I have a few things that I would like to begin a discussion on here, if that is alright with everyone. I searched the first four pages of both South City forums and did not find a thread I thought suitable. If it can be merged, please do so. I am extremely interested to hear from residents of the area, and welcome any and all opinions.
Future Development of Lafayette Square
1 - I have recently been reading materials from the Lafayette neighborhood association's website, and came across the proposed guidelines for the development of the former Praxair facility. I must say I think it is extremely poorly put together and if implemented as is, would lead the entire area in a horrible direction. My main points of contention:
A - It entertains the idea of surface parking lots. This is a horrible precedent to set, as this is a fresh 6 acre parcel of land that should be developed up to the surrounding neighborhood with the greatest density possible. There is absolutely nothing on the site. Future development should encorporate a below grade parking facility to accomodate any future retail, and the rest should be comprised of on street parking.
B - Specifies single family residences on land parcels that match the surrounding streets. This basically eliminates any possible condo/building development on the site, and in my opinion, significantly bars an extremely large amount of dynamic development that could possibly be entertained for the area. Would/should this type of development in the neighborhood be considered?
C - Calls for a minimum of TWO additional parks to be included in any future development. There is a park anchoring the middle of the neighborhood less than two blocks away. This seems very uncalled for, and significantly limits the level of density that could be introduced in this development.
2 - The current guidelines for structures in the area basically limit anything over four stories, and this height is allowed only on the portion of land bordering Chouteau (my apologies if this is spelled incorrectly throughout my post). What are thoughts on this limit, and should/would the area consider allowing changes to this opdinance?
3 - Obviously the entire street-grid should be reinstated throughout neighborhood as much as possible in all future developments. As far as the existing Northern border of the neighborhood is concerned, would a boulevard through the middle of Chouteau with large trees, and expansion of the sidewalks along this stretch of street soften the surrounding area to allow for real development all the way to Chouteau? I believe that this would be a tremendous opportunity to significantly improve the entire neighborhood, and should be considered of high importance to the city.
4 - With the existence of loft apartments/condos already in the Mississippi Walk Development (I believe), would a significant residential project incorporating condos be welcome/supported by the neighborhood?
Thank you for your comments, I will start here for now.
Future Development of Lafayette Square
1 - I have recently been reading materials from the Lafayette neighborhood association's website, and came across the proposed guidelines for the development of the former Praxair facility. I must say I think it is extremely poorly put together and if implemented as is, would lead the entire area in a horrible direction. My main points of contention:
A - It entertains the idea of surface parking lots. This is a horrible precedent to set, as this is a fresh 6 acre parcel of land that should be developed up to the surrounding neighborhood with the greatest density possible. There is absolutely nothing on the site. Future development should encorporate a below grade parking facility to accomodate any future retail, and the rest should be comprised of on street parking.
B - Specifies single family residences on land parcels that match the surrounding streets. This basically eliminates any possible condo/building development on the site, and in my opinion, significantly bars an extremely large amount of dynamic development that could possibly be entertained for the area. Would/should this type of development in the neighborhood be considered?
C - Calls for a minimum of TWO additional parks to be included in any future development. There is a park anchoring the middle of the neighborhood less than two blocks away. This seems very uncalled for, and significantly limits the level of density that could be introduced in this development.
2 - The current guidelines for structures in the area basically limit anything over four stories, and this height is allowed only on the portion of land bordering Chouteau (my apologies if this is spelled incorrectly throughout my post). What are thoughts on this limit, and should/would the area consider allowing changes to this opdinance?
3 - Obviously the entire street-grid should be reinstated throughout neighborhood as much as possible in all future developments. As far as the existing Northern border of the neighborhood is concerned, would a boulevard through the middle of Chouteau with large trees, and expansion of the sidewalks along this stretch of street soften the surrounding area to allow for real development all the way to Chouteau? I believe that this would be a tremendous opportunity to significantly improve the entire neighborhood, and should be considered of high importance to the city.
4 - With the existence of loft apartments/condos already in the Mississippi Walk Development (I believe), would a significant residential project incorporating condos be welcome/supported by the neighborhood?
Thank you for your comments, I will start here for now.
