St. Louis County, MO  (KTRS)  A section of north St. Louis County is making history

A ceremony was held Wednesday morning to celebrate the official merger of Vinita Park and Vinita Terrace. Voters approved the merger during the November 2016 election, making Vinita Terrace the fourth ward of Vinita Park.

“The merger is a community-driven effort and the result of months of tireless effort by our elected officials to communicate the benefits to our residents,” said Mayor James W. McGee, City of Vinita Park.
“By becoming part of Vinita Park, Vinita Terrace residents will keep the local representation they desire and obtain new professional, full-time services such as public works, clerks, financial services and free trash service,” McGee added.
This historical merger impacts more than 2,000 residents who live and pay taxes in the two communities. Both municipalities already have a history of cooperation, including shared police services. With the merger, the North County Police Cooperative’s headquarters will move to the former Village Hall building in Vinita Terrace. Community leaders say the new headquarters will allow police services to be more centrally-located and provide more services to residents.
Dan Clasby, Chairman of Vinita Terrace agrees that the union will benefit residents from both communities.
“This is going to be good for our residents,” said Clasby. “A lot of thought and time went into planning this merger and it would not have been possible without the help of Vinita Park and the St. Louis County boundary commission.”
Beyond Housing which supports the 24 communities within the Normandy Schools Collaborative, was instrumental in this effort.

“Beyond Housing was thrilled to spearhead this effort,” said Chris Krehmeyer, CEO and President of Beyond Housing.