Forest Park Development Authority reviews Main Street events, housing projects, data center plans and finance questions

Forest Park development staff presented a monthly economic development report that covered Main Street events and branding, multiple housing and commercial projects, workforce initiatives and an ongoing question about how a Kroger-related pilot payment flows between the city and local authorities.

The presentation outlined Main Street programming through the late summer and fall, including an "up early" coffee-and-yoga event on Aug. 23, another event on Sept. 20, a Longest Table event with food trucks, and a second-annual Blues on Main. Staff said the authority and Main Street board have procured new light-pole banners that will rotate seasonally and plan to install a Main Street welcome sign; a public-art series called "Boxes in Bloom" was also announced.

On housing and development, staff described several active projects: Carter on Scott (17 single-family homes), Carter on Main (32 townhomes), Cherry Street (six single-family homes in a phased approach), and a proposed 48-unit, two-story…