For those of you who also noticed the sudden removal of all curbside trees on N. Meramec last week...here is an emailed response today from John Wulf, Clayton's Acting Director of Public Works:
"This is part of an AmerenUE Power-On project. Ameren had removed the Bradford Pear trees along the west side of the 300 block of N. Meramec. Although their flowers are attractive in the spring, they are a soft wood tree and have a great tendency to split in high winds. This was evident in this case by the fact that at least a third of the trees were split. And earlier this spring we had one on Maryland fall over into the street during a storm. These trees also grow quickly and are inappropriate for planting under power lines due to the significant trimming required that affects their aesthetics. As a result, these trees are not on the City Forestry’s approved list of street trees as outlined in our ordinance.
With all this being said, the Public Works Department will be replanting this area with City-approved, under story, street trees in the spring. Per the Public Works Department policy, we will survey the head of the condo associations to determine which City approved under story tree they would like planted in front of each building.
I do believe that Public Works replanting the area with a more appropriate tree selection will provide a more pleasing streetscape over time, and eliminate the ongoing trimming and associated electrical service issues as well as safety concerns. I hope this information is helpful. Please let me know if you have any further questions."
John E. Wulf, P.E.
Acting Director of Public Works/City Engineer
December 8, 2008
Update on multiple tree removal on N. Meramec
November 20, 2008
Hanley House - Candlelight Holiday Tour on December 18th
This very special night at the Hanley House will only happen once a year. Don't miss your chance to view the home as the Hanley family would have - through the glow of candlelight. You will also view the museum in all it's Christmas glory!
Date: Thursday, December 18, 2008
Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location: Historic Hanley House
Cost: NEW PRICES! $10 for Adults... $5 per child over 6...and no charge if under 5!
Contact: Sarah Umlauf at sumlauf@ci.clayton.mo.us
To Register: Stop by The Center of Clayton
Flyer: Candlelight Christmas Tour
Free horse-drawn carriages will depart from the house from 6 pm - 8 pm!
October 16, 2008
ANNOUNCEMENT: Public Hearing on October 20th - Regarding the Hotel Indigo (formerly the Danielle Hotel)
Online link
CITY PLAN COMMISSION ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD MEETING
Monday, October 20, 2008 - 5:30 p.m.City of Clayton – 2nd Floor Council Chambers - 10 N. Bemiston Ave.Clayton, Missouri 63105
For further information contact Catherine Powers at 290-8459
City Plan Commission/Architectural Review BoardA G E N D A
ROLL CALLMINUTES – Regular meeting of October 6, 2008
NEW BUSINESS
A. Restaurant – My Daddy’s Cheesecake6451 Clayton RoadConditional Use PermitConsideration of a request by Rob Jacknewitz, agent on behalf of Daddy Marketing Group, LLC, tenant, for a conditional use permit to operate a 2,396 square foot café/bakery to be known as My Daddy’s Cheesecake in the space formerly approved for a San Sai Japanese Grill. The restaurant will provide seating for 56 patrons inside the restaurant and an additional 25 patrons on the outdoor patio. Hours of operation are 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.Architectural ReviewConsideration of a request by Rob Jacknewitz, agent on behalf of Daddy Marketing Group, LLC, tenant, for review of the design and furniture associated with outdoor seating to accommodate 25 patrons at 11 tables on the outdoor dining patio.
B. New Construction – Single Family Residence121 Linden AvenueSite Plan ReviewConsideration of a request by Mr. & Mrs. Robert O’Brien, owners, for review of the site plan associated with the construction of a 2 story, approximately 28.5’ in height, 8,238 square foot single family residence featuring an attached, side entry lower level garage.Architectural Review Consideration of a request by Mr. & Mrs. Robert O’Brien, owners, for review of the design and materials associated with the construction of a 2 story, 8,238 square foot brick and stone single family residence.
