On the corner of South Meramec and Bonhomme Ave their lies a big hole filled with water. It is supposed to be the start of construction for The Crossing apartment building.

In the near future there may be a 26 story apartment high rise at this location, but the construction has been put to a halt.

Although the building is still in the pre-construction stage, it already has a history with the Clayton community.

Nearly one year ago the Board of Aldermen voted 6-1 to approve a tax abatement on the Crossing apartment buildings. Since the vote was not unanimous the Citizens of Clayton had the right to request a referendum.

The signatures were sought and received for a referendum, yet the referendum request was denied. Some residents of the Clayton community felt that the City did not legitimately handle the issue appropriately, so these residents took the City of Clayton to court. The lawsuit was filed on behalf five Clayton taxpayers and residents.

Their goal is to give the Clayton community a voice, “We have gone to court to ask that the City be forced to follow the Clayton charter and place the issue on the next ballot,” Dan Phillips said. “Except in very limited circumstances, I am strongly against abatements. They drain money from our schools, roads, and infrastructure, and redirect our communities’ resources to private developers.” 
On June 17 the judge ruled in favor of the City of Clayton. The residents have appealed the case, and the new trial will likely be in December. These tax abatement issues and challenges will not be going away any time soon.