⚡️ Golf Champ, Police HQ, Bayer Campus Tax Breaks

Author

Jared Michel
April 10, 2024

👋 Good Morning, West County!

In today’s ⚡️ West County Pulse newsletter:

  • 🏌️‍♀️ A 9yo Golf Champ

  • 🚓 A $46M Police Facility

  • 🤝 Bayer Redevelopment Deal

Let’s jump into today’s newsletter!

— Jared Michel

THE DIGEST

🏌️‍♀️ Local 9yo Triumphs at Augusta National Event

Madison Pyatt, a 9-year-old golf prodigy from Eureka, has emerged victorious at the prestigious Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals held at Augusta National Golf Club. The competition, a joint initiative founded in 2013 by the Masters Tournament, United States Golf Association, and The PGA of America, aims to grow the game by focusing on three fundamental golf skills. Pyatt's exceptional performance in driving, chipping, and putting outshined her peers in the Girls 7-9 division, securing her place as a national champion.

🚓 $46M Maryland Heights Police Facility Planned

St. Louis County is accepting bids to construct a new $46 million public safety facility in Maryland Heights. The state-of-the-art building will house Police Precinct #2, an Intelligence Center, and a Property Control Center. Construction on the 49,309 square foot project, funded by federal relief money, is set to begin in June.

🏗️ Creve Coeur Approves Tax Breaks for Bayer Campus Redo

The Creve Coeur City Council has approved tax incentives for a huge mixed-use development on Bayer's former campus. The $985 million project, called Olia Village, will feature apartments, retail, hotels, and a "Main Street" vibe. The plan had faced some opposition with some residents arguing the development could happen without the tax breaks since it will divert money from 16 taxing districts including an estimated $45 million from Ladue schools over 25 years.

🥾 Outdoor Fun: Night in the Wild at Lone Elk

Night in the Wild is happening at Lone Elk Park from 2pm on April 27 to 10am on April 28. Campers will have access to activities like canoeing, archery, crafts, and outdoor cooking while enjoying the park's natural beauty and wildlife. Participants must bring their own gear, dinner, and breakfast, and no trailers are allowed. Advance registration is required at $18 per person, and space is very limited. Learn more / register here.

LOCAL BUSINESS

🚗 Fox Creek Manchester Closed After Crash

Fox Creek Veterinary Hospital's Manchester location is temporarily closed due to exterior damage caused by a vehicle accident on April 4th. Fortunately, no staff or pets were harmed, and appointments are being redirected to their Kirkwood and Wildwood locations until repairs are completed.

🍕 Cali Pizza Kitchen Closes Creve Coeur Spot

Sadly, California Pizza Kitchen has permanently closed its Creve Coeur location at 10590 Old Olive Street Road. The chain, known for its California-style pizzas, now only has one remaining St. Louis-area restaurant at the West County Center in Des Peres.

🌽 Wildwood Makes List of Top STL Farmers’ Markets

The Wildwood Farmers' Market was included in a recent roundup of the best farmers markets in the St. Louis area. The market, which will run from May 25 to October 5, offers traditional fare plus prepared foods like olive oil, honey, pickles, smoothies and hot tamales.

🌎 Chesterfield's Surdex Corp. Acquired

Chesterfield-based Surdex Corp., a family-owned geospatial and engineering services firm, has been acquired by Bowman Consulting Group Ltd. for $44 million. Surdex, founded in 1954, operates a fleet of aircraft and drones to provide mapping imagery and data for private and public sector clients. The acquisition will expand Bowman's geospatial offerings and public sector presence while providing growth opportunities for Surdex.

SCHOOL DISTRICT HIGHLIGHTS

🌞 Students Witness Awe-Inspiring Solar Eclipse

Students from all over Rockwood and Parkway gathered to witness Monday's captivating solar eclipse. The rare celestial event provided an unforgettable educational experience for the young astronomers:

CITY HIGHLIGHTS

Ballwin

🚓 Ballwin Police to Join Drug Take Back Program

Ballwin Police will participate in the National Drug Take Back on April 27, accepting expired or unused medications for safe disposal.

Chesterfield

🎖️ Celebrate Nation's History at DAR Event

Tonight the Cornelia Greene Chapter of the DAR will host an America 250 Paver Dedication to honor veterans and celebrate U.S. history.

Town and Country

Here's the latest from Monday night's Board of Aldermen meeting:

  • The Board of Aldermen passed a $0.23 per $100 assessed valuation property tax for 2024, which will cost the average household around $350. The tax passed 5-1 after extensive discussion about the need to cover projected operating deficits and fund renovations to aging city facilities.

  • The city is planning major renovations to the fire station, police station and City Hall in the coming years, with preliminary estimates ranging from $6-14 million. RFQs are being issued to obtain more concrete cost projections.

  • A new bubble tea restaurant was approved to open at 1050 Woodsmill Road in the Schnucks Woods Mill Plaza shopping center.

  • The police department promoted three officers to Corporal and hired two new civilian employees.

Wildwood

Here's the latest from Monday night's City Council meeting:

  • The city welcomed new arborist Michael Walsh, who discussed his plans to plant trees and address the city's tree-related issues.

  • Lafayette High School was honored for being named a state-level School of Character, with the principal and Rockwood superintendent recognized at the meeting.

  • The council sent a controversial bill regulating outdoor lighting on multifamily properties back to committee for further refinement after extensive discussion.

  • Agreements were approved for phase one development of the Village Green area and early payoff of neighborhood improvement district bonds.

  • The council will discuss building hard court sports facilities soon, as the large Greenberg private development is once again on hold.

🌐 Wildwood Internet Access Project Update

Wildwood's Internet Access Project with Spectrum is progressing. Maps 4 and 8 are now active, joining Maps 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 9, 11, and 12. Residents in these areas can sign up for high-speed fiber internet service through Spectrum, and those who do so within the first 6 months of availability will have the $59.99 installation fee waived for Service Drops of 400 feet or less. View all the project’s maps here.

UPCOMING EVENTS

  • Today: Wildwood’s Fun with First Responders @ Community Park (Ages 2-5, Sessions @ 10am,1pm). Learn more / register here.

  • Saturday:

    • Eureka’s Legends Neighborhood Garage Sale from 7am to 12pm. Learn more here.

    • Wildlife Rescue Center’s 45th Anniversary Open House from 11am to 4pm. Learn more here.

    • 9th Annual Boy Scout Lawn Mower Tune Up at Oak Brooke Elementary with drop-off from 8am to 1pm. Learn more here.

    • Coldwell Banker Realty - Gundaker’s Document Shred Day from 9am to 11am. Learn more here.

  • Saturday - Sunday: Eid Carnival @ Schroeder Park from 11am to 9pm. Learn more here.

Next Week

  • Tuesday April 16: Stargazing Night @ Terri Sue Fussner Field from 7:30pm to 9pm.

  • Thursday April 1618 Stargazing Night @ Bluebird Park from 8pm to 9:30pm.

  • Friday April 19 - Sunday April 21: Just Between Friends Sale @ Queeny Park. Learn more / purchase tickets here.

  • Saturday April 20: Manchester’s Maker's Mart & Arbor Day Festival from 10am to 4pm. Learn more here and here.

  • Saturday April 20: Document shred event at FMB- Eureka from 9am to 12pm. Learn more here.

THANKS!

Thanks for reading this edition of the ⚡️ West County Pulse newsletter. If you found something useful, please share it with a friend!

Did I miss something? Let me know at [email protected]

Interested in advertising your business in the West County Pulse? Let’s talk