but also maintains a strong, inclusive sense of community,” expresses Mayor Timothy J. Lowery. “In this city, people feel supported, engaged, and truly at home.” THE CITY OF FESTIVALS Anchored by a lively historic district known as Old Town, Florissant’s calendar is packed with celebrations, and the city has proudly branded itself as “The City of Festivals.” From Saint Patrick’s and Juneteenth, to Polish, Italian, and Hispanic festivals, the Valley of Flowers Spring festival, Fall Festival, and Miracle on St. Francois celebration, Labor Day bike races, and Veterans Day parades, there is always something happening in Florissant. “The Old Town district is where we have our parades and festivals and summer concerts,” shares Patrick Mulcahy, Director of Administration and Economic Development. “That’s where the community comes together.” Adding to its vitality, Florissant is home to an extensive parks and recreation system which includes 20 parks, two outdoor pools, two community centers, a golf course, and the popular Sunset Park, where visitors can follow the Greenway Trail to the Missouri River. OLD TOWN, NEW VISION Guided by a 2022 comprehensive plan, Florissant is moving the city forward.“That plan was for the entire city, but there was a large section just focusing on the Old Town district,” details Mulcahy. “It called for increased commercial activities, and redevelopments of older shopping centers to bring that walkability and the continued presence of more residents.” With this in mind, Florissant is in the planning stages of a project to transform two parking lots across from City Hall into a town square.“It will be a place where we could have farmers markets and where we could hold festivals,” he says. “I think when that comes to fruition, it can help boost the rest of the Old Town District.” Traditionally a bedroom community, Florissant serves as the shopping hub of North St. Louis County. The Lindbergh Corridor is home to a wide range of national retailers, while Old Town offers a unique mix of locally owned “mom and pop” shops. “Even if they’re leaving our community to go work somewhere else in the region, generally everybody is still returning home to shop in Florissant,” highlights Mulcahy. “We’re getting a lot of retail sales tax that way, which helps fund our extensive city services.” 3 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07 FLORISSANT, MO
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTI5MjAx