Prop S Vote April 7

Proposition S is a $51 million bond issue that will be placed before Clayton voters Tuesday, April 7, 2009. It will fund improvements, additions and renovations to Clayton High School, Captain Elementary School, Glenridge Elementary School, Meramec Elementary School and the Family Center. Plans for projects at each school were developed by parents, community members students and staff as part of the District’s recently-completed Facilities Master Plan. Though not part of the plan, the Wydown Middle School land swap has been removed from consideration even as a separate issue. Citizens for Clayton Schools has created a website with information.

For details of the plan, click here.

For those who would like to ask questions or get more information on Prop S, there will be an informational meeting at St. Joseph Parish Hall, on Monday, March 16th at 7 pm. Details will be forthcoming.

Clayton Ordinances Available Online

The new Code is now online and accessible to the public. It is maintained online by Sullivan Publications, Inc. The updated Code contains all ordinances supplied by the Municipality through Ordinance Number 6051, enacted December 23, 2008.

The link is HERE.

Update on multiple tree removal on N. Meramec

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

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!

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

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

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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

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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)

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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

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.

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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."

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