Groups file petition against McKee redevelopment plan

KSDK -- A petition has been filed to stop an ordinance that would give developer Paul McKee's the go-ahead on his plans for massive redevelopment in north St. Louis.

The petition asks that Ordinance #68485 be suspended.  The mayor signed off on the ordinance earlier this month.  The petitioners want it reconsidered, rejected or referred to the voters at the next special election.

The group behind this petition is the Coalition of Concerned Community Groups.  It is made up of: Citizens for a More Responsible St. Louis Government, Citizens Against Eminent Domain Abuse, Metro St. Louis Coalition for Inclusion and Equity, the Missouri Eminent Domain Abuse Coalition, North Side Community Benefits Alliance and Shining Light Pentecostal Church.

The coalition plans to hold a news conference Thursday morning discussing why it is against the redevelopment plan at Shining Light Pentecostal Church.

Representatives for the coalition allege that elected officials who approved the ordinance did not act in the best interests of their constituents.

McKee plans to work with other developers to turn crumbling sections of north St. Louis within a 1,500-acre area into revitalized neighborhoods anchored by business centers.

Mayor Francis Slay said the $8.1 billion project will allow for a planned, sustainable community that will bring new jobs to the city.

The city has yet to commit to giving the project tax increment financing, which would total $390 million.  If approved, it would the largest TIF in the city's history.

The St. Louis Board of Aldermen gave initial approval October 30 to nearly $200 million in TIF for the first phase of the project.  A final vote could come in January.

McKee is also seeking $20 million in state tax credits.

McKee is chairman of O'Fallon, Missouri-based McEagle.