The East-West Gateway Council of Governments (EWG) and its partners have launched a regional comprehensive planning effort that examines the potential for economic development around MetroLink light rail stations. This Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) study is part of a Regional Communities Planning Grant awarded to the St. Louis region by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The purpose of the study is to explore opportunities to create additional retail, residential housing, office, entertainment, and related real estate uses around the 37 existing light rail stations.

 Four open house meetings are scheduled for July 16-19, 2012, between 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. at locations near MetroLink stations for the public’s convenience. Participants will learn about TOD, and hear about initial observations and findings regarding the viability of TOD in the region.

 There will be a formal presentation that highlights the study goals and process at 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., followed by interactive keypad polling sessions where attendees can express their thoughts on development opportunities  and amenities they would like to see occur around the MetroLink stations. Please be advised that the same information and format will be presented at all four locations.

 The meeting dates and locations are listed below:

• Monday, July 16, 2012

Location: Southwestern Illinois College-Belleville Campus

The Garden Room near the Cafeteria

2500 Carlyle Ave.

Belleville, IL 62221

• Tuesday, July 16, 2012

Crossroads School

Cafeteria

500 DeBaliviere Ave.

St Louis, MO 63112

• Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Maplewood Richmond Heights High School

Cafeteria

7539 Manchester Rd.

Maplewood, MO 63143

• Thursday, July 19, 2012

East St. Louis City Hall

Rotunda

301 River Park Dr.

East St. Louis, IL 62201

Over the next several months, EWG will work collaboratively with local municipalities, Metro, other partner agencies and the private sector within the study area, to develop a master plan that will be used as the framework to encourage economic development around the existing light rail stations. TOD represents the creation of compact, walkable communities centered around a high-quality rail system, creating a sense of place. Well-executed TOD will allow our region to improve mobility, create sustainable and livable communities and improve transportation options for the future. 

To learn more about the study process and schedule, please visit the project website at www.stlouistod.com