Clayton Board of Aldermen Approves 'See the Future' Plan

Clayton’s Board of Aldermen developed a path for the future at last night’s meeting.

The Board approved the city’s Strategic Plan Steering Committee’s plan titled “See the Future” by a unanimous vote with Board Members.

Andrea Maddox-Dallas, Joanne Boulton, Michelle Harris, Cynthia Garnholz, Mark Winings, Alex Berger and Mayor Linda Goldstein each voting yes.

The Committee was appointed by the Board for advisory purposes. Plan Steering Committee Members Steve Lichtenfeld, John Lee and Clayton Superintendent of Schools Dr. Sharmon Wilkinson delivered a presentation stressing four key points: exceptional city services, livable community, strategic relationships and economic development and a vibrant downtown.  Goldstein said the plan was 18 months in the making.

Lee, Lichtenfeld and Wilkinson expounded on the goals in a detailed manner. Lee said the Committee’s report found the city should provide services in a “financially sustainable manner with high service levels” and that it should develop a system of reporting on city services and also benchmark itself against “similar high performing cities.”

On livable communities, the report suggested supporting private and public art, maintaining and expanding green space around the city, increasing performing arts activities, expanding walking and biking programs and promoting sustainable building practices, said Lichtenfeld.

In addition, the report said there should be a study on the increased density in downtown Clayton and other areas of the city in order to explore its commercial potential. Lichtenfeld said that the Board should implement the two-year- old downtown master plan and also that the city should try to lure entrepreneurial startup companies.   

Wilkinson said Clayton had built a vibrant community by “leveraging strategic relationships” between the private, non-profit and governmental sector. She also said the stakeholders in the community should meet and explore possible new relationships for collaboration and continue to work with those who are already in a collaborative relationship.

The Board also paved the way for Dent Devil store to be located at 8061 Clayton Road by passing an ordinance and a resolution. Maddox-Dallas, Boulton, Harris, Garnholz, Berger and Goldstein all voted to approve the ordinance to allow paintless dent repair shops as a conditionally permitted use in the area where the store is to be located. Winings abstained from voting, as he cited a conflict of interest.

Just minutes after approving the new ordinance, the Board approved a commercial use permit for Dent Devil. Jacob Reby, an attorney who works for the firm Lewis, Rice and Fingersh which represents Dent Devil, spoke at the meeting.  He said the business would be “provide a valuable service for the community” and that it would lessen traffic, and would be unique and different for the city.   

In addition, the Board approved a liquor license for Brazikat Brazilian Steak and Seafood House on 172 Carondelet Plaza.