19th Ward- What You Need to Know Right Now   

Critical COVID-19 Updates

• Though City Hall is now closed to the public, the City is committed to minimizing the disruption of City Services.  Drop boxes will be places at the main entrance off Market and Tucker Street for the public to drop-off payments or other information for various departments in City Hall.

• All in-person appellate and circuit court proceedings are suspended until at least April 10th by order of the Missouri Supreme Court. This includes all associated family, juvenile, municipal and probate divisions.

• Schools are closed from March 18 until at least April 22nd.

• Gatherings of more than 10 individuals are prohibited for at least the next eight weeks across St. Louis.

• After 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, March 19, restaurants and bars across St. Louis will only be allowed to serve food via carry out, curbside pickup, or delivery options.

• Schnucks and Fields Foods have both set special morning hours for older shoppers, who are most at risk of COVID-19 due to underlying health conditions.

• Beginning Monday, March 23, children under the age of 18 can pick up free grab-and-go breakfast and lunch meals from 33 school and community center sites across the City. Three of those sites – LaSalle Middle School, Carondelet Leadership Academy and Peabody Elementary School – will begin serving mealstoday, March 18. Each meal site will serve all children under the age of 18regardless of which schools the children attend, but children must be present to receive their meals. 

• All courts and playgrounds in parks are also closed.

• Metro Transit continues its commitment to sustaining transit services by connecting people to important destinations that are supporting our region during this critical time, including health care institutions, grocery stores and supply distribution facilities. Only riders taking essential trips are asked to use public transit at this time.

New Service Adjustments:
 
Beginning Monday, March 30, Metro Transit will temporarily suspend service on four Missouri MetroBus routes: #1 Gold | #5 Green | #17 Mackenzie |#59 Oakland.
 
Each of these routes primarily serve businesses that have temporarily closed, and have seen significantly low ridership numbers during the COVID-19 crisis.
 
Several other low-ridership MetroBus routes will remain in service, but will be supported by Metro Call-A-Ride vans. These routes include the #56 Kirkwood-Webster | #71 Patterson-Redman | #75 Christian Hospital | #174X Halls Ferry Express.
 
These adjustments allow Metro to focus resources on the busiest and highest-ridership MetroBus routes, while supporting demand without overcrowding transit vehicles. Metro continues to review customer input, trends in transit ridership and business schedules, as wells as available personnel resources to inform any further adjustments to transit service.
 
Service Adjustments Effective March 23

The new service adjustments are in addition to changes that were made on March 23, which remain in effect. Those changes include:
- MetroLink is operating its normal weekend schedule seven days a week until further notice.
- Several MetroBus routes continue to operate on a Saturday schedule, with the exception being routes that currently do not operate on Saturdays and Express routes in Missouri (see below).
- Several MetroBus routes that currently do not operate on Saturdays are operating on their normal weekday schedule. These routes include the #101 Fenton Connector (MO); #14 Memorial Hospital-Westfield Plaza (IL); #15 Belleville-O’Fallon (IL); #17 Carlyle Plaza-17th Street (IL); #21 Scott AFB-Main Base Shuttle (IL); #21X Scott AFB-East Base Shuttle (IL). Service on select Express routes in Illinois - #2X Waterloo-Columbia and #17X Lebanon-Mascoutah – will run on weekday schedules until further notice.
- Service on Express MetroBus routes in Missouri remains temporarily suspended. Suspended routes include the #57X Clayton Road, #58X Twin Oaks Express, #73X I-55 Express, #79X North County Express and #410 Eureka Express.
- Metro Call-A-Ride is operating the same span of service and the same geographic area that it normally operates.
 
Additional information about these service adjustments is available on metrostlouis.org. Customers who need assistance are encouraged to contact Metro Transit Information for schedule and trip-planning support. Metro Transit Information is available Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. by text at 314-207-9786 and by phone at 314-231-2345. 

