The Pevely Board of Aldermen has given a Maryland Heights man the go-ahead to open a liquor store at 8654 Commercial Blvd. (Hwy. 61-67) next to the Dollar General store in the Pevely Farms Shopping Center.
Aldermen voted 5-1 Monday to approve Ramu Surya’s request to open the liquor store after he appealed a previous Pevely Planning and Zoning vote denying him a special use permit to open the store in the B-2 zoned area.
The lone alderman to vote against the special use request during the appeal was Steve Miles of Ward 3. Miles, a pastor, said he harbored no ill will toward Surya but felt he could not vote to approve a liquor store.
“It goes against my beliefs as a pastor,” Miles said. “It’s nothing personal. I don’t see a big pro to the community for it.”
During questioning from the aldermen, Surya said he hopes to open the liquor store within the next two months.
Pevely staff members had recommended approval of the special use permit request before the Planning and Zoning Commission voted on the matter at its May meeting, said Adam Mitchell, the city’s building official.
He said two commission members voted in favor of granting the special use permit, two voted against it and one abstention. Had a majority approved the request, Surya would have received his special use permit without having to appeal to the Board of Aldermen.
Mayor Stephanie Haas said she appreciates Surya opening his new business in Pevely.
“I welcome him,” Haas said. “I hope he prospers. I look forward to him joining the community.”
Ward 1 Alderman Don Menkhus did not attend the meeting.