Roberts Automotive has submitted a petition to the Springfield Planning and Zoning Commission for a change in zoning for the parking lot of the old Esquire Theater. Download the petition here… (PDF)
MBBA Letter Opposing the Rezoning
Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting Wed Oct 21
The Springfield Planning and Zoning Commission will hear the zoing case Wednesday night, September 21 at 6:00 p.m. in City Council Chambers Third Floor, Municipal Center West. Planning and Zoning staff have recommended denial of the petition as “spot zoning”. Download their report here…
Ward 7 Alderman Joe McMenamin, in whose ward the zoning change is located, is uncommitted on the request.
Alderman Cory Jobe from Ward 6 is on record against the zoning change petition.
The MBBA is opposed to this zoning request for the following reasons:
– The proposed zoning change is from S2 (community shopping and office district) to B1 (highway business service district.) From the City zoning regulations: “This district is designed to provide particularly for drive-in type of automotive and other services, entertainment and open amusement establishments, all of which tend to interfere with the pattern of prime retail development of convenient shopping. Since many of these establishments are designed to attract the motorist, they may involve lighting or signs, which make them incompatible with residential uses. Since these establishments have a wide service area and generate considerable automotive traffic, they are appropriate along major thoroughfares. ”
– The proposed use is not in sync with the MacArthur Master Plan, which recommends the South Grand and MacArthur corner be used for pedestrian-friendly mixed-use retail and residential with greenspace. Indeed, the Master Plan recommends consolidation of automotive businesses in an area north of Stanford and East of MacArthur.
– – With 59 zoning variances granted in the past 55 years, the lack of planning is painfully obvious to anyone who regularly travels MacArthur Boulevard. See Chris Britt’s cartoon below and in the Sept. 2 State Journal-Register…
– The project had been promoted to representatives of MBBA as a new type of high-end dealership, but the petition indicates the intent is to move the current business from Sixth Street to MacArthur.
– The project promoters did not approach the MBBA or neighbors with a business plan and request their support in advance.
– The petition was submitted without notifying the Ward 7 Alderman, Joe McMenamin.
The MBBA will provide updates on its website, www.shoponmacarthur.com and via eNews, including information on meeting dates for the Planning & Zoning Commission and the City Council.
Chris Britt in the September 2 State Journal Register: “Beautiful MacArthur”
MacArthur today: no plan; 59 variances in 55 years