Ninth Anniversary of UrbanReviewSTL.com!
Today marks the ninth anniversary of this blog. I began writing to focus on something other than my dad recovering from a heart attack. During the last nine years over 3,500 posts generated nearly 42,000 comments.
I write because I enjoy sharing my thoughts, many often disagree with me. I like to describe my vision for areas, how they might change in the future. Frequently comments suggest I’m just dreaming, the city’s broke, etc. Well, change starts when someone dreams up an idea that’s different than the current reality.
Money is tight, but here are some public projects completed during the nine years I’ve been blogging.
- Washington Ave streetscape east of Tucker
- Shrewsbury MetroLink extension
- Rebuild of I-64/Highway 40
- Jefferson Viaduct
- Grand Viaduct
- Jefferson over I-64
- Grand streetscape
- Grove streetscape
- Tucker rebuild
No money, huh? These and other projects weren’t free. Ideas must be generated first, then you seek out funding. No government says they have extra money for the taking, the ideas are put into proper form to see about getting funded. Yesterday I saw a 2002 newsletter which had information on the idea for a new Mississippi River bridge. This idea has been hashed around for years, the scope revised numerous times as two states tried to figure out how to fund the project. It’ll open in 2014.
According to Board of Public Service President Richard Bradley, they annually oversee projects totaling “$30-40 million which includes BPS projects at Lambert Airport.”
So I’m going to continue to share my ideas even though I don’t have a funding plan at that moment. I know that public infrastructure change often takes 5-20 years from idea to ribbon cutting, with only a small percentage making it to the end.
My tenth year begins tomorrow…
— Steve Patterson
Happy Anniversary! Thanks for doing what you do!
Thank you!
One, well-deserved congratulations!
Two, I’m continually amazed by the both the volume and the quality of the work you produce nearly EVERY day – it’s truly impressive!
And three, discussion can only make any idea stronger (if it doesn’t kill it first). I may be tough on you (with my comments), but it’s only because we share similar goals, those of a healthy, growing, successful St. Louis. We (and everyone else) bring different experiences, perspectives and expertise to any problem, so we will also bring different potential solutions. Keep up the good fight!
Thanks, I enjoy the banter.
steve – daily reader, infrequent commenter here. congrats on 9 yrs. ive been reading your content for at least 3 years straight now, and i look forward to it every morning. you are a great source of info and a knowledgeable voice for some well-deserving causes.
cheers!
Thank you very much!
Steve, thanks for pushing the envelope. The new media — Urban Review StL — is filling a void that print media use to address but no longer. You are a huge civic asset. Congratulations.
Keep up the good work Steve!
I have to admit that your blog has provided me with hours of interesting reading while I’ve otherwise wasted away in airports around the country. And I am grateful to you for that! I’ll never be a city boy. It just wouldn’t fit my style. I won’t even wear a tie. Gotta go outside after dark and groom the horses and shovel away the horse crap, or wrestle with the goats. Can’t do that at Nottingham and Tamm. I most admire the fact that you are open-minded and accepting of the right of others to voice opinions obviously different from yours, and that it appears that no opposing comments get nixed in the process. Congratulations on your many successes.
Thanks, I’ve always encouraged differing viewpoints. I personally love the country, just not 24/7. Unfortunately, i keep having to drive further and further out to get through the mindless sprawl.
If I had a yard, I’d have a chicken coop. I’d like to learn how to make goat cheese.
I’ll be back in STL next Tuesday, and I’ll check with our foreman to arrange a demonstration.
Well done Steve. Your daily Urban Review is one of the many voices trying to improve this city and we are all better for it.
I enjoy reading your blog, keep up the good work. I returned back to the “lou” in 1985 and I was so disappointed in what my town had turned into.
Thanks, Steve. Keep up the good work!
Sláinte mhaith!