Officials from Webster University are urging its neighbors to ask the Webster Groves City Council to vote against a proposed measure that would grant Eden Seminary a conditional use permit.

The council has made several revisions to the controversial bill and has postponed voting on it for months. Numerous public hearings on the bill have generated both positive and negative comments local residents and business owners.

Eden requested the permit as part of its proposed new master plan, which would consolidate its campus and give Webster University the first right of refusal for some Eden buildings and land. A blog on Webster Today, the university's source for internal new, urged neighbors to write the city council asking them to vote no on Bill 8753. Here is part of what was in the blog:

"Longtime partners and neighbors, Webster University and Eden Theological Seminary, both have new Master Plans that will help to build sustainable futures for both institutions. The plans call for expanded use of Eden space by Webster University and continued shared use of physical assets and infrastructure, as well a continuation of integrated program offerings. [See Webster’s Master Planning website here.]

A few vocal individuals have made themselves heard at Webster Groves City Council meetings urging passage of Bill No. 8753, a bill that restricts the use of the Eden campus and is contrary to the Master Plans of both institutions. Webster University has invested heavily in our community and now asks our City Council members to consider our request and vote no on Bill 8753. The third and final reading of this bill is scheduled for the Sept. 4 City Council meeting at 7:30 pm.

We urge you to contact Webster Groves City Council members and encourage them to vote no on Bill 8753."

As the blog indicated the council may vote on the measure at Tuesday's meeting.

See related story: Opinions Vary on Bill Granting Eden Seminary a Conditional Use Permit