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I feel like I've stepped outside of myself these past few days. With the new job, I haven't been able to keep up with anything related to St. Louis or anything else for that matter. I honestly don't know what's going on in the City or the world. It's amazing how a job that actually keeps you busy can get in the way of a body's web surfing, but I'm not complaining. I enjoy the work and I hope I'm contributing something to my team.
It's also been a bit strange having my life totally contained within the City. I now drive through parts of the City that I normally wouldn't visit for months. I must admit, I hate Gravois. No...I don't hate Gravois, it's just frustrating to see so much decaying buildings with so much potential. With so many beautiful structures and store fronts lining Gravois I just don't understand why it looks the way it does. Well, I have an idea of why Gravois is in its current state, I just wish it hadn't gotten so far gone.
My perceptions of large swaths of the City seem to change on a daily basis. It's strange how sometimes a drive can be inspiring one day and a bit depressing the next.
It's also been a bit strange having my life totally contained within the City. I now drive through parts of the City that I normally wouldn't visit for months. I must admit, I hate Gravois. No...I don't hate Gravois, it's just frustrating to see so much decaying buildings with so much potential. With so many beautiful structures and store fronts lining Gravois I just don't understand why it looks the way it does. Well, I have an idea of why Gravois is in its current state, I just wish it hadn't gotten so far gone.
My perceptions of large swaths of the City seem to change on a daily basis. It's strange how sometimes a drive can be inspiring one day and a bit depressing the next.
I started my new job today and to say I'm overwhelmed would be an understatement. I hate being the new guy, but everyone I met today seems really cool. I'm excited to dig in and prove myself.
St. Louis Center...worst area downtown. We walked past it today on our way to lunch and it's just nasty. Everything about it reeks of decay and the faster it is disposed of the better. Even if it was brand new, the mall creates lots of spaces that feel very un welcoming. More people on the sidewalk would take away from that feeling of uneasiness, but I don't think that fact would help too much. The common spaces feel very utilitarian and sterile, like the spaces weren't made for hanging around in.
Anyway, this isn't anything you haven't heard before and I'm honestly too tired to go into more detail. I'm excited and exhausted. I'm feeling good about my choice to change jobs. I think it's all going to work out.
St. Louis Center...worst area downtown. We walked past it today on our way to lunch and it's just nasty. Everything about it reeks of decay and the faster it is disposed of the better. Even if it was brand new, the mall creates lots of spaces that feel very un welcoming. More people on the sidewalk would take away from that feeling of uneasiness, but I don't think that fact would help too much. The common spaces feel very utilitarian and sterile, like the spaces weren't made for hanging around in.
Anyway, this isn't anything you haven't heard before and I'm honestly too tired to go into more detail. I'm excited and exhausted. I'm feeling good about my choice to change jobs. I think it's all going to work out.
There are two huge signs up along Hampton Avenue reminding voters that our parks aren't for sale and to "Vote Against Waterhouse." The message is obvious, Waterhouse supports the BJC lease isn't worried about what the citizens of the City have to say.
Bet you can't guess who's yard signs are up right underneath the enormous signs described above...
Bet you can't guess who's yard signs are up right underneath the enormous signs described above...
I looked into taking the Metrolink downtown daily and discovered it takes about 40 minutes to go from the Shrewsbury station to the one at the convention center. I can't add an additional 2 hours to my daily commute, my dog's bladder would explode. I wish there was a more direct route, but there's not so I'm going to have to drive most days.
Question...what's the best way to get downtown from South City (Southampton). I was thinking about taking Gravois all the way up. Suggestions?
Question...what's the best way to get downtown from South City (Southampton). I was thinking about taking Gravois all the way up. Suggestions?
I was pleased to read that the Forest Park/BJC lease has moved forward. I never really was against the lease, my concerns were with the politics behind the lease and ensuring that if we give something up, we get something back...now and in the future.
I don't think giving up our parkland for private development is a good idea, but, in this case, I feel that the benefits of the deal outweigh the cons. That said, I do hope that future legislation will be passed to make it more difficult for private entities to acquire public land. I'm willing to compromise and concede the small section of Forest Park east of Kingshighway because I believe there are real and positive benefits to giving up that land; however, I don't think I could be talked into giving up a piece of any of my favorite city parks in the future.
I don't think giving up our parkland for private development is a good idea, but, in this case, I feel that the benefits of the deal outweigh the cons. That said, I do hope that future legislation will be passed to make it more difficult for private entities to acquire public land. I'm willing to compromise and concede the small section of Forest Park east of Kingshighway because I believe there are real and positive benefits to giving up that land; however, I don't think I could be talked into giving up a piece of any of my favorite city parks in the future.
I went to Forest Park and the Art Museum today. I was worried the park would be overflowing with soccer moms, but other than the loud school kids inside the art museum all annoying distractions were thankfully absent.
I didn't take many photos, wasn't really feeling inspired. I did notice that the fountain in front of the World's Fair Pavilion has been torn out and construction of some sort is going on. I was a bit upset to see that. I knew there were plans in place to do something with the fountain, but I was hoping they'd repair/upgrade it and leave it alone. Unfortunately, that didn't happen, which is a shame because I really liked the fountain as it was. It fit in with the pavilion and made a lovely picture.
I hope they don't plan on putting that awful zig-zag plan in front of the pavilion, I guess we'll wait and see.
St. Louis Art Museum
Central West End skyline with the Continental Building visible.
