Politics & Government

Yet One More Development Headed for Chesterfield Valley

The 10-acre Monarch Center received approval from a divided Chesterfield City Council Monday.

Traffic and safety concerns were behind a split vote at a Monday Chesterfield City Council meeting that moved forward a proposed development at the corner of Edison Road and Long Road. 

The 10-acre Monarch Center by JLA Development had its zoning changed from planned industrial to planned commercial by a vote of 5-3 with council members Dan Hurt, Nancy Greenwood and Barry Fleichsbart voting against it. 

A site plan has not yet been submitted to the city, so specifics on what would go in the new development aren't available. However, a preliminary plan showed six possible buildings, including a gas station/convenience store, a restaurant, an ATM and several retail/office spaces. 

The opposing council members contented that there were too many entrances to the property, or curb cuts, on Long Road and Edison Avenue that were too close together. They also took issue with exceptions granted to the city's setback requirements. 

Greenwood said it had the potential to create a "convoluted" traffic situation. 

"It very much concerns me how it is setup," Hurt said. "In my experience, it won't be safe."

Several amendments were passed to address some of this issues, including one that would restrict access on Edison Road to right in/right out in the event that a gas station is built on the westernmost portion of the property. 

Council members who voted in favor of the development also pointed out that they would have the options of imposing further restrictions when an actual site plan is submitted. 

"I believe in the free market system and personal property rights," said council member Bruce DeGroot. "I wonder about the wisdom of placing four gas stations that close together, but the free market will sort that out."


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