C. Addition/Renovation to Existing Structure - Hotel Project 216 N. Meramec Avenue
Public Hearing - Rezoning A public hearing to consider rezoning the property addressed 216 N. Meramec Avenue from C-2 “General Commercial District” to a Planned Unit Development (PUD) District in support of a Hotel Indigo.
Public Hearing – Planned Unit Development (PUD)A public hearing to consider a request by Conrad Properties Corporation, developer, for a Planned Unit Development (PUD) project as required for a hotel and restaurant in the C-2 District. This project meets the eligibility requirements for a Commercial PUD.Site Plan ReviewConsideration of a request by Conrad Properties Corporation, developer, for review of the site plan associated with the renovation of the existing hotel structure to a Hotel Indigo. After renovation, the hotel will contain 119 rooms and a public restaurant. The project includes the addition of a 5th story to the existing 4 story structure, streetscape improvements and re-striping the existing underground parking garage and surface lot.Architectural ReviewConsideration of a request by Conrad Properties Corporation, developer, for review of the design and materials associated with the renovation of the existing hotel structure to a Hotel Indigo. The project includes a 5th story brick and EIFS addition to the existing 4 story structure for a finished height of approximately 54.5’. The project also includes a 50 square foot illuminated identification sign to be located on the building’s west elevation.
CITY BUSINESS
A. Public Hearing – Recodification of Zoning Ordinance A public hearing to consider the recodification of Chapters 22 (Zoning Ordinance), Chapter 22a (Overlay & Urban Design Zoning Districts) and the Subdivision Ordinance to become new Chapters 400, 405, 410 and 415. This recodification is part of an overall codification of the entire Municipal Code of Ordinances to update the code and include revisions and new ordinance related to land use provisions. This codification does not substantially change any provisions of these ordinances.
ADJOURNMENT
Agenda topics may be deleted at any time prior to the Plan Commission / Architectural Review Board Meeting without further notice. To inquire about the status of agenda topics, call 290-8459 or 290-8453
September 30, 2008
Mayor Goldstein's letter
Mayor Goldstein sent a letter of appreciation for being invited as our guest speaker at our annual neighborhood meeting on 9/17/08. She mentioned that there was a resident who was confused about some issues covered at our meeting. She gave permission to share her letter of clarification with all Old Town residents.
You can view the letter online HERE.
Regards,
Cheryl Verde
President, Old Town Clayton Neighborhood Association
September 22, 2008
ANNOUNCEMENT: Hanley House Festival on October 11th
See flyer HERE.
The City of Clayton is pleased to announce that Dr. Edward Ayers, President of the University of Richmond, will be the Guest of Honor at The Historic Hanley House Fall Festival on Saturday, October 11th, 2008. The festival is sponsored in part by the Friends of the Historic Hanley House and the Clayton History Society.
The Historic Hanley House Fall Festival will celebrate life in 19th century Missouri. Guests will witness the magic of storytelling, live demonstrations of the fiber arts, participants dressed in period costumes and Civil War re-enactors. The event will culminate with a very special lecture featuring Louis S. Gerteis, Professor of History at UMSL and author of Civil War St. Louis, and Dr. Edward Ayers. A teacher, mentor and administrator of national renown, Dr. Ayers recently became the ninth president of the University of Richmond. The Historic Hanley House looks forward to hosting these distinguished scholars. The presentation by Professor Gerteis is a service of The State Historical Society of Missouri as part of its Missouri History Speakers’ Bureau
September 6, 2008
Invitation to Old Town Clayton residents!
The Annual Old Town Clayton Neighborhood Association Meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 17, 7:00 - 8:30 pm, in St. Joseph's Parish Hall located at N. Meramec and Maryland in Clayton. This free, informative event will feature guest speakers including Clayton’s Mayor, City Manager, Ward III Aldermen, Police and Fire Chiefs.
Immediately following this meeting, there will be a brief presentation by Conrad Properties Developer, Craig Sauer, on the proposed Meramec Place and Hotel Indigo (Danielle) Project from 8:30 – 9:00 pm.
