Several mixed-use developments are coming to life near Transit Centers located along the MetroLink Red Line. These developments – coupled with existing access to jobs, education, healthcare and a wide range of amenities and green spaces in close proximity to public transit in North St. Louis County – are helping to create what is known as linear neighborhoods. The significance of these types of neighborhoods – and the latest with the developments – was discussed during Citizens for Modern Transit’s (CMT) “Talking Transit” event, hosted via Zoom on Wednesday, April 2.
Those in attendance heard first-hand from Aaron Burnett, President of Bywater Development, and Sal Martinez, CEO of Employment Connection. They collectively provided an update on the $19.5 million University Cross development underway at the North Hanley Transit Center, which includes 60 mixed-income apartments and a new North St. Louis County office of Employment Connection to serve the residents of this development and the larger community with employment and career advancement training and support. Janet Wilding, Assistant Vice Chancellor of Economic and Community Development at the University of Missouri – St Louis (UMSL) then spoke to the next steps tied to the Transform UMSL Plan, which is transforming UMSL’s Campus into a hub of academic and business activity around the UMSL North and South Transit Centers. Daffney Moore, Senior Director of Economic Development of Beyond Housing, shared the latest information tied to the Transit-Oriented Development Study at the Rock Road Transit Center, while John Langa, Vice President of Economic Development at Bi-State Development, wrapped the event with insights on Delmar Station and others on the Red Line.
Additional discussions also centered on development challenges and opportunities and the role an integrated transit system plays in connecting riders and residents to housing, employment opportunities and other needed resources. Panelists then took part in a Q&A to finish out the event.
The discussion can be viewed in its entirety below or via CMT’s YouTube page.
CMT hosts these quarterly “Talking Transit” events in an effort to keep members, elected officials, stakeholders, transit riders and others in the loop on issues and efforts influencing the local transit system. Each educational gathering features guest speakers and panel discussions that address a wide range of topics, including transit-oriented development, safety and security, best practices, service changes and more.