2020-Q1 Newsletter

JANUARY - MARCH 2020

Wow - what changes we've seen to our daily life, just during the past few weeks. Even though COVID-19 has taken over just about everything, city business still goes on. Here's what has happened so far in 2020...

As a reminder, I will continue to add more posts to the website, as events occur and information is available.

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Click on the topics below to view each article.


Below are highlights of issues discussed by the Board of Aldermen this quarter...

QUARRY PLANNING – Initial designs and estimated costs for the updated Whitecliff Quarry area were presented in January. Based upon feedback from the board, Bond Architects was authorized to proceed with detailed plans, from which bids may be obtained. Plans include new paths, a boardwalk along the water, new electrical service, ADA parking, and a fishing plaza. Planned phase-2 improvements will include bathroom and pavilion structure, and trails/bridges to connect the park to Sheryl Ann Drive (in 2021 or after).

CITY HALL RENOVATIONS – Additional damage caused by the flooding has been discovered and documented. As such, the city’s insurance payout has grown to approximately $800K to cover these costs. Thus far, the board has approved design/planning expenses, fitness equipment for the fire department, and lockers for the police department.

BUSINESS UPDATES – Several new businesses have been approved to open in Crestwood, including Stone Strength Systems (personal fitness), Woodard Home Restoration, Home Xpressions furniture, BoxDrop Mattress.

SIGN CODE UPDATES – after many many long meetings, the Planning and Zoning Commission and the City Planner finalized a complete overhaul of the sign portion of Crestwood’s municipal code. The new code is modernized to include restrictions on new digital signs (e.g. Grabber), address vintage signs (e.g. Crestwood Bowl), and make the code easier to understand and enforce. Major revisions to other sections of the city’s code are in progress.

PROGRAM FEE SCHEDULE – It has been years since the city has updated costs associated with recreational programs and memberships, so this year they were simplified and updated to reflect higher costs to run. Aquatic Center costs were unchanged this year, but will probably be increased next year. A summary of the old and new pricing can be viewed here.


During the previous few months, the developer (Walpert) has provided the city with detailed updates on their redevelopment plans for the old mall site. Although I have not been part of those discussions, it is my impression that their plans and enrolled tenants are in line with city expectations and previous public updates. The final step before construction can begin is to obtain funding from venture capital firms or other investors.

Walpert has been working on obtaining funding for most of this quarter. However, given the recent economic uncertainty and the potential for a global recession, it is my opinion that this project will continue to be delayed.

I have no inside information, but it seems clear that financial institutions and investors are probably very cautious right now and have reduced liquidity. As such, my optimism for this project is waning and its success is probably dependent upon a significant reduction to the COVID-19 impact and a national economic recovery.

That said, everyone involved (Urban Streets, Walpert, the City) have the same goal and there is nothing to be gained from failure. The mayor recently spoke with Walpert and shared that they do expect further delays, but remain committed to the project, continue to spend money on it, and are not backing out. Once again we seem close, but are forced to wait longer.

Soon, Walpert is expected to provide a public statement providing more details. I will post a copy of that when available.


We all saw this crisis start from afar, grow in size, slowly become a pandemic, and then suddenly take over just about every part of our daily life. What seems “normal” now was unthinkable just a few weeks ago. I commend city staff for their proactive approach to keeping employees and residents safe. Weeks before the pandemic was even declared, city leaders were meeting and planning to obtain needed supplies and enact new rules.

Today non-emergency personnel are shifting to remote work as often as possible. Street maintenance crews are switching to a staggered schedule to reduce contact. Permit applicants need to schedule appointments and general interaction with the public has been modified.

All scheduled board and commission meetings will be held via web conferencing. Also, the city updated the municipal code to allow for business deliveries outside the normal 7am-7pm timeframe, helping ensure safety for drivers and workers.

In short, the city has made many changes to ensure continuity of government, while keeping everyone safe. This surely wasn’t easy and lessons will probably be learned. Hats off to all of the city employees that are doing all of this, for all of us!

I’m not sure who these people are, but felt that their facebook video does a decent job of summarizing our current situation. Enjoy.



If you missed any of the previous newsletters, you can find a link to all of them here.