ST. LOUIS (AP) – A St. Louis gas station known for its association with criminal activities may face closure after having its conditional use permit revoked. A judge in St. Louis recently voided the permit of the Shell gas station located at 721 North Tucker Boulevard and Convention Plaza.
The Neighborhood Improvement Association-Downtown West, Inc. filed a lawsuit against the gas station owner earlier this year, alleging that the station had been operating unlawfully in violation of the city code. Court records indicate that the city’s Board of Public Service had granted permits for the Shell station in 2003 and 2015, while the city code at the time explicitly stated that permits for motor fuel pumping stations were not authorized for use in the Central Business District.
The City of St. Louis, named as a defendant in the case, has declined to comment on the matter.
Paul Puricelli, a representative for the Neighborhood Improvement Association-Downtown West, stated that his clients are advocating for the closure of the gas station. “We hope this decision brings an end to what we consider one of the most troublesome properties in the Downtown business district,” Puricelli said.
Ward representative Rasheen Aldridge also expressed support for the closure, emphasizing the significance of this outcome for the community.
The neighborhood association has until the end of the month to present their proposal to the judge regarding the fate of the business. Neither the Shell gas station owners nor their legal representatives responded to a request for comment from First Alert 4.
This action against the St. Louis gas station not only reflects concerns about its compliance with regulations but also highlights the impact such businesses can have on local communities. Addressing nuisance properties like this gas station is crucial for enhancing safety and the overall wellbeing of the surrounding area.
As the deadline approaches for the neighborhood association to put forth their recommendations, the St. Louis community eagerly awaits the judge’s decision on the fate of this contentious gas station. The outcome of this case could potentially set a precedent for dealing with similar situations in the future.