Florissant Residents, Business Owners Speak on Walmart

Although the Florissant City Council only took the first reading on the proposed Walmart amendment bill, that didn’t stop a number of residents and business owners from coming out to voice their support or opposition.

During the hearing from citizens’ section, a number of residents gave their support to the development coming to town, while others suggested for the development to be moved into a vacant space in Jamestown Mall.

The City Council is considering an amendment to its previously approved ordinance, Ordinance 7876, for Walmart, which would allow for the development site to be rotated and change a few other parts of the development.

One resident, who has lived in Florissant for 44 years and has her home behind the proposed development area, suggested that St. Louis Bank, who owns the undeveloped property at 3350 and 3400 N. Highway 67 and 3605 Seville, buy her property and build the Walmart.

St. Louis Bank Chairman Bob Chambers spoke to the City Council and asked for them to approve the amendment. He said that this would be a big boost to the City of Florissant in bringing vitality and further funding to the area school districts of Ferguson-Florissant and Hazelwood.

Chambers also told the Council that the bank supported and pushed for the Transportation Development District (TDD) for an investment in the infrastructure.

St. Louis Bank has owned the undeveloped property for the past three years after it underwent foreclosure, Chambers said. He said they would like for this to go through so that it’s finally built and infuses life into the community.

The first reading of the amendment, Bill 8911, took place Monday, and the Council will vote on it at its next meeting, April 22. 

For other coverage of Walmart, check out: 

• So What's the Next Step for Walmart?
• Walmart Gets OK From Florissant City Council