WILDWOOD - Some residents who look at this parcel of fields and woods envision $400,000 brick homes and "For Sale" signs.

But then there are others who believe all that should be built is a giant fence; the only sign should say, "Keep Out!"

For years, the seemingly pristine tract along Strecker Road has been an anomaly, open space amid acres of subdivisions. Words like "dioxin," "benzene" and "Superfund" have kept developers away.

Just last fall, it appeared the land would finally overcome its toxic history. The city approved a small subdivision to be built within the boundaries of what was once one of the most contaminated sites in the state and next to the former headquarters of infamous polluter Russell Bliss.

 It would be the first time in Missouri that homes had been built on a Superfund site.

And yet, ever since the "Strecker Forest" development was approved, the project has been mired in debate. Some residents were skeptical the land was safe. Local officials questioned whether government testing was adequate and sought an independent review.

Then came the most recent rumor about the project. Did a multinational company really pressure a city consultant not to test the site for contaminants?

A few City Council members had their suspicions. One decided everyone should know what she had heard. So, at the June 9 council meeting, Councilwoman Tammy Shea leaned into the microphone and revealed the company in question: Solutia Inc.

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