West Newsmagazine 3-6-24

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March 6, 2024
WEST NEWSMAGAZINE
I NEWS I 17
WILDWOOD, from page 10
Works Committee. The city had seven
months to find a new provider for trash services,
but they chose to throw out the only
legitimate and lower-cost bidder, Meridian,
and colluded with Republic and Gateway
to write their own contracts and fees without
a legal bid process. This was all accomplished
in “closed sessions” without any
public input, resulting in excessive fees
and citizens’ dissatisfaction.
2. What is your vision for the development
of the Wildwood Town Center and what priority
does preserving green space have?
Joe Garritano
I am committed to a vibrant economic
ecosystem to support small local businesses
while attracting new businesses that align
with our city’s values and needs. Completing
the Village Green project is a priority
of mine. The Village Green has been in the
works for years. Completing it will foster a
sense of community and togetherness in our
city. It also represents our city’s commitment
to preserving green spaces. Preserving
green space was a major impetus in the
incorporation of our city. As mayor, I will
see the Village Green completed.
ON THE BALLOT, from previous
West County EMS and Fire Protection
District be authorized to abolish the Dispatch
Fund tax levy by reducing the voter
authorized tax levy of five cents (0.05
cents), while increasing the General
Fund voter authorized tax levy by five
cents (0.05 cents) per one-hundred dollars
assessed valuation as a cost saving
measure to simplify and streamline the
District’s accounting procedures? If this
question, Proposition 1 and Proposition 3
are approved by a majority of voters, the
overall residential tax for tax year 2024
is projected to be decreased fourteen
cents (0.14 cents) compared to residential
tax year 2023.
Tony Salvatore
A small group of very hard-working
residents, also known as the “founders,”
were successful in putting the incorporation
of Wildwood on the ballot and the
city of Wildwood was born. They put in
place the city charter and the master plan
that included the development of a wellplanned
Town Center. The Town Center
was, and still is, to be the denser population
area and the center of our retail and
commercial buildings with an emphasis
on preserving as much green space as
possible. Unfortunately, now developers/
builders are requesting and being awarded
variances and rezoning to eliminate much
of the green space.
3. What would you do to improve the future
of commercial development in Wildwood?
Joe Garritano
Balancing commercial development with
Wildwood’s environmental commitment is
paramount. Upholding the master plan is
crucial for preserving and improving the
city’s quality of life. Planning and zoning
must respect Wildwood’s heritage, securing
a future where residents thrive in its natural
beauty. Retaining Wildwood’s Architectural
Review Board, where resident architects
assess designs, ensures that commercial
development aligns with the city’s character.
This approach safeguards Wildwood as
the best place to live in the region, fostering
sustainability and harmony between growth
and environmental stewardship.
Tony Salvatore
The future of commercial development
in Wildwood should be in the Town Center
area as our master plan depicts. We should
not deviate from our master plan to make
Wildwood a concrete jungle like some of
our neighboring municipalities. Large
commercial development like big box
stores brings in unwanted traffic and crime.
If we let developers/builders take over, we
will lose this beautiful area forever, and
every resident I have talked to likes the
way Wildwood is and believes the master
plan should be followed.
Proposition 3 • Simple majority
required for passage
Shall the Board of Directors of the West
County EMS and Fire Protection District
be authorized to abolish the Pension Fund
tax levy by reducing the voter authorized
tax levy of ten cents (0.10 cents), while
increasing the General Fund voter authorized
tax levy by ten cents (0.10 cents) per
one-hundred dollars assessed valuation
as a cost saving measure to simplify and
streamline the District’s accounting procedures?
If this question, Proposition 1 and
Proposition 2 are approved by a majority
of voters, the overall residential tax for
tax year 2024 is projected to be decreased
fourteen cents (0.14 cents) compared to
residential tax year 2023.
To find your polling place and for more election info,
visit www.stlouiscountymovotes.gov
HOW TO BUILD BETTER
BONES: EVIDENCE BASED
MANAGEMENT
BY: DR. BETH TEMPLIN, PT, DPT, GCS
GERIATRIC PHYSICAL THERAPIST
Whether you are personally
affected by osteoporosis or
seeking to learn more about
preventive measures, this event
is designed to empower you
with knowledge and resources
to take control of your bone
health journey.
Osteoporosis affects millions of
individuals worldwide. It is often
referred to as the "silent
disease" because it progresses
without any symptoms until a
fracture occurs, making awareness
and prevention crucial.
Unfortunately there is so much
misinformation out there about
osteoporosis, and how to best
manage it. How do you know
what you should really be
focusing on?
Join us for an in-depth
discussion on the management
of osteoporosis. Walk away with
a better understanding of the
most up to date
recommendations. Learn how
to make simple changes to your
daily routine and diet for
improved bone health. You may
be surprised by what you learn
Topics covered:
What causes osteoporosis
in the first place.
Why you need strong
bones to prevent fractures.
How effective medications
are at slowing down the
progression.
The top exercises for
improving bone health.
The best foods for healthy
bones & the ones to avoid.
When: March 15th at 2:30 pm
Where: 3809 Lemay Ferry Rd,
63125
*Attend in-person or join us
online from your home. Call ut
at (314) 939-1377 to register.
Space is limited.
At HouseFit, we help adults
55+ maximize their
independence and fitness, so
they can continue to enjoy a
full and active life.
HouseFit
3809 Lemay Ferry Rd.
Saint Louis, MO 63125
(314) 939-1377
info@housefitstl.com
www.housefitstl.com