Council approves Menards rezoning

Springfield City Council last night approved a zoning change for land southwest of Sunshine Street and Zimmer Road allowing home improvement chain Menards to build a store and retail center expected to create 200 jobs and $30 million in taxable income during its first year in operation.

At last night’s council meeting, members voted 7-2 in favor of the proposed highway commercial district on 40 acres the city annexed in March at 3705 W. Sunshine St. The property, which had been zoned suburban residential and general commercial, sits just north of the planned $78 million Springfield Plaza retail and office complex, but has residences on three sides. Both council supporters and opponents cited appropriate land use as considerations for their votes. 

Councilwoman Kristi Fulnecky addressed neighbors in the audience and said she respected their concerns, but felt commercial development on that property would be fruitful for the area and the city. 

“I’ve talked to neighbors on both sides, and as a council, we are to determine what is the best use of the land, so it all comes down to that. And I really think the best use of the land is rezoning,” she said, adding infrastructure improvements and jobs that would come with the development are needed. “We’ve lost some manufacturing jobs lately, and I think we need to be clear about what our priorities are.”

Council members Fulnecky, Justin Burnett, Jan Fisk and Ken McClure each spoke in favor of Eau Claire, Wis.-based Menard Inc.’s plans, while Councilmen Mike Schilling and Craig Hosmer – who would cast votes against the proposal – voiced their concerns. 

Schilling said before the vote he had several problems with the zoning change, including the fact the land was annexed by the city to accommodate a retail outlet. He said he felt the problems the development could cause outweigh any potential benefits. 

“The hubbub that’s created, the cacophony of increased traffic, congestion, noise, lighting and all that goes with that kind of development, I don’t find very appealing and in keeping with being a good neighbor,” Schilling said, adding he has concerns about the company’s record regarding water pollution. 

During the April 27 public hearing, several of the neighbors who spoke in opposition to the zoning change cited fear of water pollution and the land’s proximity to Wilson’s Creek, which is within a mile. One nearby resident, Steve Edmondson, cited a $2.5 million fine levied by the state of Wisconsin 10 years ago for Menards’ violations of state water pollution laws. 

Hosmer pointed out Planning and Zoning commissioners had rejected the proposed zoning with a 5-4 vote, and he felt council should follow their lead. 

Burnett said his vote would support business development. 

“If we were to reject this proposal, I think we could be seen as antibusiness, which is not something I could support personally or a sentiment that I think is accurate,” he said.  

Fisk said the city should be welcoming to developers or others would be. 

“I hear comments that allowing this property to commercialize is wrong. We’re not actually adding any new jobs or sales tax revenue. We’re just taking it away from existing, similar stores. In that case, we might as well put up our borders and say, ‘Enough is enough. We don’t need any more new businesses,’” Fisk said. “You know, Republic, Missouri, is closer to this property than you think. I would like to say hi to Gail Noggle. She is Republic’s director of planning and development, and I know she is watching what we do tonight. And she is ready to pick up the pieces if need be. But Gail, I know you have Menards on speed dial on your phone, but, my friend, you can delete that number tonight because Springfield is not only open, but it’s wide open for business.”

The west Springfield Menards is the retailer’s second store planned in the Queen City. In August, Menards signed a $4 million contract with Springfield Public Schools to purchase the former Hickory Hills Elementary property at the corner of U.S. Highway 65 and Chestnut Expressway.