The city of Crestwood is moving forward with its proposed sidewalk project along Rayburn Avenue and Tahiti and Samoa drives. An open house was held on April 14 so residents could learn about the project and submit feedback; a few residents stayed for the Board of Aldermen meeting which took place immediately after and stated their feedback during public comment.
The sidewalk would connect Sappington Road to Spellman Park by way of the three aforementioned streets. The project would include the construction of curb ramps and driveway replacements.
“This project was selected for five-foot sidewalk installation because it connects existing segments of the city’s sidewalk network and improves access to key community destinations, including Crestwood Elementary, Spellman Park and the Sappington House,” Crestwood’s website states. “It is also identified as a Priority 1 Safe Routes to School project, located within a half-mile walking radius of Crestwood Elementary.”
Up to 80% of total project costs will be reimbursed by the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant. Crestwood is estimated to be responsible for 20-30% of the cost.
Director of Public Works and Assistant City Administrator Jeff Faust said that approximately 15 households attended the open house to hear about the project, calling it a “fairly good turnout.” When asked whether there were any overarching trends in the feedback, he said the city would begin to sort through comments in the coming days, but that “some people were in favor, and some were not.”
Four residents on Samoa Drive and two from Rayburn Avenue rose to address the plan during the city board meeting. Most of their complaints had to do with the reduction of green space when the sidewalk is installed, runoff caused by additional concrete that could flood yards, as well as concerns about a large tree that would be affected by the sidewalk placement.
Later in the meeting, Ward 3 Alderman Grant Mabie suggested they try to make sidewalks curve around mature trees, in order to save them.
“Do we really need to reduce green space in this day and age?” resident Dan Elsner asked. He said that he wishes residents of Samoa and Rayburn were able to vote on the installation of these sidewalks.
Wilbert and Donna Sprock, a couple who lives on Rayburn in their “forever home,” said that they were concerned about having to clear the sidewalks when it snows. As a retired household that relies on Social Security checks and pensions, they do not want to have to hire someone to clear their portion of the sidewalk.
“I feel disrespected all of a sudden,” said Mike Jokerst, a resident of Samoa Drive, referring to the day he received a notice about the city’s sidewalk project.
The city’s next step is to send project approvals to the Missouri Department of Transportation, which is slated to take place in June. The city hopes to begin soliciting bids for construction in fall of this year, with construction beginning in late 2026 or early 2027. If all goes to plan, construction would wrap up in summer 2027.
