We need a better plan for Olive Blvd. in Ward 1

We need a better plan for Olive Blvd. in Ward 1.

Planning and implementation of Olive Blvd. improvements between Spoede and Mosley have been neglected too long.

Some properties have gone vacant for extended periods. Others have been neglected. Development and improvement has been spotty and inconsistent.

The current rules create uncertainty that is unacceptable to both residents and business people. Businesses face a costly process to get approval with no assurance of success. Residents must fight to protect their neighborhoods from encroachment on a case by case basis.

We need a plan and rules that work. We need a system that eliminates the uncertainty.

The plan should encourage a mix of retail and office use and include elements such as

- No businesses with late night hours

- No driveways on residential streets

- Architectural standards such as pitched roofs

- A sign code that is toned down

- Masonry fences along the rear boundary

- Sidewalks with trees and decorative lighting

- Artistic bus stop shelters and other pedestrian enhancements

To compensate for higher building costs and to encourage high quality projects, a higher coverage should be allowed.

Mayor Glantz has joined me in calling for a new plan. I will work with the Mayor to forge a consensus between residents and business.

I will insist on buy-in from residents before any changes are made.

The city should commit capital to enhance east Olive Blvd. A $530,000 decorative lighting project for west Olive Blvd. has been approved. We should have a similar commitment for east Olive to create a more inviting pedestrian corridor.

We need a plan to retain existing businesses, encourage them to upgrade their property, and to attract desirable new businesses.

Vote for me April 2 – for a better plan and a better Olive Blvd.

See more information about my campaign at www.caldwellforcrevecoeur.com.

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