Kids learn about solving city problems

Eighth grader David Sears said he was surprised to discover "how much work goes into planning" of a multi-use development proposed in his hometown of St. Peters.

He said the proposed 1,600-acre Lakeside 370 project has been

(l to r) Carrie Scherr, Christy Rasch and David Sears

in the planning stage for five years. And the developers haven't even got final governmental approvals needed before construction can start.

Sears and a group of other Saeger Middle School students were taking part in a Citizenship Education Clearing House (CECH) program. CECH is sponsored by the University of Missouri-St. Louis and helps kids get involved in local government issues.

The Saeger kids researched the Lakeside 370 project and then held a debate on whether they favor or oppose the development. The debate involved Saeger kids as well as 8th graders from nearby Hollenbeck Middle School.

Hollenbeck kids had their own CECH study. But, their work was much more local.

They were trying to determine what should be done about growing traffic congestion near their school. In mornings and afternoons, traffic moves very slowly at the intersection of St. Peters Howell and Central School roads.

In addition to Hollenbeck School, there is also an elementary school at the same corner.

(l to r) Rachel Dismukes, Josh Walters and Kendall Blanzy

Eighth grader Kendall Blanzy said vehicle traffic is bad but she thinks a bigger hazard involves "kids who walk to and from school."

The Saeger and Hollenbeck kids met last month at Saeger for a Mini-Project Fair. Each group made a presentation about their CECH projects to the other.

Both used Powerpoint videos to explain their research. The Hollenbeck showing also involved a large-scale model of their school grounds and surrounding roads.

The Saeger presentation included a debate on the merits of the Lakeside 370 project. One group presented arguments for development. The other presented arguments against, which have been raised by environmentalists and hunters.

Fourteen-year-old Christy Rasch of Saeger Middle said she'd vote in favor of the development. "We don't need it right now but we'll need it later," she said. Sears said he's against the project. "We need the business in St. Peters but it doesn't have to be there," the 14-year-old said.

One thing that makes it controversial is that Lakeside 370 would be built on land designated as Missouri River flood plain. Developers' plans include a 4½ mile levee to protect the area from possible flooding.

Saeger 8th grader Carrie Scherr said she found the research on the Lakeside 370 project interesting. "It was good to see how people decide things," she said.

Kid's gather around the project

Christy Rasch said she was most interested to learn about opposition to the development project. The kids also found that some opponents have clout. Among members of the hunting group opposing the project was August Busch of the giant Anheuser-Busch brewing company.

The environmental group, Great Rivers Habitat Alliance, opposes the project because it would reduce the amount of wetlands.

Developers say they are planning a $350 million project with a combination of residential, office, light industrial and recreational construction. They estimate it would take 10 years to complete.

In gathering information about the Lakeside 370 project, Saeger students heard talks by St. Peter city planners. They also got an overview of city government operations from St. Peters' Mayor Shaun Brown.

The Hollenbeck students' research work included gathering detailed information about the area surrounding the intersection of St. Peters Howell Rd. and Central School Rd. They took GPS readings to get all the buildings properly sited.

They also had topographical information to show the terrain.

Kendall Blanzy said she helped count the number of cars that passed that intersection.

She also was impressed by the amount of work "that goes into the zoning and other actions by the city" before making a decision. Her Hollenbeck classmate Rachel Dismukes said the CECH research helped her learn a lot about city government. "Now, if I have a problem, I'd know where to go to get it fixed," she said.

Thirteen-year-old Josh Walters of Hollenbeck said he helped find the elevations for buildings on the site. Also, he helped build the structures that went on the scale model.

About lessons he learned, Josh said, "I learned a lot about how to make scale models."