Zoning board compares suggestions

The only item on today's planning and zoning advisory commission agenda is the draft comprehensive plan.

The commissioners will focus on the specific projects and priorities recommended by the St. Louis-based planning consulting company Arcturis.

On Monday, commission chairman Charlie Haubold told the city council his board will identify the similarities and differences among Arcturis' nine major recommendations and projects slated by the third round of Transportation Trust Fund plan.

For example, the Arcturis plan suggests William Street should be enhanced with an emphasis on commercial redevelopment. TTF-3 calls for improvements to streets intersecting with William Street, such as Armstrong Drive from Siemers Drive; Sprigg Street from Highway 74; and Fountain Street from Morgan Oak Street.

The Fountain Street extension, which is already in progress, will include roundabout at Morgan Oak Street. Grants are helping pay for the work. MoDOT is paying $104,068 and a community development block grant is paying $400,000. It is touted as a key entrance point to the city's downtown district.

The Arcturis suggests redeveloping Kingshighway, Cape Rock and the riverfront. It also puts a strong emphasis on greenway and trail development, suggesting trails replace sidewalks in some areas or at least be added near sidewalks.

Board members have consistently said they want to draft plan to make economic as well as design sense to the city over the course of the next 20 years.

The planning and zoning meeting starts at 5:30 p.m. today at the Osage Community Centre, 1625 Kingshighway.

In addition, the city council will meet jointly with the planning and zoning board at 5:30 p.m. Monday at the Osage Community Centre to discuss the draft plan.

pmcnichol@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 127