Wal-Mart Seeks TIF To Build A Super Center In Florissant

BY CAROL ARNETT

Wal-Mart would like to open in Florissant, but they would like some Tax Increment Financing (TIF) to do so.

Alan Bornstein, with THF Realty, came before the Florissant City Council at the council executive session Monday night to outline plans for the Wal-Mart. The developer has not submitted a formal proposal to the city.

The proposed store would be located on a site behind Lowe’s. The site is approximately 42 acres, Bornstein said. A Wal-Mart Super Center and two out parcels would be developed on the site. The Wal-Mart Super Center would be approximately 100,000 square feet.

Councilman Andrew Podleski asked who would own the site. Bornstein replied that it would be owned by THF for seven years, and then Wal-Mart would purchase it. Podleski also asked about the small strip mall containing Klondike Coffee and other stores.

“We are interested in acquiring those stores as an investment opportunity,” Bornstein said, “but that area is not part of this plan.”

Podleski also asked what would happen to the Ferguson Wal-Mart. “It will stay open,” Bornstein said. “It is in the process of an in-store remodel.”

Podleski noted that the proposal includes a TIF. “Will you do this project without the TIF?” Podleski asked. “No,” Bornstein replied.

“I usually equate TIF with land preparation and demolition,” said Councilman Tom Schneider.

He said that the site in question didn’t seem to need much demolition, noted that there were some temporary buildings on the site. Bornstein replied that the site needed work, saying that the soil had issues, and that retaining walls would need to be built.

Council President Keith English suggested that council members let Bornstein know if they would not support a TIF for the project, saying that THF may want to know before they spend more money on the project.

THF has not submitted a formal proposal to the city. The developer would also have to go before the St. Louis County Council TIF Commission.

In other news, the council discussed waiving or reducing fees for the use of city facilities for certain groups.

“I want to codify, in an ordinance, our policy,” Councilman Tim Lee said. “I want a consistent, strict policy.” Lee said that he was looking for ideas from the council about whether fees should be reduced or waived, and for whom they should be waived or reduced.

“I would like to see the cost of rentals,” said Councilman John Grib. He noted that the city incurs expenses when the facilities stay open, or need to be set up or cleaned up for a rental. He also noted that the city’s portable stage costs money and staff to move. Grib said he would like to see the cost before he discussed reducing the fees.

“I’d like to see a very strict policy of no waivers, possible reduced fees,” Grib said. “I’m not keen on giving city facilities to religious groups,” he added.

City Attorney John Hessel cautioned the council that waivers and reductions can be a “slippery slope.” He suggested the council set a policy. “It must be consistent and non-discriminatory,” he said. “You must decide who qualifies, and if someone qualifies, they get the discount.”

In other matters, the council held a public hearing on a request by Hokkaido Steak, Sushi and Seafood Buffet regarding a request to open a restaurant at 660 N. Hwy. 67. This would be in the shopping center with Dollar Tree and Las Fuentes.

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