Schnucks hearing postponed due to large crowds

A public hearing regarding a proposed Schnucks Supermarket on the southeast corner of Kehrs Mill and Clarkson Roads was halted. The Donald "Red" Loehr building in Ballwin was packed, with several hundred residents who were stuck outside the meeting.

The hearing during the Ballwin Planning and Zoning Commission on May 4 regarding the proposal was postponed after hundreds of people showed up to voice their opinions. The crowd was so large that it spilled into the hall and out onto the street. 

"We feel it would be in the best interests to reschedule the meeting," said Jim Mello, attorney for Schnucks. "There are many people who are outside who cannot hear the presentation or be heard themselves."

Mello requested that the Schnucks proposal be the only agenda item at the future meeting, possibly with extended hours to discuss the issue.

Ballwin Planning and Zoning Chairman Michael Wind agreed.

"I think with the nature of the petition this makes sense," Wind said.

The next meeting is scheduled for May 27.

The proposed property is located at 2511 Kehrs Mill Road, a 4.27-acre site at the southeast corner of Kehrs Mill Road and Clarkson Road. 

The property, which has one single-family residence, is surrounded by the Clarkson Crossing Subdivision to the east and south. A National City Bank is across Clarkson Road to the west and the Picardy Hills multiple-family subdivision is across Kehrs Mill Road to the north while Marquette High School is located diagonally across Clarkson Road from the site.

In addition to safety and traffic issues, residents have expressed concerns about issues such as water run-off, sewer, trash, odors, crime, lighting and noise associated with a new commercial development.