 
          WHAT YOU CAN DO RIGHT NOW 
  

• Take your obligation to practice social distancing seriously and begin immediately. Even individuals with no symptoms can be infected and spread the virus to vulnerable populations.

• Cancel or reschedule all neighborhood organization and public meetings that are set to take place over the next 30 days, and prepare for the fact that additional cancellations or reschedules may be required.  Reach out to your NIS to set up a web conferencing platform. 

• Safely patronize local businesses via take out, curbside and delivery options, and consider purchasing gift cards for future use. Every dollar spent helps keep businesses alive – and paying employees – during this difficult time. Residents are advised to check the social media pages of restaurants for the latest information regarding restaurant closures, special hours, and carry out/delivery options. Ian Froeb of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch has been working to compile restaurant announcements and share updates on his Twitter feed

• Stay informed, and help provide information to friends, family and elderly neighbors who may not have access to the latest news. Feel free to forward this email to anyone who you think may benefit from it.

      HOW TO STAY INFORMED 

      For updated information about the coronavirus crisis, you can visit: 

• The City’s website for COVID-19 updates, which is being used to compile the latest information from federal and state authorities for consumption by local audiences.

• The St. Louis Post-Dispatch, which is compiling up-to-the-minute updates on one dedicated page.

• The COVID-19 website operated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

    COMMUNITY RESOURCES

The United Way has a COVID-19 Community Economic Relief Fund. If you need help paying bills, rent, or food call 866-211-9966.  
Sheltering in place can be difficult for anyone, and some of our neighbors might not be safe due to violence at home. If you or someone you know needs help, please visit Safe Connections or call 314-531-2003.

You can also contact ALIVE at 314-993-2777.

     MEDICAL RESOURCES

The Department of Health COVID-19 hotline is open from 8 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Call 314-657-1499 with questions or concerns.
SSM Health has an online screening. 
BJC Healthcare has additional information on protecting yourself from COVID-19. 
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services hotline can be reached at 877-435-8411.
  
Currently testing sites are at the following locations:  

1. BJC at Clayton and Boyle

2. Federally Qualified Health Centers for patients at Affinia, Care STL, People's, and Family Care Health Centers

3. We expect to have 2 testing sites open soon where individuals could be screened and tested - Affinia at 1717 Biddle and a Care STL location. These will be open as soon as test kits are available from the federal government. More to come.

     MISSOURI  MEDICAID -MO HEALTH NET
 
Eligibility for any Medicaid participant will not be terminated unless the individual requests a voluntary termination of eligibility or the individual ceases to be a resident of the state through the end of the federal emergency COVID-19 declaration

•Extending 90 days of MO HealthNet coverage to Missourians ages 19-64 who test positive for COVID-19 and meet the income and resource eligibility guidelines

•Relaxing requirements related to prescription refills and prior authorizations to ensure participants have access to essential medications

•Expediting new provider enrollment applications and waiving certain enrollment requirements such as application fees and on-site visits to enable providers to serve Medicaid participants

•Waiving the co-payment for any services provided by means of telehealth

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     RELIEF FOR MISSOURI FAMILIES AND BUSINESSES 
 
•Filing deadline extended: The deadline to file income tax returns has been extended to July 15, 2020.

•Payment relief for individuals and corporations: Income tax payment deadlines for individual and corporate income returns with a due date of April 15, 2020, are extended until July 15, 2020. This payment relief applies to all individual income tax returns, income tax returns filed by C Corporations, and income tax returns filed by trusts or estates. The Department of Revenue will automatically provide this relief, so filers do not need to take any additional steps to qualify.

•This relief for individuals and corporations will also include estimated tax payments for the tax year 2020 that are due on April 15, 2020.

•Penalties and interest will begin to accrue on any remaining unpaid balances as of July 16, 2020. Individuals and corporations that file their return or request an extension of time to file by July 15, 2020, will automatically avoid interest and penalties on the tax paid by July 15.

•Vehicle owners with registrations or license plates expiring in March and April have been granted an automatic two-month extension. Owners will be able to continue operating their vehicles on Missouri roadways without a penalty until they can apply for renewal.

