Council Gives Emmaus the Nod for Group Homes in St. Charles

The St. Charles City Council during its meeting Tuesday unanimously approved six conditional use permits for to continue operating six group homes for developmentally disabled residents.

The six homes could serve up to 23 developmentally disabled people in the city:

• 209 Canary Lane – three people
• 2812 Park Avenue – up to three people
• 1016 Washington Street – up to four people
• 905 South Sixth Street – up to six people
• 2907 Droste Road – up to four people
• 116 Briarcliff Drive – up to three people

The city became aware the homes already were operating when it approved a conditional use permit for another Emmaus-run home at 3345 Town and Country Lane.

Other cities in St. Charles County have passed “density” requirements, banning group homes from locating within a certain number of feet from one another. Those cities include O’Fallon and St. Peters.

However, at past meetings some residents had spoken out against issuing permits for the homes. Some said the group homes would lower their property values.

Emmaus will have to re-apply for the conditional use permits each year.