Our Neighborhood Association incurs annual expenses that include state registration and tax filing forms, website renewal and maintenance fees, printing and event costs. We wish to purchase ten professional looking signs to be used for future Old Town events. A donation of $10 per family would be greatly appreciated to help manage and ensure the future of our neighborhood association.
New this year - attendance prizes will be awarded to some lucky attendees! Prize donors include Almonds Restaurant, David's in Clayton Hair Salon, Flowers of Clayton, Straubs, and City Coffee!
You need to be present to win.
Please consider attending this special event to hear first-hand about what’s happening around the Old Town Clayton neighborhood! Join us on September 17th!
Sincerely,
Cheryl Verde
President, Old Town Clayton Neighborhood Association
(See Meeting Agenda that follows)
ANNUAL MEETING AGENDA
SEPTEMBER 17, 2008
ST. JOSEPH'S PARISH HALL
GENERAL MEETING - 7:00 PM – 8:30 pm
….And Please Stay Afterwards For….
PRESENTATION ON OLD TOWN DEVELOPMENT - 8:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Conrad Properties Developer, Craig Sauer, will speak about the
proposed Meramec Place and Hotel Indigo (Danielle) Project.
6:45 pm - DOORS OPEN - Please sign in and get your attendance prize ticket at the registration
table located at entrance door. Help yourself anytime to beverages throughout the evening. A voluntary donation of $10 per family would be greatly appreciated to help ensure the future of this Neighborhood Association. Thank you!
7:00 pm – WELCOMING REMARKS - CHERYL VERDE, PRESIDENT
- Introduction of Guest Speakers and Old Town Clayton’s Board of Directors
- Brief history and update of Old Town Clayton Neighborhood Association activities
TREASURER’S REPORT
- SANDY or JUDI MacLean, TREASURER
GUEST SPEAKERS
- MAYOR, HONORABLE LINDA GOLDSTEIN
- CITY MANAGER, CRAIG OWENS
- WARD 3 ALDERMAN, ALEX BERGER
- WARD 3 ALDERMAN, STEVE LICHTENFELD
- FIRE CHIEF, MARK THORP
- POLICE CHIEF, TOM BYRNE
OPEN QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSION
8:25 pm - ATTENDANCE PRIZES AWARDED
8:30 pm - MEETING ADJOURNED - If possible, please stay for the following presentation.
8:30 pm -9:00 pm: PRESENTATION ON PROPOSED OLD TOWN DEVELOPMENT- CRAIG SAUER
July 17, 2008
Central Newsmagazine Article - "Residents, Clayton officials clash over hotel, garage project"
Residents, Clayton officials clash over hotel, garage project
By Benjamin Israel
July 16, 2008
The Clayton Board of Aldermen gave a unanimous go-ahead to RJ York Development to build a project that will put a 23-story hotel on the southwest corner of North Central and Maryland avenues where three buildings, none taller than five stories now stand and a parking garage standing three stories above ground across Maryland.
The vote came July 8, after weeks of crowded and contentious hearings and debates before the board and the Plan Commission. Much of the debate centered on two parking lots on the other side of Maryland where York plans to build a multi-level parking garage fronted with retail shops lining Maryland.
To make the project possible, the board had to rezone two parking lots now zoned residential commercial. The lots border on the Old Town Clayton area of large homes and luxury low-rise condominiums.
While many Old Town residents said they feared increased traffic and the encroachment of commercial zoning into land formerly zoned residential - 86 signed a petition against it - some supported the development.
One opponent, Mel Disney, a board member of the Old Town Clayton Neighborhood Association, said in an interview that Clayton should not rezone any residential lots commercial because he believes that it would upset Clayton’s delicate balance of residential and commercial property.
“Any time we take away a residential lot, you are changing the quality of life,” Disney said.
“I think it is going to be a great project,” Cheryl Verde, president of the Old Town Clayton Neighborhood Association, said in an interview. “The parking garage design is very attractive.”
Renderings show a garage that looks more like a brick building than a garage.
