This particular topic is one that incites quite a bit of excitement, no matter if you are in the "for" or "against" camp.
Yes, development is coming to the Metro East and there are always two sides to every story. The topic is what's called the Gateway Connector. It's a L-O-N-G-Term "beltway-like" main thoroughfare project that entails both expanding existing roadways and building new roadways where there currently are none. In general, it's a project that spans 37 miles through Madison, St. Clair and Monroe Counties whose purpose is to help accommodate an expected 25% increase in traffic volume for the Metro East by 2020. To get the initial overview of the project, simply go to http://www.dot.state.il.us/gateway/NL1.pdf
On the "for" side, there is a real need to help the traffic demands of the future get met as they increase. The FACT that growth is coming to this area is evidenced by the increase of New Single Family Residential Construction, the expansion of the mission of Scott Air Force Base in the wake of the 2005 BRAC Commission, the pending expansion of the role that Mid-America Airport plays in National and International air cargo traffic and this author's observation that the Metro East is becoming a more prominent option for those who work in Downtown St. Louis who in the past would have moved out to St. Charles, Warren and Western St. Louis Counties, MO. Expansion to our local economy is coming at all levels! Argument is centered NOT on whether nor not expansion is coming, but on what form it will take.
The detractors to the Gateway Connector are assumedly made up of a group of of land- business- and home-owners oppose the construction of the Gatwway Connector for a number of reasons. Also, the most recent newsletter gives a bit more understanding on what Stop 158 is all about. Read it here. A lot of what they say makes sense, mainly that growth does not HAVE to mimic the urban sprawl that has been seen in community after community, St. Louis included. The main message is: Let's grow smart!
As it stands now, according to http://www.dot.state.il.us/gateway/public2.htm, the construction process is a long way off...10 to 15 years from 2004. We are in the Phase 1 portion of the project right now. The project, if carried out, could be concluded some time by the year 2020 or 2025. This is a 20+ year road project that in the end may be caught dead in the water. Wow!
This author believes that there could be a HUGE benefit to the entire local economy if what Stop158 refers to as the "core" is paid more attention. There are some beautiful buildings that are more than a century old that, if located more toward the center of development rather than left lying in areas that are "passed over" by progress, could play a central role to the beauty of our local economy and "look and feel." Nothing is simple these days, but I agree that some intense thought should be given to this topic before we proceed down the path of "creating new" through what is currently lots of farmland and greenspace.
If you're thinking of relocating to Scott Air Force Base, or for information on communities, schools or homes for sale in O'Fallon, Belleville, Shiolh, IL and other communities that surround Scott Air Force Base, please go to www.RelocateToScottAirForceBase.com
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