Beyond the 1947 COMPREHENSIVE plan
In 1973, another General Plan was produced. Its focus was on diagnosis of problems and analysis of areas of need, but not providing proposals for solutions. Seven issues were specified; “managing growth, maintaining an appropriate mix of housing options, providing employment, lessening poverty, improving government service delivery, enhancing citizen-government communications, and protecting the environment” [1]. Key trends were identified and facts given about the condition of the city at that time but only left it at that.
In 1980 another eleven topics were addressed and there was improvement in the plan's ability to provide policy recommendations. It emphasized a county-wide approach for providing selected services such as tax collection. Overall, the theme was to coordinate the county’s efforts with regional bodies, private entities and municipalities. There was an update to this plan in 1985 that focused on moving away from comprehensive planning to strategic planning. It also encouraged economic development in the flood plains of the Missouri River. 1993 was the official start of strategic plans where each topic would be addressed separately and have a vision statement with a series of actions to be taken.
In 1980 another eleven topics were addressed and there was improvement in the plan's ability to provide policy recommendations. It emphasized a county-wide approach for providing selected services such as tax collection. Overall, the theme was to coordinate the county’s efforts with regional bodies, private entities and municipalities. There was an update to this plan in 1985 that focused on moving away from comprehensive planning to strategic planning. It also encouraged economic development in the flood plains of the Missouri River. 1993 was the official start of strategic plans where each topic would be addressed separately and have a vision statement with a series of actions to be taken.
The Strategic comprehensive plan of 2005
Adopted in 2005, a Strategic Comprehensive Plan was adopted to serve two purposes; one being to provide direction for those who wished to make new investments and another to provide stability and opportunities for those who already live, work, and have established their businesses. St. Louis’s location offers many advantages when it comes to engaging in business negotiations because of the access to the region’s workforce, and the availability of vehicular, rail, air and river transportation systems – allowing St. Louis to be “connected to the region, the nation and beyond.” [2]
The purpose of this plan was to use it in a way that enhances the quality of life and also reaffirm the spirit of adventure and accomplishment that characterizes the city. Acknowledging the past and its entrepreneurialism, self-confidence, energy, and teamwork, the city can expect a bright and proud future. Since its adaptation this plan has been amended 10 times and includes 10 land use designations consisting of Neighborhood Commercial Area, Regional Commercial Area, Recreational/Open Space Preservation and Development Area, Business/Industrial Preservation Area, Business/Industrial Development Area, Institutional Preservation and Development Are, Specialty Mixed Use Area, and Opportunity Area. [2]
MAIN SECTIONS OF DOCUMENT:
· Eliminating Problems – Problem and nuisance property targeting, targeted demolitions, debris cleanup
· Solidifying District Identity – Regulations/guidelines reflecting specific vision/efficiency, promotion of signature community design
projects, historic district designation where appropriate, district marketing, signage/banners
· Promoting District Improvement – New construction that complements the historic fabric, new development-innovative and
conventional, historic rehabilitation and new construction, streetscape improvements, façade improvement, park enhancement
· Assembling Land/Buildings – Identify/Assemble sites for development
· Building our Toolbox - Enhancing the current development tools, innovative application of new resources
· Land Use Designations – Includes two types of neighborhoods, “Neighborhood Preservation” are areas that already exist and will be improved and augmented in a manner to preserve existing character. “Neighborhood Development” are new types of residential character that are both permitted and encouraged which are meant to complement adjoining neighborhoods and blocks. “Neighborhood Commercial” areas are intended to encourage investment in these corridors that provide essential services to the surrounding community. “Regional Commercial” are opportunities for the city to capitalize on the emerging trend among established retailers to locate in urban markets and take advantage of life enhancement that they offer. The city already contains numerous parks and green spaces, but additional “Recreational/Open Space” will be developed as this becomes an increasingly important aspect of the city’s development and economy as people seek healthy lifestyles involving outdoor recreation. “Business/Industrial Preservation” are meant so businesses can plan their future in the city with confidence and for new business locations to seek development opportunities. “Institutional” refers to established institutions, universities, hospitals, schools and churches that provide essential services. “Specialty Mixed Use” are areas such as Downtown, Grand Center and the Central West End that allow business, residents, arts, and other entertainment to coexist and thrive together. “Opportunity Areas” are undeveloped allowing a variety of proposals.
The purpose of this plan was to use it in a way that enhances the quality of life and also reaffirm the spirit of adventure and accomplishment that characterizes the city. Acknowledging the past and its entrepreneurialism, self-confidence, energy, and teamwork, the city can expect a bright and proud future. Since its adaptation this plan has been amended 10 times and includes 10 land use designations consisting of Neighborhood Commercial Area, Regional Commercial Area, Recreational/Open Space Preservation and Development Area, Business/Industrial Preservation Area, Business/Industrial Development Area, Institutional Preservation and Development Are, Specialty Mixed Use Area, and Opportunity Area. [2]
MAIN SECTIONS OF DOCUMENT:
· Eliminating Problems – Problem and nuisance property targeting, targeted demolitions, debris cleanup
· Solidifying District Identity – Regulations/guidelines reflecting specific vision/efficiency, promotion of signature community design
projects, historic district designation where appropriate, district marketing, signage/banners
· Promoting District Improvement – New construction that complements the historic fabric, new development-innovative and
conventional, historic rehabilitation and new construction, streetscape improvements, façade improvement, park enhancement
· Assembling Land/Buildings – Identify/Assemble sites for development
· Building our Toolbox - Enhancing the current development tools, innovative application of new resources
· Land Use Designations – Includes two types of neighborhoods, “Neighborhood Preservation” are areas that already exist and will be improved and augmented in a manner to preserve existing character. “Neighborhood Development” are new types of residential character that are both permitted and encouraged which are meant to complement adjoining neighborhoods and blocks. “Neighborhood Commercial” areas are intended to encourage investment in these corridors that provide essential services to the surrounding community. “Regional Commercial” are opportunities for the city to capitalize on the emerging trend among established retailers to locate in urban markets and take advantage of life enhancement that they offer. The city already contains numerous parks and green spaces, but additional “Recreational/Open Space” will be developed as this becomes an increasingly important aspect of the city’s development and economy as people seek healthy lifestyles involving outdoor recreation. “Business/Industrial Preservation” are meant so businesses can plan their future in the city with confidence and for new business locations to seek development opportunities. “Institutional” refers to established institutions, universities, hospitals, schools and churches that provide essential services. “Specialty Mixed Use” are areas such as Downtown, Grand Center and the Central West End that allow business, residents, arts, and other entertainment to coexist and thrive together. “Opportunity Areas” are undeveloped allowing a variety of proposals.
[1] Tranel, Mark. St. Louis Plans: The Ideal and the Real St. Louis. St. Louis: Missouri Historical Society, 2007. 17+. Print
[2] "Strategic Land Use Plan of the St. Louis Comprehensive Plan." Strategic Land Use Plan of the St. Louis Comprehensive Plan. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Aug. 2014. <https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/planning/planning/adopted-plans/strategic-land-use/index.cfm>.
[3]Shaughnessy, Ryan. “Interactive Maps for St. Louis City – The City of St. Louis Offers Great Mapping Resources for Owners, Developers and Real Estate Professionals.” Active Rain. Web. 20 Aug. 2014.