The garage exterior consists of limestone panels, with openings facing Central designed to look like windows and brick veneer facing the homes on the north.
The zoning-change ordinance the board passed calls for the lots to revert to residential zoning if the project does not come through.
Old Town Clayton extends from Brentwood Boulevard to Jackson Avenue and from Forsyth Boulevard north to the city line. Driving north on North Central from Maryland, the street narrows as it passes between two brick pillars topped by slabs of concrete with “Old Town” carved in capital letters. A grassy median runs down the middle of the residential portion of the street.
Approaching the pillars, the Mid-County Branch of the St. Louis County Library sits on the right and three surface parking lots on the left. RJ York Development plans to build six levels of parking on those lots fronted on Maryland by a row of shops, according to the developer’s plans. Three levels would be below ground. The three entrances on Central would be replaced by one.
One of the lots is already zoned commercial.
The hotel would displace the three buildings on the west side of North Central between Maryland and the alley to the south: a five-story office building with Il Vicino restaurant and an Edward Jones brokerage office on the ground floor, a two-story building with San Sai Japanese Grill, Busy Bee Alterations and Shoe Repair, Zuzu’s Handmade Mexican Food, one empty storefront formerly the site of the Smoothie King, the Clayton Barber Shop and offices on the floor above, and a one-story building housing only the Clayton Gallery and Tomsich Framing.
The nine-story Graybar Building occupies the west half of the block along Maryland, and is not part of the development. The shops south of the alley on Central will remain as well.
RJ York is working with the current retail tenants of the buildings and hopes to relocate some of them to the new building across Maryland, said Clayton Planning Director Catherine Powers. The developer’s renderings show San Sai and Il Vicino occupying two of the storefronts there. Robert Kramer did not respond to an email asking about the storefronts.
Plans call for the garage building to go up first.
The hotel would have more than 200 rooms plus 30 to 40 residential condominiums and include some upscale shops as well, according to city documents.
In the lead-up to the aldermen’s vote, Clayton residents debated whether their city needs another hotel.
In an interview, Old Town resident Rick Maier said there are too many hotel rooms in Clayton already, and he expects this one will have trouble filling its rooms.
Mayor Linda Goldstein defended the rezoning as “long overdue. Those parking lots have had non-conforming uses as long as anyone can remember,” she said.
Alderman Alex Berger, Ward 3, who represents Old Town Clayton, said, “The lots are not changing due to rezoning,” noting that they are already used for parking. He added that negotiations resulted in some green space planned as a 28-foot buffer between the garage and homes.
July 9, 2008
Post Dispatch Article - "Clayton OKs hotel and garage project"
Clayton OKs hotel and garage project
By Margaret Gillerman
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
Wednesday, Jul. 09 2008
CLAYTON — Twenty years after city officials scuttled a plan for a hotel and parking garage at Maryland and Central avenues, aldermen Tuesday gave a developer their unanimous support for a similar project at the same spot.
Clayton aldermen and Mayor Linda Goldstein said they were doing what they believed was best for the city by approving the Central Maryland Hotel project and parking garage.
The board's decision followed months of opposition from residents of Old Town Clayton and from Graybar Electric, a corporation based immediately west of the proposed hotel.
Before the vote, Goldstein said that the project had "created quite a lot of emotion among neighbors ... and talk in the community at large."
She told the plan's opponents: "All of us care deeply about the community" and "we can respect each other's opinions. In my mind, I think this rezoning is long overdue."
Alderman Steve Lichtenfeld, who represents the ward, said: "This location is probably the most critical in our entire city where the residential and business communities come together."
Alderman Alex Berger, also from Ward 3, said that the project had been modified to try to accommodate critics' concerns.
The $110 million proposal by R. J. York Development includes a 23-story, 225-room hotel tower, with 40 luxury condominiums and shops, and a parking garage with shops at Maryland and Central avenues. The development, designed by Core 10 Architecture, straddles both sides of Maryland west of Central.
