Resident urges Olivette to coordinate with MoDOT on Stacy Park sidewalk plan and clarify lease

A longtime Olivette resident urged the City Council to actively engage with the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) on planned sidewalk improvements at the Old Bonhom and Olive Boulevard intersection and to clarify property-lease arrangements affecting Stacy Park.

Jim Person, speaking during the public-comment period, said MoDOT's public materials indicate a desire to relocate signal equipment and acquire property near the BP service station to accommodate sidewalk and ADA improvements. Person said the city's long-discussed wayfinding signage and utility needs at Stacy Park should be considered in coordination with MoDOT plans. "While I support the proposed sidewalk enhancements, I strongly encourage the all of that city council and staff to fully engage with MoDOT to ensure that any future projects, particularly the long discussed way finding and informational signage at this location, are taken into account," Person said.

Person also said the MoDOT press release referenced property acquisition from the City of Saint Louis and that the release appeared to overlook an existing long-term lease between the City of Saint Louis and the City of Olivette for Stacy Park. He urged the city to clarify that arrangement to ensure proper consultation with affected parties.

City Manager-level staff earlier told the council that MoDOT had notified the city and that MoDOT owns Stacy Park parcels in the area; staff said MoDOT is accepting comments through July 3 and that the MoDOT project would not delay scheduled repaving of Olive Boulevard. Mann and other staff encouraged residents to use the MoDOT project website and comment period to share input.

Person recommended leveraging elected officials, if needed, to facilitate coordination with MoDOT and other jurisdictions.

No formal council action was taken during public comment; staff said the city would follow up with MoDOT as appropriate.