Business briefs
Metro seeks public input on bus rapid transit routes
Metro Transit is advancing two final route options for a proposed bus rapid transit line connecting north and south St. Louis, with planners seeking public feedback this week through open houses and a virtual meeting.
According to the St. Louis Business Journal, the proposed line would run along Jefferson Avenue and North Florissant Road and is designed to provide faster, more reliable service through dedicated bus lanes and limited stops.
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported the two remaining route options would extend farther east downtown than the previously abandoned MetroLink Green Line proposal.
Metro officials will host open house sessions from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Rung for Women and from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Polish Heritage Center. A virtual meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday.
Staff members will answer questions and gather public input, but no formal presentation is planned.
St. Louis proposes stricter rules for data centers
St. Louis city officials have proposed tougher zoning rules for future data centers, including a requirement that every project receive case-by-case approval instead of being automatically allowed in certain industrial areas.
Under the proposal released Tuesday, all data centers would be treated as “conditional uses,” meaning developers would need city approval before construction could move forward. Supporters say the process gives officials and residents a chance to review issues such as noise, energy use, water consumption, traffic and neighborhood impact before projects are approved.
The updated framework would also require community benefits agreements for large facilities, along with environmental impact studies and job and tax revenue estimates. According to the St. Louis Business Journal, the city also tightened renewable energy standards and lowered the threshold for projects classified as “major” data centers. The proposal heads to the city Planning Commission later this month.
St. Louis advances $1,000 bonuses for city employees
St. Louis officials have taken an initial step toward approving one-time $1,000 bonuses for most city employees as leaders continue grappling with staffing shortages and retention challenges across municipal departments.
The Board of Aldermen’s Budget and Public Employees Committee advanced the proposal last week. Supporters said the payments would recognize workers who continued providing city services despite vacancies and increasing workloads. Elected officials would not qualify for the bonuses.
The proposal still requires approval from the full Board of Aldermen before going to Mayor Cara Spencer for consideration.
City officials have said the payments would be funded through existing budget resources rather than new taxes or borrowing.
United Way, Battlehawks renew community partnership
The United Way of Greater St. Louis and the St. Louis Battlehawks have renewed their partnership for a third year, continuing efforts tied to volunteer work, fundraising and community outreach.
Under the agreement, the Battlehawks will use United Way’s Volunteer Center to coordinate player and team service activities. The partnership also includes a “Hero of the Game” recognition at home games honoring community volunteers.
United Way will also receive a portion of proceeds from select regular-season and postseason ticket sales through a fundraising arrangement tied to Battlehawks games.
Battlehawks defensive end Travis Feeney is also partnering with the organization on community initiatives.
Legal Services gala marks 70 years of advocacy
Legal Services of Eastern Missouri will celebrate its 70th anniversary with a gala Saturday, May 9, at the The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis in Clayton.
The event will highlight the nonprofit’s legal advocacy work across eastern Missouri, including housing, domestic violence and economic development initiatives.
Organizers said the program will also recognize long-running efforts such as the Community Economic Development Microenterprise Program and the Neighborhood Advocacy Program.
Legal Services provides civil legal assistance across 21 counties in eastern Missouri. The annual gala is expected to draw attorneys, business leaders and civic organizations.