Residents press council over Whitehead Plaza Precise Plan amendment, cite traffic and housing worries

Residents urged the Saint Joseph City Council to proceed cautiously as the body considers an amendment to the Whitehead Plaza Precise Plan.

Donna Weilberger, who identified herself for the clerk’s record as living at 2628 South 30 Ninth Terrace, told the council she was "concerned about mister Summers' resiliency back to residential," saying she did not know whether the developer planned apartments or single-family homes and that additional housing could worsen traffic on a narrow street in front of Pickett School and reduce nearby property values. Barbara Vass, of 3901 Booker Bridal, said she opposed what she described as plans for densely subsidized housing in the neighborhood and asked council members to keep residents’ concerns in mind as they vote on the proposal.

The item on the council agenda is an ordinance to "refill the Whitehead Plaza Precise Plan" (special ordinance 64 57), which was read for first reading by the clerk. Because the ordinance is at first reading, no final vote or formal approval occurred during this meeting. City manager Brian told councilmembers after public comment that staff would try to obtain and report back more detail on the applicant’s plans before further action.

Neighbors’ concerns focused on three points: the unknown type and density of future housing, traffic and safety in front of Pickett School given narrow streets and parked cars at dismissal time, and possible negative effects on property values. Speakers repeatedly asked the council to require clearer site and circulation plans and to provide more information about intended uses before the council advances the ordinance.

The council did not take final action on the Whitehead Plaza item during this meeting; the matter remains at first reading and subject to future staff follow-up and additional hearings.

Next steps: council staff said they will seek more information about the developer’s plans and follow up with the council and residents ahead of subsequent readings or votes.