I didn't take many photos, wasn't really feeling inspired. I did notice that the fountain in front of the World's Fair Pavilion has been torn out and construction of some sort is going on. I was a bit upset to see that. I knew there were plans in place to do something with the fountain, but I was hoping they'd repair/upgrade it and leave it alone. Unfortunately, that didn't happen, which is a shame because I really liked the fountain as it was. It fit in with the pavilion and made a lovely picture.
I hope they don't plan on putting that awful zig-zag plan in front of the pavilion, I guess we'll wait and see.
St. Louis Art Museum
Central West End skyline with the Continental Building visible.
My mission, to photograph the green dome of the crazy hospital, one of my favorite buildings in the city, from a few of the places around South City (well, the part south of 44) where I remember seeing it. I started with a walk through my neighborhood, then hopped in the car and drove around a bit.
Today was probably not the best day to go to any park, as they had been transformed into muddy rivers thanks to the melting snow, but there were some pictures I could only get by stepping off a paved path.
I stopped by the South City YMCA to snap my only "up-close" photo of the hospital. I didn't want to get to close to the actual building. There were signs up saying "State Property - No Trespassing" and gates all around. Not a very welcoming site for an architectural photographer. In our post 9/11 world, I was convinced some guard was going to run out after me once I pulled out my camera and started snapping, so I didn't stay around long.
Anyway, these photos aren't high art or anything, just documentation of how that big green dome pops up on the horizon when you least expect it.
The photos below are clickable.
The dome, almost hidden by branches, buildings and topography, from Southampton. Once the leaves are back on the trees, my neighborhood will probably lose its view of the hospital.
At Chippewa and Donovan the hospital dominates the horizon. The photo doesn't really convey how huge the building looks from this vantage point.
Inside Tilles Park, it's hard not to catch a glimpse of the dome.
The dome as seen from Tower Grove Park, near the Chinese pavillion.
Another view from lovely Tower Grove Park.
The big guy himself. Wish I could've gotten closer.
Today was probably not the best day to go to any park, as they had been transformed into muddy rivers thanks to the melting snow, but there were some pictures I could only get by stepping off a paved path.
I stopped by the South City YMCA to snap my only "up-close" photo of the hospital. I didn't want to get to close to the actual building. There were signs up saying "State Property - No Trespassing" and gates all around. Not a very welcoming site for an architectural photographer. In our post 9/11 world, I was convinced some guard was going to run out after me once I pulled out my camera and started snapping, so I didn't stay around long.
Anyway, these photos aren't high art or anything, just documentation of how that big green dome pops up on the horizon when you least expect it.
The photos below are clickable.
The dome, almost hidden by branches, buildings and topography, from Southampton. Once the leaves are back on the trees, my neighborhood will probably lose its view of the hospital.
At Chippewa and Donovan the hospital dominates the horizon. The photo doesn't really convey how huge the building looks from this vantage point.
Inside Tilles Park, it's hard not to catch a glimpse of the dome.
The dome as seen from Tower Grove Park, near the Chinese pavillion.
Another view from lovely Tower Grove Park.
The big guy himself. Wish I could've gotten closer.
This guy was trying to keep warm on my back deck this afternoon. He may be chilly, but at least he doesn't have to shell out $155 to Laclede Gas!
Shrewsbury or Reed, who deserves my vote? I thought I had all of this figured out a while ago, but the BJC lease and some other things have led me to look at both candidates a litte more closely than I had.
If any of my readers can, in a non-biased, facts-only, way give me the pros and cons on each candidate I'd be really grateful. Also, if you could direct me to an independent site or some reading that presents each candidate's accomplisments and views I'd appreciate that as well.
I want to vote & I will, but I must admit, I have a strong "what's the point" feeling inside.
If any of my readers can, in a non-biased, facts-only, way give me the pros and cons on each candidate I'd be really grateful. Also, if you could direct me to an independent site or some reading that presents each candidate's accomplisments and views I'd appreciate that as well.
I want to vote & I will, but I must admit, I have a strong "what's the point" feeling inside.
Take a look at this thread on the Urban St. Louis forum.
Do you have any thoughts?
The Business Journal's extremely unbalanced article paints with much too broad a brush and is attempting to spin the issue of CAVE (Citizens Against Virtually Everything) men in favor of its advertisers and political allies. The Business Journal proves it's nothing more than a mouthpiece for big business with this story, but that's not really news.
The Business Journal would like its readers to believe that a bunch of crybabies against development in the City are trying to stop any and every development.
From what I've read, most citizens and bloggers want development in the City of St. Louis, but they also want responsible development and a more transparent process. It's funny how that point is given little to no mention in the Business Journal's article. Spin, spin, spin.
Jeff Rainford, Mayor Francis Slay's chief of staff, says this in the Business Journal article:
I wonder what color his kettle is.
[Update 4:43 PM]
OK, I just read Steve Patterson's post on this topic and he offers a much more researched perspective. Plus, we both make very similar comments, but I promise I didn't read his before I wrote mine! I guess it goes to show that there is definitely a string of similar thought among City dwellers concerned with their built environment and the City itself.
Do you have any thoughts?
The Business Journal's extremely unbalanced article paints with much too broad a brush and is attempting to spin the issue of CAVE (Citizens Against Virtually Everything) men in favor of its advertisers and political allies. The Business Journal proves it's nothing more than a mouthpiece for big business with this story, but that's not really news.
The Business Journal would like its readers to believe that a bunch of crybabies against development in the City are trying to stop any and every development.
From what I've read, most citizens and bloggers want development in the City of St. Louis, but they also want responsible development and a more transparent process. It's funny how that point is given little to no mention in the Business Journal's article. Spin, spin, spin.
Jeff Rainford, Mayor Francis Slay's chief of staff, says this in the Business Journal article:
"We simply have to stand up to the very small number of people who are fighting progress for their own financial or political gain."
