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Council rezones former Stacks building to allow alternative learning classrooms
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Summary
The Marion City Council approved Ordinance 4088 to rezone the former Stacks building at 950 North Pentecost Road from industrial to C-1 general commercial to house an alternative-learning program; council and residents raised concerns about lighting and school access.
The Marion City Council voted unanimously on Nov. 20 to rezone the former Stacks building at 950 North Pentecost Road from industrial to C-1 general commercial (Ordinance 4088), a change staff said was recommended by the zoning board to allow an alternative learning program to operate classrooms at the site.
Mayor Absher introduced the item and invited the applicant representative, identified in the meeting as Miss Laquata, to speak. Laquata confirmed the planned use would include classrooms for students in grades 7–12, that staff would be on site from about 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and that the school day would run roughly 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. "There will be classrooms," the applicant said when asked directly about program operations.
Council members and others pressed on safety issues around arrival times and site access. One council member noted nearby intersections and Meadowland Avenue are "extremely dark" at certain times of year and asked whether students would be bused; the applicant responded there would be two buses serving the site. Staff discussed utility configurations along the route and said there are both Ameren and Southeastern lines in the area, which has complicated some infrastructure concerns.
The rezoning application was described as having unanimous approval from the zoning board. The council moved, seconded and adopted the ordinance by roll call; members asked staff to consider any independent traffic or lighting needs that could be addressed outside of the zoning action.
Why it matters The rezoning permits an alternative learning program to operate in an existing building within the industrial park, allowing the city and school/regional office to expand options for students. Council discussion focused on ensuring student safety during arrival and dismissal and on clarifying bus service and utility access.
What comes next Staff and the applicant will coordinate on site logistics; the council indicated interest in addressing lighting and access issues as a matter separate from zoning approval.
