Gas station proposed next to the JB Bridge
Photo by PL0I10
Plans for the new gas station, above, show the site directly next to the JB Bridge crossing into Missouri from Illinois.
By Gloria Lloyd, News Editor
A gas station and travel plaza/truck stop could be coming to vacant land directly next to the Jefferson Barracks Bridge along Interstate 255 and the Mississippi River.
Residents can attend a videoconferenced public hearing on the development held by the St. Louis County Planning Commission at 7 p.m. Monday, July 27. The hearing will not be archived to view later. The St. Louis County Government Center is currently closed to the public due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Moto Mart is asking for a change of zoning for nearly 11 acres of flood plain-designated land at Interstate 255 and Koch Road, specifically 3800 and 3850 Koch Road. The property is next to the JB Bridge. Moto Inc. is asking for a change in zoning from M1 industrial district, FP flood plain and NU non-urban to M-1 industrial district and FPM-1 and FPM-3 flood plain planned industrial district.
The gas station would capitalize on the phenomenon of Illinois drivers coming into Missouri to buy gas because of the lower gas tax. As of now, the closest gas stations to the South County river crossing from Illinois are on Telegraph Road in Oakville, one more exit down from the Koch Road exit. Moto Mart has a similar gas station at the other end of St. Louis County connecting to Illinois at the first Missouri exit on Interstate 270 in North County at Riverview. Another large gas station is in West Alton, just over the river from Alton, Illinois.
The zoning plan calls for a convenience store with gas pumps, including truck fueling and parking, a fast-food restaurant with a drive-thru and two advertising signs.
The gas station/travel plaza would be a 19,227-square-foot building under the proposal, with 131,894 square feet of new pavement for parking lots and 324,990 square feet of green area. The existing green area is 218,680 square feet, according to plans filed by the developer with the county. Existing pavement area is 257,680 square feet.
A real-estate listing for 3800 Koch Road lists the property at nearly $1.5 million and touts its riverfront property and four barge moorings and two billboards on the property that are leased to Drury Displays.
To attend the hearing, go to www.webex.com/downloads.html and follow the prompts. Click "Join a meeting." Enter Meeting ID 132 005 7697 and password pcph727. To join the meeting by audio, call 408-418-9388. When prompted, enter the Meeting ID and password above.
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