I wonder what color his kettle is.
[Update 4:43 PM]
OK, I just read Steve Patterson's post on this topic and he offers a much more researched perspective. Plus, we both make very similar comments, but I promise I didn't read his before I wrote mine! I guess it goes to show that there is definitely a string of similar thought among City dwellers concerned with their built environment and the City itself.
Today, at 4:30, my boss walked over to my desk and asked if he could talk to me. I was a little surprised because he hasn't said more than 3 words to me, or even looked my way, since I gave my notice last Wednesday. I followed him into the corner conference room, took a seat and waited for it.
"Go ahead and take the rest of your vacation," he said very politely.
I mentally kicked myself for not seeing this coming. The signs were all there, poorly hidden behind closed doors and hushed phone calls. So, that's how it goes. It's done and I'm gone. I wish he would have told me all this before lunch so I could've taken a half day.
I said what goodbyes I could, most people had already left for the day. By pure chance, the IT guy who I've had a small crush on since we met 2 and a half years ago was at the office this afternoon. I asked him if he wanted to share the elevator, he did, so down we went to my parking level for a quick chat in the frozen garage. I kept hoping this event, my leaving, would somehow make him realize that he was going to lose something great and he'd hand his heart to me, but he kept all that wonderful sentiment to himself. Just a kiss on the cheek would've been nice, but my pleading eyes were ignored.
I have 8 days off and I don't know what to do with myself. In a weird way, I feel unemployed. I'm very much an "I like to be at work because they can't get along without me" person and I live & die by the internal schdule I set up for myself every week. Having this unexpected time off is a bit unsettling for me and plays havoc with the aforementioned schedule...my week long non-existent schedule. I guess I should spend this time with my wonderful puppy, catching up on some reading and snapping some photos. It looks like it is going to warm up next week and I have a place in mind to snap a photo or two.
So, this has definitely been the most...businesslike...way I've left a job. At my other jobs they work me until my last day and can barely get their claws out of me when it's time to go. This place practically packed for me. In a strange way it felt kind of insulting, I guess nobody is indispensable, even me. Anyway, I'm happy to be gone and for the time off, but I'm looking forward to starting the new job...if for no other reason than to ensure I keep getting a steady pay check!
"Go ahead and take the rest of your vacation," he said very politely.
I mentally kicked myself for not seeing this coming. The signs were all there, poorly hidden behind closed doors and hushed phone calls. So, that's how it goes. It's done and I'm gone. I wish he would have told me all this before lunch so I could've taken a half day.
I said what goodbyes I could, most people had already left for the day. By pure chance, the IT guy who I've had a small crush on since we met 2 and a half years ago was at the office this afternoon. I asked him if he wanted to share the elevator, he did, so down we went to my parking level for a quick chat in the frozen garage. I kept hoping this event, my leaving, would somehow make him realize that he was going to lose something great and he'd hand his heart to me, but he kept all that wonderful sentiment to himself. Just a kiss on the cheek would've been nice, but my pleading eyes were ignored.
I have 8 days off and I don't know what to do with myself. In a weird way, I feel unemployed. I'm very much an "I like to be at work because they can't get along without me" person and I live & die by the internal schdule I set up for myself every week. Having this unexpected time off is a bit unsettling for me and plays havoc with the aforementioned schedule...my week long non-existent schedule. I guess I should spend this time with my wonderful puppy, catching up on some reading and snapping some photos. It looks like it is going to warm up next week and I have a place in mind to snap a photo or two.
So, this has definitely been the most...businesslike...way I've left a job. At my other jobs they work me until my last day and can barely get their claws out of me when it's time to go. This place practically packed for me. In a strange way it felt kind of insulting, I guess nobody is indispensable, even me. Anyway, I'm happy to be gone and for the time off, but I'm looking forward to starting the new job...if for no other reason than to ensure I keep getting a steady pay check!
I hate being envious of people because I'm pretty happy with what I've got, but sometimes I crave something else. This past weekend my cousin invited us over to his new place in Soulard. He moved into a row house and even though it was a gut rehab, all of the original character had been stripped from the house, I couldn't help but wish I lived there.
I loved how the sidewalks were perfectly crooked, how the homes were dressed in purple and gold for Mardi Gras. I yearned to view the Arch and downtown from my back deck the way my cousin could from his. The alleys and large, mult-stored brick structures all combined to form this patchwork of old St. Louis that called to me.
I can't get enough of my neighborhood, but it doesn't feel...old urban...if that makes any sense. It evokes the past, but it's an early 20th century past, I want to go even further back. If only I had the money and knowledge to rehab (or buy new!). Someday...
I loved how the sidewalks were perfectly crooked, how the homes were dressed in purple and gold for Mardi Gras. I yearned to view the Arch and downtown from my back deck the way my cousin could from his. The alleys and large, mult-stored brick structures all combined to form this patchwork of old St. Louis that called to me.
I can't get enough of my neighborhood, but it doesn't feel...old urban...if that makes any sense. It evokes the past, but it's an early 20th century past, I want to go even further back. If only I had the money and knowledge to rehab (or buy new!). Someday...
America's Favorite Architecture is the result of an AIA and Harris Interactive poll of 1,800 Americans naming their 150 favorite structures across the nation based on nominations from AIA member architects.
St. Louis' highest ranking structure is the Gateway Arch, at #14. Union Station comes in at #40.
For the complete list of the AIA member's favorite 150 buildings, click here.
