St. Charles Approves Gas Station, Apartments, Outdoor Cafes

On April 27, 2022, the St. Charles Planning & Development Committee convened to review multiple development projects and policy updates, including the Clark Gas Station redevelopment, residential communities, temporary outdoor cafes, and ward boundary adjustments.

Omnibus Bill Approval

The meeting opened with the Omnibus Bill, which contained two routine items. The motion was approved unanimously, allowing the committee to proceed to more substantive development discussions.

Redevelopment of Former Clark Gas Station

The committee considered the redevelopment of the former Clark Gas Station at 11th Street (Item 4C). Key details included:

• Approval for a convenience store and gas station with three fuel pumps.

• Debate focused on traffic safety and potential congestion.

• Applicant Mohammad Shahid Ali justified three pumps as necessary for business continuity.

• Motion passed 7-2, moving the redevelopment forward with conditions on design and spacing.

The Burn Effect Health & Fitness Club Special Use

• Located at 201 South Third Street, the club sought approval for indoor recreation use (Item 4D).

• Staff confirmed parking requirements were met without additional off-street spaces.

• The project also met fire alarm system requirements.

• Motion unanimously approved at 26:11.

Temporary Outdoor Cafe Licenses

Two temporary licenses were reviewed:

Pollyanna Brewing (Item 4E)

• Use of eight city-owned parking spaces for outdoor dining.

• Approved unanimously.

Flagship on the Fox (Item 4F)

• Requested Walnut Avenue closure for outdoor dining.

• Debate over fairness to other businesses and the principle of closing public streets.

• Motion passed 7-1, with future policy development recommended for temporary outdoor spaces and street closures.

Charlestown Lakes Residential Development

• DR Horton proposed 167 units (townhomes and duplexes) on a 28-acre site (Item 4G).

• Conditions included prohibiting parking on King Edward Avenue and using Hardie board siding.

• Project approved unanimously, seen as a needed owner-occupied housing option.

Smith Road Apartment Community

• Proposed 320 apartments on a 25-acre unincorporated site (Item 4H).

• Required annexation into city limits.

• Planning Commission recommended conditions such as perimeter fencing, gate operating hours, and publicly accessible paths.

• Staff addressed water management and market demand concerns.

• Motion approved 7-1, pending final staff review comments.

Ward Population Adjustments

• Recommended minor boundary changes (Option 1) to equalize ward populations after the 2020 Census (Item 4I).

• Motion approved 7-1, maintaining equitable representation across city wards.

Action Items and Next Steps

• Temporary Outdoor Cafe Policy: Develop a comprehensive policy for street closures and temporary cafe permits.

• Smith Road Traffic Study: Conduct a traffic safety assessment to address resident concerns regarding speed and safety.

Conclusion

The April 27, 2022 meeting highlights St. Charles’ focus on balanced development, community safety, and fair business practices. From redeveloping a historic gas station to approving new residential communities and temporary outdoor dining initiatives, the committee is paving the way for sustainable growth while maintaining public interests.