The planning advisory committee for the St. James Comprehensive Plan discussed a future land use draft map at its meeting Thursday.

Candace Connell led group discussion on the draft of the future land use map for the city.

“This map will effect the zoning map and it will effect the community growth,” Connell said.

City engineer Jeff Meadows presented research on future development in utilities.

Meadows examined maps including the sewer system layout in future development areas. The maps showed drainage and pump systems. He also looked at water and gas systems.

“We focus on what a developer would want in an area but look at how it would serve in the greater system,” Meadows said.

The committee divided into smaller groups to examine the draft land use map.

Connell reviewed land use category definitions on the map including areas such as residential land use, government and institutional land use and commercial land use.

“We need a final draft map and need to talk about involving the public in this process before presenting to City Council,” Connell said.

Each group reviewed the draft and gave input for the future land use map including preserving historical houses and reserving a spot for a new public space in the downtown area.

Before dismissing, the committee discussed how to increase public participation and noted holding a 'mega meeting.'

The group also considered combining a presentation of the final land use map with a presentation for the final construction plan of the Elementary school.

The next planning meeting will be held at 5 p.m. Feb. 25 at the Meramec Regional Planning Commission in St. James. The group will be discussing chapter six of 'BoomTown USA.'