From PUB DEF Weekly:
I'm all for this bill, although having the STLPD run by the Board of Alderman is sort of a scary thought to me given their track record. On the positive side I have a better chance of voting out my alderman than I do some state elected official, so...the fear subsides.
I very much want to see St. Louis regain control of its police department. There is no doubt the STLPD will fight this Bill with all they've got, which I think is a shame. The PD seems to fight for anything and everything that will allow the department to separate itself from the community it serves. No wonder there is such distrust and animosity between police and city residents.
People on both sides need to find some common ground, and I think that all starts with the PD rejoining the City.
State Senator Maida Coleman and State Representative Robin Wright-Jones have introduced legislation that would return control of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department to the people of the City of St. Louis, ending nearly 150 years of state control.
I'm all for this bill, although having the STLPD run by the Board of Alderman is sort of a scary thought to me given their track record. On the positive side I have a better chance of voting out my alderman than I do some state elected official, so...the fear subsides.
I very much want to see St. Louis regain control of its police department. There is no doubt the STLPD will fight this Bill with all they've got, which I think is a shame. The PD seems to fight for anything and everything that will allow the department to separate itself from the community it serves. No wonder there is such distrust and animosity between police and city residents.
People on both sides need to find some common ground, and I think that all starts with the PD rejoining the City.
What I knew would happened has happened.
I hold a job for 2 and a half years and no matter how much I beg and plead for work, I don't get it (hence all the blogging). The Monday after I put my 2 weeks in, they bury me with so much backlogged crap I can no longer see the sky.
After some really good verbal one/twos to those responsible, I took a deep breath and remembered that I won't be here for much longer. Ah, that thought is so liberating. I'll get done what I can and whatever I don't get done is not my concern. Very Zen of me.
I still have a week's worth of vacation left, I'm going to lose that. For some reason I have this nasty "ethics" bone in me and I found myself telling my boss I'd do whatever it takes to help the transition go smoothly. I'm the only one in the company who does what I do, so I knew they'd be screwed when I quit...I took a sort of perverse pleasure in that. But, I made my bed and know I have to lie in it.
All that said, the 23rd can't come fast enough...I've totally checked out here, and it shows.
I hold a job for 2 and a half years and no matter how much I beg and plead for work, I don't get it (hence all the blogging). The Monday after I put my 2 weeks in, they bury me with so much backlogged crap I can no longer see the sky.
After some really good verbal one/twos to those responsible, I took a deep breath and remembered that I won't be here for much longer. Ah, that thought is so liberating. I'll get done what I can and whatever I don't get done is not my concern. Very Zen of me.
I still have a week's worth of vacation left, I'm going to lose that. For some reason I have this nasty "ethics" bone in me and I found myself telling my boss I'd do whatever it takes to help the transition go smoothly. I'm the only one in the company who does what I do, so I knew they'd be screwed when I quit...I took a sort of perverse pleasure in that. But, I made my bed and know I have to lie in it.
All that said, the 23rd can't come fast enough...I've totally checked out here, and it shows.
St. Charles County is a victim. It doesn't realize it yet, it thinks it's uber successful, but in a few years it will realize it has been overdeveloped & exploited for all it was worth. Behind its pretty, vinyl facade, St. Charles County, at around 20%, sports the highest retail vacancy rate in the metropolitan area.
Drive around St. Peters and O'Fallon for a bit and you'll notice what seems like endless miles of strip malls along various major roads. Look closer and you'll see plenty of empty storefronts with colorful leasing signs displayed in the windows where retail goods should be. I know for a fact that commercial real estate brokers have been struggling for 2 and a half years to fill the space in new strip center located in what appears to be a great location across the street from St. Charles County Community College. Another strip center along Mexico has been mostly vacant for over a year. These are just 2 examples. Despite the high vacancy rate & leasing difficulties, developers are still building strip malls on any open plot of land left in STC county. These developers seem to be so greedy they're willing to rape the county in which they live, it's crazy.
I don't want to see St. Louis fall victim to the greed of developers the way STC county has. I'm all for a developer making money in the City, I encourage it, but there have to be ground rules and standards of design. If any alderman or city official can drive out to St. Charles County and honestly say the development and built environment that they see there will fit into the cityscape of St. Louis, I argue that alderman is a threat to the City and should be voted out of office.
Why does St. Louis have The Planning and Urban Design Agency & Rollin Stanley if the city doesn't utilize them? Surely this agency can have a sit down or luncheon with alderman about urban development, the things to look for in good urban design, and the red flags. Not to say the agency goes totally unutilized. I was ecstatic to learn the Ward 16 alderman Donna Baringer consulted with Stanley when developing a plan of action for Macklind Avenue. More alderman should follow her lead.
When I voice my opposition to a development, it's not to stymie growth, but to call for something better...something that benefits the City and her residents. Be it a Walgreens, a grocery store or some other retail outlet, good urban design can be applied to most everything and it shouldn't cost more, but it does require thought on the part of developer and architect. It's crazy that what most people in the blogosphere want is simple, thoughtful design. It's so easy!
Urban is not SUBurban. The City (or it's residents through the democratic process) must ensure that mayor, alderman and developers understand and design for our city environment, and then step back and let the developer make all the money he/she wants! How simple is that?
As I drove through St. Charles county today, I remembered what it used to look like. Beautiful trees and wooded areas, parks and creeks where I used to play were replaced with acres of parking and thousands of strip malls that all seemed to look alike. It was sad seeing my childhood memories buried under uninspired subdivisions & asphalt. People from the burbs question why I live in the City. I'd have to turn it around and ask them why they live where they do. The suburbs, to me, don't even contain different shades of beige, it's that unispired. I refuse to let St. Louis City turn itself into something as boring and antispetic.
