- Vacant Foodland Building
Things are definitely looking optimistic for our ward in 2012. A few weeks ago, I sat down with the
developers of Green Street Properties to discuss their interest in renovating
the former Foodland grocery store site.
This large property prominently located at the intersection of Highway
44 & Jefferson, has sparked genuine interest and excitement amongst
business owners and developers since my inception as Alderwoman. The location of the Foodland building is
highly desirable. With its high traffic count, easy access to major highway,
convenience to downtown and strong residential neighborhoods; this site has
been screaming for activity. Over the
past years, several ideas have been proposed including a mixed use retail
development, a movie theatre, a furniture warehouse and even a charter school.
Despite strong interest in the site, the economy has been a major factor and indicator
in the availability for developers to obtain the financing necessary to bring
the project into completion. This
situation is no different, as the developers are working to accumulate the
necessary capital to make this project work.
They recently appeared before the city’s Tax Increment Finance board for
a preliminary review hearing to discuss their proposal.
The developers’ proposal include the current Foodland building sub-divided into
three retail entities. The project will
apply for LEED certification (which means during the construction and design
process, the developers will work to promote sustainability by recycling and
reusing products. Some ideas include
utilizing energy efficient features to reduce light pollution, incorporating
rain gardens in the urban landscape surrounding the building, and a permeable
parking surface for the collection of rainwater. )
The main retail site will feature a grocery store.
Other discussions for the remaining retail sites include a gym,
restaurant, bank and hardware store. The entry of a grocery store to our
neighborhood will be a welcome addition, the U.S. Department of Agriculture,
named our neighborhood a “food desert” due to the lack of healthy food,
contributed by the shortage of a grocery store in the area.
I am very excited about this proposed new development, and I hope you are too –
however understand that there is still more heavy lifting to be done to bring
this project into fruition. As the
process advances, I will do my best to make sure the neighborhood is included
in the discussions. It is important for
you to know how things are developing at such an important site in the
neighborhood.
Vote on Tuesday, November 2nd
Make sure you don’t forget to vote on Tuesday, November 2nd. Your voice is too important and we need to make sure that everyone goes to the polls to vote.
Polls open from 6am – 7pm. There will be 6th Ward Democratic poll workers at every polling location on Tuesday. There will be sample ballots provided should you have any questions or issues about what appears on the ballot.
If you need a ride to the polls, please call 314-827-4685. If that doesn’t work, call me on my cell phone at: 314-324-7248. No excuses! Everyone needs to vote. Make sure all those over the age of 18 in your household also go out and vote. We worked too hard, fought too hard to sit idle. Back in 2008, our President had as singing, “Yes WE Can!” Remember the “we” part in that chant. It’s all of us (not just him, that is responsible for the future of our country). We must all work together and actively participate within the electoral process. (more…)
Single Stream Recycling Coming Soon to the 6th Ward
Recently, I had a conversation with the city’s Refuse Department to discuss the new fee $11.00 fee for trash collection and city-wide recycling. As you may remember, the St. Louis Board of Aldermen, passed legislation creating this fee which proposed single stream recycling and increased illegal dumping enforcement. As one who was in the minority, that voted against the trash fee, (out of concern that many residents in our community were already facing increased fees and costs with groceries, gas and bills) the $3M set aside for single stream recycling, was indeed a bright spot in an otherwise controversial board bill. Many of you have had questions regarding how the city’s recycling program will work and what it will look like. I have provided answers below, to some of the most frequently asked questions. (more…)
Hope is Coming for City’s Homeless
Guest Blogger: Mr. Travis Hughes
Today, from 4:30pm to 7 pm the City’s Department of Human Services, and the St. Louis Public Schools, will have a “Hope Is Moving In” hub grand opening at Sigel Elementary School, 2039 Russell Boulevard. This hub will service the 6th Ward in providing housing services. (more…)
- Darrin Williams, owner of Dawg Day
For all you dog lovers, downtown is set to have a new business to cater to your furry friends. Dawg Daycare is the brainchild of Mr. Darrin Williams, a city resident, who came up with the unique concept after a visit to Chicago.
The dog daycare will offer overnight boarding for your furry animals, dog walking services, pet sitting and grooming. This new business is located in the magnifient Downtown West neighborhood in a former Ford car dealership located at 2321 Locust.
Make sure you support this new downtown business. Our local retailers need our support and patronage. For more information, visit:
www.dawgdayafternoonstl.com
I got my first political start working in a congressional office in Washington, D.C back in 2001. I am forever grateful to Congressman Lacy Clay, who allowed me as a young, inquisitive college student follow him around to congressional hearings, and briefings. It was through this experience that I was able to network and land a job on Capitol Hill right after college.
I believe in providing opportunities for young people who are interested in learning public policy, grassroots organization and community development. This year, the 6th Ward is blessed to have two dynamic interns who are devoting their time and talent to improving our ward. They are working hard each day and I hope this experience empowers them to get involved in public service one day.
Meet Miss Robin Winn, a graduate student at the University of Missouri – St. Louis and Mr. Travis Hughes, a graduate of Washington University School of Law
- Intern, Robin Winn, works hard for the 6th Ward
> (ST. LOUIS) – Today, Alderman Kacie Starr Triplett (6th Ward) obtained
> over $137,000 for capital improvements at Lucas Park. The money will
> fund much-needed projects to enhance the park and restore its original
> beauty. (more…)
Do you know an amazing female high school student, that would benefit from attending a free political leadership retreat in Washington, D.C.? (more…)
Join an informative discussion with local teen’s on the impact of father and son relationships in St. Louis City. (more…)
Worried about your trash not being picked up due to the upcoming MLK holiday? Well residents need not to worry, the trash collection will be altered to accomodate the observance of Martin Luther King. (more…)
Happy New Year to the residents of the 6th Ward. It has been a pleasure representing you and your family at City Hall this past year, it is my sincere hope, that 2009 serves as a peaceful and proseperous year. (more…)
