2024 Year in Review
As we close out 2024, it’s a great time to reflect on the progress and accomplishments of the past year. This has been a busy and productive year for Crestwood, with significant projects completed and new initiatives launched to improve our community.
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Here's a brief look at what has been achieved:
Proposition A and Crestwood's AAA Bond Rating
In April 2024, Crestwood voters approved Proposition A, a $33 million bond issue, with a strong approval rate of approximately 60%. The funds from this bond will be dedicated to major park improvements, most notably the construction of a new community center in Whitecliff Park. The architectural designs for the center are nearing final approval, with groundbreaking anticipated for early summer 2025 and project completion targeted for fall 2026. This new facility will serve our community for decades to come, providing additional spaces and services to create a place for everyone.
Ahead of issuing the bonds, Crestwood underwent a rigorous financial review by S&P Global Ratings to assess the city’s fiscal health and management practices. I’m proud to share that Crestwood earned the highest possible bond rating—AAA. This elite designation places Crestwood among only six cities in Missouri with the same distinction. You can review the full S&P report here. This achievement reflects the city’s strong financial stewardship, operational efficiency, and the trust our residents place in our leadership.
Fire Truck and Ambulance Acquisition
Crestwood spent nearly a decade planning and saving for a new fire truck. After placing the order, it took two years for the highly customized fire truck to be delivered in June 2024. Designing a fire truck is far from a standard process—it’s not like ordering a car. Every compartment, control, and feature was meticulously planned, with Crestwood’s firefighters deeply involved in the process to ensure the final product met their requirements.
Crestwood also ordered two ambulances back in 2022 and took possession of one quickly, as it was a “demonstration” vehicle. The second ambulance, custom-built for Crestwood, was finally delivered in 2024. Like the fire truck, Crestwood maintains a primary and backup ambulance to ensure continuity of service when one needs maintenance.
Police Reaccreditation
In 2024, the Crestwood Police Department successfully completed its triennial accreditation assessment through the Missouri Police Chiefs Association, a process critical to maintaining high standards of professionalism and operational excellence. This rigorous assessment includes onsite reviews and tours of the department, interviews with staff, and thorough evaluations of processes and procedures, all of which must meet strict criteria.
Crestwood first earned this accreditation in 2021, and the successful 2024 reaccreditation reflects the collective dedication of the department’s officers and staff. With accreditation now extended until 2027, the Crestwood Police Department continues to serve as a model of excellence, ensuring the community is supported with the highest levels of professionalism and preparedness.
School Resource Officer
Starting in 2024, Lindbergh School District partnered with the Crestwood Police Department to introduce a School Resource Officer (SRO) dedicated to Truman Middle School, Crestwood Elementary, Long Elementary, and Sappington Elementary. Officer Kay Blase, the first Crestwood Police Officer to serve as an SRO, joins St. Louis County Officers Amanda Hloben and Austin Holtzmann, who cover the district’s other schools.
Blase brings valuable experience from her time with the Crestwood Police Department since 2021 and has participated in specialized training and school safety conferences to prepare for this role. She began her assignment in August 2024, working as part of Crestwood’s Community Police Unit when school is not in session.
The Lindbergh School District covers 75% of the SRO’s salary, benefits, and vehicle costs, a standard arrangement for programs like this. This collaboration enhances school security while also fostering positive relationships with students and families, expanding community outreach, and diversifying opportunities within the department.
Traffic Calming Policy
Crestwood’s new Traffic Calming Policy aims to make residential streets safer by implementing physical measures that naturally reduce speeding. Unlike enforcement, which relies on officer presence, traffic calming uses features like speed humps or narrowed lanes to encourage slower driving and improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists. This policy, approved in June 2024, was developed through collaboration between city staff and residents to address long-standing concerns.
