Petition to Oppose New High-Density Housing in Hermann

We, the undersigned residents and stakeholders of Hermann, MO urge Mayor Cox and the City of Hermann to reconsider the proposal for a high-density housing development in the Bavarian Hills Plaza in Hermann. We believe that such projects pose significant risks and challenges to the safety, well-being, character, and sustainability of our community.

Reasons for Opposition:

1. Crime and Impact on Quality of Life: Higher population density can strain law enforcement resources and lead to challenges in maintaining public safety and security. High-density housing can alter the fabric of our community, leading to increased crime, noise, and pollution. Hermann already has a great deal of vacant housing, and more will increase blight. We do not want to see a repeat of incidents like the shooting at Casey’s which is just blocks away from the proposed site.

2. Dam Safety: In addition to concerns about safety from crime, we are concerned about the safety of residents who would live in this housing project. The site is in close proximity to See Tal dam, which is a class-one high risk dam which would cause “probable loss of life” if breached. The water from a breach would cover the property in question within four minutes.

3. Infrastructure Strain: Our town's infrastructure, including policing, roads, sewer system, and utilities, is already under pressure. Introducing high-density housing would exacerbate these strains, leading to increased problems with roads and utilities and insufficient public services.

4. Loss of Character: Hermann prides itself on its unique character, charm, and heritage. In fact, these qualities are integral to our town’s appeal as a tourist destination. High-density housing projects could compromise these attributes, disrupting the aesthetic appeal and historical significance of our town and reducing its appeal to tourists and prospective families considering relocating to Hermann.

5. Existing Properties: In addition to our concerns about high-density housing, we believe there is a significant opportunity to revitalize our community through the rehabilitation of existing properties. By prioritizing the renovation and adaptive reuse of underutilized buildings and vacant lots, we can breathe new life into our town while preserving its historic character and charm. Rehabilitating existing properties not only reduces the need for extensive new construction but also promotes sustainable development practices that make efficient use of resources. This approach fosters a sense of pride and ownership among residents while attracting investment and fostering economic growth in our community.

Proposed Solutions:

1. Balanced Development: We support responsible development that respects the scale, character, and needs of our community. There are new apartments currently under construction in the yellow building on Jefferson street. This will add substantial rental supply and likely take years to fill. Any new housing projects beyond that should only take place if it can be demonstrated that there is demand. New development should adhere to sensible density guidelines and incorporate amenities that enhance rather than detract from our town.

2. Community Engagement: Decision-making processes regarding development should involve meaningful input from residents. Transparent communication and collaboration between developers, local authorities, and the community are essential to ensure that proposed projects align with the best interests of Hermann residents.

Conclusion:

We, the undersigned, strongly oppose the introduction of an apartment development in Bavarian Hills Plaza. We believe that prioritizing sustainable, balanced growth is crucial to preserving the safety, unique character, and livability of our community.

By signing this petition, we call upon Mayor Cox and the City of Hermann to heed our concerns and reconsider the approval of the apartment project in Bavarian Hills, Hermann, MO.

**We are not soliciting or accepting donations, so ignore the page that pops up asking for donations after you sign.