It has come to our attention that a letter sent by candidate Ken Gold to constituents in Ward 1 on Monday contains a number of falsehoods regarding Maryland Heights Residents for Responsible Growth and our activities on behalf of local residents. So let's set the record straight:

·         We are an independent organization led by residents of Maryland Heights. We are not outsiders or non-residents, but everyday people who own property and run businesses in Maryland Heights.

·         Our vision is to make Maryland Heights a better place to live by providing the residents of the city with an opportunity to make their voices heard.  We work with the city to improve the public engagement process with residents.

·         Maryland Height Residents for Responsible Growth sponsored a community open house with MODOT on February 17 at the Maryland Heights Community Center. MODOT briefed the audience on I-270 construction at the Dorsett and Page interchanges. The city’s public-works department discussed Progress Parkway construction and other Dorsett Road improvements. 

·         Our organization does not endorse candidates for political office. Our purpose is to provide non-partisan information regarding our community and its issues to encourage open dialog and independent decision making.

It is our hope that we can elevate the discussion of vital plans for Maryland Heights’ future through community conversation. The spreading of rumors and untruths serves no one who lives in the City of Maryland Heights. It only highlights the need for informed, responsible behavior on the part of our elected officials.
 
 
Join us this Saturday, March 13, for the first in our series of "Second Saturdays" community meetings.  These informal gatherings are held on the second saturday of every month and are designed to give residents a chance to discuss what's on their mind regarding issues facing Maryland Heights. Drop in anytime during the morning to share your concerns and meet your neighbors.

Second Saturdays Community Meetings
9:30 - 11 a.m.  Drop in anytime
St. Louis Bread Company at Westport

On March 13, we will discuss imminent plans for developing land in Howard Bend. One of the plans has been resurrected from 2008; another is entirely new.  Either one would have a substantial impact on Creve Coeur Park, wetlands, and areas currently under recreational and agricultural use in the flood plain. 

If you care about the park, if you care what type of development happens in Howard Bend and how development in Howard Bend will affect the rest of our city, we hope to see you at this Saturday at Second Saturdays, 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. at the St. Louis Bread Company at Westport.
 
 
Maryland Heights Residents for Responsible Growth, is hosting a public event with MoDOT and the City of Maryland Heights on the reconstruction of the I-270 interchanges at Dorsett Road and Page Avenue which begin this month.

Wednesday - February 17, 2010
6:00 - 7:00 p.m. - Presentation and Q&A with MoDOT and City of Maryland Heights Public Works
7:00 -8:00 p.m. - Open Forum with Community

Maryland Heights Community Centre - Auditorium
2344 McKelvey Road
Maryland Heights, MO 63043

This is the first public forum with specific details and timelines on this two-year construction project. The project will start on I-270 and Dorsett Road the first year, then move to Page Avenue interchange in 2011. The project is expected to take two years. MoDOT will also be showing the public the animated driving sequences on the "divergent diamond" design on Dorsett at the I-270 interchange.
 
There will also be a major, parallel Maryland Heights city project moving Prospect Parkway away from the rebuilt Dorsett interchange which will place the finished road further east on Dorsett. It will relocate the road on the north side of Dorsett past Syberg's and cross to the south-side of Dorsett just east of the Drury Inn. The south-side construction will feature a "jug-handle" design and is designed to assist with traffice congestion from the newly expanded Edward Jones campus as well as funnel traffic in and out of the Westport area. 

180,000 cars a day travel on I-270 through Maryland Heights every day and this is going to cause big disruptions for both local traffic in Maryland Heights, Westport and Creve Couer as well as those who are just traveling through the area on I-270 from Page Ave. to I-70. There will be lane detours and reduced lanes as they completely rebuild the bridges/interchanges.

Please come and join the discussion!
 
 
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.

 
 
 
We are pleased to host our 3rd annual trivia night to benefit Maryland Heights Residents for Responsible Growth and The Open Space Council of St. Louis.

Saturday, February 27, 2010                              Maryland Heights Centre
   Doors open:  6:15 p.m.                                       2344 McKelvey Road
   Trivia begins:  7:00 p.m.                                      Maryland Heights, MO  63043

Tables of 8:  $160  or   Individuals:  $25

Registration deadline:
   By mail, with payment: Feb. 13
   In person, with payment:  Feb. 20
Download registration form below.

