Report to University City Council

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It should be noted that a February 2002 land use study of this area by the University City Planning and Development Department ("Area 4: Land Use Study") pointed out that "the introduction of MetroLink to this area will create demand for supplementary activities and expand the current service area. Redevelopment will create additional Metrolink destinations for retail, jobs and housing." That study recommended the City adopt land use policies that include the concept oftransit oriented development (TOD), identified optimum and site-specific land uses, and recommended rezoning certain parcels to accomplish this. This study and its recommendations were incorporated into the City's Comprehensive Plan June 2004 update. The City's 2002 land use study also identified the undeveloped triangular parcel at 7386 Forsyth Boulevard as "one of the City's most important development opportunities" and acknowledged the challenge it presents due to its location in both University City and Clayton. The study recommended, and talks have already begun on, a joint development plan for the parcel that will include synchronizing incentives and minimizing problems due to dual jurisdictional regulations. Given this recognition and the policy commitment of the city, the study group recommends that the City now be both aggressive and visionary in anticipating, promoting, and incenting the type and scale of development desired for the area surrounding the Forsyth Station. Action Items 1. Collaborate with the City of Clayton on a development concept. 2. Establish an urban design concept, design and development guidelines, and amendments to the City's zoning code as necessary to enable realization of the development concept. 3. Establish a redevelopment district within which fiscal incentives can be applied along with the framework of a Transportation Development District. 4. Because this site offers the potential for attracting investment of state-wide significance, the two cities should work with the Missouri Development Finance Board to plan for application of other state-enabled development tools and incentives such as MODESA and economic development tax credits. (Note: The multi-jurisdictional, intergovernmental compact that is being used to guide development of the Airport East area at Lambert Airport provides a model to be considered for University City and Clayton in addressing this opportunity.) Big Bend MetroLink Station Area The Big Bend MetroLink Station at the Williams Pharmacy corner presents another important opportunity to attract jobs and build a stronger tax base for the city. The combination of regional access via MetroLink and the adjacency of the Washington University campus suggest a higher and better economic use in portions of the immediate surroundings of the station than the homes that exist there today. While obviously both controversial and painful, realization of this opportunity will likely require redevelopment of some portion of the existing surrounding residential neighborhood. The types of uses that hold promise for this location include: 15