At a public meeting in late August, the St. Louis County Port Authority made a number of announcements regarding transformative changes for Lemay. Two of these projects are of particular interest to Chamber members: A façade improvement program and a streetscape and branding initiative. Phase 1 of the façade program covers businesses on Lemay Ferry Road between Military and Hoffmeister Avenues. More details on that project will be discussed by Denny Coleman at the November 9, 2011 luncheon meeting. Additionally, the Port announced a streetscape and branding initiative that the Chamber and Development Corporation will help implement in the near future. Grants were awarded to various organizations in Round 3 of the Community Reinvestment Fund. Grantees are:
- Lemay Housing Partnership: $780,000 to increase the scope of its home repair and volunteer programs and to implement a home improvement loan program for Lemay residents
- Mid-East Area Agency on Aging: $500,000 to purchase a new facility in Lemay
- American Legion Post 15: $250,000 to construct a WWI Court of Honor Memorial in Jefferson Barracks Park
- Missouri Civil War Museum: $150,000 for a Civil War Studies Center
- South County Economic Improvement Group: $30,000 to beautify and improve the I-255 and Telegraph Road interchange
- Lemay Housing Partnership and Legal Services of Eastern Missouri: $18,500 to educate Lemay homeowners on their rights and responsibilities and to prevent foreclosures.
The Port discussed the Lemay Community Center, and announced the expansion of Lemay Park and a new website: www.LemayNow.com. In addition to Lemay news, other pages on the site include links to area organizations and information on grant opportunities, River City Casino, the Jefferson Barracks Master Plan and more.