Business & Tech

Shrewsbury Small Business Owner is Concerned About Kenrick Development

He's in the TV repair business, and sells them as well. He's hoping his business won't suffer.

A renovated Kenrick Plaza is now on the way, which leaves at least one nearby Shrewsbury business owner with questions.

The Shrewsbury Board of Aldermen approved Tax Increment Financing for the project in a special meeting on Jan. 29.

Joe McMillian owns A-1 Antenna TV Service Company on 7570 Watson Road, across from the planned Kenrick Plaza renovation.

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In an interview, McMillian asked if Shrewsbury has to come up with a funds for the project, and if merchants’ taxes will increase as a result of the financing.

The City of Shrewsbury posted an FAQ on its website on the project and financing. The project is paid for with bonds, which are paid back through revenue generated by the businesses.

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He's concerned about the development's effect on his small business. A WalMart will be the anchor.

“As far as it helping business, I don’t know,” he said. “We’re in the television repair business. We sell a few TVs.  As far as sales go, it will probably hurt us. As far as service, it might help us, I don’t know.”

McMillian has been in business 40 years, and at his current location on Watson Road for 12.

He said his daughter lives in the apartments west of the plaza, and understands she won't have to move. Neither will his business, on the south side of Watson Road.

PGAV Planners describe the development as “located roughly between Watson Road on the south, and Cardinal Glennon Court on the north, Cardinal Ritter Senior Apartments to the west and the Southwest Medical Center to the east.”

McMillain is also concerned about increased crime.

“A lot of those stores, people go in and steal stuff and shoot out of there,” he said. “I’ve seen that happen up in Sunset Hills. We’re scared all the time when we’re here by ourselves. Someone might come and stick a gun at you.”

He also wondered about the business that will be displaced.

“I guess they’re going to have to pay those people, is that right?” he asked. Businesses such as the St. Louis Sports Zone will receive funds to pay for relocation.

See related in Patch:

  • County Commission Votes Against TIF for Shrewsbury Walmart
  • Should Walmart come to Shrewsbury?


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