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Council May Override P & Z For New Florissant Oaks McDonald’s
BY CAROL ARNETT
The Florissant Planning and Zoning Commission said “no,” but the city council seems prepared to say “yes” to a new McDonald’s restaurant in the city. The council held a public hearing on the proposal to rezone property at 15 Florissant Oaks Shopping Center from one commercial zoning to another for a McDonald’s.
The property is at the corner of Lindbergh and Patterson in the front of the shopping center. Several years ago, a building on the site was torn down. The site has remained vacant since.
Councilman Andrew Podleski recused himself from the public hearing, saying he is related to a real estate broker who works with McDonald’s.
The proposed restaurant would be 4200 square feet in size, and operate a 24 hour drive-through.
Councilman John Grib noted that in the past, Hooters and Hardees restaurants were proposed for the site, and both were approved by the Planning and Zoning (P and Z) Commission before the proposals fell through. “I’m all for it,” Grib said.
Councilman Tim Lee said that when something was declined by P and Z, “I look at it very carefully.” But, he said, in this case, he disagreed with P and Z and was in favor of the restaurant.
Councilman Keith Schildroth said he echoed Lee’s comments, and said “I’m glad the restaurant is coming, especially in these tough economic times.”
The council also held another public hearing regarding a restaurant request. Little Caesar’s would like to open in Surrey Plaza 1, at 2632 North Highway 67. The store would be carry-out only.
Schneider, Kelly Honored
In other matters, the council passed resolutions honoring Judge Tim Kelly and Councilman Tom Schneider for 30 years of service to the city.
The council said Kelly has been an asset to the city, offering suggestions to the council for improving the court, offering compassion to young offenders, and working with several organizations in youth sports.
Schneider was re-elected in the April elections. He has been the Ward 4 Councilman for 30 years. Schneider and his wife Rachel have been married 39 years, and have six children. Schneider is a proud veteran, having served with the U.S. Navy Seabees on two tours of duty in Vietnam and one in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. He remains active in veteran’s issues.
Schneider was the city engineer from 1976 to 1978. He was elected to the council in 1979. He has served as both president and vice president of the council, and was re-elected by the council Monday night to serve as President for the second year in a row.
Schneider has been very active in the Drug and Alcohol Resistance Education (DARE) program, and started the Project Lift Off Holiday party for fifth through eighth graders.
Schneider has been active in the St. Louis County Municipal league. He currently serves on the Executive Board and has served on several other league committees.