•The time frame in which a vehicle safety and emission inspection is valid for March and April license plate expirations has also been extended an additional 60 days. Applicants for a title will not be assessed a late title penalty when visiting a license office, effective immediately; this waiver will continue through April 30, 2020.

•Valid Missouri driver licenses, nondriver licenses, and non-commercial instruction permits with original expiration dates of March 1, 2020, through April 30, 2020, have been granted an automatic 60-day extension.

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     HELP FOR SMALL BUSINESS AND NON- PROFITS 

The U.S.  Small Business Administration approved Missouri’s request for assistance through the federal agency’s disaster loan program. This move makes low-interest disaster loans available to small businesses and private non-profits severely impacted by the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Please Visit Website

SBA is collecting the requested information in order to make a loan under their Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program to the qualified entities listed in this application that are impacted by the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

The information will be used in determining whether the applicant is eligible for an economic injury loan. If you do not submit all the information requested, your loan cannot be fully processed.

SBA provides many loan resources for small businesses to utilize when operating their business. For more information on loans or how to connect with a lenders  They have also developed a Lender Match Program. This is a free online referral tool that connects small businesses with participating SBA-approved lenders within 48 hours.

As the number of COVID-19 cases spread in the United States, it is important St. Louis regional businesses feel well-equipped and prepared to handle this challenge. For more information, please visit the St. Louis Regional Chamber website


Economic Injury Disaster Loan Advance
In response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, small business owners in all U.S. states, Washington D.C., and territories are eligible to apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan advance of up to $10,000. 

The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program provides small businesses with working capital loans of up to $2 million that can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing. The loan advance will provide economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue. Funds will be made available within three days of a successful application, and this loan advance will not have to be repaid. 

Applicants will be able to apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information anddownload applications. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance.
 
St Louis Post Dispatch is also giving away free ad space. Apply at STLtoday.com/support

Food Stamp/Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
 
•The Family Support Division is waiving all work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents for 90 days
 
Child Care Subsidy Program
 
•Child Care Subsidy benefits are extended for 90 days
•Provider application renewals are extended for 90 days
•Approve additional hours of care for families on a case-by-case basis
 
Family Support Division has requested waivers from the United States Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service to:

•Waive all Food Stamp adverse action notices for 90 days
•Waive initial in-person Food Stamp interviews for 90 days
•Extend Food Stamp certification periods by 6 months - this waiver has been received

Email Alderwoman Davis

BROUGHTON BRAND PRESENTATION

LBD BUSINESS 12/11/19 MEETING

BROUGHTON BRAND PRESENTATION

LBD BUSINESS MEETING

DECEMBER 11, 2019

Lee Broughton and Tracy Whelpley of the Broughton Branding Agency will share a bit about STLMade and MLS4THELOU. 

Lee Broughton heads up Broughton Brand Company, a strategic brand marketing agency that is very involved in both the STLMade and MLS4THELOU movements.  

St. Louis Business Journal Article Hidden Gems

“...In early September, the Business Journal put out a call to readers asking to help identify the St. Louis region's next hot spots for commercial developments.

This is a region teeming with new development. In May we documented Midtown's rebirth with the City Foundry and other projects. The imminent opening of the St. Louis Aquarium and the eventual development of a major league soccer stadium are expected to turn Downtown West into a destination. The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency's $1.7 billion western headquarters in north city and Square's planned move to the north end of downtown are both projects that are expected to serve as catalysts for further development in those neighborhoods.

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But part of our mission is uncovering what's next. We're calling them "hidden gems," those under-the-radar portions of the metro area poised for growth. And to uncover them, we asked readers to tell us where they see potential and what makes it a hidden gem.

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We received more than 100 responses from across the metro area — from Troy to the east and Wildwood to the west and all points in between. From increased activity inside the central business district to mixed-use and industrial projects envisioned for the outlying suburbs, readers submitted ideas to spruce up some underperforming areas.”