Despite opposition from local residents and business owners, the Steelville City Council agreed unanimously Tuesday night to allow the rezoning of Judy Bell's property for commercial use, giving her the ability to build her multi-million dollar lodge right in the heart of the city.

Mayor Terry Palmer addressed the issues brought forth by the opposition from the last public hearing in June. “A lot of people want to know about the cost,” Palmer said. “There are two grants we could try. There is USDA money that might be available, and the IDA might be able to furnish employees if your project fits their criteria.”

The biggest issue brought forth during the meeting from opposing residents and a representative from San Val included the amount of watershed the construction site may create. “If it doesn't rain too much,” Ward I Alderman Charles Chipman said, “there won't be a big problem.”

Clearly agreeing with Chipman, Bell said “Yes, watershed is going to be an issue for me because I don't want run off in town anymore than anyone else. My engineers agree that watershed won't be a problem because the way the lodge will be sided will direct water shed down the other side of the hill.” Bell also explained an idea to construct a drainage pool where the water run off will have a place to settle, allowing the vegetation around the pool to absorb most of the moisture.

Even with opposition, several community members, as well as community business and organization leaders showed their support of the potential money-making industry. “I would like to say on behalf of the Steelville Chamber of Commerce that we feel this will be a great asset to the town and community,” explained Steelville Chamber President Becky Teed. “I know Judy will run a professional, well-appointed and luxurious lodge with class and dignity.”

“I will speak in favor of this just as I did two years ago,” Rosella Roberts of the Meramec Music Theatre commented. “Every weekend when we have visitors in town, they ask me where they can stay, and I always have to tell them to go to Cuba. I also have to tell groups coming in with a large bus that they can find somewhere to eat in Cuba to accommodate them. With something like what Judy is offering, they can come, stay, eat, and come to the show, and we can benefit from their taxes.”

“We do have a problem providing accommodations for tourists,” said Sharon Hardecke of Hardecke Real Estate. “We had an issue with a band coming in for Freedom Fest on Saturday, and one of the criteria to have them was to provide lodging for them. Judy was gracious enough to open some of her lodging. It's frustrating to tell people that we don't have a place for them to stay when the tourism is such an interest in this community.”

After answering all questions and addressing all concerns, the alderman voted unanimously to allow Bell's property to be rezoned as commercial to allow her to begin construction on her Bear Cat Lodge. “Realizing there are those of you hear opposing the issue,” Alderman Mike Hatcher explained after the decision was finalized, “I do want to say that we've always tried to make our decisions based on what's best for the entire city, and I do believe this will be good for the city.”