Warrenton aldermen split on multiple Highway 47 proposals; PUD and Dollar General plans fail, Veterans Parkway site plan approved

Warrenton aldermen on July 16, 2024 rejected two planned developments tied to Highway 47 and approved a site plan for a tract on Veterans Memorial Parkway and a separate subdivision, moving the meeting into closed session afterward.

The board first read Bill 38-24, an ordinance approving the preliminary and final plat for the East Highway 47 Dollar General Subdivision. After the reading, roll-call votes recorded six “No” responses and the bill failed (6–0 on no's). A linked site-plan ordinance, Bill 39-24, to approve a site plan for property on the east side of Highway 47 north of Isabella Drive also failed on a 6–0 roll call.

During public comment before the votes, Elizabeth Lum of Amundsen Davis, counsel for DG Properties LLC, asked the board to treat the matter as an administrative review of a plat and site plan rather than a zoning decision. Lum said staff had reviewed the plat and site plan, recommended approval, and that engineering work showed the Isabella curb cut would allow turning and stacking onto Highway 47. She also requested striking Section 3 of the proposed ordinance and told the board she had information that the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) would not approve a curb cut on Highway 47.

City staff and P&Z representatives also presented other development items. Tim Burks, director of planning and development, introduced a proposed Hampton Inn site plan by Lewis and Beatty on behalf of SAMP Hospitality LLC — a four-story, 80-room hotel on roughly 2 acres; staff said the plan was consistent with Chapter 405 of the Warrenton Municipal Code and that P&Z had approved it 7–0 (with absences). During questions, Bart Korman of Lewis and Beatty described two internal entrances off the cinema-development drive, a drive loop around the building, orientation to improve I‑70 visibility, and confirmed the project would be sprinklered.

The board approved Bill 45-24, a site plan for a tract on Veterans Memorial Parkway, on a 6–0 vote. The board also approved Bill 46-24, the preliminary and final plat for TGL 2 Subdivision (a 4.96-acre commercial subdivision that will allow a PUD and future multifamily units), on a 6–0 vote.

Burks then presented the TGL 2 planned unit development (PUD‑003) for a 1.29-acre parcel intended to allow 12 residential units in four buildings. Staff identified multiple deficiencies, most notably that §405.125 of the Warrenton Municipal Code requires a minimum PUD size of three acres; ownership/maintenance covenants and integration between residential and adjacent commercial uses were also cited. P&Z recommended denial 7–0 and the board rejected Bill 47-24 (the PUD ordinance) on a 6–0 roll call.

Other routine reports and announcements included a notice from City Administrator Brandy Walters that Ameren will conduct tree trimming in the area in coming months, a building department update from Building Commissioner Mike Cross noting continued housing and infrastructure activity, and a reminder from Lieutenant Justin Unger of the Warrenton Police Department that National Night Out will be held Aug. 6 at Dikeroger Park in Wright City from 5–9 p.m.

After completing agenda business the board voted to close the regular meeting and go into executive session pursuant to §610.021(1) of the Missouri statutes; the roll call passed 6–0.

Actions and votes recorded during the meeting reflect the board’s current positions on multiple Highway 47–area development proposals; items that failed may return in revised form later, and approved plats/site plans will proceed to their next administrative steps.