Ordinances by Michael J Gras

This ordinance amends the Lead Poisoning Control Law for the City of St. Louis by requiring certain building permits issue only following an inspection of lead hazards and certification that hazards will be addressed by qualified contractors and workers. These requirements will ensure hazardous lead conditions are effectively abated by contractors observing high standards for the safety of occupants and tenants, workers, and the surrounding community. Under current law, certain lead abatement projects require prior notice to the state. This Ordinance enacts penalties against lead abatement contractors who fail to comply with notification requirements under Missouri State law, and other notification requirements as set out in this ordinance. Contractors failing to provide initial notice under State law and this City Ordinance will be subject to a stop work order, suspension of City work permits on the instant work site, and a fine. Work may recommence upon payment of fine, compliance with notice requirements and the Building Commissioner’s satisfaction the contractor has complied with other permitting conditions. Lead abatement contractors who persistently fail to provide notification under State and City law shall forfeit their privilege of conducting lead abatement projects in the City of St. Louis. The Building Commissioner and City of St. Louis Lead Inspection and Hazard Control Division shall receive complaints regarding violations of this ordinance and accordingly conduct investigations, including through periodic inspections of lead abatement projects to determine on-site compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, permits, and project notifications submitted to the building Commissioner.

This Board Bill seeks to approve a Chapter 99 Redevelopment Plan and Blighting Study for the 4974 Lindell Ave. Redevelopment Area. The project consists of a parking lot in the Central West End neighborhood. The prospective redeveloper proposes constructing a 30-story apartment building. The apartment building will have approximately 293 market rate units, 1,500 square feet of commercial space and 340 parking spaces. The total project costs are estimated at $145 million. This Board Bill will allow ten (10) years of tax abatement (10 years based on 75 percent of the assessed value of the incremental improvements).

Pursuant to Ordinance Number 70333 as amended by Ordinance Number 71394, the proposed bill directs the Director of Streets to install speed humps to calm the flow of traffic on the 4300, 4400, 4500 and 4600 blocks of McPherson Avenue, 400 block of North Taylor Avenue, 300 and 400 blocks of North Boyle Avenue, 5100 and 5200 blocks of Washington Place, 6000 and 6100 blocks of Washington Boulevard, 5800 and 5900 blocks of Pershing Avenue, and the 400 block of North Newstead Avenue.

This Board Bill seeks to approve a Chapter 99 Redevelopment Plan and Blighting Study for the 490 North Kingshighway Blvd. and 4952-4956 McPherson Ave. Area. The project consists of the renovation of the existing building, the demolition of the two-family building, the construction of a five-story apartment building on top of the existing building and an addition to the existing building to the east. The development will have 118 units ranging from studio to 2 bedrooms above a 127-space parking garage, at the cost of $ 33.5 million. The financial model concludes that the project supports ten (10) years of tax abatement (5 at 90 percent followed by 5 at 75 percent) the LCRA Board concurs. This board bill will allow, ten (10) years of tax abatement (5 at 90 percent followed by 5 at 75 percent).

The proposed bill authorizes the honorary street name Benjamin Polson Way pursuant to Ordinance 68937. Benjamin Polson Way will begin at the intersection of Shawmut Place and Ridge Avenue and run north on Shawmut Place to the intersection of Shawmut Place and North Wells Avenue.

An Ordinance recommended by the Board of Estimate and Apportionment appropriating a portion of funds received under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, Pub. L. No. 117-2, § 9901 (March 4, 2021) (ARPA) to the St. Louis Department of Health for a new Reproductive Equity Fund and COVID-19 testing, treatment, and vaccination, authorizing contracts to expend the funds, to the extent received; containing a severability clause; and containing an emergency clause.