City pens 'no-build' provision in Wal-Mart rezoning case

City of Springfield officials have penned the “no-build” provision that Wal-Mart Stores Inc. representatives last week offered at the highly debated commercial rezoning hearing by Springfield City Council.

During a four-hour public hearing Feb. 11 to rezone about 6 acres near the Campbell Avenue and Grand Street intersection to make way for a fifth Walmart Neighborhood Market in Springfield, Councilwoman Cindy Rushefsky called for an amendment to turn into greenspace 1.8 acres currently used as a parking lot for Calvary Temple/Life 360 church. Representing Wal-Mart, St. Charles attorney Keith Hazelwood told council members the retailer would not build on the site to help ease traffic concerns.

Of the nearly 50 people who addressed council about the prospect of a Wal-Mart store operating in center city, 28 speakers opposed the plans.

According to a city news release, the language in the site plan now reads, “No habitable building, parking or other structure of any nature may be built, but the area may be used for open space and for open space amenities.”

Wal-Mart is seeking council approval to rezone 444 W. Grand St. and 427–515 W. Normal St. to a general retail district with a conditional overlay district from residential high density and residential single family.

A second public hearing was held Feb. 18, and the city is accepting public comments specifically regarding the amendment before voting on the rezoning change Feb. 25.