ST. LOUIS — The Shell gas station on North Tucker Boulevard has been the center of dozens of crimes including the execution-style murder of a man across the street.
Police say they had nearly 600 calls for service at the gas station within the last two years.
Some of the calls included suspicious activities, drug overdoses, sexual assaults, domestic disturbances, shootings and carjackings among more.
The Neighborhood Improvement Association Downtown West and Matt O'Leary filed the first lawsuit against the gas station. It claimed the gas station was issued a conditional use permit in 2003 in a central business district where gas stations aren't allowed.
"It's been an unresolved nuisance that has burdened downtown St. Louis until it's impending closure this summer," O'Leary said.
The second lawsuit, filed by the owner of the Globe Building, asked for an injunction for the business not to operate.
A judge ruled in favor of the gas station to close by Aug. 1.
There will also be a deed restriction that prevents future use at the location of gas stations or convenience stores.
"It shouldn't have been a conditional use (or) an occupancy permit. The judge ruled that it should be closed, (which) led to the settlement. It would have been great if the city had done its job. But it didn't want to so the private sector had to step in," O'Leary said.
Citizens for a Greater Downtown St. Louis chair Les Sterman said they approved of the closure.
"There are issues with homeless, there's issues with drug dealing, cruising, a lot of activities that all sort of come together around this one location. That's unfortunate, but it's the reality. The only way to deal with it is to close the gas station and move on," Sterman said.
Alderman Rasheen Aldridge of the 14 Ward where the gas station is, said he's left with "mixed emotions to see another business leave downtown but he understands residents' concerns."
Mayor Tishaura Jones told 5 On Your Side in a statement:
"When a property becomes a nuisance to its neighbors, action needs to be taken," She continued: "My administration continues to explore legislative opportunities to reduce the harm nuisance properties can inflict on their communities."