Thursday evening is your opportunity to testify about a proposed new Dollar General store on East St. Charles in east Columbia. That’s near the Lake of the Woods exit.
Residents are expected to pack tonight’s 7 o’clock planning and zoning commission meeting. City staff is recommending approval of the project, saying it meets the technical requirements of the PD district.
Neighbors who oppose a new Dollar General say it would hurt their property values and would cause safety problems from increased vehicle traffic. They also note there’s a second Dollar General store two miles away at Clark lane and Hanover. Other opponents worry about litter. Dollar General plans to add a trash receptacle in the parking lot.
Supporters say a new store is needed on East St. Charles road: they also say many low-income families in that area don’t have a vehicle and that the store would help those families. A local food pantry in that area supports the proposal.