Nineteen year ago I started this blog as a distraction from my father’s heart attack and slow recovery. It was late 2004 and social media & video streaming apps didn’t exist yet — or at least not widely available to the general public. Blogs were the newest means of …
The new NGA West campus , Jefferson & Cass, has been under construction for a few years now. Next NGA West is a large-scale construction project that will build a new facility for the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency in St. Louis, Missouri.This $1.7B project is managed by the U.S. Army …
Book publisher Island Press always impresses me with thoughtful new books written by people working to solve current problems — the subjects are important ones for urbanists and policy makers to be familiar and actively discussing. These four books are presented in the order I received them. ‘Justice and …
This post is about two indirectly related topics: the new Siteman Cancer Center building under construction on the Washington University School of Medicine/BJC campus and an update on my stage 4 kidney cancer. Let’s deal with the latter first. You may have noticed I’ve not posted in three months, …
Filing hasn’t opened yet to run for mayor, but the list of people setting up campaign committees is growing rapidly. In one-party cities, such as St. Louis, few challenge an incumbent, but the minute an incumbent indicates they don’t plan to seek another term everyone decides to jump in.
Most hold another elected office, at least one of which also holds a private job. At some point that candidate might need to take a leave of absence or resign if her employer feels she’s not doing her day job to their satisfaction. The public isn’t impacted if the CFO of an architectural firm is distracted for a few months.
If the chief of police is distracted for a few months the public would notice. Unlike every other candidate for mayor, Sam Dotson has a direct role in keeping citizens safe. I personally think he, as a first-time political candidate, is being incredibly naive about the amount of time a campaign will take.
Sigh outside Dotson’s office in police headquarters
Q: Agree or disagree: Police chief Sam Dotson should resign since he’s running for mayor in the March 2017 primary
Strongly agree 28 [41.18%]
Agree 12 [17.65%]
Somewhat agree 5 [7.35%]
Neither agree or disagree 1 [1.47%]
Somewhat disagree 5 [7.35%]
Disagree 9 [13.24%]
Strongly disagree 8 [11.76%]
Unsure/No Answer 0 [0%]
More than two-thirds agree, on some level, that Sam Dotson should resign. I’m not certain how a new chief is selected now that the city has control instead of the state. My guess is Mayor Slay would get a say in picking the new chief.
The St. Louis Board of Election Commissioners is on the first floor at 300 N. Tucker (@ Olive)
As the November general election gets closer I’m continuing the series looking at everything on the St. Louis ballot (sample). Previous weeks I covered:
In addition, those of us in the 5th ward will get a 2nd ballot. Last week Judge Julian Bush ordered a new election based on irregularities in how the Board of Election handled absentee ballots (read order). If you’re a 5th ward voter please vote for Rasheen Aldridge for 5th ward democratic committeeman.
Next week will be statewide races like Attorney General, Governor, US Senate.
On October 5th police chief Sam Dotson entered the race for St. Louis mayor, but the current mayor had something to say:
Dotson, who has long been rumored to be considering a mayoral run, announced his candidacy in a statement playing up his status as a “full-time police chief” and “not a career politician.”
But as Mayor Francis Slay sees it, launching a mayoral campaign while still in uniform could make Dotson a part-time police chief.
In a statement released shortly before Dotson’s announcement, Slay said Dotson should focus on running for mayor or being the police chief, but not both. (Post-Dispatch)
Dotson has indicated he doesn’t plan to resign.
So here’s the poll question for today:
The non-scientific poll will be open until 8pm, but will be closed sooner if I detect a spike in traffic in an effort to alter the outcome either way.
The following twelve (12) Board Bills will be introduced at today’s meeting of the St. Louis Board of Aldermen. Review today’s agenda here. BB164 will likely be the most controversial of this group.
BOARD BILL NO. 153 INTRODUCED BY ALDERWOMAN LYDA KREWSON An Ordinance recommended and approved by the Board of Estimate and Apportionment authorizing and directing the Director of Airports and the Comptroller of The City of St. Louis (the “City”) to enter into and execute on behalf of the City the Lambert-St. Louis International Airport® (the “Airport”) a Luggage Cart Rental Concession Agreement AL-035 (“Concession Agreement”), between the City and Smarte Cart, Inc. (“Concessionaire”), granting to the Concessionaire, subject to and in accordance with the terms, covenants, and conditions of the Concession Agreement, certain rights and privileges in connection with the occupancy and use of the Premises, which is defined and more fully described in Section 201 of the Concession Agreement that was approved by the Airport Commission and is attached hereto as ATTACHMENT “1” and made a part hereof, and its terms are more fully described in Section One of this Ordinance; containing a severability clause; and containing an emergency clause.
