Jamieson and Fyler News: March 20, 2016

Hello Neighbors! Thanks again for subscribing to these Jamieson and Fyler updates.

Status of BB305 and the Liquor License 

The residential rezoning is currently in limbo. The Board Bill (BB305) to rezone the adjacent residential property is sitting with the Board of Aldermen's Housing, Urban Development and Zoning Committee (HUDZ). Alderman Vaccaro has said the city won't rezone from Residential (Zone "A") to Neighborhood Commercial (Zone "F") if Circle K will not rebuild. Circle K has said they won't rebuild if they don't get a liquor license.

To date, Circle K has yet to apply for a liquor license (we are watching that like a hawk).

On a personal note, it makes me frustrated and a bit paranoid that CK is wasting the city's time getting the ball rolling on the rezoning when they need to be focusing on the liquor license. Why are they pushing for rezoning when it is contingent on a liquor license application that is likely to fail -- unless they have something else up their sleeve?

On Canvassing 

Neighbor Felicia Foland has been doing a fantastic job canvassing the neighborhood and recently wrote in: “I see that the few people I spoke with really didn't know what to think of the gas station, so it is imperative we keep talking to neighbors in person, even if we repeat visits from neighbor to neighbor. I think we need to get the word out before the liquor petitioners show up!”

If you are interested in visiting with property owners, registered voters, and/or business occupants within the proposed Petition Circle, but need a few talking points, here are a few to help (do not feel you have to use these):

What is being proposed? 
The Circle K at the corner of Jamieson and Fyler is interested in:

• Purchasing (a contract is pending) and rezoning the adjacent residential property to the east of its current location
• Razing both the house and the current Circle K to build a mega store with (according to their YouTube walk-through) a 20 pump stations (there are currently 10)
• Obtaining a liquor license to sell bulk beer and wine

Why is this bad for the neighborhood? 
A larger station will bring:

• Lower residential property values
• Increased traffic at and around Jamieson and Fyler; an intersection already congested and dangerous
• Increased air, noise, and light pollution
• Increased trash around the neighborhood

What can the community do? 
REFUSE TO SIGN THE PETITION FOR THEIR LIQUOR LICENSE
Circle K must obtain a majority of signatures within a 350ft radius Petition Circle. If those property owners, registered voters, and business occupants refuse to sign the petition for a liquor license, then the City will reject the application. Circle K has stated they are only interested in expanding if they can sell liquor. No liquor license means no expansion. 

 

'SAY NO' Lawn Signs 

Neighbor Brian Alcaraz has made 50 lawn signs for neighbors to put into their yards to let the community know the the Circle K expansion is bad for the neighborhood. If you would like one, please email him at bjtraz@yahoo.com

The Community is Talking

If you are interested in reading and/or commenting with the Lindenwood Park neighborhood online, I recommend checking out:

Facebook > Lindenwood Park Neighborhood in St. Louis

Nextdoor > Lindenwood 

Trolls are everywhere on the Internet and I’ve seen a few outspoken people in both locations who have thrown a lot of vitriol, pushing for the expansion with little data.

I would ask anyone who engages to not escalate the nonsense with accusations and absolutes ("always", "never", etc.). If you must engage, try to use facts you can reference. Take comfort in knowing that the majority of the people on these boards will not be in the Petition Circle and will not be the ones deciding. Engaging face-to-face with our neighbors and friends in the Petition Circle is our best way of defeating this.

Thank you for being part of the solution,

Seth
sethmd73@gmail.com