I'll sign whatever petition, give to whatever cause, that fights to ensure our City doesn't look like the outer reaches of our region. Our City is too unique, to beautiful to settle for second rate, irresponsible development. I'm not clever or bright enough to start some kind of "urban movement", but I know what I believe in and I tend to fight for it. I may not be that great of a leader, but I'm one hell of a follower.
Drive around St. Peters and O'Fallon for a bit and you'll notice what seems like endless miles of strip malls along various major roads. Look closer and you'll see plenty of empty storefronts with colorful leasing signs displayed in the windows where retail goods should be. I know for a fact that commercial real estate brokers have been struggling for 2 and a half years to fill the space in new strip center located in what appears to be a great location across the street from St. Charles County Community College. Another strip center along Mexico has been mostly vacant for over a year. These are just 2 examples. Despite the high vacancy rate & leasing difficulties, developers are still building strip malls on any open plot of land left in STC county. These developers seem to be so greedy they're willing to rape the county in which they live, it's crazy.
I don't want to see St. Louis fall victim to the greed of developers the way STC county has. I'm all for a developer making money in the City, I encourage it, but there have to be ground rules and standards of design. If any alderman or city official can drive out to St. Charles County and honestly say the development and built environment that they see there will fit into the cityscape of St. Louis, I argue that alderman is a threat to the City and should be voted out of office.
Why does St. Louis have The Planning and Urban Design Agency & Rollin Stanley if the city doesn't utilize them? Surely this agency can have a sit down or luncheon with alderman about urban development, the things to look for in good urban design, and the red flags. Not to say the agency goes totally unutilized. I was ecstatic to learn the Ward 16 alderman Donna Baringer consulted with Stanley when developing a plan of action for Macklind Avenue. More alderman should follow her lead.
When I voice my opposition to a development, it's not to stymie growth, but to call for something better...something that benefits the City and her residents. Be it a Walgreens, a grocery store or some other retail outlet, good urban design can be applied to most everything and it shouldn't cost more, but it does require thought on the part of developer and architect. It's crazy that what most people in the blogosphere want is simple, thoughtful design. It's so easy!
Urban is not SUBurban. The City (or it's residents through the democratic process) must ensure that mayor, alderman and developers understand and design for our city environment, and then step back and let the developer make all the money he/she wants! How simple is that?
As I drove through St. Charles county today, I remembered what it used to look like. Beautiful trees and wooded areas, parks and creeks where I used to play were replaced with acres of parking and thousands of strip malls that all seemed to look alike. It was sad seeing my childhood memories buried under uninspired subdivisions & asphalt. People from the burbs question why I live in the City. I'd have to turn it around and ask them why they live where they do. The suburbs, to me, don't even contain different shades of beige, it's that unispired. I refuse to let St. Louis City turn itself into something as boring and antispetic.
I'll sign whatever petition, give to whatever cause, that fights to ensure our City doesn't look like the outer reaches of our region. Our City is too unique, to beautiful to settle for second rate, irresponsible development. I'm not clever or bright enough to start some kind of "urban movement", but I know what I believe in and I tend to fight for it. I may not be that great of a leader, but I'm one hell of a follower.
I'm not a city booser today. Currently, I'm disheartened and disappointed in St. Louis, especially after reading this. I found myself agreeing with pretty much every point Steve Patterson made in his post yesterday.
City Hall is a joke and leadership is a word that City officials can't understand. Leadership, creative thinking and accountability are foreign concepts to every elected official in the City. And, let's be honest, things likely aren't going to change anytime soon.
Politicians in St. Louis like being big fish in a small pond, so they fight and jockey for position. They do what it takes to remain at the top, they provide favors to their friends so their friends will support them, and the citizens are left scratching their heads, wondering what direction their City is headed. I honestly do not believe that the elected officials in office right now have the experience, skills or competence to do what it takes to make St. Louis a first rate city. Even if we wanted to change STL's leadership, what choices do we have? I think back to the last mayoral election and the 3 choices we had for mayor. Like presidential elections, it seems we're always forced to vote for the best of the worst.
St. Louis, city and region, cultivates & nurtures uninspired thinkers while smothering (or pushing out) people with vision. We delight in our self-deprecation. We love being the underdog. The "We'll never be Chicago" mentality makes it easier for us to bypass the tough choices we must make to remain competitive in the 21st century. It makes it easy to keep the status quo.
I want to be wrong, I want to remain positive; however, with so much unrealized potential, I can't overlook the fact that our region and City remain stagnant, models for mediocrity.
Updated:
Just when I thought things couldn't get worse, they do.
City Hall is a joke and leadership is a word that City officials can't understand. Leadership, creative thinking and accountability are foreign concepts to every elected official in the City. And, let's be honest, things likely aren't going to change anytime soon.
Politicians in St. Louis like being big fish in a small pond, so they fight and jockey for position. They do what it takes to remain at the top, they provide favors to their friends so their friends will support them, and the citizens are left scratching their heads, wondering what direction their City is headed. I honestly do not believe that the elected officials in office right now have the experience, skills or competence to do what it takes to make St. Louis a first rate city. Even if we wanted to change STL's leadership, what choices do we have? I think back to the last mayoral election and the 3 choices we had for mayor. Like presidential elections, it seems we're always forced to vote for the best of the worst.
St. Louis, city and region, cultivates & nurtures uninspired thinkers while smothering (or pushing out) people with vision. We delight in our self-deprecation. We love being the underdog. The "We'll never be Chicago" mentality makes it easier for us to bypass the tough choices we must make to remain competitive in the 21st century. It makes it easy to keep the status quo.
