Sunset Hills Residents Want Restrictions Set on Proposed Rectory

submitted by Sunset Hills resident Kimberly Bordeaux:

 As many of you know, the Gateway House of Prayer is proposing what they call a "rectory" across the street from my house on Sappington Barracks Road in Sunset Hills. Last month, the aldermen asked that they try to work with neighbors to come up with a plan that the would address concerns from myself and my neighbors. Unfortunately, this has not happened. 

The church has provided clarity around the proposed use of what they are calling a "rectory." The church feels the limit would be 16 people, a few of which would be permanent residents and the rest would be staying around six months each. My neighbors and I are very concerned about this number of transient people across the street from us. For instance, if 12 of these people are staying an average of 6 months, that would give us a new stranger on our street every two weeks on average. We feel this will conflict with the character of our neighborhood which is filled with permanent residents. Many of these permanent residents have been here for over 30 years. The plan (as-is) would also cause traffic and safety concerns. 

We have asked the church to compromise with us and gave them the following requests. 

1) Limit the number of people in the building to six permanent residents. 
2) Close off driveway access to Sappington Barracks Road (our residential street) and only use the Lindbergh driveways to access to property.
3) Landscape with an attractive privacy wall to keep the transient residents from accessing our street by foot. 

The church has stated that it is not willing to make these items a part of their proposed plan. However, they have said that they will make adjustments if the Board of Aldermen makes this a mandatory contingency on them receiving a permit to operate the rectory. 

We are asking that all concerned citizens please come out to the Board of Aldermen meeting on Nov. 20 and let our leaders know that these measures are necessary to maintain the character of the neighborhood and protect our residents. 

Related articles:

• Letter to the Editor: Postpone Action on Church's Request to Convert Firehouse Into Rectory
• Sunset Hills Church Responds to Resident Concerns About Rectory Proposal
• Neighbors Want More Information on Who Would Stay at Proposed Rectory