Whether Skinker DeBaliviere will have its own Walgreen's continues to be up in the air. There are new plans but also a contending use for the proposed site. Following is a compilation, in condensed form, of some of the critical events regarding the possible arrival of this emporium.
In May of this year, the request of developer Pat Kelley to locate a Walgreen's on DeBaliviere and Pershing on land owned by Ted Krakover was stymied by the Board of Adjustment. Due to a change in state law, the Board was unable to rule on the request for a zoning variance needed for the Walgreen's. The strip of land is in two parcels, one zoned residential and one commercial. At that time, the Skinker DeBaliviere Community Council did not oppose this development although a number of neighbors testified against it.
At the end of July, MetroLink opened. It was a success beyond the hopes even of its designers. People immediately began to use the vacant lot at DeBaliviere and Pershing (owned by Krakover and directly across from the Forest Park MetroLink station) as a parking lot while using rapid transit. However, through perhaps a misunderstanding a number of cars were towed from the lot on a Friday evening. The resultant publicity helped Bi-State to enter into a month-to-month lease with Krakover for the property for a sum of $2,000 a month. The lot has been heavily utilized since. Bi-State had talked to the owner in months prior to MetroLink's opening about either buying or leasing the property. The purchase price was steep and Bi-State was short on cash. The owner did not agree to a temporary lease before 20 families had their cars towed and had to pay $140 apiece to redeem them.
In August, Krakover and his architect met with Alderman McGuire to resolve difficulties in the site plan and building design. They had not changed their desire to have a Walgreen's on the site of the now MetroLink lot.
Krakover and the architect came to the SDCC meeting of October 11. They presented their new plans and agreed to have certain restrictions the Council wanted recorded against the land to facilitate enforcement. Such conditions included a prohibition against the sale of alcoholic beverages, restricted hours, provision of security and control of litter.
The Council discussed the presentation and the status of the site at length. Many people spoke of the importance of the MetroLink parking lot and preferred a parking lot to a Walgreen's. Five residents from the 57xx block of DeGiverville said they preferred the parking lot.
A spokesperson from Bi-State, Jim Herries, said the site was desirable for a park and ride lot but he could not speak of plans to acquire it because of the agency's present lack of funds. Alderman McGuire discussed the amended site design and building design. He said it was an improvement but that the best use would be as a MetroLink lot.
The Council tabled action on Krakover's amended plans and asked the Executive Director, Kim Koenig, to write Bi-State and ask them to state their intentions in an expeditious manner.
Right after the SDCC meeting, developer Kelley filed for an adjustment to the variance on the property at the Board of Adjustment. A change in state law now made it possible for the Board to rule in the matter. A hearing was set for October 27 although the SDCC had not acted. In the interim, Kelley also presented plans to the Heritage and Urban Design Commission for approval. The SDCC was not informed nor was the alderman.
On October 26, the SDCC received a letter from Bi-State expressing their desire to purchase the property and their attempts to obtain funding so that they could do so. They also mentioned the possibility of shared usage with a Walgreen's on the surface and an underground parking facility.
At the hearing on Oct. 27, Krakover's son and the architect spoke in favor of the development. Alderman McGuire and SDCC Director Koenig opposed the variance for a Walgreen's because of Bi-State's interest in the land, the sentiment supporting Bi-State's use of the property, and mentioned that an agreement had not been entered between the owner and the SDCC. Both McGuire and Koenig said that if a variance were to be granted it should be contingent on the restricted uses cited above being recorded against the land in a three-way agreement between the owner, Walgreen's, and the SDCC.
Other speakers opposed Walgreen's as an inappropriate use for the site because of a possible increase in crime and traffic or spoke of the importance of a MetroLink parking lot at this site.
At the close of the hearing, Pat Kelley, the developer, was asked if he would be willing to allow more time to meet with the SDCC. He said yes, there was only one point of contention in the agreement. He said Alderman McGuire, however, had asked him not to ask for a postponement. McGuire denied that. Then Kelley said he had talked to Koenig. She denied having said that and also added that there was more than one point left to be decided. And, Bi-State had to be heard from.
The Board decided to take the matter under advisement until November 17 and asked for further information from the developer, Bi-State, and the SDCC who are to submit letters of intent or opposition.
Perhaps we will then learn whether there will be a Walgreen's at DeBaliviere and Pershing, a permanent MetroLink park and ride lot, a combination, or the saga will be continued into yet another year. In the meantime, the word is that a Walgreen's will come to the Loop in the near future.
If you have an opinion to voice on this subject, send your comments to Leroy Grant, Room 400, City Hall, St. Louis, MO, 63103 before November 17.
Original newspaper source
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, November 1993.
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