Olivette City’s Parks and Recreation Commission discussed a Missouri Department of Transportation plan on June 18 that would relocate a signal junction box near the intersection of Old Bonhom Road and the Stacy Park frontage in order to achieve Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)‑compliant sidewalks.

Commission members and staff said the proposed location would place a large junction box within park land adjacent to the park sign and a planted garden, potentially blocking sight lines and limiting the park’s planned landscaping and signage. Commissioners urged a coordinated public response and recommended the city push for alternatives that avoid placing the box where it would intrude on park features.

What happened at the meeting: staff described the MoDOT plan, showing a 250‑square‑foot area identified for a new junction box. Staff said MoDOT is coordinating with the City of St. Louis (property owner for the roadway) but is seeking public input through an online survey. Commissioners agreed to notify neighbors and ask the public to complete the survey; staff said they would attempt to file a short staff report for the city council agenda and recommended commissioners attend the council meeting to reiterate concerns.

Authorities and jurisdiction: the item involves the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) as the project lead and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as the design standard cited by MoDOT. Staff noted City of St. Louis ownership of the roadway parcel and that MoDOT’s design‑build process and subsurface utility complexity can raise the cost of moving the junction box.

Alternatives and concerns discussed
- Visual impact and signage: commissioners identified that the proposed box location would obscure an existing or planned park sign and garden; staff said any park design work should wait until MoDOT’s final placement is known.
- Alternate placement: commissioners suggested moving the junction box further south along Old Bonhom Road, adjacent to existing utility infrastructure, to avoid blocking park sight lines. Commissioners asked staff to propose a clear alternate location in comments to MoDOT.
- Public outreach: staff pointed commissioners to the MoDOT survey (SurveyMonkey link provided in meeting materials) and asked commissioners to encourage public input; staff said they would also publicize the comment opportunity through city channels.
- Utilities and cost tradeoffs: commissioners and staff noted that moving the box may increase trenching and utility relocation costs and that MoDOT’s design considerations include existing underground utilities.

Next steps and staff direction: Beverly and other staff said they would try to prepare a short staff report for city council consideration and coordinate with the mayor’s office and city manager on timing. Commissioners asked that the parks commission send a recommendation or statement to council and requested staff and commissioners push public comment to MoDOT before the design is finalized. No formal motion was recorded to adopt a position at the meeting.

Ending: Commissioners agreed to monitor the MoDOT project, encourage public comment, and coordinate an action plan with the city council if needed.