Many neighbors in Old Town Clayton who had packed earlier hearings showed up for another standing-room-only meeting Tuesday. They also submitted more petitions in opposition to the project.
Neighbors have said the project would result in excessive traffic, blocked sunlight, impaired safety and allow commercial zoning to encroach into their residential neighborhood.
Some residents and business people spoke in favor of the project and said downtown Clayton needed more parking.
Lawyer Jeffrey Michelman said the city needed a "beautiful hotel" for business people that would exemplify "how terrific Clayton is."
Steve Shapiro said many Clayton residents outside Old Town liked the project. "Graybar has nerve to be going against a high-rise when Graybar is a high-rise," he said. "The parking is horrible here."
June 25, 2008
Post Dispatch Article - "Aldermen delay vote on high-rise"
Aldermen delay vote on high-rise
By Margaret Gillerman
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
Wednesday, Jun. 25 2008
CLAYTON — For Suzi Forsyth, her neighborhood battle in Old Town Clayton is deja vu.
In 1987 and 1988, Forsyth and some of her neighbors in the Old Town Association of Clayton succeeded in keeping out a hotel and parking garage on North Central Avenue just south of their neighborhood of luxury and costly condominiums, duplexes and homes. The idea is before the city again with a different developer and different hotel interests.
The $110 million project will require a rezoning that residents like Forsyth oppose.
"It's wrong to rezone for the sole benefit of the developer," Forsyth said Tuesday night before city aldermen voted to delay a vote on the issue.
Forsyth was among a standing-room-only crowd at City Hall for a hearing on the proposal by R.J. York Development at Central and Maryland avenues. The builder's Central Maryland Hotel project would include a 23-story hotel tower, with luxury condominiums and shops.
The project, designed by Core 10 Architecture, has gotten a favorable recommendation from the city's Plan Commission. Supporters say the county seat could use a new upscale hotel with boutiques, restaurants and more parking. The developer is hoping the hotel would be a Westin.
Architect Tyler Stephens said the plans for the project have already been altered. "We've had numerous meetings with the public, heard concerns and made changes to the plan each time," he said.
But some neighbors say they fear excessive traffic and worry about pedestrian safety.
And while some say they aren't opposed to the hotel per se or the development, they're upset that the city is considering rezoning residential lots just south of Old Town to allow the parking garage.
Resident Carolyn Jenkins said that neighbors want to protect Old Town. "Rezoning is the issue," Jenkins said. "This proposal threatens the entire neighborhood."
The Art Deco-style tower would be on the southwest corner of Maryland and Central avenues, replacing a five-story building. The six-level garage, with three levels below ground, would be on the north side of Maryland, west of Central. It would replace three lots, including one used by St. Joseph's Catholic Church and another owned by the city.
James Kerley Jr.'s father opposed the similar proposal 20 years ago. Now, Kerley and his wife, Terri, are fighting this one.
"It was a bad plan then and it's a bad plan now," he said.
mgillerman@post-dispatch.com 314-725-6758
June 19, 2008
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Dear Old Town Clayton Neighbors,
1. Message from Alderman Alex Berger:
"Annually the Board of Alderman nominates citizens for membership to various Boards and Commissions. This year Steve Lichtenfeld and I are seeking citizens to apply for the Ecology and Environmental Awareness Committee and the Art Commission. June Waters, the Clayton City Clerk, can be contacted for applications. You can call her at (314) 290-8460 or email her at jwaters@ci.clayton.mo.us If you know of someone who might be interested in either the EEAC or Art Commission please urge them to apply. Thank you in advance for any help you can give us." - Alex Berger III, Ward III Alderman
2. Hanley House Fall Festival - October 11th, 2008:
Come and take part in an event filled with living history. Hanley Park will host a Fall Festival celebrating life in 19th century Missouri. Discover the fiber arts through live demonstrations, see Civil War re-enactors, and allow yourself to be transported back in time through the magic of storytelling.
