MEMORANDUM To: Cc: From: Planning & Parks Committee Members Mayor Bowlin and other City Council Members Director of Planning & Parks Vujnich Ryan S. Thomas, City Administrator Julian M.D. Jacquin, Economic Development Manager Date: April 14, 2017 Re: Proposed Velodrome Project Background The Metro St. Louis Velodrome Association (a 501(c)3 non-profit organization) currently operates the only Olympic cycling velodrome track for our region, in Penrose Park in North St. Louis City (the next closest velodrome facility is located in Indianapolis, making the St. Louis location a one-of-a-kind draw for the region). The Penrose Park Velodrome was built in 1961-62 on land owned by the City of St. Louis, but is currently in a substandard condition and would require major repairs and site improvements to bring it to an acceptable condition for continued use and competition. For that reason, approximately one year ago, the Metro St. Louis Velodrome Association began searching for new sites to develop a new velodrome track. Having some familiarity with velodrome tracks and in the interest of attracting a regional destination to the Wildwood Town Center, the City Administrator approached the Metro St. Louis Velodrome Association last summer to inquire whether they had considered Wildwood as a potential site for a new velodrome track. Given the current popularity of cycling in Wildwood and the unique opportunity to place a velodrome track near the heart of Wildwood s Downtown, the Metro St. Louis Velodrome Association was quickly drawn to a site at the northwest corner of Taylor Road and Old Manchester Road. The proposed site, which is jointly-owned by Greenberg Development and Dierbergs Markets, is currently an undeveloped, open field, planned for future commercial development. Greenberg Development also owns additional property to the north of the proposed velodrome track site, and Greenberg/Dierbergs jointly-own another property across Taylor Road to the east. Planning Tomorrow Today 16860 Main Street Wildwood, Missouri 63040 636-458-0440 phone 636-458-6969 fax
P a g e 2 Proposed Land Donation Since the velodrome track would be such a unique destination for our region, it would help attract visitors to the Town Center and encourage further retail growth. Seeing the potential to fill current vacancies at Dierbergs Town Center and to fill future retail space on their other adjacent property holdings, Greenberg Development and Dierbergs Markets have determined that it would be to their benefit to donate the land necessary for the proposed velodrome track to facilitate its development. A total of approximately five (5) acres is proposed to be donated to the City of Wildwood, which would provide the necessary land to build the velodrome track, and associated seating, parking and access improvements. The land donation is proposed to have certain conditions: 1. The donation would meet the public space dedication requirements for the overall development site owned by Greenberg Development and Dierbergs Markets. 2. The property shall only be used for public purposes, and shall not be resold to a private developer in the future. 3. Other than championship cycling events, no large-scale community events could be held at the velodrome facility, which could cause parking to bleed into Dierbergs Town Center, as has been a problem in the past during the Wildwood BBQ Bash event. Proposed Partnership and Funding As noted, the land is proposed to be donated to the City of Wildwood. The velodrome track would then be developed and operated under some form of lease agreement with the Metro St. Louis Velodrome Association. City ownership would provide the following benefits: 1. The City would maintain overall control of the site, and could utilize the property and facilities for other public purposes (particularly within the infield of the track), such as: a. Ice skating rink during cycling off-season b. Movie nights c. Fitness classes d. Other smaller-scale City-sponsored events 2. City ownership provides opportunities for grant funding that the Metro St. Louis Velodrome Association would not be eligible for. Specifically, a St. Louis County Municipal Parks Grant of up to $540,000 and a MO Department of Natural Resources Grant of up to $150,000 could potentially be secured for the project (note: the City Council has been focusing its applications to the St. Louis County Municipal Parks Grant Commission for projects in the Community Park; therefore, this shift in funding request would defer funding to the Community Park (or other identified parks projects)). Please see the attached Letter of Intent from the Metro St. Louis Velodrome Association, describing their involvement in managing and operating the facility and associated events. Cycling activity, whether it s training or competition, is expected to occur daily. Local races may occur on a weekly basis, while other regional and national championship races may occur occasionally as well. The velodrome would also serve as the home track for Lindenwood University, one of the elite collegiate cycling programs in the U.S., and would also provide
P a g e 3 numerous opportunities for youth development programs at all levels. They wish for the new velodrome to be a community resource for entertainment, recreation, exercise and competition. Most of the funding for the project is projected to come in the form of private donations from individuals and corporations. Potentially, one very large donor could purchase naming rights to the facility. Given the potential use of the property and facilities by the City, it could consider financial support through application for the aforementioned grants. It could also consider participating in the development of City infrastructure associated with the project, such as the extension of Eastgate Avenue, a public street that has been planned for more than ten (10) years. Zoning and Site Plan Review As with any new development, the zoning and site plan will be reviewed by the Planning & Zoning Commission, as the first step in the process. This process includes a Public Hearing to solicit public comments, and the development of a Recommendation Report, with specific development conditions, to be incorporated into the site-specific zoning ordinance. Following this review, the City and the Metro St. Louis Velodrome Association will then have a better understanding of the final scope of the project, and can develop a budget for the collective fundraising effort. Conceptually, the cost to build the velodrome track itself is estimated at $1,500,000, with a potential total project cost of approximately $4,000,000. Concept Plan / Design Details Attached for your reference is a Concept Plan for the velodrome facility. Following is a summary of its main features: a. The track itself is 250m in length, and is constructed with a wood surface, supported by a steel support structure. Commonly, the area underneath the track is utilized for bike storage and restrooms. It is anticipated that the steel support structure will be partially below the adjacent grade or otherwise hidden from view. This size track would be suitable for hosting national championship caliber events. b. To provide access to the infield, locations for one or two tunnels under the track will need to be provided. c. The infield can be a mix of grass and paved surfaces. d. Lighting is proposed for evening racing and training, which will require compliance with the City s lighting regulations. e. Seating for 500 spectators is planned on the west side of velodrome track f. The extension of Eastgate Avenue, from Main Street to Old Manchester Road, is proposed. The potential also exists for added on-street parking on the west side of this street as well, with the cooperation of the adjacent New Community Church. New Community Church has growth plans of their own, and would support shared-parking opportunities between the two properties. g. The primary parking for the velodrome track is located along the east and south side of the track. h. An additional east-west street or access drive is planned along the north side of the velodrome track, from Taylor Road to Eastgate Avenue.
P a g e 4 i. Opportunities exist for additional recreational trails outside of the velodrome track. Additionally, attached is a rendering of another velodrome facility in Rock Hill, South Carolina, to provide a sense of the atmosphere one may expect once the velodrome is in operation. Requested Action As this project is proposed as a partnership between the City of Wildwood and the Metro St. Louis Velodrome Association, a motion is sought from the Planning & Parks Committee to proceed with submitting the required zoning petition to the Planning & Zoning Commission for their review. Please be prepared to discuss this item further at the April 18, 2017 Planning & Parks Committee Meeting, where City Team Members will be available for any comments or questions. RST