Proposition Q Passes By More Than 2:1 Margin

With all four polling places reporting, Maplewood voters have overwhelmingly supported Proposition Q with 960 Yes votes to 419 No votes.

As a result, QuikTrip will relocate its store at 3010 S. Big Bend Boulevard to the northwest corner of Manchester Road and S. Big Bend Boulevard.

Ward 3 Councilman Shawn Faulkingham said there’s a lot of work to do now.

“The ordinance that the people voted for, is the one I voted no to,” he said. “It wasn’t against QT moving, it was safety concerns.”

An amended ordinance with additional safety measures received two city council votes, but not the final vote to pass, after the Maplewood Richmond Heights Board of Education failed to approve it.

Faulkingham said the amended ordinance had some great ideas.

“I’ll continue to try and talk to the council and see if we can get as many of those incorporated into the QT as possible,” Faulkingham said.

Tonya Powell, a referendum committee organizer, prepared this statement:

"The most important thing that happened today is that Maplewood voters got the opportunity to speak out and make their voices heard.  That was the first priority of the referendum committee and the one common denominator for every single signature. 

I hope the Council will honor their commitment to safety and doing the right thing for the affected neighborhood.  A respectful dialog between all parties could result in a safe compromise and improvements for our community.  To do less will damage not just the development but the faith of the community who put their trust in the Council.

This is also a great opportunity for QT to step up and be the active community partner they claim to be.  There are lots of local organizations who could use their sponsorship and support.  I’m sure our football fans would love to see a giant banner on the property that reads, “Go Blue Devils”.  It’s what good neighbors do."