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Olive redevelopment plan pushed forward by U. City council
(by Heather Wadsworth - April 30, 2008)
University City’s April 21 council meeting set in motion plans for both redevelopment and historic renovation.
Two areas along Olive Boulevard were determined by city council to be blighted, a legal step required before redevelopment plans can move forward.
The two areas designated as blighted are within a mile of each other; one at the intersection of Olive and North and South Road, and the other at Olive and Midland Boulevard.
The bills supporting this redevelopment, which passed unanimously, state that “the redevelopment and rehabilitation of the area is in the interest of the public health, safety, morals and general welfare of the people of the city.”
The bills allow for a feasible financial plan that affords maximum opportunity for development by private enterprise. If the Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority acquires properties within the area, the redevelopers will be responsible for relocating any eligible occupants displaced as a result of any plans.
Lehman Walker, director of community development, explained the city’s plans for the area in a phone interview.
“The area is being redeveloped in accordance with the city’s comprehensive plan, making a major impact on Olive,” Lehman said. “The area will be mixed-use development, including both commercial and residential use.”
The city has acquired some properties already and plans to have the area redeveloped within the next four years, Walker said.
After the city purchases the remaining properties in the affected area, Walker said, the buildings will be demolished, and the city will put out a request for bids that are in accordance with the city’s comprehensive plan.
At the same meeting, in which new councilmember Terry Crow was sworn in to take the seat of former councilmember Stefany Brot, the council voted to approve a lease of the Sutter-Meyer house to the Sutter-Meyer Society.
The Sutter-Meyer house, built in 1873, is the oldest-known house in University City.
Shelley Welsch is the president of the Sutter-Meyer Society, which is a not-for-profit organization that was formed in September 2006.
The Sutter-Meyer Society is working to renovate the house and turn it into a community museum focused on the history of University City and the greater St. Louis area, Welsch said.
The contract to lease the house establishes that the society will pay one dollar per year, will pay for all expenses to renovate the house and will make it open to the public. The city will pay for utilities, including electrical, sewer, trash and mowing.
The Sutter-Meyer Society will submit a strategic plan and a facilities plan in January 2009, Welsch said, and is currently working on getting the house up to code. The society will hold public meetings over the next seven to eight months to get input from citizens.
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