WEBSTER GROVES, Mo. – The Webster Groves City Council unanimously approved conditional use permits for a new children’s behavioral health hospital in a north Webster neighborhood.

Michael Garcia and his neighbors have fought against the proposal for months, but he says he is not surprised by this decision.

“It became pretty obvious early on in this process that the decision had already been made,” Garcia said.

The new plans presented by KVC Missouri and St. Louis Children’s Hospital are for a 64,000-square-foot hospital with enough room for 77 patient beds and 196 staff members. The plan will also increase enrollment at the already existing day school on the property and add outpatient care.

“There are going to be kids and teenagers that are getting help, and I think that is important. I think the cost of it in our neighborhood is something to still be considered,” Garcia said.

Currently, KVC Missouri operates a school at this location and throughout the property’s history, it has been used for various behavioral healthcare needs. Neighbors have stories of kids escaping. Last year, a nurse died after an accidental collision with a client. Its history and potential for extra traffic have raised questions about safety in the neighborhood.

Councilwoman Emily Hixson Shepherd says she has helped relay concerns to the hospital.

“I talked to a number of people who shared their concerns with me about visual buffers or traffic or the intake process to make sure that was safe and secure,” she said.

Hixson says the new permits granted Tuesday come with some amendments.

“Any changes to the plan would need to come back for additional review, so those protections were taken into account,” she said.

And she says residents should continue to communicate moving forward.

“Several of the councilmembers have been pretty open to feedback; the mayor, very open to feedback. Now, whether they take that feedback, that’s another question,” Garcia said.

St. Louis Children’s declined to interview but sent a statement saying, “We will continue to encourage and engage in conversations and discussions with neighbors to share more about the project and how we can be the best partners to the community.”