CHESTERFIELD, Mo. – The city of Chesterfield is set to have a new trial in a lawsuit involving left turns, following a previous jury verdict that ordered the city to pay $2 million in damages.
The lawsuit was originally filed in 2017 by Energy Marketing 709, the company behind a gas station seeking redevelopment. The company alleges that the city has impeded their efforts to redevelop a property due to its zoning policies. Specifically, Chesterfield approved an ordinance in 2014 that prohibited left turns to access points from Chesterfield Airport Road.
According to an attorney for Energy Marketing, the company has had longstanding plans for expanding a gas station-convenience store, car wash, and retail building, which has led to a lengthy legal battle.
In October, a St. Louis County jury awarded $2 million in damages for an “unconstitutional takings” claim, but no damages were awarded for an alleged due process violation. The city of Chesterfield has filed a motion for a new trial, while Energy Marketing is seeking nominal damages in addition to the verdict.
During the previous legal proceedings, Chesterfield argued that the company was not prevented from developing the property because of a single point of access. A court order in 2019 confirmed that St. Louis County had the exclusive right to control traffic movements and ensure traffic safety.
A case management conference hearing is scheduled for this upcoming Friday. FOX 2 has reached out to the City of Chesterfield clerk’s office for comment on the lawsuit Tuesday, but has yet to receive a response.