By Matt Sepic, KWMU
St. Louis – Praxair says it will drop its appeal to re-open a gas distribution facility in St. Louis if the city re-zones the property.
The company says it could get a higher price for the land in a sale if the property were given a different zoning designation.
In June, a fire at the plant sent cylinders of flammable gas rocketing into the air. Some landed in the historic Lafayette Square neighborhood.
The company originally planned to re-open the plant on a temporary basis. But nearby residents objected, and the city denied Praxair a permit.
Mayor Francis Slay says he supports a zoning change as long as any new use is compatible with the surrounding area.
He says the city is still helping Praxair find a new location.