Coalition for a Stronger 9th Ward

Wow…amazing how easy it can be to get distracted with other projects, but all great projects that relate to the 9th Ward.

1. Working with Matt Kastner and the Jefferson-Gravois Business Association on building a functioning network of business owners which has begun to address my goal of developing some examples of successful urban commercial districts and vibrant streets and corridors. They meet next on 3/24 @ 5 PM at Mattingly’s on S. Jefferson.

Check out: http://jefferson-gravois.com

2. Last year, I began working with Active Minds Institute Charter School on facility planning and site selection and they have chosen 63104 & 63118 as the focus of their search with hopes of opening an experiential learning based curriculum school in the 9th Ward in 2010. Just recently the organization has taken more steps toward making this school a reality and I look forward to sharing more as we progress.

3. Residents and Retail from along and around Cherokee Street are working on the ComeUnity HUB project that seeks to build a pedestrian plaza on a vacant LRA lot on Cherokee Street. I haven’t been that involved to date but the energy and ideas are really something to see and I encourage you to get involved and help be a part of the revitalization of Cherokee Street.

Check it out: http://cherokeestreetnews.org/

4. Are alderman Ken Ortmann was re-elected with 800 turning out to vote. Mr. Ortmann received 87.5% of the vote with no opponents. Please make your voice heard and get behind community projects and work to get our alderman involved whenever possible.

Keep involved and keep it going in the 9th!

Jay Swoboda
2727 Wyoming

I’m reaching out to neighborhood association presidents, community leaders and aspiring urban planners interested in being a part of a strategic planning process for target areas around the 9th Ward. I’m not sure what the process or conversation will look like but I wanted to check the interest level from community leaders with the hope of finding a convenient date and time for us to gather in the next few weeks to explore the idea further.

In brief, my thought in organizing this group is to work to develop a comprehensive vision for target areas in the 9th Ward and the task of this group would be to explore on an ongoing basis what it will take to develop and support the process of how to get to there. I imagine limited quarterly meetings depending more on an online forum and informal conversations to develop the concepts between meetings. YES, I realize that our neighborhoods are made up of more than just a few commercial strips and are the sum whole of many important parts…I just feel this seems like a good place to start the conversation – but can be convinced otherwise.

I encourage you to take a look at the successful commercial corridors throughout the ward – certain streets and neighborhoods just stand out. I think it is important to step back and understand why some areas succeed while others fail and to examine what can be done together to support and market the strengths throughout our neighborhoods.

We need to start by considering some new ideas, work to empower the voices of all residents and commit to finding the time and energy to make OUR common vision…a reality.

Please contact me directly at jay@ecourbanhomes.com or 314.662.0392 to let me know your interest and when a good time to meet might be for you.

http://www.urbanreviewstl.com/?p=4738

Great work Steve Patterson and Rob Ryan!