Blog

By Carol Arnett

The Florissant City Council voted 6-3 to deny a rezoning of property at 13041-13141 New Halls Ferry Road (Plaza Madrid Shopping Center) to allow a daycare to open at the site. The daycare would be open 24 hours.

Councilmen Andrew Podleski, Mark Schmidt, and Tom Schneider voted for the rezoning.

The site is in Schmidt’s ward. “I’ve gotten a lot of calls about this,” he said. He said that although the city’s Planning and Zoning Commission (P and Z) had turned down the request, he still supported it. “The state Licensing Bureau has signed off, the fire marshal has signed off, and the Building Commissioner is OK with this,” he said.

He said the issues he had with the drop-off and pick-up procedure at the site were addressed. “This is a good fit for the Plaza,” he said.

“Tonight on the agenda we have an application for a liquor license in that center,” said Councilwoman Karen McKay. She said a day care would not be a good fit, and mentioned that several neighbors were against the center. “People have a right to be heard,” she said.

Several of the council members who opposed the center said they were impressed with the center and with the owners, but they did not like the location.

Councilman Keith English said he went by to see the center, and was impressed with it. “I almost feel compelled to support it, but it’s still the wrong location,” he said.

“I think long and hard before flipping a Planning and Zoning vote,” said Councilman Keith Schildroth. “I think the concept is good, but not there.”

“I firmly believe it’s in the wrong location,” Mayor Robert Lowery said.

Podleski said there was a need for this type of daycare. It appeals to hospital and nursing home workers, and anyone who works second or third shift, he said.  “This is definitely needed, whether in this location or somewhere else,” Podleski said. “People need a safe place for their children, especially in this economy when they might be working two jobs.”

“I try to put children first,” said Schneider. “I’m sad there was so much opposition to a safe place for kids.”

Share on Facebook

Tweet

Follow us