What's Happening in Olivette, MO…

Less than 24 hours after Olivette signed an agreement with United Construction, city crews were working on the site of a new building that will house city departments, clearing brush and trees to prepare the area for grading.

The new facility, which will house the city's administrative offices, the fire and police departments, and two community rooms, will be located on Dielman Road.

The project began in 2013 when Olivette's city council appointed a six-member task force to look at the work done by two previous committees, and expand on their findings with regard to how to improve Olivette's city facilities. The task force was charged with finding a location for the new facility, how to finance it, and what approach to take to the design of the building, all of which information was then put before residents on a ballot.

The task force also talked to residents to devise a strategy that was economically feasible, and would win widespread support from voters. The plan worked, and in August, 2014, Olivette residents approved a $13.5m bond issue to buy property and design and build a new City Center thereon. The construction has now begun.

City officials might like to work with a postcard printer to create a mailer for residents, updating them on the project.