The document analyzes suitability for transit-oriented development (TOD) in St. Louis County, MO using geospatial analysis. It identifies 1,836 potential TOD sites across 263,010 acres based on 10 criteria including transit access, community features, and land use. Six high-scoring example sites are described in detail. The document recommends public policies to encourage TOD, such as coordinating agencies, modifying zoning, and creating development incentives near transit.

1. {
Suitability Analysis for Transit-Oriented
Development in St. Louis County, MO
Nancy Cole,“GIS in the Public Sector”
April 25, 2013

2. Problem Solution Methodology Results Advice References
First Urban Sprawl
Then Population Loss

3. Problem Solution Methodology Results Advice References
How to Retain andAttract
Baby Boomers & Millennials
Year
St. Louis City
Population
St. Louis County
Population
1950 856,796 (Peak) 406,349
1960 750,026 703,532
1970 622,236 951,353
1980 453,085 973,896
1990 396,685 993,529
2000 348,189 1,016,315 (Peak)
2010 319,294 998,954

4. Problem Solution Methodology Results Advice References
Transit-Oriented Development
TOD

5. Problem Solution Methodology Results Advice References
Housing centered on high-quality train or bus systems
“Mixed Use”
Compact/High Density
Walkable
Easy access to jobs, schools, shopping, and entertainment
What is TOD?

6. Problem Solution Methodology Results Advice References
Connectivity
Diversity
Mixed housing
Quality architecture
Traditional neighborhood structure/sense of community
What is TOD?

7. Problem Solution Methodology Results Advice References
“Smart growth”
“New urbanism”
Urban design
Quality of life
Sustainability
What is TOD?

8. Problem Solution Methodology Results Advice References
SuitabilityAnalysis using 10 criteria in 3 areas
 Transit
 Community Features
 Land Use
Where might TOD thrive in St. Louis County?

9. Problem Solution Methodology Results Advice References
Techniques
Geospatial analysis using
 Euclidean distance
 Fuzzy membership
 Fuzzy overlay

10. Problem Solution Methodology Results Advice References
263,010.3
TotalAcres
The Model
Identified
1,836
Total Sites

11. Problem Solution Methodology Results Advice References

12. Problem Solution Methodology Results Advice References
Site One 7800 block Bonhomme Ave, Clayton 63105
Score = 15
Pros near retail, offices, and Cons two high-rise office
multifamily towers
downtown Clayton

13. Problem Solution Methodology Results Advice References
Site Two 7800 block Bentley Dr, Maplewood 63143
Score = 14
Pros near Hanley, Manchester, big-box Cons poor walkability
stores, restaurants, and other old apartment complex
apartments

14. Problem Solution Methodology Results Advice References
Site Three 700 block Westgate Ave, University City 63130
Score = 13
Pros one block to Delmar Loop Cons many Wash U student-
on a MetroBus line apartment buildings

15. Problem Solution Methodology Results Advice References
Site Four 3700 block Greenwood Blvd, Maplewood 63143
Score = 13
Pros near Big Bend, Laclede Station, Cons limited walkability
Hanley, and new strip mall

16. Problem Solution Methodology Results Advice References
Site Five 100 block N Old Orchard Ave, Webster Groves 63119
Score = 13
Pros near Big Bend, Lockwood, and Cons single-family dwellings
downtown Webster
Groves shopping

17. Problem Solution Methodology Results Advice References
Site Six 7500 block Parkdale Ave, Clayton 63105
Score = 12
Pros near Hanley, Wydown, Clayton Cons numerous three-story
Road, and neighborhood shopping apartment buildings

18. Problem Solution Methodology Results Advice References
Public Policy Matters

19. Problem Solution Methodology Results Advice References
 Have all its agencies (e.g. housing, transportation, and health) work
together to support TOD
 Collaborate with the county’s 90 municipal governments to encourage
TOD
 Work with East-West Gateway and Great Rivers Greenway to promote
TOD
 Identify areas suitable for TOD and target them for attention
St. Louis County government should:

20. Problem Solution Methodology Results Advice References
 Modify zoning regulations to encourage mixed-use development
 Establish minimum development densities and maximum parking
standards near transit facilities
 Create incentives forTOD developers, such as shorter permitting
times, higher allowable densities, reduced fees and infrastructure
costs, tax abatements, and tax increment financing (TIF)
 Identify public investments in transit facilities, streets, sidewalks,
parks, community facilities, and local amenities that would
supportTOD
St. Louis County government should:

21. Problem Solution Methodology Results Advice References
 Investigate how existing housing could be retrofitted
 Research development of in-fill housing on smaller lots in existing
residential areas
 Consider how brownfield sites could be redeveloped asTOD
 Avoid squandering opportunities such as recent developments
near the Sunnen MetroLink station
St. Louis County government should:

22. Problem Solution Methodology Results Advice References

23. Problem Solution Methodology Results Advice References
References
Bonk, Joseph, Discovering Opportunity:Estimating theTransit Oriented Development Potential in St.Louis
Missouri with an Arc-GIS Suitability Analysis, Cornell University, City and Regional Planning
Program, May 2010.
Keranen, Kathryn, and Robert Kolvoord, Making Spatial Decisions Using GIS: AWorkbook, Esri Press,
Redlands, California, 2012,“Urban Planning Decisions,” pages 126-148.
Meyers, Nick, Using GIS to Identify Suitable Areas for Smart Growth andTransit Oriented Development (TOD)
for Specific Areas within the City of Minneapolis,Minnesota, Papers in ResourceAnalysis,Volume 12,
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, Central Services Press,Winona, MN, 2010.
Mitchell,Andy, Modeling Suitability,Movement,and Interaction:The Esri Guide to GIS AnalysisVolume 3, Esri
Press, Redlands, California, 2012, Chapters 1-3, pages 1-167.
St. Louis County Department of Planning, Policy Briefs, The Generational Convergence of the Baby
Boomers & the Millennials, The Importance of Housing Diversity, TheTransportation System:Benefits Beyond
Mobility, 2012.

24. Questions?