Dear Editor
I recently attended the Planning and Zoning meeting with regard to the proposed change in zoning to allow for a second Dollar General to be built on Highway 61 South just past Huber Road. The committee voted against the change in zoning after several citizens shared their objections to the change. There were no Dollar General representatives present requesting the change.
The issue will come before the City Council on October 17, 2023 at 6:30 PM. Public comments may be presented at that time. Several issues are of concern to area citizens.
The existing Dollar General is currently under investigation by the State Attorney General for violations of store set-up, misleading pricing and blocked exits and aisles.
The Sutterer neighborhood is a quiet, rural neighborhood. The land adjacent to it is zoned R-5 and changing it to C-2 does not seem appropriate.
It is difficult to drive out of Sutterer Place and Huber Road now at certain times of the day because traffic is coming at 50-55 MPH. Safety on Highway 61 is a major concern. It is complicated by the City of Perryville controlling the land along State Highway 61 and the State controlling changes to the highway if traffic were to increase.
Property values would be negatively impacted by the addition of a Dollar General so close to residential neighborhoods.
Several comments were made about the lack of attention paid by the current property owner in years past. The nursing home on his property that later was converted to rental property was in continuous decline with less than desirable residents. There is concern about the maintenance of the existing Dollar General already in town.
If you are opposed to this change in zoning please contact your alderman or attend the City Council meeting on October 17 at 6:30 PM.
Betty Phillips
Perryville
