June 17, 2021
To Our Downtown Community,
Summertime events and activations have returned to Downtown St. Louis, bringing residents from local neighborhoods and the region to enjoy the features within our District. We are thrilled to see families and day-time workers returning to Downtown as we collectively work to regain a sense of normalcy. Numerous Downtown businesses and stakeholders, including the Downtown St. Louis Community Improvement District (CID), are diligently working to provide increased entertainment value, safety metrics, and community outreach.
The CID has been monitoring the recent influx of pedestrian and vehicular traffic over the past two months and is coordinating with partners to make necessary preparations and modifications to ongoing urban operations. In partnership with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department (SLMPD), we are encouraging patrons to practice smart parking guidelines. Simple steps including removing all valuables from a vehicle, parking in well-lit areas, and locking the vehicle can make a positive impact on securing one’s vehicle and personal safety. The CID has posted Park Smart graphics on the digital interactive kiosks throughout the District noting these simple parking steps. We will continue these PSAs throughout the summer.
An additional street-level point of interest was the safety risks to pedestrians and vehicles associated with the electric scooters dispersed throughout Downtown. After hearing repeated concerns and reported incidents from Downtown stakeholders during our weekly security meetings, the CID, business owners and operators, and members of law enforcement recommended a nightly curfew for scooters within the Downtown neighborhood. The Street Department and City officials quickly accepted and implemented this request upon hearing of the many hazardous issues that occur in the evening to early morning hours. This situation will be monitored and adjusted accordingly.
These street-level preparations, and others, are designed to maintain a safe Downtown environment year-round and can be elevated during large-scale events, including the upcoming U.S. Olympic Team Gymnastics Trials and the USA Gymnastics Championships. Held at The Dome at America’s Center June 21 – 27, the trials and championships will bring an estimated 20,000 visitors to see our country’s top gymnasts compete. Along with the Downtown community, I am eager to see this high-profile event hosted within our neighborhood and am looking forward to showcasing our city’s strengths to the nation.
A truly healthy Downtown not only has vibrant spaces and captivating activations, but it houses an influential network of entities and city leadership collaborating behind the scenes on community issues and improvements. Downtown St. Louis is fortunate to have a resilient community that continues to support a common goal of advancing the neighborhood. If you have an urban space item that the CID may assist with, please do not hesitate to contact me at kmccrary@downtownstlcid.org or (314) 335-2307.
Sincerely,
Kelli J. McCrary
Executive Director