St. Louis: Turn Underutilized Streets into Summer Plazas | The Locally Times
Deadline Looms: St. Louis seeks proposals by May 1 to transform underutilized streets into vibrant summer plazas for markets, performances, and community events.
St. Louis is offering a unique opportunity to reimagine its urban landscape: transform underutilized streets into vibrant public plazas this summer. The deadline for proposals is fast approaching, May 1. The St. Louis Street Department launched its Open Streets Pilot Program on April 1, inviting residents and organizations to convert unused pavement into welcoming community spaces. The program allows businesses and neighborhood groups to apply for permits to create temporary plazas closed to vehicles. These permits are set to run for three months, from May 29 through August 31, though shorter periods within this timeframe are also available. The Street Department plans to prioritize applications that focus on pedestrians, cyclists, and community activities, seeking to establish hubs for markets, performances, and various community events across the city. ## Participation and Eligibility The Open Streets Pilot Program welcomes proposals from a range of entities. Eligibility, as outlined by the St. Louis Mayor's Office, extends to property owners or representatives adjacent to an underutilized street. Additionally, groups affiliated with a nearby business or neighborhood improvement district, or a City-recognized non-profit community-based organization, are encouraged to apply. The program accepts applications for sites citywide, with no further specific eligibility criteria beyond these organizational types. The application window remains open, with a firm deadline of May 1. The Street Department will process three-month permits for the summer period. ## Vision for City Streets This initiative aims to energize neighborhoods, bolster local businesses, and foster social interaction and recreation. The Mayor's Office emphasizes that streets can become thriving neighborhood assets when designed for people, not just vehicles. The Street Department Director anticipates Open Streets Plazas throughout the city, noting the program's potential to create spaces for sitting, gathering, and relaxation. When evaluating proposals, the Street Department will prioritize locations where vehicle traffic can be safely redirected to alternate routes. The city's announcement, however, did not specify which particular streets or neighborhoods are identified as "underutilized" for this program. Records also do not provide details on the potential impact on traffic flow or the specific alternate routes that would be utilized for redirected vehicles. ## Future Program Evaluation The pilot program includes a feedback mechanism for participants. Those granted permits will be asked to provide input on both the successes and challenges encountered while implementing their interim plazas. This feedback will serve as a key component for the Street Department's evaluation of the program, informing potential future changes to how these streets and public rights-of-way are utilized. The current announcement does not outline the specific metrics or processes for this evaluation beyond collecting participant feedback. ## Key Questions For those considering an application, here are key details about the Open Streets Pilot Program: **Who can apply for this program?** Businesses, neighborhood groups, property owners adjacent to underutilized streets, and City-recognized non-profit community-based organizations can apply. **When are applications due?** Applications for the Open Streets Pilot Program are due by May 1. **What kind of activities are prioritized for these plazas?** The Street Department prioritizes proposals focusing on pedestrians, cyclists, and community activities, aiming to create hubs for markets, performances, and community events.