The Historic Hanley House is proud to welcome guest of honor Dr. Edward L. Ayers, President of the University of Richmond. Dr. Ayers is one of the nation's leading scholars on the history of the American South and has written and edited 10 books including The Promise of the New South: Life After Reconstruction, a finalist for both the National Book Award and the Pulitzer Prize. A teacher, mentor and administrator of national renown, Dr. Ayers recently became the ninth president of the University of Richmond. The Historic Hanley House looks forward to hosting such a distinguished scholar as Dr. Edward Ayers.
You will not soon forget this wonderful event. Mark your calendars now! Be sure to check the Old Town website, http://oldtownclayton.org/ for the latest updates on the Hanley House Fall Festival.
3. Tuesday, June 24th, 7:00 pm - City Hall
The Board of Aldermen will conduct a public hearing that will consider the R. J. York hotel and parking garage project proposed for the northwest and southwest corners of Central Avenue at Maryland Avenue.
4. Annual Old Town Clayton Neighborhood Association Meeting - Wednesday, September 17th, 7:00 pm - St. Joseph Parish Hall - 106 N. Meramec
Mark your calendars now this annual event when you will hear about what's new in Clayton from our city officials. Guest speakers include Mayor Linda Goldstein, Alderman Berger and Alderman Lichtenfeld, Police and Fire Chiefs, and our new City Manager.
Regards,
Cheryl Verde
President, Old Town Clayton Neighborhood Association
June 17, 2008
ANNOUNCEMENT: June 24th Public Hearing on York Hotel Project
DISCLOSURE: * This message is made in courtesy to Terri Kerley (727-2972), Kathy Beilein (863-2650), and Suzi Forsyth (863-0739), and does not reflect the views of the Old Town Clayton Neighborhood Association Board or other Old Town Clayton residents.
Open letter To the residents of Old Town,
On Tuesday, June 24 at 7:00 p.m. at the Clayton City Hall, the Board of Aldermen will conduct a public hearing that will consider the R. J. York hotel and parking garage project proposed for the northwest and southwest corners of Central Avenue at Maryland Avenue.
We encourage you to attend this meeting so that you can consider some of the issues this project will raise:
*a precedent-setting change in the zoning of 2 of the 3 surface lots on North Central from Residential R-3 (One and Two Family Dwelling District) to C-3 (General Commercial District)
*encroachment on a residential neighborhood (mulit-level parking garage with 370+ spaces replaces 3 small surface parking lots)
*24-hours-a-day, 7-days-a-week activity, noise, safety, and traffic concerns
If you are cannot attend this meeting, we encourage you to send an e-mail to our aldermen, Steve Lichtenfeld at slichtenfeld@ci.clayton.mo.us and Alex Berger at aberger@ci.clayton.mo.us expressing your concerns about this project. You can also write to them at Clayton City Hall, 10 North Bemiston, Clayton, MO. 63105. It's important that we stand together as a neighborhood; our e-mails and letters will help us accomplish that.
- Concerned Citizens of Old Town
May 31, 2008
York Development Project
DISCLOSURE: * This message is made in courtesy to Terri Kerley (727-2972), Kathy Beilein (863-2650), and Suzi Forsyth (863-0739), and does not reflect the views of the Old Town Clayton Neighborhood Association Board or other Old Town Clayton residents.
To All Old Town Residents,
An Old Town citizen group is seeking your presence and support to oppose:
1) re-zoning of 119 North Central (the present parking lot for St. Joseph's Church) from R-3 District (residential) to C-2 District (commercial).
2) the proposed construction of a hotel/retail/parking garage project by R.J. York
You may print, sign, and return to Suzi Forsyth at 159 N. Central.
The undersigned opposes the re-zoning and construction described above:
Name:_______________________________________
Address:____________________________________
May 14, 2008
Show Me St. Louis TV program features Historic Hanley House
The video link is HERE or at http://www.ksdk.com/video/default.aspx?aid=76426&sid=146209&bw=hi&cat=78
The text link is HERE or at http://www.ksdk.com/life/programming/local/showme/showme_article.aspx?storyid=146209
Let's support our neighborhood treasure that has recently been reopened to the public for tours.
