Based on sheer numbers, I think you’d have to call the Feb. 11 planning meeting held by the Maryland Heights Planning Department a success.  Almost 100 people attended the meeting at Maryland Heights Community Centre to discuss possible development options for a 40-acre tract of land at the northwest corner of I-270 and Page Ave.

For those who missed it, here is a short summary:

Under Discussion:  What are the best uses of a 40-acre parcel of land at the northwest corner of I-270 and Page Ave.?  Let’s be clear, this is not solely the decision of the city or residents.  In large part, it is up to the future buyer of this property, but both the city and residents will have a say.  In the eventuality that a developer is found, what would we say to a proposal?  That’s the point of a planning discussion.

Major Ideas: 

·         Use the land for updated residential housing, including apartments, condos
       or a retirement community.

·         Encourage small, independent businesses to serve the surrounding
       community.

·         Develop a park area.

·         Offer family-friendly venues and activities.

·         Create a gathering place (think: fountain, town square).

·         Make it pedestrian and bike friendly.

·         Have a community shuttle that connects different parts of the city, for visitor
        and residents alike.

·         Increase access to the area with tunnels or bridges to cross I-270 to Westport
        or Page Avenue to Creve Coeur.

Out of Favor:  Large-scale office or hotel (lack of demand regionally).  Big box retailers, which might threaten existing business in MH, such as those in the Dorsett/McKelvey area or Westport Plaza.  (A mix of independent and smaller chains was seen as a plus.)

Mixed Reaction:  Some considered MetroLink an essential or inevitable benefit, improving residential and business life in MH.  Others expressed such a lack of faith in Metro’s management they wouldn’t even entertain the possibility of MetroLink.  The pro-Metro audience held a slight majority in the room. 

Major concerns: 

·         Traffic access to the parcel is problematic to begin with, and development
        would bring problems with greater traffic volume.

·         Business development in this area might cannibalize business activity
       elsewhere in MH.

·         Lost habitat.  Many people appreciate the wildlife living in the undeveloped
        tract.

A successful discussion occurred because so many people showed up.  Thanks to you, we have a prayer of influencing how our future unfolds.  The city has promised a follow-up meeting, next time asking residents to get more specific about appropriate land use for that parcel.  Come join the discussion.