Public Forum
April 29, 2004
Paul Zemitzsch, Economic Development Commission Chairman
Marc Braun, Economic Development Commission
Susan Murphy, Economic Development Commission
Bob Calcaterra, Economic Development Commission
Theresa Lynch, Council Member Ward II
Mark Perkins, City Administrator
Dan Smith, Finance Director
Ellen Dailey, Planner
Mike Reid
Carl Moskowitz
Diann Bomkamp
Paul Chesterton
Marc Braun welcomed participants then gave a power point presentation consisting of the following:
· Highlights of related Creve Coeur info (total office space, workforce population, assessed valuation, etc.)
· Overview of the Economic Development Commission’s purpose and efforts since established
· Overview of the city’s existing economic development efforts
· Overview of the Economic and Fiscal Impact Analysis prepared by UMSL
· Draft mission statement and goals for the economic development strategy
The draft mission statement and draft goals and objectives were distributed to participants.
EDC members facilitated the meeting, and began discussion by asking participants to respond to the following question:
How should the city accomplish the stated mission?
Participants commented they would like to see the types of stores and restaurants that are unique. Several participants stated they would like to see a hardware store in Creve Coeur.
Mr. Perkins commented that there has been interest in developing a hardware store in the city, but costs have made it difficult. Participants discussed Creve Coeur’s land/rental costs compared to other communities, as well as possible locations for a hardware store.
Participants discussed the term “lifestyle option”. Mr. Zemitzsch explained lifestyle options can be defined as things that attract young professionals with families such as concept restaurants and recreation amenities – they are things that attract and retain residents and workforce in Creve Coeur. Mr. Braun identified the unique shops in Kirkwood and Webster as examples.
Other comments from participants:
§ I live and work in Creve Coeur and traffic is a huge problem. I prefer to stay in Creve Coeur to shop but only go out to do so during certain times of day when traffic is not as bad.
§ There are a lot of “for lease” signs in Creve Coeur – does this mean the vacancy rate for office space is high? Mr. Perkins responded the city’s office vacancy rate is between 14 and 18 percent, so the signs can be deceptive. He added that the city has contemplated enforcing sign regulations to eliminate unnecessary signs.
§ The TDD, Olive/270 interchange project should help congestion
Participants discussed the fact that Creve Coeur is a mature city so must reinvent itself.
Mr. Perkins provided an overview of the city’s financial situation, and added that the economic development strategy is also about the city being able to continue to provide services. Creve Coeur has a business friendly tax rate.
One participant suggested a special assessment or tax for the CBD.
Mr. Braun commented that Dr. Laslo’s report shows the fiscal impact of various types of existing or anticipated projects.
Additional participant comments:
§ The city may want to consider the most economic use of land in the future
§ Would be reasonable to consider the fiscal impact of specific projects?
§ The Planning & Zoning Commission considers aesthetics, health, safety and welfare during its review
§ City also has to consider public good and public opinion
§ Life science/high tech jobs have higher salaries – it’s important to keep higher income workforce and residents here
§ Currently the mindset is to send executives visiting Creve Coeur businesses to Clayton or Frontenac for hotels or dinner.
§ A shuttle would help get people to shop/dine further east or west on Olive
§ What is being done to sell/market Creve Coeur? Mr. Zemitzsch responded that “Tomorrow@ Creve Coeur” is being initiated to help market the community’s strengths.
Mr. Perkins added that the city is working with RCGA and St. Louis County Economic Council.
Mr. Braun commented that the Batelle Study identified Creve Coeur as an important life science node.
Ms. Lynch asked participants what types of amenities and businesses they would like to see in Creve Coeur?
§ Shuttle/tram to bring people east or west on Olive
§ More/better parking – parking is a bigger problem than traffic when parking
lots of local restaurants are overflowing at peak times
§ Shuttle could help alleviate parking problems
§ Carry TDD improvements further east
§ Full service hotel – city should use incentives like TIF to bring one here
§ “Dining district” – in a town center/CBD
§ Microbrewery – a fun location
§ Whole Foods or Wild Oats – specialty/concept grocers
Mr. Zemitzsch thanked participants for attending and making a positive contribution to the process.
Mr. Braun explained there will be future public forums as the economic development strategy is developed. He added that wanted or not, Creve Coeur is changing. City should be proactive in addressing changes. Some change will be difficult and/or controversial.
EDC members invited further input from the public as the project continues.
Prepared by Ellen Dailey, AICP, Planner
May 7, 2004