In the Huddle: John Landwehr's Next Play

Sprawl Part 2 - JC Gov Policies That Promote Sprawl

In the last segment we talked about Sprawl in general - what it is, and its presence in Cole County and Jefferson City. Today we will point out several ways, among many, that Jefferson City has succumbed to the lure of suburbia and actually promoted sprawl.

Some observers point out that Jefferson City seems to drive development outside its borders. Recent policies have moderated this trend, but several old habits and attitudes have historically caused growth to occur outside the older parts of town. And to a great extent, the damage is done.

First, after taking over the bankrupt Gray's Creek Sewer System decades ago, Jefferson City proceeded to provide a major urban amenity, sanitary sewers, to whoever wanted to hook up.This resulted in St. Martin's residents being provided favorable sewer rates while their alderman gleefully annexed down Business 50, almost surrounding Jefferson City's largest park at Binder. This self-defeating generostiy has been halted, most notably with Toas on the East, and wise challenges to further St. Martin's annexations on the West. But the damage of 50 years of encouraging growth outside the city limits by providing cheap sewer rates has taken its toll. 

Second, Jefferson City has in the past treated developers like in-laws showing up unexpectedly for a long visit. Sometimes the city council has succumbed to a few people showing up at a council meeting and denied reasonable multi-family or mixed use redevelopment proposals in older parts of town. Entrepreneurs are often met with reasons why they "can't" instead of how they "can." Those investors, and the growth they represent, go elsewhere -- usually in the suburbs where there are fewer regulations, and more complacent politicians and bureaucrats.

Redevelopment of existing neighborhoods is hard. It takes new ordinances and common sense application of general rules. It takes elected officials who understand that if we do not preserve our urban core we will very soon look like a little St. Louis City. 

On the positive side, our downtown is looking ok, and the South Side is showing signs of life. But what's really lacking is any substantial regentrification. New owner-occupied residential is still rare in the urban core. MSP Redevelopmemt may some day spur some good trends, but . . . . that subject is for another blog post. 

Next: Another Culprit - Cole County

Should we care about what happens after 5:30 in JCMO?

This quote from an article by Hampton Stevens in November's The Atlantic sums up the motive behind the $326 million Kauffman Center recently constructed in Kansas City: 

"It used to be that people would move to a city just for the sake of a job.   But now people also want to know what there is to do after work."

This is the same challenge presented to Jefferson City by John Roberts at the start of the Chamber's Transformation process -- and it is the foundation for many components of the sales tax proposal that will appear on the ballot next February. 

It takes some mental reallignment for a Capital City to worry about what happens after five o'clock. We have been complacent with our state jobs, surrounded by bedroom communities. But our population is growing older and our infrastructure is getting shaky.The state budget has been cut to the bone. Our urban center shows some signs of life, but we still do not know much about redevelopment, or how to re-create neighborhoods or a downtown residential community.

The Transformation proposals are creating much needed optimism about our future. The concern is always that public funds be spent wisely. But community partners like Lincoln University, the MSP Redevelopment Commission, the Office of Administration, and St. Mary's Health Center can be trusted to create projects that achieve the announced goals.

Our efforts are less ambitious than Kansas City's Kauffman Center, but both cities are realizing what will will happen if they do nothing to retain and attract young people with good jobs and, yes, things to enjoy after 5:30.

These Streetcars are (really) named "Desire."

An article in Kansas City Blog Prime Buzz seems to indicate Jefferson City is not alone in having trollies on its wish list.

Paranartia

Here's a new word.  Paranartia. Since it's my new word, I get to define it:

"The unjustified fear of the arts, commonly aroused by either feelings of inadequacy because the patient cannot do art, or a manifestation of the patient's subconscious suspicions that all artists are old left wing pot smoking hippies just looking for another way to get assistance from the government they pretend to rally against."

Saturday there's a local clinic with treatment for this debilitating condition. The Jefferson City Arts Commission will unveil new street flags celebrating art in the community at 10:00 on High Street outside the Art Bazaar. They're calling it a Street Fair and Jazz Festival. 

If this sounds subversive and radical, come by and get some therapy. Artists will provide moral support to those who are afflicted. It's all good.

 

Update on MO River bike/ped project @JCMO

Two months ago MODOT supervisor Chuck Sullivan gave an update on the progress of the bike/ped attachment to the Missouri River Bridge at Jefferson City -- shown second below.  Chuck's video covers the tower on the north side to connect with the Noren Access. Last week I caught the progress on the south side.  Looks like things are moving ahead nicely. They're talking about an early April dedication, but the traffic may start sooner.

 

          

Greening America's Capitals Update @JCMO

After a couple of postponements due to the weather, the Greening America's Capitals contingency arrived Friday afternoon to tour the sites and get some initial input. They will be back for three days next month to invite the public to share ideas about long range planning for Mill Bottom and areas extending to the conference center, "old" St. Mary's Hospital, Adrian's Island and MSP. Jefferson City was one of only five capital cities in the nation to receive the grant.

Watch for opportunities to get involved. This could turn into a big deal. 

 

"Cork" Soon to Pop on High Street

The sign says it's opening in March at the Chez Monet Building. Rumors indicate it's about wine, cheese and chocolate. 

Talked my way through the back door. The interior renovations look very promising.

Long Awaited EIS Corridor Study is "Final"

With little fanfare a major hurdle in planning the city's future was announced as being in its final stage. The name is a mouthful. The Whitton Expressway Final Environmental Impact Statement has been published and is only subject to a comment period ending February 7 -- and a few more desks to cross. The study is required prior to any state or federal funding for improvements.

It's significant since it depicts the "guts" of Jefferson City's transportation future, including Clark Avenue roundabouts, the interchange at Lafayette leading to MSP and Lincoln University, and how to move traffic through Old Munichberg efficiently without making it an island separate from the central business district. If you're into redevelopment, this is required reading.  

 

Maybe they should call it "New Town."

Monday night the City Council will get a shot of home grown redevelopment moonshine when they study the Report on Revitalization of Old Town. Elected officials, city staff and voters are starting to realize that we will either facilitate redevelopment of the older parts of town, or learn how to deal with the consequences. Stay tuned. This is hopefully just the preview. 

1,587 Wreaths for Heroes

Kudos to Lorraine and Pete Adkins, their committee, and several hundred friends who placed 1,587 wreaths at Jefferson City's National Cemetery Saturday morning. There are only three national cemeteries in Missouri: St. Louis at Jefferson Barracks, Springfield and here. 

The Committee: Lorraine Adkins, Pete Adkins, Brad Bates, Mike Bernskoetter, Amy Freeman, Chris Jarboe. Kay Jarboe, Kathleen Kersting, Jay Kersting, Cathy Kolb, Larry Kolb, Sallie Jacobs, Darlene Mathews, Sharon Naught, Carol Poteat, Linda Ringo, Rosie Verslues & Loise White.