Soda & snacks provided -- or bring your own (alcohol allowed)
Raffles, games, prizes!

Funds from this event are held in trust for Maryland Heights Residents for Responsible Growth for the future protection of open space in Howard Bend.  Your donation helps protect green space for future generations.  Hope to see you there!

Want to volunteer?  Contact us.
mhr_trivia_night.pdf
File Size: 96 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
 
 
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Maryland Heights Residents for Responsible Growth has been getting organized and regrouping for a busy new year.  We’ve created this website, updated our mailing list and established a community on Facebook. 

We’ve influenced the city to make significant upgrades to their website to better inform residents about community development actitivies and issues and, most importantly, we’ve pushed for resident meetings in all four wards. We’ve also provided guidance to the city on how to improve their public engagement plans around community development to better include residents in the decision-making process.

In 2010, we plan regular, monthly get-togethers so residents can meet each other, share information and concerns, and organize to make our voices heard. 

Our new logo represents what we’re about:  a forward-looking community that is friendly, green and connected.  Our vision is to make Maryland Heights a better place to live.  Our mission is to give residents a real voice in community development by preserving Howard Bend green space, revitalizing our neighborhoods, protecting our environment, and promoting public involvement.

We are resolved that 2010 will be a year of action, and we’re likely to get it. After a deep recession in 2009 that scuttled plans for commercial development in Howard Bend, we’ve already learned at least one project in Howard Bend is back on track, and another looms on the horizon.  To stay informed of developments, sign up for our email list and check this website for updates and meeting announcements. 

Email us your concerns.  Come share your experience or views over a cup of coffee.  We want to hear from you.  It takes all of us to create a better community.
 
 
Ward 2 has announced a resident’s meeting on Monday, November 9, at 7 p.m. in the Maryland Heights Community Centre on McKelvey Road. You do not need to be a resident of Ward 2 to attend the meeting; it is public and open to all. Please come and find out what is going on in your city. There’s a lot going on in Maryland Heights that residents need to know.

City council members Judy Barnett and Ed Dirck, who represent Ward 2, have said they will host a police officer and one of the K-9 units as part of the program. If you have questions about enforcement issues, this is your opportunity to ask questions and report neighborhood problems.

In our efforts to get city council members to begin holding regular ward meetings, we frequently heard that no one shows up for them. Ward 1 had 58 residents at its first meeting and put an end to that argument. Let’s show them that Ward 2 cares and use this opportunity to engage Judy Barnett and Ed Dirck in constructive conversations.

We hope they’ll update residents on:

• The Dorsett Road/I-270 intersection construction that will be starting in earnest after the I-40/64 project is completed in the next two months

• Sidewalk construction along Dorsett Road in Ward 2 and planned Creve Coeur Park bicycle/pedestrian improvements

• Updates on development efforts in the Howard Bend flood plain and the Crystal Springs development area

• Plans for construction of the Centennial Greenway trail for southern access to Creve Coeur Park

• The new timeline for public meetings and engagement in the Westport Planning Area in preparation for revisions to the Comprehensive Plan

• Status of proposed new bike trail from the Maryland Heights Community Centre to Creve Coeur Park

• Plans for installing a roundabout on McKelvey Hill Road

If any of these items are news to you, please connect with your Ward 2 representatives at the meeting and ask them what’s going on. You elected them and they are accountable to you. Our democracy depends on citizens who are engaged and active in their neighborhoods. We hope to see you there!
 
 
Tuesday, November 3, the St. Louis County Council is scheduled to make a final vote on rezoning farmland in North County St. Louis, adjacent to the Columbia Bottom Conservation Area. They are preparing the way for a 375+ acre casino and entertainment complex.

Why should Maryland Heights residents care?
There are a lot of reasons to object to this plan, but the one that will hit closest to home is MONEY. The building of yet another casino within a 15-20 minute drive of Maryland Heights will create a large hole in our city revenues. The City of Maryland Heights receives a good chunk of revenue from Harrah's Casino; a hit to Harrah's revenue is a direct hit to Maryland Heights' revenue. Just as it has been proven that building large big-box retail centers does not add new revenue or new jobs to our region, it just moves the same money and jobs to a new place. A new casino will not bring new revenue to St. Louis County.

The only thing missing from this misguided plan is an offer of TIF funds to help build the casino in St. Louis, a city who already has half the casinos in the state. I'm sure that will come if a casino license becomes available and if it is awarded to St. Louis.

