Economic Development

Grove Community Improvement District

A good portion of economic development efforts along Manchester Avenue have been supported by efforts through the Grove CID. The CID acts as a political subdivision of the State of Missouri established by the City of St. Louis Board of Aldermen and approved by the mayor. The Grove CID operates within the Forest Park Southeast neighborhood in the City of St. Louis.

The Grove CID is governed by an 11 member Board of Directors. Directors must be property owners and/or business operators within the District, or their representatives. All Board of Directors members are appointed by the Mayor and approved by the Board of Alderman.

The Grove CID is funded primarily by a 1% Sales Tax approved by the registered voters residing in the District and collected on all retail sales in the District, and an annual Special Assessment imposed on District real property; however, direct appropriations of revenue from the City of St. Louis, private tax-deductible cash donations and grants are also accepted.

Grove Fest

For the past five years the Grove CID has hosted Grove Fest.  Grove Fest 2010 was bigger and better than ever, with numerous street performers, 17 bands and DJ’s, 22 food and retail vendors, a runway show, tattoo competition, and a 30 foot wide “Paint by Numbers” mural.

WUMC provided sponsorship  as well as planning support for the event. In addition various WUMC staff members served on the Grove Fest planning committee.   Kim Yawitz, one of the co-chairs of the event stated, “Grove Fest has really become a featured event for the area.  This year we had more attractions provided at the lowest budget ever.  Neighborhood’s  businesses and institutions put a lot of time and energy in making this annual event a showcase of the area”.  The event has become so popular that Grove Fest proceeds will serve to support future Grove CID ventures.

Planning has already begun for Grove Fest 6.  If you are interested in becoming a committee member or having a booth, please call (314) 535-5311.

Tour de Grove

In June, 2010 hundreds of cyclists zoomed through the Grove in the first annual Tour De Grove bike race.  Athletes from all over the country braved the excruciatingly hot, humid and rainy conditions to participate in the day-long event filled with a 5K run, professional, amateur, and children’s bicycle races, music and entertainment. WUMC’s support for the event provided funding for security patrol as well as event sponsorship in addition to event organizational support. WUMC staff also served on the planning and development committees. The Grove district and FPSE neighborhood were showcased as exciting, creative, and well-kept area. The Tour De Grove is the only race in the region on the prestigious USA Cycling National Racing Calendar (NRC).  Next year’s Tour De Grove will be held on Saturday, May 14th 2011.

To  participate on the Tour De Grove committee or to help out on the day of the event please contact Stephanie Co of Park Central Development at 314-262-4409.