The first projects under this policy were implemented on Yorkshire Estates Drive and Crest Oak Lane, where speed humps have received positive feedback for effectively reducing speeds. Additional streets are being evaluated as part of a phased approach, with data collected to ensure solutions are effective before broader implementation. Residents interested in traffic calming for their street can submit a request through the Police Department’s Traffic Calming page here.
Whitecliff Bridge Project
In 2019, a MoDOT inspection rated two components of the Whitecliff main bridge as "Poor," giving the structure an overall sufficiency rating of 58%—just above the threshold for deficiency. In response, Crestwood began the multi-year process of grant writing, surveying, and engineering to replace the bridge, leveraging a federal grant to fund approximately $1.24 million of the $1.99 million project, with the city covering the remaining $750,000.
The bridge replacement contract was awarded in March 2024, and construction is progressing on schedule. It is expected to be completed by May 2025, ensuring a safe and reliable route for construction equipment to access the new Whitecliff community center project.
RV Parking Ordinance
After months of discussion and public input through the Public Works Board, the Board of Aldermen approved updates to Crestwood’s RV parking ordinance in October 2024. These changes aim to balance the rights of property owners with maintaining the aesthetic appeal of residential neighborhoods.
The core restrictions remain unchanged—RVs and campers cannot be parked on residential streets or driveways in front of a home for extended periods. However, the updates provide more flexibility for RV owners by allowing them to park in their driveways multiple times a year for packing, unpacking, and trip preparation.
One significant change is the addition of a sunset clause to the "grandfathered" provision introduced in 2002. This clause, which allowed long-time owners to park RVs in their driveways despite restrictions, will expire in January 2029, ensuring all residents are subject to the same regulations moving forward. You can read the full ordinance here.
Ferndale Playground Renovation
Ferndale Park, a charming "pocket park" located at the intersection of Liggett and Briarton, serves as a walkable destination for play and neighborhood gatherings. This spring, the park received a major upgrade with the installation of brand-new playground equipment.
The old playground and "poured in place" safety surface had reached the end of their service life, prompting Crestwood to replace them. Timing worked out perfectly, as the city purchased the new equipment at the end of 2023 during a 50% off sale. Installation began in late April 2024, bringing fresh, modern amenities to this cherished neighborhood space.
This new playground ensures that Ferndale Park remains a vibrant, family-friendly hub for the community, creating adventures and memories for another generation.
Open House Events
This was a busy year as Crestwood hosted a variety of Open House events to engage with residents and provide updates on key projects and initiatives. Topics included the Whitecliff Bridge Replacement, Traffic Calming Measures, Adaptive Recreation, Playground Designs for Crestwood Park, and the Nature Playscape. Residents also had multiple opportunities to meet and speak directly with their elected officials.
These events provided valuable opportunities for residents to share feedback and stay informed, fostering a well-connected and engaged community. Crestwood remains committed to maintaining this open dialogue and looks forward to hosting more events like these in the future.
Community Service Events
Crestwood residents showed their community spirit through events like honeysuckle hacks, tree planting days, trash-bash stream cleaning, and storm drain marking. These initiatives have helped beautify our city and protect the environment.
Community Events
2024 was filled with vibrant community events that brought neighbors together and strengthened Crestwood’s sense of community. Highlights included SunCrest Fest, Movie Nights in the Park and at the Firehouse, Touch a Truck, Halloween Family Fest, Splashtacular, Christmas in July, Music and Market Days, Citywide Garage Sales, Kids Garage Sale, and many more.
These events provided opportunities for residents to connect, celebrate, and create lasting memories. With more events planned for 2025, be sure to stay tuned and join in the fun!
Looking Ahead to 2025
As we prepare for the new year, Crestwood is positioned for continued success. From ongoing infrastructure projects to enhanced resident services, we remain committed to making Crestwood a place we’re all proud to call home. Watch for more posts and articles to learn about the exciting changes coming to our community.
If you have questions or feedback, please reach out via the city’s website or attend a Board of Aldermen meeting. Thank you for your support in making 2024 a remarkable year!