I want to be wrong, I want to remain positive; however, with so much unrealized potential, I can't overlook the fact that our region and City remain stagnant, models for mediocrity.
Updated:
Just when I thought things couldn't get worse, they do.
From an article today's Post Dispatch titled "Tax subsidy backer cites St. Louis blight":
I wonder if this has anything to do with the whole Blairmont thing.
JEFFERSON CITY — Saying that parts of St. Louis look like battle-scarred Berlin in 1945, Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder called Wednesday for a new $100 million program to spur large-scale developments...
...Sen. John Griesheimer said a developer from St. Charles County was interested in the subsidy for a massive mixed-use development in St. Louis. The senator said he could not divulge the developer's name.
Griesheimer's bill is SB282. The House bill is HB327.
I wonder if this has anything to do with the whole Blairmont thing.
While there are plenty of you who can relate to this, I will soon find myself in the position of spending all of my time within the City limits thanks to the new job downtown. It's sort of an odd thought for me, and much different from the path my old suburban self thought I would take. I've always worked in the county. I've been in Clayton for almost 6 years, so I think my new life will provide me with an interesting change and plenty to write about.
Growing up in St. Charles, I never wanted to have anything to do with the City...now I have a blog about it and can't wait to start a job downtown. I certainly have a love/hate relationship with St. Louis. Well, to clarify, I have a love relationship with the city, and not so fond feelings about the way things get done in the city, but most days I really enjoy my time here.
Every once in a while, for sanity's sake, you have to let go of your anger and need to fight the power, and just experience city life. Take it in and enjoy it. Advice I've decided to take if only for a day or two.
Growing up in St. Charles, I never wanted to have anything to do with the City...now I have a blog about it and can't wait to start a job downtown. I certainly have a love/hate relationship with St. Louis. Well, to clarify, I have a love relationship with the city, and not so fond feelings about the way things get done in the city, but most days I really enjoy my time here.
Every once in a while, for sanity's sake, you have to let go of your anger and need to fight the power, and just experience city life. Take it in and enjoy it. Advice I've decided to take if only for a day or two.
I got the job!!! Later this month, I will leave my job in Clayton and begin a new adventure with a downtown firm who is housed in a gorgeous 19th century building.
The fact that I'm finally able to leave a job I hate is still sinking in, but I feel a weight has been lifted off of my shoulders and that a new beginning lies just ahead. The projects I'm going to be a part of are going to be so interesting! From banners and websites to environmental graphics, it sounds like I'm going to do a little bit of everything. What a challenge, and what a change from my current position! On top of all that, to work with like-minded people has been a dream of mine for years now, and that dream is finally coming true.
I'm so happy...2007 just may be my year!
The fact that I'm finally able to leave a job I hate is still sinking in, but I feel a weight has been lifted off of my shoulders and that a new beginning lies just ahead. The projects I'm going to be a part of are going to be so interesting! From banners and websites to environmental graphics, it sounds like I'm going to do a little bit of everything. What a challenge, and what a change from my current position! On top of all that, to work with like-minded people has been a dream of mine for years now, and that dream is finally coming true.
I'm so happy...2007 just may be my year!
Last night on PBS, I caught the program "The American Experience". The featured story focused on the race to develop biological weapons in the United States and the rest of the world's efforts to develop those same weapons. The timeframe the show mostly dealt with was from WWI to the early 1970's. The history that unfolded on the TV screen truly was more frightening than anything Hollywood could come up with, and the real-life footage from actual tests on animals and humans were just...disturbing.
For all this talk of The United States being the moral compass of the world, our scientists sure wanted to sock it to our enemies in the most painful ways. And they weren't shy about using American citizens & pacifists as guinea pigs. I was pretty shocked to learn that secret tests were conducted at the Pentagon and in several American cities...including St. Louis... to determine how germs would spread.
From "The American Experience" website:
While the Americans mostly tested these weapons on monkeys, Japan tested there weapons on the humans whom they kidnapped. The Japanese controlled a small part of China around WWII and that is where the Japanese set up a base, complete with a brothel, to develop & test biological weapons. The Japanese would kidnap people from the local Chinese villages and use those Chinese as test subjects. The number of Chinese citizens that were killed by the Japanese is estimated to be close to 10,000. The United States & UK didn't try the Japanese responsible for all of those deaths for war crimes because a deal was struck. In exchange for the Japanese information about the affects of biological weapons on humans, the Japanese testers would not be tried for the thousands of deaths they had been responsible for.
Sorry to be such a downer, but I was really affected by last night's show. The human capacity to kill, even in the name of protection, even in service to the state, is frightening. Given our violent nature, sometimes I wonder how we made it this far.
For all this talk of The United States being the moral compass of the world, our scientists sure wanted to sock it to our enemies in the most painful ways. And they weren't shy about using American citizens & pacifists as guinea pigs. I was pretty shocked to learn that secret tests were conducted at the Pentagon and in several American cities...including St. Louis... to determine how germs would spread.
From "The American Experience" website:
In the early 1950s, the Army established the St Jo Munitions Expenditure Panel to test the effectiveness of biological aerosol attacks on urban environments. Camp Detrick scientists dispersed simulants from the top of automobiles in St. Louis, Minneapolis and Winnipeg -- all selected based on their similarities to particular Soviet cities.
