Urban Review Seeks Ward-Based “Advisors”
You know, I can’t track it all alone. There is simply too much out there to watch. So, I’d like your help in bringing information to the public — a real grassroots effort.
I’d like 28 advisors — one per ward. If we end up with more than one person per ward I may split up duties or ask someone to report on another ward if others are not covered. Ideally these persons would be open to using their names and submitting reports for their ward.
Here are some initial thoughts as to duties:
• Review ordinances introduced by your alderman, summarize development related ordinances.
• Seek out information on public meetings such as planning commission related to projects within the ward.
• Attend neighborhood meetings and/or ward meetings (any party) and report on projects being discussed.
• Provide written updates/reports/summaries for publication on Urban Review with respect to urban design and planning.
• Possibly branch out and develop a ward-based blog similar to that of Steve Wilke-Shapiro’s excellent 15thWardSTL site.
Email me at steve@urbanreviewstl.com if you are interested in serving in this capacity.
This will all serve as the foundation for creating a non-profit group and/or a political action committee to further an urban agenda in the City of St. Louis. We’ll start informally online, have some advisory meetings and then formalize with a legal entity(s) to act as a watchdog, to educate the public on urban planning issues, to push for changes to policy such as zoning and to seek out, recruit and train candidates to run for office (or focus on pushing the current person to be more urban minded).
What are your thoughts? Good idea? Crazy idea? Any suggestions?
Dude,
You are taking this thing down to absolute zero and are driving the politicians nuts.
You are pining for a seat in the mayor’s office, right?
Say it! C’mon, say it!!
A totally crazy idea — but a good one. Keep your focus on good urban planning in the process and I think you could increase community involvement (and perhaps give a few politicians some stress related disorder) which would be an outstanding outcome.
This is exactly what needs to be done.
PAC raising money thus supporting candiates who promote urbanism while producing critical briefs of suburban plans.
Count me in.
Don’t forget the tree house to keep out the girls and hide the National Geographics.
Interesting, very very interesting.
Here’s the situation.
Alderman Ken Ortman is requesting a letter of support from each of the neighborhoods within his ward for a bill he is sponsoring. Ken is proposing a “Development Bill” for the area along Jefferson between Potomac and Gravois. In order for it to pass, he needs letters of support.
He didn’t give much detail as to what it entails but it is meant to prevent certain businesses from entering that area. He assures his constituents that the bill is not eminent domain in disguise. He really wants support but doesn’t provide details.
UR, please look into the matter. Hopefully the bill is responsible.
I am not suggesting Ken is doing a bad thing but only want details. You have great resources and know how to find information.
If you have no volunteers for the 20th Ward, I’m your Man. I go to many meetings, when I am not playing in dirt. I like your idea and would love to be your correspondent.
The only problem I see with being an “army of one” is the inherent prejudices anyone will bring to the job, plus, as you well know, it’s hard to be two places at once and to be well-wired enough to be aware of all goings on, especially when one is not a part of the “inner circle”. Still, it seems like an idea worth pursuing, and it sure beats the alternative, of having no information at all . . .
One of my favorite songs is “Army of Me,” from Bjork’s 1995 album “Post” (Elektra). Great video, too.
^thanks for telling me of one of your favorite songs.
I’m here to advise. I received a notice that the South Broadway Blockbuster is closing. Now, I don’t want to jump to conclusions but maybe a little investigating should be in order –
We would hate to see another Loughborough Commons development down there on Broadway and Meramec. The red flag will be raised if other tenants follow suit.