Politics & Government

Planning Commission Approves Tow Yard

The next step for the proposed towed car yard and vehicle repair facility is approval by the County Council.

The St. Louis County Planning Commission unanimously approved rezoning the lot at New Hampshire Avenue and Weber Road for a new tow yard and vehicle repair facility.

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The commission had previously delayed its vote, worried that the decaying buildings at the site would be an eyesore for residents. 

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"The neighborhood deserves better than that," commission chairman Wayne Hilzinger said.

Responding to the commission's fears, developers say they will make the following improvements to the lot:

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  • Gutting and rehabbing the old railroad building, which will be used for vehicle repair work and the administrative offices,
  • Removal of debris, weeds and brush,
  • Repairing and resealing parking areas,
  • Installing a video security system,
  • Repairing and repainting the outside of the building and
  • Installing a vinyl sight-proof fence.

The work would be completed within 18 to 24 months, developers said.

“Jason (Opperman, the site’s owner) assured me that the area will stick out like a sore thumb because it will be the nicest in the neighborhood,” said the attorney representing the tow yard, John King. 

Hilzinger said the commission felt reassured by having the developers' proposals in writing. The commission voted unanimously to approve the tow yard's zoning request with no discussion.

Next, the County Council will have to approve the zoning.

For more on this issue, check out Patch's previous stories:


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