“Crime Hub” gas station in downtown to shut down in August

ST. LOUIS — Two years of litigation and two lawsuits later, a settlement was reached today to shut down a downtown gas station.

About two years ago, the Downtown West Neighborhood Improvement Association sued the gas station, referencing a city ordinance that prohibited gas stations from being in the Central Business District. Then three other business owners—Building Company, 900 North Tucker Building LLC, and James Page—sued the gas station under a St. Louis public nuisance statute.

On Thursday, the three parties were able to settle the lawsuits and agree to have the gas station shut down on Aug. 1.

“It was really an effort to make downtown safer,” Paul Puricelli, the attorney for DWNIA, told Fox 2. “It was good to see justice work in this instance.”

Puricelli said they would’ve preferred to have the gas station shut down even sooner but that Aug. 1 was a compromise date with the gas station.

“We wanted an earlier date,” Puricelli explained. “They wanted a later date and that’s what settlements are all about.”

Puricelli told Fox 2 he’s not sure what will replace the gas station but is aware the property is hitting the market.

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