Proposition S FAQ
Proposition S is a proposed general obligation bond issue for $18.18 million to fund infrastructure improvements in Glendale. The bond issuance will fund street reconstruction and maintenance, sidewalk repairs and new construction, and stormwater control projects.
If approved, the bonds will fund:
- Reconstruction of 33 streets and mill/overlay work on six streets.
- Construction of new sidewalks on three streets and repairs on 10 others.
- Reconstruction of eight ADA-compliant sidewalk ramps.
- Three stormwater improvement projects.
For more detailed information, check out this Proposition S overview presentation, which includes color-coded maps of the project phases. You can also view this interactive map of the proposed street projects.
The projects were selected based on a comprehensive Streets Master Plan developed by the City Engineer. This analysis reviewed the condition of every street in the City using the PASER system and then recommended a prioritized schedule of work. It also included recommendations on curbing and sidewalk infrastructure.
Most of the reconstruction work included in Prop S focuses on streets south of E. Essex Ave because the city’s asphalt curbing replacement and street overlay program began in 2014 and followed progression of Missouri American Water who, at the time, was aggressively replacing water mains in Glendale starting on the northern portion of the city map and working their way south.
Some streets on the northern part of the map that have already received a curbing replacement and paving are included in Prop S only because the pavement has now aged, or there has been many utility repairs and/or new home construction, forcing a need to re-pave the roadway.
Federal Funding Programs
The bond does not include Sappington Rd. or Essex Ave. These roads are all eligible for federal funding through a competitive grant program administered by East-West Gateway Council of Governments that covers 80 percent of the cost. The City has two active projects currently funded through this program:
- Essex Ave. Phase I -- This partnership with Kirkwood covers the reconstruction of Essex Ave. from Dickson St. to Sappington Rd. Construction work is currently underway and estimated to be completed in May of 2025.
- Sappington Rd. Preservation -- This project will replace the pavement for the entire length of Sappington Rd. in Glendale and make numerous curb, sidewalk ramp and crosswalk improvements. It is currently in the Right-of-Way acquisition phase with construction not estimated to begin until 2026.
In addition, the City is actively applying for funds for Essex Ave. Phase II, which would cover the portion between Sappington Rd. and Devon Rd. If the application is accepted this year, then the earliest construction could begin is 2030.
The recently completed improvements to Moreland Ave. and Edwin Ave. used one-time federal funds made available as part of a Covid-era ARPA program.
The bonds will increase the City’s debt service property tax levy to fund repayment. The increase will remain well within Glendale’s debt capacity limits and will be retired over 20 years, at which point the tax increase will be rolled back.
The estimated cost to homeowners is approximately $0.35 per $100 of assessed property valuation. For a home with a market (appraised) value of $400,000:
- Annual cost: ~$266.00
- Monthly cost: ~$22.17
The above assumes that the debt will be issued in two separate amounts, approximately $9.9 million in June 2025 and approximately $8.5 million in June 2028, both with an interest rate of 5 percent.
To estimate the increase for your property taxes, you can use this online calculator. You will first need to look up the most recent assessed value of your property on the St. Louis County Assessor’s website.
The City has aging infrastructure that it believes requires immediate attention to prevent further deterioration and address safety concerns. The bond issuance will:
- Provide a revenue source for the City to invest in necessary road, sidewalk and stormwater infrastructure improvements.
- Upgrade and improve pedestrian accessibility with ADA-compliant ramps and new sidewalks.
- Mitigate stormwater issues identified in the City’s Stormwater Master Plan.
- Only a few streets in Glendale are eligible to receive federal funding. Prop S provides a means to fund major, high-cost improvements needed for local roads.
The improvements will take place over five years, starting in 2026. Highlights include:
- Year 1 (2026): Hill Drive and Greenview Drive reconstructions; Alexandra Avenue stormwater project.
- Year 2 (2027): Oakway Place sidewalk repairs and Clif Side Drive stormwater improvements.
- Year 3 (2028): Extensive sidewalk repairs along Cornelia Avenue and Austin Place.
- Year 4 (2029): New sidewalks on Alexandra Avenue and Venneman Avenue.
- Year 5 (2030): Reconstruction of key streets like Beverly Avenue and Elm Avenue.
Without the issuance of the bonds, Glendale will need to defer critical infrastructure projects. This may result in higher long-term repair costs and further deterioration of streets, sidewalks, and stormwater systems.
The election is scheduled for April 8, 2025, with polling hours from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Since this is a ballot proposition, state law requires a 57.14% vote in favor for Prop S to pass.
Yes. See the links below for more detailed information on the proposed bond issuance, the streets and stormwater master plans, and financing:
Residents can learn more about Proposition S by attending one of two public open houses scheduled for 5-7 p.m. on March 27 and March 31 at Glendale City Hall.
For questions or additional details, contact Glendale City Hall at 314-965-3600, email PropS@glendalemo.org, or visit the City website at www.glendalemo.org. The City also plans to hold public forums to address resident questions and concerns before the election.
Paid for by the City of Glendale, Michael Wilcox, Mayor, 424 N. Sappington Road, Glendale, Missouri 63122.
