Midtown Strategic Development Plan
Public Meeting Comments
Thursday, June 28th, 2001, 6:30 P.M.
At Saint Louis Cathedral School
4430 Maryland Avenue

Neighborhoods & Needs

399. How about a column in a local newspaper done by the Alderman and others explaining progress on this project?

400. Working with federal housing projects to ensure safety at 4444 Forest Park (screening residents-as previously promised-and is currently NOT happening).

401. Too many non-tax paying units in the neighborhood.

402. Architecture needs to not be so modern and angular in the CWE. All of rounded structures get torn down-build more of the character of CWE.

403. Community centers for youth, adults to gather for social interaction.

404. Regular clean-up in the alleys is essential-much trash can accumulate.

405. Provide a center for senior citizens (daytime, evening activities). Also provide a center for youths.

406. No businesses in the residential areas-no exceptions-if zoned residential. No variance to codes-the City needs to abide by zoning laws.

407. New construction needs to reflect historical character.

408. Coordinate efforts to create in-fill housing on vacant lots, e.g., 4200 McPherson.

409. Any new construction of housing should incorporate universal design to make inexpensive modifications to accommodate any disability that was required. I am deeply concerned about the residents of the Boulevard Apts. (all have disabilities). They must be relocated by Sept.!

410. Preserve historic buildings and those of interesting architecture.

411. Zoning should be strictly obeyed-no variances to special groups.

412. Need additional green spaces / parks / neighborhood gardens as in Lacledes Landing.

413. Concerned about borders of the neighborhood, especially northern boundary of Delmar/Olive/Washington. Lack of planning to protect and development of this area.

414. Ditto - and safety in that area, too!

415. I believe there are too many BJC signs on Kings Highway that make it unattractive for residents. I think sculpture in the median would be a great improvement.

416. Concern of old Gaslight Square not being developed. Traffic congestion-Kings Highway-Euclid. Work with Grand Center-GrandDel Square area. Push over to Page. Remove billboards on Delmar and Kings Highway.

417. Gaslight Square-develop a plan for its future.

418. Community Center-some place for kids, seniors, etc.

419. Consider cooperative housing units at affordable rates to encourage diversity.

420. Lack of residential parking on streets due to college/business/employees (RJIS) - permit parking.

421. Preserve the residences as residential space and do not let institutions take them over.

422. Aesthetically develop empty lots-do not make parking lots.

423. More nice-looking trash cans.

424. Ditto-and empty them!!!

425. Concerned about the neighborhood "edges" primarily north and south. The central corridor is strong and filling in the gaps AG Edward to SLU. Concerns for ability to "stabilize" north of Delmar and south of Manchester. Challenge is to get the central corridor to influence these "edges."

426. Increase diversity by welcoming people of different racial, ethnic and backgrounds. Also, include housing types for all income groups.

427. Taxes on residential property will end up carrying the load due to tax abatements given to the developers who come in, collect tax credits, get abatements and then leave.

428. Put benches in the green spaces at the corner of intersections (ex: Boyle/West Pine).

429. Don't make one neighborhood a dumping ground for half-way houses. Everyone should share!

430. Preserve existing, affordable (low income) housing stock to preserve the diversity of the area.

431. I agree. I am much concerned about gentrification.

432. Less gated communities-blocked-off streets to promote more cooperation and communication between neighborhoods.

433. Provide free community concerts to bring residents together.

434. More neighborhood activities.

435. Preserve existing homes from institutions buying national historic district homes for neighborhood uses.

436. Relative to above-a national (or local) historic district with teeth! It should have the power to enforce preservation, not merely offer valid concrete workable suggestions, which are totally ignored-i.e. Walgreen's and Ron McDonald house.

437. I hate those new garage-fronted suburban homes they are building on Delmar. Sorry. They're ugly. And, no more frame houses-preserve the old buildings.

438. Historic buildings must be preserved.

439. Ditto.

440. Steering Committee neighborhood representatives should live in their neighborhood

441. Limit group homes in the area.

442. Stop the growth of institutions on residential streets. Institutions should help neighbors by paying taxes or some sort of monies (i.e., Ronald McDonald just purchased) nursing home for expansion-no tax money will be generated.

443. Too many signs on Kings Highway. The traffic is too much-and will become worse as additional buildings are being completed.

444. On the remaining empty lots, develop mini-parks, maintained by volunteers (frustrated gardeners) who dwell in condo/apts.

445. The "institutions" that everyone is paranoid about are a little like "Lola"-what they want they get. But remember, they anchor our neighborhoods. If they move west, we are in trouble. I think we need to learn to sleep with our elephants.

446. Have city neighborhood consultants respond to phone calls.

447. Businesses need to respect the neighborhoods and monitor whether their patrons treat the neighborhoods with respect. Why don't the bars have to pay for their customers to park in a lot, not in the neighborhoods?

448. Zoning restrictions need to be more strict. It is too easy to get a variance.

449. No non-profit facilities in residential areas. Green space must be preserved.

450. Community centers are needed for seniors, teens and youth.

451. Expand the Euclid area to promote more pedestrian traffic-shops, cafes, pubs, coffee shops, galleries, dept. store, groceries, etc. It would be terrific to have a mini Paris-like atmosphere.

452. Non-resident owners don't care about their property. Need to put pressure on them to maintain their buildings.

453. I love my dog, but wish that everyone would make an effort to clean up after pets-put poop bags on every corner!

454. Seniors are leaving public (subsidized) housing because undesirable elements are allowed in.

455. Find a way to keep housing for physically challenged people in the neighborhood-near Euclid. If the W.U. hospitals can find a compromise to keep Children's Hospital from encroaching on Forest Park (as they did with land trades 15 or 20 years ago), a way can be found to free up the sites needed for handicapped housing. Nobody is trying hard enough.

456. Please don't call this area a corridor. We are a neighborhood, community, village, etc.