By Maria Hickey, Tom Weber, KWMU
St. Louis, MO. – Clayton residents voted Tuesday to limit the use of eminent domain in their city.
The measure passed with 70% support.
But it was an advisory referendum, meaning city officials don't have to abide by voters' wishes.
Clayton Mayor Ben Uchitelle says city officials are taking the vote seriously.
"We will be guided by what the citizens have voted on and we will very careful in the use, or possible use, of eminent domain," Uchitelle said.
But the mayor says the referendum results did not change his support for the Centene project.
Opposition to that project, which will displace a few smaller businesses, sparked the ballot question.