Housing, Urban Development, and Zoning Committee Meeting - March 17, 2026

This meeting of the Housing, Urban Development, and Zoning (HUDZ) committee was called to order at approximately 10:00 AM on St. Patrick's Day, March 17, 2026, by Chair Clark Hubbard. Six members were present, constituting a quorum. The committee approved minutes from the March 12, 2026 meeting and then took up mayoral appointments and several board bills, ultimately advancing all items with a "do pass" recommendation.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the March 12, 2026 meeting were approved unanimously (6 ayes).
• Mayoral Appointments to the Board of Adjustment: The committee approved three appointments to the Board of Adjustment as a block after individual introductions. Mr. Dallas (transitioning from alternate to permanent member), Mr. Desmondy (reappointment), and Mrs. Grice (new appointment) each provided background and expressed commitment to the role. All three were approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Board Bill 138 (Detention Facility Moratorium): Twelve members of the public submitted written testimony in support, and numerous individuals spoke in favor during the hearing. Speakers included representatives from MICA Project, ArchCity Defenders, Party for Socialism and Liberation, faith leaders, small business owners, and residents from multiple wards. They emphasized the moral urgency, economic impacts, and the need to protect immigrant communities and other marginalized groups from the expansion of detention facilities. One speaker, Kelly, also expressed concerns about the framing of the Northern Lights project (Board Bill 166) and the treatment of unhoused people.
• Board Bill 166 (Northern Lights Special Event District): One online speaker opposed the project, arguing it would displace unhoused individuals and that the developer's character should not be the primary qualification. Several supporters spoke, including Pastor Battle (Old North St. Louis), Denise Williams (former convention sales director), and business mentors, who highlighted the long-term planning and community benefits.

Discussion Items

• Board Bill 163 (South Grand Community Improvement District Renewal): Rachel Witt, Executive Director of the South Grand CID, presented the renewal for 20 years. The district has maintained landscaping, security, and capital improvements on South Grand, leveraging grants and partnerships. The bill was cosponsored by Alderwoman Velazquez. No public speakers were present. The committee passed it unanimously.
• Board Bill 169 (Kempton Hotel Tax Abatement Amendment): Shaula Meehan (Steadfast City) and representatives from Midas Hospitality explained that the developer is reducing the project scope from a dual-branded hotel (Kempton and Staybridge) to just the Kempton due to rising costs and a difficult lending environment. The amendment increases the 10-year tax abatement from 75% to 90%. SLDC confirmed the project still meets the community scorecard. Alderwoman Keys, the sponsor, noted that the change reflects updated financials. The committee passed it unanimously.
• Board Bill 166 (Northern Lights Special Event District): Alderman Aldridge sponsored a blighting plan for a 10-year, 90% tax abatement (up to 25 years) for a 20-acre parcel at I-44 and Cass Avenue. Janetta Hawkins and her Hill Hawkins family business proposed the "Northern Lights" development, which includes a small convention center, kid zone, amphitheater, private chateau, and event space. SLDC confirmed the land is currently a homeless encampment on Paul McKee's property and that no eminent domain is involved. Pastor Battle and Denise Williams testified in support, emphasizing neighborhood revitalization and complementing the downtown convention center. Chair Clark Hubbard added herself as a cosponsor, noting the project aligns with previous incentives given to other areas. The committee passed it unanimously.
• Board Bill 113 (Gate District East Redevelopment Area Amendment): Alderwoman Sonier presented a bill to modify the existing tax abatement for the Gate District East area, tailoring it to support Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) projects. The amendment extends the abatement from 10 to 15 years, matching the LIHTC compliance period. Eric MacMahon (Select Development) testified that two projects (Lafayette Family & Senior and Hickory Townhomes) totaling 227 units, with 226 having Section 8 rental assistance, would benefit. SLDC supported the change. The committee passed it unanimously.
• Board Bill 138 (Non-Municipal Detention Facility Moratorium): Alderwoman Sonier proposed a five-year moratorium (until January 31, 2031) on all city approvals for non-municipal detention facilities, including jails, prisons, ICE detention centers, and similar carceral uses. The bill applies to all city departments and agencies. Gabby Eisner (MICA Project) and 11 other speakers testified in support, citing the Trump administration's expansion of detention, deaths in ICE custody, and the need to protect St. Louis's immigrant community. Alderman Aldridge noted a similar ordinance passed in Kansas City. The committee passed it unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• All board bills (163, 169, 166, 113, 138) and all mayoral appointments were approved unanimously with a "do pass" recommendation, advancing to the full Board of Aldermen.
• Chair Clark Hubbard made a statement emphasizing that Board Bill 166 should not be vilified since similar incentives were approved for the Central West End and Engineers Club without opposition. She stressed that the process requires future developers to still undergo full review.
• The meeting adjourned at approximately 1:30 PM.