01/09/2021
Update from Sarah Martin (from The Grand-Bates Rag):
The Board of Aldermen is on break. It is unclear as to why, but we broke a week early for this year's holiday. We will return Friday, January 8th. I do not have a lot to report legislatively. The Board has been busy appropriating the mayor's plans for the CARES/COVID aid. I do not have a breakdown of the most recent aid package. The mayor's office is working through the large document and will share with us the highlights that affect most citizens. If a resident needs rental or mortgage assistance, please feel free to email me at [email protected].
As far as traffic goes, I know everyone would like the updates to be as fast as the speeding. I received the Grand-Bates Speed Hump Initiative's testimonials/ requests in late October. I am working on a bifurcated effort. I have submitted requests to be implemented right away but am also working to ensure there is a ward-wide plan. As an alderman, I prioritize fully funding what I consider to be the basics; sidewalk 50/50 program, tree replacement, road paving, lighting, dumpster replacement/upkeep, which leaves me with not a ton of money to address issues like speeding. Unfortunately, aggressive driving is pervasive throughout the ward. I have a complaint from nearly every street in the ward. I am trying to take a holistic approach and assess where calming efforts could have the biggest effect. I am also working with neighboring aldermen to share costs, so the efforts slow traffic in two wards. I appreciate everyone's input; it has helped me convey the need to the decision-makers at City Hall.
Short term solutions: I received input regarding the bicycle lanes on Bellerive, and the majority of residents do not want to lose the inner-boulevard parking. The speed humps will be installed, hopefully, soon. Alderwoman Murphy and I are moving toward a safer crossing at Wilmington and Grand to improve walkability for the entire neighborhood. I am also pursuing stop-signs at intersections, where there have been multiple accidents. If the studies do not warrant a stop sign, I can pursue implementing the signs legislatively.
I do have a rather large announcement that is not Grand-Bates specific but will have a large impact on the Southeast neighborhoods in the city. The City's Board of Public Service notified me that the 11th Ward's portion of South Broadway qualified for a federal grant application to improve pedestrian and cycling safety along South Broadway. This grant is a large matching grant that would allow for major improvements along one of our largest commercial thoroughfares. The effort would connect the Gravois and River Des Peres Greenways with the planned Chouteau and Mississippi Greenways. Many resident cyclists already utilize South Broadway for recreation and commuting via bicycle. This project would allow me to complete the streetscape updates implemented by my
predecessors. I believe this would benefit the business community, as well. I will know by August if the grant is approved. This would likely be a three-year project.
Another long-term plan is the Louisiana Calm Streets project spearheaded by 25th Ward Alderman Shane Cohn. Louisiana is one of the longest streets in South City, running all the way to Shenandoah. Alderman Cohn has spent several years working on a plan and aldermen whose wards contain Louisiana to implement a traffic calming plan for the street's entire length. We are hopeful that with a new presidential administration, more infrastructure funds will be available for the City to apply.
One last but not least item, I want to address the crime, especially the gunshots. I want to make clear that I find it disturbing and will support residents in any way that I can. I try to reach out to the police and Public Safety administration members on a regular basis to advocate for our trouble areas. Please email me with any details or unfortunate experiences as I will make sure the 1st District Captain and Police are made aware.
I wish everyone a safe and healthy new year!
Sarah
