West County Honda Lot Idea Goes Back to P&Z

West County Honda dealership is looking to expand for lot storage space and working with property owner Lee Allen to make that use work for a lot on Old State Road across from Pierside Lane.

At the Sept. 12 Ellisville Planning and Zoning meeting, Allen requested a recommendation for a boundary adjustment and zoning switch on his land. The switch would be from M-1 Light Industrial to C-5 Commercial Zoning, allowing the dealership expansion to operate on the 2-acre lot.

After a 4-3 vote, a negative recommendation pushed through to city council (at least 5 votes must be in favor for a positive recommendation), necessitating a super majority city council approval to be passed. Allen's attorney, Todd Massa, presented other options during a public hearing at the city council meeting Sept. 19, requesting council feedback on possible alternatives to keep the M-1 zoning with the same lot operation.

"I don't want to lose potential uses an M-1 allows," Allen said. "The zoning switch was recommended by the city."

According to city code, M-1 allows uses ranging from a convenience or grocery store to a public park. In an attempt to provide storage space for cars for West County Honda, Massa suggested making the lot a parking lot or garage, as permitted by M-1 zoning.

Councilman Matt Pirrello moved to suspend the public hearing until a "clear understanding" was reached as to what Allen wished to pursue. The council agreed the issue would be sent back down to Planning and Zoning for consideration as a potential M-1 use. 

The right-of-way dedication plat and boundary adjustment plat ordinances associated with the project were both tabled until a use is determined.