Committee recommends vacating alley to let Lift for Life Academy combine lots for athletic field

The Public Infrastructure and Utilities Committee on July 2 recommended approval of board bill 50, a conditional vacation of an alley in the Eighth Ward so Lift for Life Academy can consolidate parcels and build an outdoor athletic field and future stadium.

“Alderman Schweitzer” introduced the bill as a courtesy measure carried until an Eighth Ward alderperson is appointed. Marshall Cohen, executive director of Lift for Life Academy, testified under oath that the school has operated in St. Louis for 25 years and serves about 850 students. He said the school currently lacks a dedicated outdoor space for physical education and athletics and that two rectangles divided by an alley sit between the school’s parcels.

“we have, I run a charter school in the city of Saint Louis for past 25 years, about 850 students in the city of Saint Louis. And we do not have a place for outdoor PE classes or athletic facilities,” Marshall Cohen said. He asked the committee to allow the alley vacation so the school can “marry the properties together.”

Committee members voiced support. Alderman Clark Hubbard said he has many students from his ward who attended Lift for Life and offered encouragement. No members of the public signed up to testify.

Alderman Schweitzer said the bill was introduced that day to avoid delay during the council’s summer recess and asked for a due-pass recommendation; the committee moved and, hearing no objection, granted it. The bill is conditional and intended to proceed through required administrative reviews and any utility easement or access conditions recorded in the bill exhibits.

Next steps include completion of the alley-vacation process, administrative review of exhibits attached to the bill, and any required coordination with city departments before the vacation can be finalized and the school may begin site work.