While the Americans mostly tested these weapons on monkeys, Japan tested there weapons on the humans whom they kidnapped. The Japanese controlled a small part of China around WWII and that is where the Japanese set up a base, complete with a brothel, to develop & test biological weapons. The Japanese would kidnap people from the local Chinese villages and use those Chinese as test subjects. The number of Chinese citizens that were killed by the Japanese is estimated to be close to 10,000. The United States & UK didn't try the Japanese responsible for all of those deaths for war crimes because a deal was struck. In exchange for the Japanese information about the affects of biological weapons on humans, the Japanese testers would not be tried for the thousands of deaths they had been responsible for.
Sorry to be such a downer, but I was really affected by last night's show. The human capacity to kill, even in the name of protection, even in service to the state, is frightening. Given our violent nature, sometimes I wonder how we made it this far.
This comment was left by "G of St Louis Place " regarding my post on the whole Blairmont scheme in north city:
After I read this, I headed over to Ecology of Absence and read this post.
Needless to say, I'm extremely worried about the fate of a large section of North St. Louis. I don't really have anything to add to the conversation, the commenters on EOA have already made excellent points. I have this sense of dread when I think about what's going on and I'm extremely disheartened at the silence emanating from City Hall & the media on this issue.
I'm beginning to wonder if it's time to get out of this City and region, they clearly have no need for preservationists or creative thinkers.
This comment is a little late, but we all know what the plan is now. McKee wants to "bulldoze the ghetto" -- all of St Louis Place, a big chunk of JVL and some of ONSL. ONSL has their strong neighborhood group, so McKee has backed off a bit over there. The plans are drawn up by Arcturis, Pyramid is preparing a bid, and I'm expecting to be standing in front of a bulldozer in early fall 2007. There is going to be a lake and a cute 22nd St highway from 40 up to Cass and Jeff. The whole plan is to have site control of the whole area before the Pruitt-Igoe site goes on the market.
After I read this, I headed over to Ecology of Absence and read this post.
Needless to say, I'm extremely worried about the fate of a large section of North St. Louis. I don't really have anything to add to the conversation, the commenters on EOA have already made excellent points. I have this sense of dread when I think about what's going on and I'm extremely disheartened at the silence emanating from City Hall & the media on this issue.
I'm beginning to wonder if it's time to get out of this City and region, they clearly have no need for preservationists or creative thinkers.
CNN has a nice article about dowtown St. Louis on its website.
Panhandling was a hot topic on the Southampton neighborhood Yahoo! group last week. Apparently the number of people asking for money at the Walgreens, located at Hampton & Chippewa, and inside the heart of the neighborhood has been growing.
One woman tells the story of a man entering the Southampton Presbyterian Church at Nottingham and Macklind. The man, who they think came from a nearby bus stop, told the woman a story and then began asking each member of the all female group for money. The women felt threatened, they didn't know what he had in his pockets, so each member of the group gave the guy the money he requested. The woman goes on to say that cell phones were available, but not one of them called the police. I would've been dialing 911 as soon as I felt uncomfortable, but that's just me.
That kind of aggressive panhandling is very unsettling, especially in your own neighborhood. You expect to see the downtrodden standing with a sign near exit ramps or downtown, but not in a residential neighborhood.
I've never been very good with people who approach me for money. I'm really bad at telling people no, and I always end up engaged in some sort of conversation with the panhandler. I'm not rude, and I am honest when I tell them "I don't have any cash." With the invention of the debit card, I rarely carry money. I treat these guys & gals the way I'd want to be treated. That said, I'm always surprised by the panhandlers who are outright rude to me when I tell them that I can't help them.
A few years ago, a guy approached me downtown while I was walking to my car. I told him I had no cash, and he offered to take me to the nearest ATM. I declined his offer and I was then assaulted with a barrage of racial insults. He followed me for a block, hurling insults the whole time, but once I entered the parking garage he thankfully did not follow.
Life in the city.
One woman tells the story of a man entering the Southampton Presbyterian Church at Nottingham and Macklind. The man, who they think came from a nearby bus stop, told the woman a story and then began asking each member of the all female group for money. The women felt threatened, they didn't know what he had in his pockets, so each member of the group gave the guy the money he requested. The woman goes on to say that cell phones were available, but not one of them called the police. I would've been dialing 911 as soon as I felt uncomfortable, but that's just me.
That kind of aggressive panhandling is very unsettling, especially in your own neighborhood. You expect to see the downtrodden standing with a sign near exit ramps or downtown, but not in a residential neighborhood.
I've never been very good with people who approach me for money. I'm really bad at telling people no, and I always end up engaged in some sort of conversation with the panhandler. I'm not rude, and I am honest when I tell them "I don't have any cash." With the invention of the debit card, I rarely carry money. I treat these guys & gals the way I'd want to be treated. That said, I'm always surprised by the panhandlers who are outright rude to me when I tell them that I can't help them.
A few years ago, a guy approached me downtown while I was walking to my car. I told him I had no cash, and he offered to take me to the nearest ATM. I declined his offer and I was then assaulted with a barrage of racial insults. He followed me for a block, hurling insults the whole time, but once I entered the parking garage he thankfully did not follow.
Life in the city.
I like cold weather, but not the kind that hurts. It is painful outside. I was so happy I was getting through the winter with some reasonable heating bills, but, even set at 61, my heater has been clicking on and off all these days. Doesn't Mother Nature know I'm saving for me dream trip to NYC?
The weather-proofing plastic I decided to apply to the windows this year have made me realize just how non-weather tight my home is. The clear film that covers my stained glass windows expands and contracts with the slightest crinkling sound as it blocks the gusts of wind struggling to take a seat inside my house. Even with that layer of protection, I swear I can still feel a cold draft on the back of my neck.
