Historical September–October 1999 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
The Delmar MetroLink Station took center stage on September 21, 1999, as FTA Administrator Gordon Linton presented a $3.4 Million grant to enhance MetroLink Stations. Linton’s visit to St. Louis is one of 12 stops on his nationwide tour to promote the Federal Transit Administration (FTA)’s “Livable Communities Initiative”, which focuses on customer friendly, community oriented, well-designed transit facilities and services.
The Initiative also emphasizes community involvement in proposed transportation improvements during the early stages of the planning process.
The Delmar Station, site of the grant presentation, is a prime example of a new kind of planning for transportation and community partnerships. Residents, businesses, neighborhood groups, St. Louis City and University City have worked since 1997 with Bi-State and the Arts in Transit Program to develop a cohesive plan for the Delmar MetroLink Station.
The FTA grant of $ 2,786,731 will be used to enhance the Delmar Station area, including: • The construction of a transit/pedestrian plaza to improve the appearance of the station and create a safe, attractive transfer area; • “Traffic calming” and streetscape improvements, including safer pedestrian and bicycle access to the station with additional lighting, landscaping, bus shelters and bike racks. • Improved signage, public art and a distinctive gateway to MetroLink to make the station more prominent and visible to Delmar Boulevard and the surrounding area. FTA grant funds will be used with other funds, already allocated by the state of Missouri and the City of St. Louis, to complete the planned streetscape improvements both east and west of the station. East of the station, a landscaped median will be built from Hodiamont to DeBaliviere. West of the station, widened sidewalks will make the transition to the city limits consistent with the Loop.
Also attending the ceremonial check presentation was Mel Sundermeyer, Director of Multimodal Operations for the State of Missouri Department of Transportation, MODOT, which is also a key partner in the funding for the project. $ 612,447 of the overall $ 3.4 million grant will enhance the Busch Stadium Station, in conjunction with the Cupples Station renovations underway. $ 215,000 will be used to do landscaping and signage at the Wellston Station. $ 435,161 will be allocated to signage at all the existing Metrolink Stations.
A prototype of the new signage program has been installed at the Wellston station. Leading the grant presentation at the Delmar Station was Bi-State Director Tom Irwin, who introduced speakers Mayor Clarence Harmon, Alderman Irving Clay, Alderman Lyda Krewson, businessman Dennis Townsend, and resident Jo Ann Vatcha, who all thanked FTA Administrator Gordon Linton for the grants and the recognition given the community planning effort which has resulted in this cohesive plan for Delmar. Alderman Krewson asked the assembled group to “look closely at Delmar now…in a short time, people will say what a beautiful street it has become.
But we will remember how much hard work it took to make it a reality.” Alderman Clay took note of the tremendous potential Delmar has to become a prime commercial location.
He also described how he became involved in the legislation creating a redevelopment plan, “because neighborhood residents like Jo Ann Vatcha brought me into the planning process. Together we came up with a plan that will work.” Dennis Townsend, speaking on behalf of the many long-time businessmen on Delmar, remembered how his parents had had the vision to believe that someday our business climate would improve. Being a part of the planning committee for nearly ten years, Townsend noted, has been a rewarding and positive experience for both business owners and neighborhood residents. FTA Administrator Gordon Linton, who had visited the site early in his tenure at FTA, noted the importance of transit-related development across the country. Travelling extensively, Linton – sees first-hand the resulting ventures, such as day-care facilities and other quality of life services.
He articulated the administration’s belief that “transportation is more than concrete, asphalt and steel”, and his emphasis is on improving the efficient transit systems that help “support the sustainable development that keeps livable communities alive.” Linton, who served six terms in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives prior to become FTA Administrator five years ago, clearly enjoyed his trip to the Delmar Station, a perfect day in the autumn sunshine for MetroLink and for Delmar.
Original photograph caption
Officials at announcement of Delmar improvements. Photo courtesy Bi-State Arts in Transit.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, September–October 1999.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Archival transcription note: Headline says $3.4 million; the reported grant components total $4,049,339. Original figures retained.
Original source: SD_Times1999_09.pdf, printed page(s) 1, 17; PDF page(s) 1, 17.
