St. Louis' Old North neighborhood, once an area marked by an ongoing decline in residents and businesses, was recognized by the EPA this month as a place "to live, work and play." Old North was one of only five communities nationwide recognized for efforts to revitalize, reinvigorate and to be part "smart growth." The neighborhood received the Overall Excellence award.
The neighborhood is home to the North City Farmers' Market, as well as outlets for many AgriMissouri members' Missouri-made products and fresh produce. And the Old North St. Louis Restoration Group continues to work with our team here at the Missouri Department of Agriculture to explore new opportunities for the area - from encouraging residents to get their hands in the soil and experience the freshest possible produce with the 10,000 Garden Challenge to supporting the local grocery co-op that serves residents throughout the year.
Other communities recognized by the EPA include: Albuquerque, NM, El Paso, TX, Howard, SC and Normal, IL. For more information on the Old North St. Louis efforts, visit the restoration group online at http://onsl.org/blog/. And don't forget to check out the EPA announcement and the St. Louis Beacon article about the honor.
Thanks for sharing the good news - and thanks for all of the support we've received from the Missouri Department of Agriculture!
Posted by: Sean Thomas | December 28, 2011 at 04:54 PM