Explore Saint Louis to include Old Webster on October neighborhood tour; commission told to prepare storefront and sidewalks

Commissioners were told that Explore Saint Louis and the convention center plan to include Old Webster on a neighborhood tour Oct. 28 as part of the organization's revitalized neighborhood-partner program. A staff briefing said Explore Saint Louis is relaunching a broader effort to send visitor-center ambassadors and volunteers to neighborhoods across the region; the group plans a walking visit and will pause in Old Webster for lunch and a one-hour walkabout. The commission was advised to tidy sidewalks, storefronts and public spaces in advance. Staff explained the program helps neighborhood destinations reach visitors who ask convention-center or visitor-center staff for recommendations. The commission heard that the Explore Saint Louis platform also offers a landing page for member neighborhoods and may host business listings or brochures at visitor centers. The commission discussed local street cleaning and weed issues; staff said street sweepers and weed control work occur on an as-needed basis and encouraged commissioners and staff to compile a list of priority maintenance areas for the city to address. No formal action was taken; staff said they will gather more details from Explore Saint Louis and inform commissioners of specific needs and timing.