QuikTrip Passes, But Citizen Referendum Looms

Maplewood City Council took the last vote on QuikTrip’s move to the intersection of Manchester and Big Bend at its meeting on Tuesday. Mayor James White said the process took longer than any previous measure, including Maplewood Commons.

It passed, with Councilman Shawn Faulkingham voting no. He was opposed to totally closing off Martini Drive, which had already passed as an amendment.

Resident Tonya Powell wants Maplewood residents to have the last say.

She said in public comments that the QuikTrip situation is a “nightmare that has gotten worse,” and that if it passes she’ll organize a referendum and put it to the voters.

“We have no other choice,” she said after the meeting.

“We have five days from tonight to get our citizen group together and register with city hall that we’re going to push for a referendum, then we have 30 days to collect our signatures, and force them to hold a special election and take it to the people.” she said. “Then they’ll have to do the right thing.”

QuikTrip real estate manager Alan Renner said “we’re committed to this deal,” even if QuikTrip has to wait until after a municipal election.

“We actually believe what we’re doing here will make this intersection safer,” Renner said. “We’ve pointed out some deficiencies that the school board has adopted.” He said they’re also working with St. Louis County and MoDOT for improved signalization and signage.

“We’ve come to an agreement on 60-70 percent of them,” he said. “Some just don’t make sense to do.”

School board president Maria Langston said the board is disappointed. “We feel that what ultimately was voted on this evening was not any safer, and in fact creates more issues for the safety of our students.”

The board sent a letter to Mayor James White with a list of requirements days before the meeting.

Mayor James White said the whole safety issue could have been avoided.

“What’s aggravating is, the school district has within its means to cure that intersection by bussing 60 kids,” he said. “That’s all they have to do and the controversy is gone.” He said the district encourages walking and bicycling for the fitness benefit.

Also in Patch:

• Maplewood QuikTrip Vote Tabled Before Final Vote