Visioning Workshop Summary
April 8, 2015
The City of Sunset Hills held a Visioning Workshop from 7:00pm to 8:30pm on Wednesday, April 8, 2015
in the Community Center. This summary details the tabletop exercise from that workshop and provides
the public’s vision and ideas for the future of Sunset Hills.
Note on Summary Context
The following is a summary of the thoughts, comments, and opinions received in response to the visioning
workshop exercise. Some comments were shared with the entire group, while others were recorded
privately on worksheets and maps. It is important to note that the items identified in this summary are not
recommendations or observations of the consultant, but rather feedback and comments received from
those who participated in the workshop.
Workshop Format
Participants were assigned to one of five “breakout” groups and then provided with colored markers and
a large map of the City. Over the course of an hour, each group was charged to work as a team and draw
their “vision” for Sunset Hills on the map. Suggested topics included: transportation; parks, open space,
and recreation; residential areas; community facilities; commercial areas; and industrial areas. In addition
to marking up the map, each group also recorded their recommendations in an accompanying workbook.
After the hour, the groups formally presented their plan to the entire audience.
Workshop Results
Overall, participants felt strongly about developing better pedestrian and bicycle mobility, about more
effectively managing and regulating both new and existing commercial uses, maintaining existing
residential character and areas, and improving various transportation corridors and intersections.
Community members particularly focused on the tornado area, a site located northwest of the
intersection of Lindbergh Boulevard and West Watson Road. Participants wanted to see a range of uses
on this site, including a community gathering space, a park or open space, commercial uses, or a life-style
center. Different groups had varying visions and some included elements of each reuse.
Subarea Focus
In addition to a map of the City, each group was provided a map of the three main corridors within Sunset
Hills that will be directly addressed within the Comprehensive Plan by Subarea Plans. Generally, groups
discussed the need for various transportation improvements, new desired uses, and the need to redesign
a number of confusing or dangerous intersections. Comments regarding the subareas were largely similar
to participant’s desires for the City as a whole.
Summary of Ideas
The following is a list of the ideas, suggestions, and concepts that were either drawn on the maps or
written in the workbook, organized by topic. It is important to note that the items identified in this
workshop summary are not recommendations of the consultant, but rather feedback and comments
received from those who participated in the workshop.
Transportation













Add sidewalks in all feasible locations, including along South Geyer Road and along Robyn Road
by Truman Middle School.
Connect Laumeier Park and Watson Trails Park with bike and pedestrian paths, as well as connect
to the Great River Greenway.
Connect all existing trails within the City.
Create bike paths connecting to separate parts of the City, including paths through residential
areas, paths connecting to areas with shops and restaurants, and paths that are independent or
non-adjacent to roadways.
Add a bike path along Mentz Hill Road that connected under or over Interstate 270.
Add a bike path along Sappington Road and Kennerly Road.
Add better signage and gateway features at all entries into the City.
Extend the turn lane on northbound Lindbergh Boulevard to get on to Interstate 44 going west.
Redesign the intersection of: Lindbergh Boulevard and Watson Road; Weber Road, Gravois Road,
and Interstate 270; Rahning Road and Highway 30; Watson Road and Highway 30; Lindbergh
Boulevard and Sappington Road; and Lindbergh Boulevard and Robyn Road.
Make repairs to Chrissann Lane and Maret Drive.
Improve pedestrian and traffic safety on South Kirkwood Road.
Connect sidewalks for pedestrian access to all municipal buildings.
Conduct a traffic and traffic safety study.
Parks, Open Space & Recreation












Reduce spending on Minnie Ha Ha Park, as it is noisy due to Highway 30 and the river is
unattractive.
Improve landscaping at entrances to Sunset Hills.
Add flowers and landscaping to medians around City Hall.
Purchase land anywhere throughout the City to preserve as green space.
Use open space as a buffer area between residential and light commercial in the tornado area.
Develop the tornado area as a park, perhaps including a memorial.
Attract a canoe or kayak outfitter to the City for recreational opportunities.
Connect the entire parks system with paths.
Plan open space and paths in new residential developments.
Address stormwater issues at entrance to Claire Gempp Park.
Support the continued use of Sunset Lakes development as a golf course.
Develop more property as parkland.


Develop a green space between Sappington Barracks Road and Lindbergh Boulevard that acts as
a welcoming featuring into the community.
Develop parkland between the Meramec River and Alswell Lane residential area.
Residential Areas












Do not pursue any new residential developments until other issues, especially commercial
deterioration, are resolved.
When allowing new residential development, require formal City review and approval, as is
often necessitated by new zoning codes.
Require that new residential zoning changes have a 1 acre minimum lot size.
Require that new residential zoning changes have high quality construction and standards.
Raise the level of property appearance with more stringent standards.
Do not add senior housing.
Improve awareness of “neighborhood preservation” and the public works department.
Do not develop the Sunset Lakes Golf Course as a residential subdivision.
Redevelop the Sunset Lakes Golf Course as a residential development with a prominent lake
feature.
Incorporate open space and paths as well as commercial uses in new residential development.
Encourage infill of vacant residential lots within established residential areas.
Redevelop Heimos Greenhouses as residential property.
Community Facilities



Use a portion of the tornado area to provide an open area for gathering as a community.
Establish a clear position on whether the City will remained involved or not in the Lindbergh
School District’s Truman Middle School swimming pool project.
Develop a central area with shops and restaurants, like the Plaza in Kirkwood.
Commercial Areas











Remove negligent or harmful business uses that may be increasing crime and safety in the City.
Establish an architecture review board.
Establish landscaping and material standards for all new commercial construction or
redevelopment.
When allowing a zoning change, require specific conditions ensuring quality development.
Apply tighter restrictions to commercial areas.
Attract high-quality restaurants to the area.
Develop a town center concept.
Ensure that new development matches the needs and desires of the community.
Attract businesses like Trader Joe’s.
Attract commercial uses to the area bounded by Lindbergh Boulevard, Gravois Road, and
Sappington Barracks Road.
Explore options for use of the tornado area to provide a buffer between residential and
commercial, including the potential of a life-style center.



Coordinate commercial areas along Watson Road with Crestwood.
Develop the Nolan property on Old Gravois Road as a commercial property.
Identify sites for commercial development along Lindbergh Boulevard.
Industrial Areas




Build upon the existing fiber optic cable utilities to attract businesses and enhance existing
business & industry uses in the City.
Do not add any additional industrial areas.
Develop Old Gravois Road into a “real” industrial park.
Redevelop the industrial area across the river from Fenton, ensuring the new uses or
construction includes some green space and a multi-user path.