Eden Master Plan Will See Review Before Approval
An established review process will include a look at preserving a much talked about green space in Webster's higher education district before approval of a final master plan.
Eden Theological Seminary's plans to lease or sell a 7.5-acre piece of land will need to go through an established review process before approval, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported Monday.
The Post reports that Eden will further review its master plan that includes a consolidation of the campus at its next meeting of its Board of Trustees.
The parcel in question and Eden's plans to consolidate its campus have been highly scruitinized in Webster Groves.
Last August, the Webster Groves City Council announced plans to work with Eden and Webster University on its master plan, which involves the university.
In September, the council voted no on Bill No. 8753 that restricts the use of the Eden campus.
See past coverage on Patch:
- Webster Groves Council Approves Eden Seminary's Conditional Use Permit
- Webster Council to Work With Eden Seminary, Webster U on Future Plans
To learn more about the latest development in Webster's higher education district, visit stltoday.com.
Dave Buck
10:55 am on Thursday, January 10, 2013
It's been 3 years debating the Webster University and Eden Seminary master plans. Resident taxpayers – not non-profits – are at the top of the Webster Groves organization chart, so here's one resident's position on three unresolved BIG PICTURE master plan issues:
1. Resolve that Webster U will not expand north across Lockwood into 5.25 acres of Eden property, including the Luhr Library. This is THE issue that so many residents have risen against, arguing that if Webster U crosses Lockwood, the entire community will change for the worse forever, due to significant negative consequences.
Additionally, the facts are clear: Webster U doesn’t need to expand into Eden
and can achieve all of its master plan goals within its current campus, south of
Lockwood, where 15 developmental acres exist.
Finally, Eden owns the property. Sources say Webster U paid the first $1 million of the original purchase price, and Eden already spent it. This premature transaction
seems made on the bad assumption that this purchase would be a cakewalk with residents and City Hall. Think again.
2. Resolve that the Eden green space will remain unchanged for the continued use and enjoyment by our community.
3. Resolve to request development ideas for the 5.25 acres of Eden property that 1) generates money for Eden's capital fund and endowment; 2) fulfills a community need; and 3) is for-profit and adds tax revenue.
Residents unite!
Dave Buck