Politics & Government

Plan Would Shift Council Representatives' Districts

Population changes reflected in the 2010 census are guiding a redistricting effort in Richmond Heights that would mean some residents have new City Council representatives.

A number of residents could find themselves with new City Council representatives next year under a plan discussed Tuesday.

The proposal would shift 257 residents living in the western part of District 1 into District 4. The affected area is bordered by South Hanley Road to the west; Clayton Road to the north; Surrey Hills Drive and Laclede Station Road to the east; and Highway 40 to the south. Councilmen Paul Lore and Matt Casey represent District 1, while Councilwomen Camille Greenwald and Connie Williams represent District 4.

The decision to shift district boundaries is part of an effort to ensure each of the city's four districts contains approximately 2,150 people each, said David Reary, who is filling in for City Manager Amy Hamilton while she is on maternity leave. Figures from the 2010 census are guiding the process, and the council plans to vote on whether to accept the changes this fall, ahead of the April election.

While living patterns in the city haven't changed, the economy has affected development in District 4, Reary said. The city lost hundreds of dwelling units with the , and it lost dozens of additional units when MoDOT purchased Town and Country Apartments as part of the Highway 40 overhaul.

Chicago-based Draper and Kramer has expressed interest in developing the Manhasset Village site when the economy turns around, Reary said. But for now, the 20 acres of land sits vacant. He said he's hopeful that in 10 years, development will help return District 4 to its current makeup.

At a work session Tuesday night, before deciding upon one to pursue.

Known as Plan A, it also would shift 223 residents of District 3 into District 1. The affected area is bordered by Big Bend Boulevard to the west; Ethel Avenue to the north; Highland Terrace to the east; and Wise Avenue to the South. Councilwoman Gina Mitten and Councilman Edward Notter represent District 3.

Casey, one of the District 1 representatives, said during the meeting he favors the plan because it would move fewer people than another option, known as Plan C, that the council discussed.

Lore, also from District 1, declined to give an opinion during the meeting, saying he would defer to Casey.

"It's going to be his ballgame, so to speak," said Lore, whose term expires next April.

Mitten, from District 3, also voiced favor for the plan. Her counterpart in that district, Edward Notter, indicated his support for another option known as Plan C.

The city will now draft an ordinance about the changes. The council is expected to review the ordinance for the first time at its Sept. 19 meeting and consider approving it Oct. 3.

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