I'm not walking the dog today. Last night we went for a quick walk and, with the wind blowing against my thighs, my legs started to sting! Nope, not into the whole pain thing so the dog can whine and complain all she wants today, I will not give in. Aside from all this, for some reason I really want to start riding my bike again, and...well it's too cold!
I'm not really ready for summer, I hate summer, but temperatures in the 50s and 60s really sound nice.
The weather-proofing plastic I decided to apply to the windows this year have made me realize just how non-weather tight my home is. The clear film that covers my stained glass windows expands and contracts with the slightest crinkling sound as it blocks the gusts of wind struggling to take a seat inside my house. Even with that layer of protection, I swear I can still feel a cold draft on the back of my neck.
I'm not walking the dog today. Last night we went for a quick walk and, with the wind blowing against my thighs, my legs started to sting! Nope, not into the whole pain thing so the dog can whine and complain all she wants today, I will not give in. Aside from all this, for some reason I really want to start riding my bike again, and...well it's too cold!
I'm not really ready for summer, I hate summer, but temperatures in the 50s and 60s really sound nice.
...for I never in my life thought I'd be linking to a Fox 2 "You Paid For It" "investigation", but 4th ward alderman O.L. Shelton's response to homeowners asking for help in the Ville is outrageous.
View the story here.
I don't even know where to begin. "Get a lawyer"? That's the advice you give your constituents, sue the City? His total dismissal of the north side residents who invested in the Ville Phillips Estates development is criminal. Just because this project was started by his predecessor he thinks he can wash his hands of the whole thing because he had nothing to do with the original development. Doesn't he have an obligation to help these taxpaying citizens? He states he has no money left to help the homeowners in Ville Phillips Estates because he's working on another housing development in his ward? Huh??? I think his priorities are screwed up. He needs to take care of the residents who currently reside in his ward.
If I was the Mayor of this burg and I happened to see this story, I'd have my ass, or one of my minions, up in the Ville talking with these people and developing a plan to help them. That's the kind of attention I believe we all deserve as City dwellers. Sure, it may be unrealistic, but it's a nice thought. I'd also have a talk with O.L. Shelton, as if it would do any good.
The total disrespect and lack of professionalism has me so freaking hacked off. I know this type of ambush journalism brings out the worst in people, but still, as a public figure you have to know how to deal with these things.
Our elected officials are City residents biggest problem, but that's not really new news, is it.
View the story here.
I don't even know where to begin. "Get a lawyer"? That's the advice you give your constituents, sue the City? His total dismissal of the north side residents who invested in the Ville Phillips Estates development is criminal. Just because this project was started by his predecessor he thinks he can wash his hands of the whole thing because he had nothing to do with the original development. Doesn't he have an obligation to help these taxpaying citizens? He states he has no money left to help the homeowners in Ville Phillips Estates because he's working on another housing development in his ward? Huh??? I think his priorities are screwed up. He needs to take care of the residents who currently reside in his ward.
If I was the Mayor of this burg and I happened to see this story, I'd have my ass, or one of my minions, up in the Ville talking with these people and developing a plan to help them. That's the kind of attention I believe we all deserve as City dwellers. Sure, it may be unrealistic, but it's a nice thought. I'd also have a talk with O.L. Shelton, as if it would do any good.
The total disrespect and lack of professionalism has me so freaking hacked off. I know this type of ambush journalism brings out the worst in people, but still, as a public figure you have to know how to deal with these things.
Our elected officials are City residents biggest problem, but that's not really new news, is it.
I opened the backdoor this morning to let the dog out and was instantly discouraged. A fresh blanket of snow laid over the yard, and here I was about to let the dog mess it all up. There is something that's just...well, wrong, about messing up new snow. in BH (before Hadley) times, I could keep that snow clean and pure until it melted away. Every morning I was greeted with a pristine white lawn, nowadays it doesn't stay that way for much more than a minute if the dog gets to it. Oh well.
That backyard and me are close. Since I am lucky enough to have a garage, I rarely enter my house through the front. I literally can go weeks without opening the front door. And that sucks because I love the front of my house! I have a flat roof, but over the porch the roof is pitched and I have those great terra cotta roof tiles. I love those! In places all over the City you see asphalt singles where the terra cotta ones used to be. When I see a house like that I try and imagine what the home would look like with its original tiles and it always looks better the original way.
With as much use as my backdoor and my small little deck that gets to that door, you'd think I'd dress it up more, but nope, it stays pretty plain winter and summer. I should change that this year. Unfortunately, I'm a terrible gardener and the back of my house faces south and gets hardcore sun all day. I'm not really sure what will grow in those conditions, but this year I'll try and dress things up a bit. My neighbor has a backyard that rivals the Botanical Gardens, so I should probably step up my game just a bit.
Backdoors and detached garages...more "City things" I'm learning to love.
That backyard and me are close. Since I am lucky enough to have a garage, I rarely enter my house through the front. I literally can go weeks without opening the front door. And that sucks because I love the front of my house! I have a flat roof, but over the porch the roof is pitched and I have those great terra cotta roof tiles. I love those! In places all over the City you see asphalt singles where the terra cotta ones used to be. When I see a house like that I try and imagine what the home would look like with its original tiles and it always looks better the original way.
With as much use as my backdoor and my small little deck that gets to that door, you'd think I'd dress it up more, but nope, it stays pretty plain winter and summer. I should change that this year. Unfortunately, I'm a terrible gardener and the back of my house faces south and gets hardcore sun all day. I'm not really sure what will grow in those conditions, but this year I'll try and dress things up a bit. My neighbor has a backyard that rivals the Botanical Gardens, so I should probably step up my game just a bit.
Backdoors and detached garages...more "City things" I'm learning to love.