Developing this area in North St. Louis County brings up all of the same issues that we have here with the Howard Bend development plans:
  •   Increased taxes for all citizens to pay for infrastructure costs
  •  Increased MSD storm water fees and increased flooding, increased   pollution and degradation of our drinking water source
  • Destruction of wildlife habitat and wetlands, including disruption of a major international flyway for migrating birds
  • The loss of local farmland and a secure local food source.                                                                                                                       
The Spanish Lake Community Association has formed a group called the Common Sense Coalition to fight the approval of this rezoning. For more detailed information on their efforts please go to Spanish Lake Community Association

Action is critical!
It is very important that everyone take just 5 minutes and either call or e-mail their St. Louis County Council representative and tell them to vote against rezoning this property for a casino. It is time they become responsible for their actions. They need to stop playing shell games with our revenue by supporting irresponsible developments that degrade our communities and shift money around the region instead of bringing new economic opportunities into the county. They need to start supporting smart, sustainable developments that actually grow our economy.

To find your St. Louis County Council Representative and their contact information go to: St. Louis County Council

 
 
In yesterday’s Post-Dispatch, Peter Fischer, chairman of the St. Louis Gateway Foundation, talked about the reasons why Citygarden has been so successful.  One remark in particular caught my eye and applies all too well to our development challenges in Maryland Heights.  Fischer says:

“We want great and brilliant design for our public places.  We do not want design of public spaces offered by developers, for the result will likely be a function of the developer’s bottom line and their own narrow interest, not “world-class” excellence.”

The City of Maryland Heights’ plan for development in Howard Bend consists of hearing developer’s self-interested ideas, when it should promote a vision based on good land stewardship and the best interests of the community.

Last fall, when developers presented their idea for Maryland Park, a mixed-use development of big-box retail, office space and residential units, the Planning Commission was successful in getting them to “pretty up” the plan with more walkways and plantings.  But the plan itself was based solely on the developer’s profit interest and had nothing to do with the health of Maryland Heights as a whole or appropriate use of land in a flood plain.

As Fischer points out, the key to Citygarden’s success is that the planners’ only interest was excellence of design.  They figured out what they wanted.  Then they figured out how to accomplish it.  Importantly, they did not have a financial or political interest in the outcome.

By contrast, the Maryland Heights Planning Department and Planning Commission are very focused on the financial and political aspects of development. Any development that generates business or utility taxes is alright with them.  More square miles of development gives them more political clout in the region (they think).

As long as they hang on to this outdated way of thinking, they will be ineffective in leading the effort to make our community a better place to live and work.  As it is, the developers are the dog, the city is the tail, and it’s pretty clear who is wagging whom. 

It is time for Maryland Height’s leaders to step up and commit themselves to excellence, to good planning and design that sets the community’s broader needs over short-term gain and developer’s interests.  Stay tuned to this blog for ideas on how they can do just that.
 
 
Maryland Heights Residents for Responsible Growth co-sponsored a booth in the Homegrown Village at Farm Aid on Oct. 4; if you’re reading this, maybe that’s why you’re here.  But if you missed the concert, you don’t have to miss the good cause that it supports – family farms.

Less than two miles south of the Farm Aid concert at Verizon Amphitheater lies Thies Farm, a local jewel that provides many an area household with delicious produce, healthy flowers and wholesome fun.  The Thies family has been farming in St. Louis since 1885.  Their mission reads in part, “Having been given a love of the land, it is our mission to share with our customers a harvest of the healthiest flowers and most nutritious crops and most of all, to create an atmosphere where customers become friends.” 

So, they also grow community.  And create jobs.  And pay taxes that stay here.  But their mission is dependent on the rich soil of the Missouri River floodplain called Howard Bend – and on our ability to protect that floodplain from unwanted and unneeded commercial development, keeping the land in trust for future generations.

Unfortunately, 3000 acres of the Howard Bend floodplain are threatened by the Maryland Heights Comprehensive Plan, which aims to put warehouses and big-box retail stores squarely in the pumpkin patch at Thies Farm.  Right next to Creve Coeur Park.  Yes, in the floodplain. 

See this page for other reasons why building in the floodplain is such a bad and short-sighted idea.  Then join over 2,500 others and sign the petition to stop the commercial development in Howard Bend. 

Farm Aid can only do so much for family farmers.  You have to do something, too.