Committee advances five‑year lease with United Fruit and Produce for small St. Louis parking parcel

The Transportation and Commerce Committee on June 25 advanced board bill 46, which authorizes a five‑year lease between the City of St. Louis and United Fruit and Produce Company for a small parcel used for truck parking near the city's warehouse at 5 Clinton Street.

Alderman Aldridge introduced the bill and staff provided details: the lease is for a small "sliver" of land adjacent to the railroad and warehouses that has been used for truck parking and is not suitable for redevelopment, Mr. Mororrow said. The lease's first‑year rent is about $1,192 with 3% annual increases during a five‑year option term and three subsequent five‑year extension options.

Committee members sought clarifying materials before voting. Alderwoman Schwitzer and others noted the packet referenced an Exhibit B (map) that was not attached; Mr. Mororrow confirmed Exhibit A was provided to the clerk during the meeting, and said the leased area is approximately 6,000 square feet. Chair Cole then entertained a motion and the committee passed the bill out of committee with a 'do pass' recommendation.

Why it matters: The lease formalizes an existing short‑term use (parking) and secures a predictable revenue stream for a small city‑owned parcel. Committee members asked staff to supply the missing exhibit and to confirm property details such as square footage and floodplain exposure prior to final passage by the full Board.

What comes next: The bill moves to the Board of Aldermen with a committee recommendation; staff said they will attach the exhibit and provide any port documentation as needed.