A proposal for the operation of agricultural activities has residents concerned about its effect on the environment.
Solis Real Estate is seeking a conditional use permit (cup) under the proposed use of agricultural research activities for the 5-acre property on the south side of St. Albans Road, west of Hwy. 100.
Fahr Greenhouse had operated as a family business from that site for 70 years. However, Solis Real Estate acquired the property, with its more than 55,000 square feet of greenhouse space, in December 2022.
During the public hearing at the Wildwood Planning and Zoning (P&Z) Commission meeting on Nov. 6, representatives from Solis Agrosciences discussed plans for the facility.
Solis provides product design and R&D services to help plant science companies and researchers accelerate the pace of scientific discovery and commercialization.
Mary Fernandes is president and co-founder of the company, which currently operates out of the Helix Center Biotech Incubator in Creve Couer.
"Our clients are predominantly small, early-stage startup companies," she said. "Much of the work we do occurs in the labs and offices at the biotech incubator."