Proposed Dietrich Subdivision

Dear neighbors, many of you are aware of the proposed subdivision to be built nearby. Several of our neighbors and those from neighboring subdivisions attended a recent Planning Commission meeting where numerous concerns were raised.

To keep everyone informed about the development, I’ve shared notes from the meeting. Since this will directly affect our neighborhood in many ways, I encourage you to participate in the process and ensure your voice is heard.

If you want to share your opposition or support, please email the St. Louis County Department of Planning at [email protected] or [email protected] and CC Dennis Hancock, our County Council representative, at  [email protected] and Shannon Robinson, his staff person, at [email protected].

The deadline for letters that will be included in the official record is Monday, August 25^th. You may still submit letters after that point, but they will not be included in our official records for the development.

There is also a planning meeting scheduled for September 22 to further discuss this plan, and we encourage you to attend. 

Proposed Subdivision Update

Several Ridgemont residents attended the recent Planning Commission meeting regarding a proposed McBride Homes subdivision near Dietrich Road. Below is a summary of what was presented and discussed:

Proposal Overview

• Homes priced between $400,000–$800,000, presented as “equivalent in size and value” to surrounding subdivisions.
• Request to change the current zoning to allow a higher density of homes to be built in a smaller space.
• Proposed spacing: only 6 feet on each side of the homes—about 12 feet between houses.
• Lot sizes would range from 8,000 to 22,000 square feet (roughly half an acre), with many homes built on the smaller lots.
• Three-car garages for all homes.
• Two designated “common ground” areas, both planned as water retention basins, and are not usable green space.

Concerns Raised by Residents

• Density: 33 homes proposed on one stretch of road compared to 17 in a nearby subdivision.
• Traffic & Safety: Dietrich Road is a narrow, winding, two-lane road with no traffic lights at Manchester Road. Concerns were raised about daily use by emergency vehicles, delivery trucks, and service trailers.
• Infrastructure Challenges: Steep drainage drop-offs on both sides of Dietrich make sidewalks impractical.
• Erosion & Runoff: Land drops 80 feet, creating risks of erosion and runoff into Love Park.
• Environmental Record: Residents cited a recent Post-Dispatch article describing ongoing erosion and environmental/ecological violations at another McBride development.
• Historic Preservation: Two 180-year-old log cabins with historical significance are located on the property and connected to the Dietrich Log Cabin. The developer referred to them as “dilapidated” and “possibly moveable.”
• Tree Buffers & Property Values: Concerns about the loss of mature tree buffers and potential negative effects on surrounding home values. When asked about this, McBride representatives referenced planting trees, which will be prohibited under the new Missouri Law to take effect in four years.
• Development History: At least two other developers evaluated the property for development but declined to build on the property, possibly due to historical or terrain-related challenges.

Community Response Thus Far

• About 25 homeowners spoke in opposition, including representatives from nearby subdivisions (Dietrich Rd, Dietrich Chase Villas, and Dietrich Glen).
• Residents’ informal vote at the meeting: 43 opposed vs. 3 in favor.
• Suggestions were raised about a petition from residents opposing the zoning change or the project itself.

Next Steps

The Planning Commission has not yet made a final decision. The project remains under review. Again, we encourage you to:

• Stay informed and attend upcoming meetings.
• Share their views with the Planning Commission—whether in support or opposition.