10 Creve Coeur Storylines We're Following In 2013

Welcome to 2013. I guess the Mayans were wrong, huh? 

As we embark on a new year, here's a look at 10 storylines we'll be following. Think we've missed something? Tell us in the comment section.

Development:

• Creve Coeur faces a tricky balance of how to handle business and development interests with nearby residential concerns. The poster-child for that in 2012, Delmar Gardens' plan for Ladue Road near Interstate 270 figures to make news on that front again in 2013. The proposal, which received a negative recommendation from Creve Coeur Planning and Zoning officials, will be back before City Council members January 14. 

• A prominent vacant space figures to have a new tenant in March, when ALDI moves into part of the former Borders Bookstore at Olive Boulevard and New Ballas Road. Patch users have speculated about how the discount grocer will fit in to Creve Coeur, or if there's already too much in the grocery sector nearby.

Schools

• In the post-Newtown world that we live in, it will be interesting to see what, if any changes happen immediately as it relates to school security. We've already seen St. Louis County Police add a presence at some elementary schools impacting Creve Coeur, but will it take legislation at the state or federal level before we see more visible signs of increased security? We'll be taking a look at security in private schools in Creve Coeur in the coming days as well.

• The Ladue School district faces a big transition, with the hiring of a new Superintendent in addition to a new high school principal.

Government

• The slog of a primary and general election campaign at the state and federal level is finally behind us, but in April, we'll be back at the ballot box to elect city council members and school boards, and possibly, decide on increased sales tax to cover improvements to St. Louis area parks, trails and the Gateway Arch. At the school board level, it will be interesting to see if candidates have ideas when it comes to opportunities for efficiencies, and security measures, post-Newtown.

• The Creve Coeur City Council is guaranteed to have at least one new face, with Ward 1 Councilwoman Beth Kistner unable to run for re-election due to term limits.

Sports

• The eyes of the golf world and many of their fans---and their wallets--will be affixed on the area in May when the Senior PGA Championship brings pro golf back to Bellerive Country Club. While this is sure to cause some traffic tie-ups, it should be fun to see the area back on the big-golf scene. In 2018, the PGA Championship will be contested on the course.

• We're looking forward to seeing the Parkway North Vikings attempt to return to the state baseball title game and bring home the top prize.

• College Football coaches and fans eager to scope out their school's next top recruit figure to be focused in part on Creve Coeur. De Smet Jesuit Offensive Lineman Andy Bauer, a top prospect in the class of 2014, gave a verbal pledge to Missouri last spring before re-opening his recruitment process. According to 247 Sports, Bauer has plans to visit Florida, Arkansas, LSU and Oklahoma in the new year. Monday, Bauer said he will also visit Ole Miss. "Those schools plus Mizzou and Alabama are the major players in my recruitment," he wrote. A decision on where he'll attend college does not become official until February of 2014 when seniors sign a letter of intent. 

• Speaking of Football, 2013 will bring a new leader on the sideline of the Chaminade College Prep varsity squad as Antoine Torrey takes over as head coach.

And these are just the things we're expecting! We're looking forward to covering it all in 2013.

We want to hear from you. Tell us about what you're looking forward to in 2013, what you'd like us to cover and otherwise pay attention to this year. Comment on the story. Like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and subscribe to our daily newsletter so you can stay informed about what's going on in your community.