Developer Sues City of Troy, Seeks to Overturn Park Hills Phase 7 Zoning Decision

TROY, Mo. — One of the most controversial development battles in recent Troy history is now headed to court.

After months of packed meetings, neighborhood opposition, heated debate and a Board of Aldermen vote that stopped the proposed Park Hills Phase 7 apartment development, the companies behind the project have filed suit against the City of Troy.

Rowles Company and STRAQR Properties VI LLC are asking a Lincoln County judge to overturn the city's zoning decision, declare the ordinance invalid and allow the proposed development to move forward under the zoning regulations that existed when the project was first submitted.

A representative for Rowles Company spoke before the Troy Board of Aldermen during the April 2026 meeting as city officials considered zoning changes affecting the proposed Park Hills Phase 7 development.

The lawsuit stems from a series of events surrounding the proposed 60-unit apartment development that became one of the city's most closely watched issues earlier this year.

Developers submitted plans in January for three apartment buildings on approximately 3.8 acres within the Park Hills development. The project advanced through the city's review process, received approval from the Planning and Zoning Commission and was recommended for approval by city staff after officials determined it complied with Troy's zoning regulations.

Instead of receiving a final vote, the project was delayed while additional traffic information was gathered.

Then came the April municipal election.

Local coverage supported by Gateway Taxi — dependable local rides, airport transportation, and service across Lincoln County and surrounding areas.

The lawsuit argues the outgoing Board of Aldermen used its final meeting before newly elected officials took office to fundamentally change the fate of the project.

City leaders first approved an ordinance removing multi-family residential use from the property's zoning classification before voting to deny the apartment development because apartments were no longer a permitted use on the site.

The developers argue the city changed the rules after the approval process was already underway, effectively eliminating a project that had already cleared multiple steps in the city's review process.

The lawsuit asks the court to declare the zoning amendment invalid, restore the property's previous zoning, prevent the city from enforcing the ordinance and require officials to reconsider the development under the prior zoning classification. It also seeks compensation for what the developers describe as lost development rights, along with court costs and other relief.

Updated response section

Lincoln CountyWatch reached out to Troy Mayor Quentin Laws, City Administrator James Knowles, City Clerk Carla Ayala, and representatives for the developer before publication.

Mayor Quentin Laws said he could not comment on pending litigation but added that, as mayor, he represents the residents of Troy rather than outside development interests. He said his responsibility is to protect the best interests of the community and that he will continue to stand up for the people who live, work and raise their families in Troy.

City Administrator James Knowles said the City of Troy had not been served with any summons and was not aware of any pending litigation at the time of his response. Because of that, he said the city had no comment.

Lincoln CountyWatch will update this story if additional responses are received or if the city is formally served with the lawsuit.

Coverage supported by A-One Automotive & Trailer Repair, providing automotive maintenance and trailer repair services throughout Troy and Lincoln County.

---

About Lincoln CountyWatch

Lincoln CountyWatch is part of the County Watch Network (CWN), an independent local news organization providing fact-based coverage of Lincoln County and the surrounding region. Our reporting includes breaking news, public safety, local government, courts, business, community events, weather, and investigative journalism.

Our newsroom is not affiliated with any law enforcement agency, fire department, EMS agency, government entity, court system, political organization, or elected official. Editorial decisions are made independently and are based on available facts, public records, court records, official documents, interviews, photographs, video evidence, on-the-record statements, and other verified sources available at the time of publication. Articles may be updated or corrected as additional verified information becomes available.

Individuals mentioned in our reporting are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. The filing or non-filing of criminal charges, an arrest, or the existence of an investigation should not be interpreted as evidence of guilt.

For corrections, clarifications, news tips, event submissions, or story ideas, contact tips@lincolncountywatch.com.

Story by: John Eads

Primary Sources

• Lincoln County Circuit Court petition filed by Rowles Company and STRAQR Properties VI LLC

• City of Troy Board of Aldermen meeting records

• City of Troy Planning and Zoning Commission records

• City of Troy ordinances

• Lincoln CountyWatch reporting from Board of Aldermen meetings

• Lincoln CountyWatch interviews and email requests for comment

• Public court records