Politics & Government

Where to Expand Arnold's Boundaries

Arnold's adding residents and businesses. Eventually, the city will need to expand beyond its current borders.

The City of Arnold has no intentions to annex land, voluntarily or involuntarily, any time soon.

“But we need to be proactive about the city’s future looking five or 10 years down the road,” City Treasurer Dan Kroupa said during the City Council’s work session at City Hall on March 8.

Council work sessions allow councilmen to discuss city issues and possible solutions prior to drafting a city ordinance into law.

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Arnold’s growth will be a quiet and pressing concern within a few years.

The city’s population has grown to about 22,000 from about 19,900 a decade ago, according to Census data.

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Anheuser-Busch InBev announced an $80 million building project, last month, in the city.

Within the last year, Starbucks, Five Guys Burger and Fries, and ’s grocery are among the national retailers that have opened new stores in Arnold. More businesses are planning to set up shop in the city.

There has been huge interest in , a senior-living center, which is under construction across from Ferd B. Lang Park.

All this means a short-term increase in construction and retailing jobs.

In the long-term, as people travel to Arnold for coffee, shopping or work, they will begin to consider moving into the city.

People in City Hall must plan for increased population and the services needed.

“Staff needs to make a cost-benefit analysis on annexation,” City Administrator Matt Unrein said about the possible expansion of the Arnold sewer systems, increasing the police force and spending more city money on free trash service.

Current residents want a walking- and bike-friendly city, said the Arnold Comprehensive Report that is a guide for Arnold’s growth and development. 

Residents also want more parks, a downtown area, and easy-to-travel routes that connect the city’s west side to the east side, the document said.

As residents age, Arnold will need more assisted-living center dedicated to helping seniors and people with disabilities. A hospital may also be needed in the coming years.

City leaders need to consider where to expand Arnold’s boundaries.

Should Arnold expand along Hwy 141 toward Fenton? West toward High Ridge? Or South along Interstate 55 and towards Imperial?

Arnold Community Development Director Mary Holden said city councilmen must give a priority list of areas to annex.

“There is no pressing need for an involuntary annexation,” City Attorney Bob Sweeney said to Ward 1 Councilman Doris Borgelt’s question.

Arnold should consider any annexation as a cooperative strategy with Jefferson County, Sweeney said. The city may be more capable, than the Jefferson County Charter Government, to services to certain areas slightly outside of Arnold’s borders.

The charter government could shift its attention and resources to other parts of Jefferson County, Sweeney said.

Ward 3 Councilman Phil Amato said Mayor Ron Counts should assemble a committee to consider annexation issues and begin a conversation with the charter government.

The committee and the conversation would only lay a framework for Arnold’s future needs, Counts said.


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