For more information or feedback, contact the following person:
Sarah Umlauf....Community Resource Coordinator......City of Clayton......50 Gay Avenue...... Clayton, MO 63105...phone 314-226-9893
April 9, 2008
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR HANLEY HOUSE
* Hanley House volunteers are needed!Hanley House tours are scheduled Monday through Friday by appointment only. You can also tour on Saturday or Sunday from noon to four.
Tours are $3 for Adults and Children 12 & under are free!
The Hanley House is located at 7600 Westmoreland in Clayton.
Contact Sarah. J. Umlauf, Community Resource Coordinator at (314) 226-9893 or email her at sumlauf@ci.clayton.mo.us for more information on volunteer opportunities.
March 21, 2008
ANNOUNCEMENT: HISTORIC PHOTOS & VOLUNTEERS FOR ORAL HISTORIES NEEDED
Clayton's History Society is looking for historic photos and records to keep or to scan for the City's files and to display on its website. For details, call Judy Kekich at 314.290.8473.
The History Society is also partnering with OASIS and Sunrise Senior Living/Clayton on the Park on the Clayton Oral History Project. The History Society will catalogue oral histories about growing up, going to school and owning a business in Clayton as permanent records. Excerpts of the stories may be used on the Clayton History Society website and, as the city makes plans to celebrate its 100th anniversary of incorporation in 2013, in a History of Clayton book. Interviews will be videotaped. Two tapes (one for the participant and one for the Clayton History Society) will cost $50.
Please call OASIS at 314.367.5700 to schedule your oral history. Join us, as we capture and celebrate the wonderful details of daily life in our community.
I hope there will be many Old Town residents cooperating with this request to help preserve Clayton's past. Do you have any photos of your home, documents, or stories to tell?
- Cheryl Verde
January 28, 2008
BUSH HONEYSUCKLE PLANT INFORMATION
Subject: Why we need to eradicate Bush Honeysuckle.
In 2004, I Co-Chaired the first 24-hour biological survey of the newly restored Forest Park with Valerie Vartanian, Invasive Species Specialist for The Nature Conservancy and The Missouri Botanical Garden. In 2006 when I was an advisor for the second BioBlitz, I was asked if I would help inform the citizens who live in the communities that ring the Park about the need to remove Bush Honeysuckle from the area.
Forest Park Forever spent $40,000 removing Bush Honeysuckle from the park in the last year and there's still lots more to go. The results after removal are worth it though. After it was removed from Kennedy Woods, many native plant species began to return from a dormant native seedbed, and within in a year the bird species sighted grew from 10’s to more than 100. As a result Kennedy Woods has recently received the national designation of an Important Bird Area by the Audubon Society.
Bush Honeysuckle is an Asian variety introduced in the 50's and 60's by the USDA to control soil erosion. It used to be widely sold in nurseries as well. It has spread throughout the northeast and Midwest. Since it has no natural controls in this country, and since it leafs out first in the spring and holds it's leaves last in the fall, it shades out native vegetation thereby eliminating biodiversity. Bush Honeysuckle also emits a toxin through its root system that kills most non-Honeysuckle plants within its growing radius.
Once it gets into a wooded area or forest it will first eliminate the native understory, then eventually, because young trees cannot grow up in an infested area, will eliminate the trees as well.
Click here for document with instructions regarding removal of Bush Honeysuckle. I urge you to share this with your neighbors and to urge your neighbors to look in their yards and alleys and to begin to get rid of this very dangerous invasive plant. It's moving along power lines down Highway 44. If it gets into the Mark Twain National Forest or the Ozarks it will be an ecological disaster. Thank you so much for any help you can give us to raise awareness about the need to eliminate Bush Honeysuckle from our area completely.
Marguerite Garrick
email- ritey1951@aol.com
