggested adding “permanent type building” to clarify that temporary structures like sheds or lean-tos are not acceptable. Several commissioners debated whether “permanent type” could create ambiguity; Commissioner Bundren proposed “enclosed permanent building” instead, which the commission agreed upon.
    • Commissioners questioned the effectiveness of the language in preventing overnight dumping. Staff acknowledged the language is not a perfect solution but provides a stronger enforcement tool and can be complemented by conditional use permits that set additional conditions (e.g., staffing, shielding).
    • Commissioner Klosterman raised concerns about unintended consequences, such as prohibiting staff from helping elderly customers load donations at the curb during business hours. Others noted that conditional use permits could allow such convenience if properly managed.
    • The commission concluded that the amended language would target unstaffed donation bins and poorly operated thrift stores that create nuisances, while well-run operations like Savers (with interior collection) would remain unaffected.
• Aldermanic Report (Alderman Grant Maybe):
  • Jeff Faust appointed as Assistant City Administrator/Director of Public Works.
  • Fire Chief Leo Meyer honored upon retirement after 51 years of service.
  • Board approved a grant application for a sidewalk on Crestoke.
  • Ordinance on temporary signage enacted.
  • Spielman playground closed due to safety concerns; board voted to replace the toddler playground; community town hall on larger playground planned for mid-October; construction expected spring 2026.
  • Noted the city is not Mr. Johnson’s landlord but discussions are ongoing to resolve his situation.

Key Outcomes

• Text Amendment Approved (5-0): The commission voted to recommend approval of the text amendment to the Board of Aldermen, with the language changed to: “shall be conducted wholly within an enclosed permanent building approved for commercial occupancy.” The motion carried unanimously. The amendment will now proceed to the Board of Aldermen for final action.
• Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned after the aldermanic report.