BOARD BILL NO. 154 INTRODUCED BY ALD. STEPHEN CONWAY An ordinance approving a Redevelopment Plan for the 3530 Wyoming St. (“Area”) after finding that the Area is blighted as defined in Section 99.320 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri, 2000, as amended, (the “Statute” being Sections 99.300 to 99.715 inclusive), containing a description of the boundaries of said Area in the City of St. Louis (“City”), attached hereto and incorporated herein as Exhibit “A”, finding that redevelopment and rehabilitation of the Area is in the interest of the public health, safety, morals and general welfare of the people of the City; approving the Plan dated September 27, 2016 for the Area (“Plan”), incorporated herein by attached Exhibit “B”, pursuant to Section 99.430; finding that there is a feasible financial plan for the development of the Area which affords maximum opportunity for development of the Area by private enterprise; finding that no property in the Area may be acquired by the Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority of the City of St. Louis (“LCRA”) through the exercise of eminent domain; finding that the property within the Area is unoccupied, but if it should become occupied the Redeveloper shall be responsible for relocating any eligible occupants displaced as a result of implementation of the Plan; finding that financial aid may be necessary to enable the Area to be redeveloped in accordance with the Plan; finding that there shall be available ten (10) year real estate tax abatement; and pledging cooperation of the Board of Aldermen and requesting various officials, departments, boards and agencies of the City to cooperate and to exercise their respective powers in a manner consistent with the Plan.
BOARD BILL NO. 155 INTRODUCED BY ALDERMAN STEPHEN CONWAY An ordinance approving a Redevelopment Plan for the 4112 Flad Ave. Area (“Area”) after finding that the Area is blighted as defined in Section 99.320 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri, 2000, as amended, (the “Statute” being Sections 99.300 to 99.715 inclusive), containing a description of the boundaries of said Area in the City of St. Louis (“City”), attached hereto and incorporated herein as Exhibit “A”, finding that redevelopment and rehabilitation of the Area is in the interest of the public health, safety, morals and general welfare of the people of the City; approving the Plan dated September 27, 2016 for the Area (“Plan”), incorporated herein by attached Exhibit “B”, pursuant to Section 99.430; finding that there is a feasible financial plan for the development of the Area which affords maximum opportunity for development of the Area by private enterprise; finding that no property in the Area may be acquired by the Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority of the City of St. Louis (“LCRA”) through the exercise of eminent domain; finding that the property within the Area is unoccupied, but if it should become occupied the Redeveloper shall be responsible for relocating any eligible occupants displaced as a result of implementation of the Plan; finding that financial aid may be necessary to enable the Area to be redeveloped in accordance with the Plan; finding that there shall be available ten (10) year real estate tax abatement with five (5) years of payments in lieu of taxes or up to five (5) years real estate tax abatement; and pledging cooperation of the Board of Aldermen and requesting various officials, departments, boards and agencies of the City to cooperate and to exercise their respective powers in a manner consistent with the Plan.
BOARD BILL NO. 156 INTRODUCED BY ALD. STEPHEN CONWAY An ordinance approving a Redevelopment Plan for the 4056 Detonty St. (“Area”) after finding that the Area is blighted as defined in Section 99.320 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri, 2000, as amended, (the “Statute” being Sections 99.300 to 99.715 inclusive), containing a description of the boundaries of said Area in the City of St. Louis (“City”), attached hereto and incorporated herein as Exhibit “A”, finding that redevelopment and rehabilitation of the Area is in the interest of the public health, safety, morals and general welfare of the people of the City; approving the Plan dated September 27, 2016 for the Area (“Plan”), incorporated herein by attached Exhibit “B”, pursuant to Section 99.430; finding that there is a feasible financial plan for the development of the Area which affords maximum opportunity for development of the Area by private enterprise; finding that no property in the Area may be acquired by the Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority of the City of St. Louis (“LCRA”) through the exercise of eminent domain; finding that the property within the Area is unoccupied, but if it should become occupied the Redeveloper shall be responsible for relocating any eligible occupants displaced as a result of implementation of the Plan; finding that financial aid may be necessary to enable the Area to be redeveloped in accordance with the Plan; finding that there shall be available ten (10) year real estate tax abatement; and pledging cooperation of the Board of Aldermen and requesting various officials, departments, boards and agencies of the City to cooperate and to exercise their respective powers in a manner consistent with the Plan.
