Developers propose 13‑lot Bendix Estates subdivision on 51‑acre Wildwood family farm

Developers presented a preliminary plan for a 13‑lot subdivision called Bendix Estates on a 51‑acre property in Wildwood during a meeting of the city's Development and Zoning Review Committee.

The proposal would preserve two existing family residences on the property and create a net 13 new residential lots, with one lot of about four acres that includes an older barn the applicant described as historic. "Like West Eden, this property is, is, very low intensity development," the applicant, Mr. Whelan, told the committee.

The concept is at an early, informal stage. "It is important to note that this concept plan is in very preliminary and informal stages of the City's review process, such as subject to changes if it proceeds to the formal submission process," Planning Department staff member Mr. Bunich told the committee, and he said formal public hearings would occur later if the project advances to a preliminary plat review by the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council.

What the developer proposed
Mr. Whelan said the Bendix family has owned the 51‑acre farm long before Wildwood incorporated and that family members want to settle estate matters by creating a small subdivision while preserving the two existing homes: "Lot 1 will be missus Byrd's residence, and she will she will maintain that. And the Bendick family will maintain Lot 7 about a 4 acre lot with a beautiful home and a historic barn," he said. He said the project would be developed by Bendix Bird Partners LLC in partnership with Wayland Custom Homes.

Whelan described the product as custom single‑family homes similar to his nearby West Eden development and gave projected home sizes and price ranges as preliminary estimates: about 2,500 to 4,000 square feet, with prices he "would anticipate" in the $1.2 million to $3 million range. He said lots would likely use individual on‑site wastewater treatment systems and shared or individual potable wells, as in West Eden.

Regulatory process and relevant precedents
Planning staff emphasized that because the applicant is not seeking a planned residential development overlay, the review will be governed primarily by the city's subdivision and development regulations rather than the zoning overlay process. "First and foremost, it's governed more by the subdivision and development regulations than the zoning ordinance," Mr. Bunich said. He explained the procedural sequence: a preliminary plat submittal, review by the Planning and Zoning Commission, and subsequent City Council review, followed by improvement plans and a record plat if approved.

Staff referenced the West Eden project as a precedent for on‑site utilities: Mr. Bunich said the Missouri Department of Natural Resources required West Eden to share potable water such that "every 2 lots [shared] a potable water well," and that West Eden had 12 homes with six wells and individual septic systems; he also said Mr. Whelan obtained a waiver to a centralized wastewater treatment plant at that site and that conditions were attached to ensure long‑term maintenance of household treatment systems.

Right‑of‑way and services
Committee members asked about Christie Avenue, which serves the area. Director of Public Works Mr. Brown said the road is public "to a point" and that the city would need to verify where the public right‑of‑way ends and private drive begins. The applicant said they are working to secure gas service from Spire and efforts to provide high‑speed internet.

No formal action on the proposal; next steps
The committee did not take any formal action on Bendix Estates during the meeting; the discussion was a preliminary concept review. The applicant said they plan to proceed with the same geotechnical analysis and procedures used on West Eden and will return with a more refined plan. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn moved by Council member Marshall, seconded by Council member Robleski, which the committee approved without recorded opposition.

Why it matters
If pursued through the formal preliminary plat process, the proposal would begin a multi‑step review that could affect neighborhood character, tree canopy preservation, and on‑site utility arrangements. Planning staff flagged that the subdivision process and any required waivers or conditions (for wells or wastewater) are likely to determine whether the concept can be implemented as presented.

What remains unclear
The applicant presented several preliminary estimates—lot count, lot and home sizes, and price ranges—but the proposal is still informal and subject to change. The precise limits of public right‑of‑way along Christie Avenue, final utility arrangements, and any specific conditions or waivers that might be required were not decided at this meeting.