The Maplewood City Council was set to vote on a request to open a liquor store at the former 7 Eleven location at 2423 S. Big Bend, but after seven nearby neighbors spoke strongly against it at the Tuesday council meeting, the petitioner spoke last and told the council that he would respect the wishes of the neighborhood and withdraw his application.
The residents who live near the location listed many reasons why a liquor store opening there was a bad idea: its proximity to MRH and Ryan Hummert Park, the intersection already has too many accidents, it would hurt property values, and there are already several liquor stores nearby, among others.
Lamira Martin, who lives on Zephyr Place near the store said there were skirmishes when the 7 Eleven was there and didn’t expect any better with a liquor store. Later after the resolution she said the surprise decision in the meeting “restored her faith in humanity.”
Mayor Barry Greenberg said the city would work with the owner to find the best use of the building. He also pointed out that when residents turn out and express their opinion it can make a difference, adding that the developer that had wanted to build a senior living project that would have required demolishing the Immaculate Conception school building, decided to look for other options following the meeting where many residents came out against it.
The council also approved (in the first two round of votes) a revised ordinance that was previously voted down. The purpose of the ordinance is to prevent a small house from being torn down and replaced with a much larger house. Greenberg called it a neighborhood preservation act.
But the ordinance previously was determined to be too restrictive. The maximum addition allowed for a house was increased from 225 square feet to 500, which is large enough for a an ADA-compliant expansion that includes a bedroom, closet, hallway, washer, and
dryer.
Letters were sent to nearby residents. I don’t know how far that distance from the building was, but, it didn’t go farther than the first few homes from the proposed sight.
I live on Jerome (behind this 711 building) and curious, how do people learn about the proposed use of this location? I was not aware and definitely would have voiced my opposition to a liquor store.
Lo, it was on the meeting agenda. Maybe someone saw it there and the word got out. Meeting agendas are published on the city website usually at least 24 hours before the meeting. Here’s the link to the city council meeting agendas: https://www.cityofmaplewood.com/government/resources/city_council.php
Well, look at that-community voices actually being heard and valued…this is such a refreshing change from what we had under the former authoritarian mayor.
You realize the DEVELOPER backed out because of what concerns were brought…right??? And you also realize we still have the same city council too, all with their own votes…
You realize the former mayor cut one of the two public sessions that were part of council meetings, right? And sadly, yes-the same council save for one who tried ramming through the idiotic Prop J and who worshipped at the altar of Knapper, right?
Try again.
Trivia question 1: What was at that location prior to it becoming a 7/11?
Brinkmeyer Plumbing. They had a sign with a bubble shape hanging from it.
Trivia question 2: What was at the corner of Rannells and Big Bend prior to the apartments being built?
Confectionary. Maplewood had one on just about every corner in the 1950’s. Along with a pub. Pub in the basement of the building at Rannells and Big Bend, Porta’s if I recall. Building still there. My grandma took me there so she could have a beer and I played on the pool table and got Juicy Fruit gum.