Politics & Government

Mayor Pat Kelly Talks Business Developments, State Audit and Rec Center

During his State of the City Address, Mayor Pat Kelly updated local business owners on several issues in Brentwood.

Brentwood city officials are looking for long-term solutions to the flooding problems on Manchester Road. 

That's according to Mayor Pat Kelly, who delivered his State of the City Address during the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce meeting on Thursday. More than 65 members attended the monthly meeting to hear the mayor offer updates about the city. 

The city recently hired an engineer consultant to examine the area on Manchester Road between Hanley and Mary roads, Kelly said. The firm met with elected officials, business owners and other stakeholders in October. The goal, Kelly said, is to learn what can be accomplished to improve the area. 

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"I understand, from a business owner's perspective, why they're reluctant to invest in their property when next month you could have a flood come in and destroy it," Kelly said.

Part of the reason that the city bought the Brentwood Public Works Department building was to signal its commitment to the corridor, Kelly said. 

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A report to the city is expected by April. 

Other Business and Retail Updates

Kelly also spoke about other local business updates, including the addition of Drury Hotels, the loss of Shane Company, and renovation at Schnucks.

A Drury hotel is anticipated to open at the corner of Brentwood Boulevard and Eager Road in summer 2014, Kelly said. The site is still being prepared, but a foundation is expected in late February. A restaurant also will open with the hotel, but the restaurant's name hasn't been announced yet.  

Shane Company is moving from its location in the Brentwood Promenade to Olivette. Kelly called the move surprising, but said he expects the Promenade to recover quickly.

Following the move, the Board of Aldermen actually approved the demolition of the building to make room for an additional 20,000 square feet of retail space, Kelly said. Other Promenade stores are expected to shift some. For example, Trader Joe's likely will receive some additional space. Two other businesses also are expected to open in the Promenade, Kelly said. 

Meanwhile, Schnucks is planning an overhaul at its Brentwood location. In its plan, Schnucks would renovate the entire store, including the inside, facade of the building, parking lot and landscaping, Kelly said. An addition of 2,000 square feet is being planned too. The plans have been delivered to the city, and interior renovations are slated for February, he said. 

Lingering Issues in Brentwood

The mayor also briefly spoke about two issues that have divided many residents in the past: the Brentwood Recreation Complex and the state auditors' examination of Brentwood's books. 

At the end of 2012, the board of aldermen approved creating another citizen's survey to seek residential opinion on the aging recreation center, Kelly said.  

"Hopefully that will get us over the hump and we can do something there," Kelly said. In the past, some aldermen have called for minor renovations, while others have sought complete demolition and reconstruction. 

Kelly also updated chambers members on the state audit of Brentwood's books. The Missouri State Auditor's Office has scheduled a closed meeting with the board of aldermen on Tuesday, when the auditors will first deliver their report. The city will have time to respond to any issues that are raised, Kelly said. 

A report should be available to the public in March, Kelly said. 

"Hopefully, once we get over that hurdle, we can start to move forward as a community in a more positive direction," Kelly said. 

You can follow Ryan Martin on Twitter at @ryanmartin87 and Maplewood-Brentwood Patch at@MBPatch.

For similar stories on Patch, please see the following articles:

  • Brentwood Chamber President: 2011 Was Best Year Yet
  • Brentwood Drury Hotel to Break Ground in Spring 2013


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