The Festus City Council recently approved plans for new phases of two existing developments.
By 7-0 votes, the council on July 27 approved the plat for the third phase of the Scenic View development east of Scenic Drive on the north side of town. It also approved plans for the second phase of the Birchwood Estates development on land commonly known as “the Burns farm” off West Main Street near Festus Middle School.
Birchwood Estates developer Ryan G’Sell submitted his phase 2 plat indicating 33 single-family lots.
The homes will be available in ranch, story-and-a-half and two-story styles and will be priced in the $200,000 to $300,000 range. He said construction should begin in early September.
“The homes (in Birchwood Estates) have been selling well,” G’Sell said. “We’re connected to the school there. It’s good for the families; their kids can walk to school and the families can be a neighbor of the school.”
Gerard Laiben submitted the plans for 18 single-family homes in the third phase of Scenic View. He did not respond to requests for information about the development.
Scenic View is zoned residential while Birchwood Estates is listed as a planned unit development area.
City Administrator Greg Camp said the new homes signify the public’s continued interest in living in Festus.
“Apparently, Festus is a place where people want to live,” he said. “I think it goes to show the quality of life that we have – the public amenities, the public schools, the cost of the housing.”
It was the council’s first Monday evening meeting since it voted to switch its monthly meeting dates from 7 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesdays to 6 p.m. on the second and fourth Mondays.
Ward 2 Councilman Brian Wehner did not participate in the meeting, which some council members attended in person and others participated virtually.
The meetings remain closed to the public due to recommendations in regard to the COVID-19 pandemic, but residents can view the meetings online.