City again tables zoning issue pending planning commission review
By Times-Tribune staff
The Troy City Council met briefly Jan. 3, again tabling a contentious zoning issue as it awaits additional review by the planning commission.
In question is the zoning status of 2466 Formosa Road. Developer James Malecek, of St. Louis, is seeking to build a storage business there. The business will include storage units as well as boat and recreational vehicle storage.
The property had been zoned as agricultural historically, until it was annexed by the city in October. City officials have said that the current status of residential is a default position for all new annexations.
During a Dec. 8 meeting of the Troy Planning Commission, members of that board voted 4-1 to change zoning of the property from residential to commercial. The planning commission vote included a caveat there will be a 100-foot “green space” buffer between the business and the neighborhood.
However, at the Dec. 8 planning commission meeting, the issue met with fierce opposition by members of a 55-plus living community which adjoins the property. Many voiced concerns at the meeting that the business would affect quality-of-life issues in their neighborhood.
At the Dec. 19 meeting of the Troy City Council, members sent the issue back to the Troy Planning Commission for further review. City engineer Tom Cissell at that meeting told members a better fit for the property would be light industrial, as opposed to commercial, as less traffic would be generated.
Thus, pending the Jan 12 planning commission meeting, the issue was again tabled at the Jan. 3 meeting of the Troy City Council.
Police Chief Brent Shownes gave his monthly report during the meeting. He told council members during the weekend of Dec. 31 police located a stolen vehicle, however, warrants were pending and further details could not be released at this time.
Shownes also said installation has begun on a new license plate reader. He estimated the reader should be ready in about a week, depending on the weather.
Director of Public Works Rob Hancock also offered the department’s monthly report. He said the department fought a frozen water line for some controls in the wastewater treatment plant. The department also had to repair a water main break on Kimberlin and High streets.
Both issues happened during an arctic blast in December that drove temperatures below 0-degrees.
Hancock also updated members that department employees are continuing to update and stay current on requirements for fluoride certifications. He said of all the departments in the county, Troy for the past 26 years has met 100% compliance.
The next meeting of the Troy City Council is set for 6:30 p.m. Jan. 17, a Tuesday, as the normal meeting time of Monday falls on the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday.