BOARD BILL NO. 157 INTRODUCED BY ALDERMAN KENNETH ORTMANN An ordinance approving a Redevelopment Plan for the 3442 Missouri Ave. Area (“Area”) after finding that the Area is blighted as defined in Section 99.320 and Chapter 353 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri, 2000, as amended, (the “Statutes” being Sections 99.300 to 99.715 inclusive and Chapter 353), containing a description of the boundaries of said Area in the City of St. Louis (“City”), attached hereto and incorporated herein as Exhibit “A”, finding that redevelopment and rehabilitation of the Area is in the interest of the public health, safety, morals and general welfare of the people of the City; approving the Plan dated September 27, 2016 for the Area (“Plan”), incorporated herein by attached Exhibit “B”, pursuant to Sections 99.430 and 353.020 (4); finding that there is a feasible financial plan for the development of the Area which affords maximum opportunity for development of the Area by private enterprise; finding that no property in the Area may be acquired by the Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority of the City of St. Louis (“LCRA”) through the exercise of eminent domain; finding that the property within the Area is unoccupied, but if it should become occupied the Redeveloper shall be responsible for relocating any eligible occupants displaced as a result of implementation of the Plan; finding that financial aid may be necessary to enable the Area to be redeveloped in accordance with the Plan; finding that there shall be available ten (10) year real estate tax abatement with five (5) years of payments in lieu of taxes or up to five (5) years real estate tax abatement; and pledging cooperation of the Board of Aldermen and requesting various officials, departments, boards and agencies of the City to cooperate and to exercise their respective powers in a manner consistent with the Plan.
BOARD BILL NO. 158 INTRODUCED BY ALDERMAN KENNETH ORTMANN An ordinance approving a Redevelopment Plan for the 3006 Missouri Ave. Area (“Area”) after finding that the Area is blighted as defined in Section 99.320 and Chapter 353 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri, 2000, as amended, (the “Statutes” being Sections 99.300 to 99.715 inclusive and Chapter 353), containing a description of the boundaries of said Area in the City of St. Louis (“City”), attached hereto and incorporated herein as Exhibit “A”, finding that redevelopment and rehabilitation of the Area is in the interest of the public health, safety, morals and general welfare of the people of the City; approving the Plan dated September 27, 2016 for the Area (“Plan”), incorporated herein by attached Exhibit “B”, pursuant to Sections 99.430 and 353.020 (4); finding that there is a feasible financial plan for the development of the Area which affords maximum opportunity for development of the Area by private enterprise; finding that no property in the Area may be acquired by the Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority of the City of St. Louis (“LCRA”) through the exercise of eminent domain; finding that the property within the Area is unoccupied, but if it should become occupied the Redeveloper shall be responsible for relocating any eligible occupants displaced as a result of implementation of the Plan; finding that financial aid may be necessary to enable the Area to be redeveloped in accordance with the Plan; finding that there shall be available ten (10) year real estate tax abatement with five (5) years of payments in lieu of taxes or up to five (5) years real estate tax abatement; and pledging cooperation of the Board of Aldermen and requesting various officials, departments, boards and agencies of the City to cooperate and to exercise their respective powers in a manner consistent with the Plan.
BOARD BILL NO. 159 INTRODUCED BY ALDERMAN KENNETH ORTMANN An ordinance approving a Redevelopment Plan for the 2861 Lemp Ave. Area (“Area”) after finding that the Area is blighted as defined in Section 99.320 and Chapter 353 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri, 2000, as amended, (the “Statutes” being Sections 99.300 to 99.715 inclusive and Chapter 353), containing a description of the boundaries of said Area in the City of St. Louis (“City”), attached hereto and incorporated herein as Exhibit “A”, finding that redevelopment and rehabilitation of the Area is in the interest of the public health, safety, morals and general welfare of the people of the City; approving the Plan dated September 27, 2016 for the Area (“Plan”), incorporated herein by attached Exhibit “B”, pursuant to Sections 99.430 and 353.020 (4); finding that there is a feasible financial plan for the development of the Area which affords maximum opportunity for development of the Area by private enterprise; finding that no property in the Area may be acquired by the Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority of the City of St. Louis (“LCRA”) through the exercise of eminent domain; finding that the property within the Area is unoccupied, but if it should become occupied the Redeveloper shall be responsible for relocating any eligible occupants displaced as a result of implementation of the Plan; finding that financial aid may be necessary to enable the Area to be redeveloped in accordance with the Plan; finding that there shall be available ten (10) year real estate tax abatement with five (5) years of payments in lieu of taxes or up to five (5) years real estate tax abatement; and pledging cooperation of the Board of Aldermen and requesting various officials, departments, boards and agencies of the City to cooperate and to exercise their respective powers in a manner consistent with the Plan.
BOARD BILL #160 INTRODUCED BY ALDERMAN JOSEPH VOLLMER An Ordinance Amending Ordinance Nos. 70076 and 70077 Relating To The Northeast Hampton/I-44 TIF Redevelopment Project; And Prescribing Other Matters Relating Thereto.
