Getting Into Nature

SPECIAL BULLETIN: All those interested in the future of the Creve Coeur Park area should mark Tuesday, Sept. 9, at 7 p.m., on their calendar. That’s when the Maryland Heights City Planning and Zoning Commission will take up a rezoning move that could spell the end of the nature haven and wetlands area just west of the popular county park. In nature’s place, will come bulldozers ready to pave the way for strip malls and big box stores such as Wal-Mart.

Creve Coeur Park has long been a favorite site for sailors, rowers, hikers and bikers. The area will be forever changed if new zoning is enacted, changing the area from NU (non-urban) to MXD (mixed use). Wetlands which have served as a relief area for the flooding of the Missouri River will be used foolishly for commercial developments that will inevitably go under water some time in the next 10 years after a “500-year flood.”
Outdoors enthusiasts and environmentalists may want to joint the Maryland Heights Residents for Responsible Growth on Tuesday evening in the battle to save one of the few wetlands areas left in Missouri.In an August meeting on the development plans, more than 200 people showed up – most opposed to the development.

This is not just a West County issue. This is a battle that should have nature and outdoor advocates across the St. Louis region united and raising their voices. For more information, check out www.savecrevecoeur.com