Forest Park Southeast Development Corp.’s Development Committee voted to oppose a proposal to demolish a three-family building for parking, voted to support a day care center for dogs and tabled a decision on a detailing business at its June meeting.
919-921 S. Taylor
Request for demolition for parking lot for St. Louis College of Health Careers
Project Application
An architect representing the St. Louis College of Health Careers presented a proposal to tear down a building at 919-921 S.Taylor to create an additional 18 parking spaces for the college. According to the owners, the college is landlocked and competing for parking with medical center employees and residents. The college’s owners requested a letter of support to present to the St. Louis Preservation Board, which must approve the demolition.
Committee members objected to removing a building for parking, arguing that the building offers a sense of human scale as one enters the neighborhood. Until recently, the three apartments have been occupied and are in fairly good condition, with some repairs needed. Members suggested the college fully explore alternative parking solutions. The committee voted 4-0 to oppose the demolition.
4501 Chouteau
Request for conditional use for dog day care facility
Project Application
Veterinarian Pamela Clary presented a proposal for a day care center for dogs at Chouteau and Taylor. The center, tentatively named Canine Carnival, would offer socialization and care for up to 40 dogs during the daytime, with no overnight stays or grooming services. The building, once a gas station, has most recently been used as an antique store and a Christian book and pet supply store. Clary requested a letter of support for a conditional use permit for the property, which is zoned local commercial.
The committee voted 4-0 to support the conditional use.
4014 Chouteau
Request for variance for detailing/shoe shine/barbershop
Project Application
James Clark presented a proposal for a detailing shop for 4014 Chouteau, just west of Vandeventer. The business, to be named Details, would cater to luxury car owners as well as offer shoe shine and repair and a barbershop. The property was most recently occupied by an electronic services business. Renovation costs were estimated at $15,000. Clark requested a letter of support for a variance to the Grove Special Use District and the local commercial zoning district, which both prohibit detailing businesses.
Committee members emphasized the visibility of the property, which is located at the eastern entrance to the Grove neighborhood. Members also expressed concern about the relatively low renovation budget. Several property owners have expressed opposition to the project to the committee.
The committee voted 4-0 to table the vote on the detailing business. In the meantime, the developer will answer questions to be submitted by committee members and will meet with area property owners who oppose the project.
Committee members present: Brian Phillips (chair), Sandy Cline, Alex Ihnen, Guy Slay, Seth Teel
Committee members absent: Austin Barzantny, Dan Corbin, Mike Goeke, Dan McGuire, Phil Minden, Craig Nashville, Chip Schloss
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