Historical April–May 2003 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
Metro (formerly Bi-State) has announced that the Delmar Streetscape Project has been released for bidding. Neighborhood groups, including the Delmar Commercial Committee, Skinker-DeBaliviere Community Council, West End Community Conference, Delmar Wabash Link Business Association, and the Delmar East Loop Parkview Gardens Special Business District, have been working hard with Aldermen Clay and Krewson, the City of St. Louis, and Metro for several years to make this revitalization dream a reality. Progress of this kind creates some inconvenience, however, and the following should help to make the upcoming construction timetable and issues clearer. Project Description Area A – Hodiamont to DeBaliviere: • The median project, completed by the City last year, is the major enhancement for this area.
During 2003, additional work will take place to repair and replace many portions of the sidewalks, install accessible curb ramps and replace sidewalk trees where needed. Fortunately, several mature trees can be saved. Area B – Skinker to Des Peres: • When complete, the overall traffic configuration between Skinker and Des Peres will be changed to match the traffic pattern in The Loop: one traffic lane in each direction, with parking on both sides of the street.
A left turn northbound onto Rosedale will be provided.
The turning lanes at the Skinker/Delmar intersection will remain the same.
A new traffic signal will be added at the Skinker/Rosedale intersection. • The sidewalks will be widened on both sides of the street to 24′, about double of what they are now.
This greatly expands the pedestrian environment, encouraging development and street activity. New landscaping will also be included. Also, the trees must be replaced, due to the overall change to the streetscape plan. • New pedestrian lighting will also be installed, chosen specifically to coordinate with new lighting to be installed in the University City part of The Loop.
The cobra head lights will be reset so that they will be across from one another.
This will mean that in the future, the holiday lights can be installed from The Loop eastward to Des Peres. Alderman Krewson allocated additional funding specifically for these lighting improvements. • Most existing driveways will remain; however, a few changes and closures must be made. Direct contact will be made with those property owners. • Utility relocations will occur where necessary. Lane and Sidewalk Closures Area A – There will be periodic lane closures for sidewalk repairs, but traffic will remain open at all times. . One sidewalk will be open at all times for pedestrians. Area B – There will be one lane open in each direction at all times. One sidewalk will be open at all times for pedestrians. Parking During Construction Area A – There will be periodic parking restrictions when sidewalk areas are being repaired or trees planted. Area B – On-street parking will not always be available during construction. Employees will be encouraged to take MetroLink, and employers will be encouraged to make alternative parking arrangements for their employees. Metro will allow local business employees to park in the MetroLink Delmar Park-and-Ride lot by issuing windshield placards to businesses for their employees to use. Customers may also use the MetroLink lot when visiting area businesses. Metro will provide a sign stating that area business are open during construction and directing customers to the MetroLink lot.
Please keep in mind that parking space will be limited, and there is no 24 hour parking allowed in the lot. Construction workers will also be using the MetroLink lot. Company vehicles or company delivery vans may not use the lot. Deliveries During Construction Area A – There should be no impact to deliveries. Area B – On-street deliveries will be difficult to accommodate. Business owners may need to use the alleys for deliveries temporarily.
This may mean requesting suppliers to downsize to smaller delivery vehicles during construction. Business and Driveway Access Area A – There should be minimal impact to business entrances or driveway access. Metro and the contractor will notify individual property owners when sidewalk repairs will take place at their entrances. Area B – There will be impacts to business entrances and driveways. Metro is requiring the contractor to maintain access to entrances. Temporary wood plank entrances may be provided, when necessary.
The contractor is responsible for setting his own construction phasing plan. Once a contractor is selected and a schedule is generated, Metro will provide more information on this issue. Metro and the contractor will notify individual property owners when repairs will take place at their entrances. Accessibility Issues: Wherever building entrances currently have steps, the building owners will need to plan additional improvements to meet the Building Code for Accessibility. Dave Mastin, President of the Delmar Wabash Link Business Assn., at 863-1313, Ext. 223, has volunteered his architectural firm to help fellow business owners to assess their individual situations.
Another key resource is Gary Filmore, Commercial District Manager, SLDC, at 454- 1894, for assistance in meeting the code requirements for handicap accessibility.
These important changes to the Delmar streetscape will mean a better future for the entire business and residential community. Any questions may be directed to the Hotline number listed above, or call Dave Mastin at 863-1313, Laure Porterfield at 862-5122, or Jo Ann Vatcha at 622-3400. Project Schedule May 1 – Notice of Bid Award May 15 – Notice to Proceed (by contract, then has 150 calendar days for construction (except for planting) May 15-30 – Mobilization June 1 – Construction starts, lane closures begin. October 3 – Construction ends Oct. & Nov. – Landscaping Project Contact Person and Hot Line Number: Elizabeth Johnson, 314-982-1400, x1365, ejohnson@bsda.org
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, April–May 2003.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times2003_04.pdf, printed page(s) 5; PDF page(s) 5.
