Comprehensive Planning Process for Soulard Neighborhood on Sept 26th

From Ald. Phyllis Young:

Soulard has changed significantly through the 30+ years I’ve lived here. The changes that have occurred have taken place without a thorough planning process, but they generally have been positive for the neighborhood. The efforts of small groups of concerned and committed individuals have paid off, resulting in changes such as the historic code revision. The code revision group spent much time and effort writing a thoughtful and sensitive document that has guided development on a case-by-case basis. The Soulard Housing Corporation made up of neighborhood residents, initiated a plan for the renovation and infill of the 800 block of Allen many years ago when that block was the eyesore of the neighborhood. Their vision is reality today, and their efforts continue. Each group has established a goal and worked to achieve it. All these have made Soulard the neighborhood that it is today.
A much larger planning process is in the works. In 2005 the City of St. Louis Planning Commission adopted the Strategic Land Use Plan for the entire city. This was the first time since 1947 that the city had taken a look at the uses of property, the areas where opportunities were available for redevelopment, those areas that should be preserved, and which areas should be commercial/retail or business/ industrial. You can check out this plan at stlcin.missouri.org/landuse. Of course Soulard was included in the plan.

Now it is time to take the next step and look at a comprehensive planning process focusing on the future of each neighborhood, including Soulard. Through this effort I hope that we can establish our goals for the future of our neighborhood and devise a plan of action to achieve those goals. We’ll also need to prioritize the goals and identify the resources needed to achieve them. We’ll need to look at zoning issues that exist in the neighborhood and address those. Parking is always an issue that must be addressed if there’s a need/desire for more retail. There are urban design issues in our neighborhood such as signage, public art, streetscaping, lighting, and many others I’m sure you’ll add.

The planning process will be led by the City of St. Louis’ Planning Department. Rollin Stanley, a Soulard resident, directs this department and has led many of these efforts throughout the city. He and his staff are gathering data that will be used to help make decisions during our sessions. The initial planning meeting will be Tuesday, September 26th. It will be held at St. Peter and Paul’s hall located at 816 Allen (the entrance is from the parking lot at 8th and Allen). The meeting will start at 6:30 PM so come and participate in planning the guidelines that will be followed in the next phase of our neighborhood’s development.

Soulard represents one of the 12 neighborhoods that is at least partially in the 7th Ward. While I am glad to see Ald. Young working with our city’s talented planning staff I wonder when we will see it spread to other areas. I know many in the downtown section of the 7th ward feel a bit ignored by their alderwoman.

Mark your calendars for Tuesday, September 26th at 6:30pm. I’ll be there after class to check it out.

– Steve