BOARD BILL NO. 161 INTRODUCED BY: ALDERWOMAN KREWSON An ordinance adopted pursuant to the Intergovernmental Agreement Act, Sections 70.210 to 70.325, inclusive, of the Revised Statutes of Missouri, and authorizing the City of St. Louis, by and through its Department of Human Services (“DHS”) to enter into an Intergovernmental Cooperation Agreement with the Bi-State Development Agency of the Missouri-Illinois Metropolitan District (doing business as “Metro”) for the purpose of appropriating funds for DHS to provide transit passes for certain persons in need, which passes DHS will acquire from Metro at a discounted rate, terms pursuant to the Intergovernmental Agreement attached hereto and incorporated by reference into this Ordinance, containing a severability clause and a governance clause.
BOARD BILL NO. 162 INTRODUCED BY ALDERMAN BOSLEY, Sr. An ordinance authorizing and directing the Comptroller and the Director of Streets, on behalf of the City of St. Louis, to enter into and execute a Loan Agreement and other documents required by the Loan Agreement with the Missouri Department of Economic/Division of Energy (“DED/DE”) to fund an Energy Loan Program (“Program”), further appropriating an amount not to exceed Twelve Million ($12,000,000.00) Dollars from the Capital Improvement Fund, authorizing the Comptroller and the Director of Streets, on behalf of the City, to expend such appropriated funds by entering into contracts or otherwise, establishing and maintaining an Energy Loan Conservation Account, authorizing and directing the reimbursement funds from the Program to be deposited and credited to the Capital Improvement Funds, to make applications, provide data, and to take any and all actions necessary to seek further funds from the State of Missouri under the Program, and containing a severability clause and an emergency clause.
BOARD BILL NO. 163 INTRODUCED BY ALDERMAN JOSEPH VACCARO An ordinance submitting to the qualified voters of the City of St. Louis a proposed amendment to the Charter of the City of St. Louis to require that the Assessor be duly elected by the registered voters of the City of St. Louis, by amending existing Section 2 of Article II and amending existing Section 1 of Article VIII; providing for an election to be held therefor and the manner of voting thereat; and containing an emergency clause.
BOARD BILL NO. 164 INTRODUCED BY PRESIDENT LEWIS E. REED An ordinance taking up a proposed amendment to the Charter of St. Louis that was proposed by petition pursuant to Article V, Section 4 of the Charter of the City of St. Louis; said proposed Charter amendment would abolish the elected office of recorder of deeds and place such duties under the office of the assessor.
The meeting begins at 10am, it can be watched online here.
In the recent non-scientific Sunday Poll more than 60% of the readers agreed that hosting the debate was worthwhile — the poll ended as the debate started.
Looking North along Big Bend Blvd new to the debate venue, September 27th. New sidewalk, plantings, etc were just being finished
Here are the results:
Q: Agree or disagree: The high cost of hosting a presidential debate is worth it in the end.
Strongly agree 6 [17.65%]
Agree 10 [29.41%]
Somewhat agree 5 [14.71%]
Neither agree or disagree 2 [5.88%]
Somewhat disagree 3 [8.82%]
Disagree 4 [11.76%]
Strongly disagree 1 [2.94%]
Unsure/No Answer 3 [8.82%]
This was Washington University’s 5th time hosting a national debate. The exposure was certainly good for the private university, lots of viewers from all over the world.
Debate banner along Big Bend Blvd September 27th
How about the St. Louis region? The regional benefit is…debatable. We certainly didn’t look bad, nothing happened to embarrass us as a region. Well, other than the fact that just 2+ years after Ferguson there was zero mention of Black Lives Matter.
St. Louis is less than 15 miles from Ferguson, Mo., site of demonstrations in 2014 over the police shooting of a black teenager that sparked a national debate over law enforcement’s treatment of African Americans in communities across the country.
It’s an issue that’s still very much a part of the national dialogue two years later.
So, naturally, that topic was front and center in Sunday night’s debate, which was held in St. Louis?
Not exactly, noted Antonio French, a city alderman now running for mayor who became well known two years ago with his tweets documenting the Ferguson protests. (USA Today)
I’m still in the middle on the question of worth it. Although, had the debate not taken place here we can be assured that neither candidate would’ve visited Missouri — a reliably red state. Maybe that would have been best. I saw friends post on Facebook that they were embarrassed this took place here.
The second presidential debate veered into ugly territory Sunday night in St. Louis, as the two nominees swapped insults and interruptions.
Republican Donald Trump at one point said that his rival Hillary Clinton had “hate in her heart,” and showed it by saying that half of his supporters were in the “basket of deplorables.”
Clinton in turn accused Trump of living in an “alternate reality” and of peddling what she called the “racist lie” that President Obama was not born in the United States.
That exchange came as an especially bitter, boundary-breaking debate neared its conclusion. (Washington Post)
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historic architecture of St. Louis, Missouri – mourning the losses, celebrating the survivors.
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