The region’s transit advocacy organization, Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT) recently celebrated the incredible efforts of organizations and individuals for their exemplary commitment to championing transit in the St. Louis area. During its 36th Annual Meeting, held virtually on Sept. 17, CMT presented the 2020 Service Award to Don C. Musick, III; the 2020 Chairman’s Award to the Maplewood MetroBus Transformation Project; and the 2020 New Initiatives Award to both The Metro Landing Project and Mission: St. Louis.
Don C Musick, III, of Musick Construction and the DCM Group, was recognized with the 2020 Service Award for his time and selfless commitment to CMT. He has been a member of CMT’s Board of Directors for two decades, serving as the chair of the organization for five years. His vision and leadership have played a key role in CMT’s ongoing efforts to help maintain a safe, integrated and affordable public transportation system for the St. Louis region. While retiring from the board, Musick plans to continue providing strategic counsel.
In partnership with AARP in St. Louis, CMT honored the City of Maplewood and Citizens National Bank with the 2020 Chairman’s Award for their commitment to the Maplewood MetroBus Transformation Project. This effort succeeded at transforming the MetroBus Stop – located at the southwest corner of Manchester Rd. and Marshall Ave. – into a newly renovated space that encourages active play, cultivates community and increases transit use. The ADA-accessible stop now boasts vibrant colors, green spaces, artwork, a hopscotch game, a glider and bench, new shelters, better lighting and more to improve visibility, safety and security.
This year, CMT presented the 2020 New Initiatives Award to both The Metro Landing and Mission: St. Louis. Bywater Development Group, the Southwestern Illinois Development Authority, The Village of Swansea and the Illinois Housing Development Authority were recognized for collaboratively bringing to life the new senior housing development in Swansea, Ill., known as The Metro Landing. It serves as the Metro East’s first transportation-oriented development.
Mission: St. Louis works to empower people to transform their lives, families and neighborhoods. Its EACH1 community health and workforce development program helps people access the resources they need to achieve sustainable employment, live healthy lifestyles and create real change in their lives. Mission: St. Louis started including CMT’s Try & Ride Program, which provides complimentary passes and assistance navigating the transit system, as part of its EACH1 program offerings beginning June 1. This partnership removes the transportation barrier to job access and workforce development.