The attempt to rezone a Nichols Street property moved past a hurdle this week.
The old stone building near downtown Fulton was lastly home to Curves, and at one time, it was a repair facility. The owners of 711 and 715 Nichols St. are trying to change the zoning back to commercial. After the property was vacant for six months, the commercial zoning designation reverted to residential.
The owners want it to change back - it may be easier to sell and bring more money, according to members of Court Street United Methodist Church. Perhaps they have God on their side as Bill No. 1514 passed its first reading.
In a public hearing regarding the rezoning, church member Les Hudson and Pastor Rebecca Dunger Peak spoke for the rezoning request.
"We need to help that property continue use as a commercial property," Peak said.
The on-slab stone building is 3,200 square feet, and according to real estate website houseofbrokers.com, it was built in 1860. It comes with a double lot and a half bath, with a gas furnace, central air and a water heater, as well as a large front room with a rear office and closets. Its listed price was $89,900.
Also, City Council members approved a contract to tear down the old city warehouse on Westminster Avenue. The contract is with a low bidder, JTL Landscaping of Florissant. Five bids were received ranging from $49,134-$90,000, and this came in well under the anticipated cost even with a detailed list of project specifications. After the contract is signed, the project has to be completed within 60 days.
This project tears down the main warehouse building in the center of the property only. Remaining buildings and the slab will not be removed.
City Council members also approved a lower speed limit on Old Jefferson Road, from Cote Sans Dessein Road 750 feet south. This is now a school zone as Kingdom Christian Academy has reopened at the First Assembly of God.