The following map shows the entire Emerson Park neighborhood within East St. Louis.  This study specifically examines one block within this neighborhood. The block outlined in blue is the entire proposed project site.

          Map detail

Current Conditions      The block outlined in blue consists of approximately 5 acres.  Currently the
                                   block is mostly vacant with a few scattered single-family houses.  Adjacent
                                   to the block is a multi-family housing complex and within close distance is the
                                   East St. Louis Community Center.  There are some vacant lots located at the
                                   corner of Winstanley and 13th providing about 1.5 acres for development.
 

Proposed Land Use    The Emerson Park Neighborhood has potential for an increase in social activity and
                                   we foresee that it can support commercial enterprises.  The redevelopment project
                                   site consists of this one block.  The block is in a good location for some of the
                                   commercial as well as residential development.  The vacant corner lots provide an
                                   excellent location for Blue's Family Restaurant.  The remainder of the block will
                                   be used for housing.  Construction of 20 reasonably priced single-family homes will
                                   add to the existing housing stock.  The lots are large enough to allow for homeowners
                                   to have yards which will provide for green space within the block.
 

Possible Future     Emerson Park Neighborhood has so much potential foreseeable in the near future as well
Negative Effects    long range (thirty years time). However,  this planning team must consider any risks
                                 associated   with opening the restaurant and the infill housing.  It is quite possible that
                                 Blue's Family  Restaurant may start off to a good, stable start, but not be successful in
                                any long term goals.  Although the outlook is good and there are a limited amount of reasons
                                Blue's Restaurant should not be successful, the results of an unsuccessful restaurant may
                                bring about a few negative possibilities. Blue's Restaurant, rated high in terms of visual
                                quality, and designed to be comfortable and inviting to the neighborhood residents, as well
                                as passer-by's, may actually attract a crowd to the restaurants premises for purposes
                                other than dining.  If Blue's Restaurant does not maintain its intended influence in Emerson Park,
                                then locals or out-of-towners may take advantage of the layout of this block.
                                Aside from vandalism, there is a possibility that the proposed in-fill housing will not sell.  If so,
                                then there is more opportune for these buildings to become abandoned, sheltering unwanted activities,
                                adding to wasted land (developed land not used effectively) and  contributing to the very thing that
                                East St. Louis is trying to overcome: aesthetically displeasing, economically draining, habitat harming,
                                culturally lacking development.

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