City Council Supports Chuck Berry Statue in the Loop
University City Mayor Shelley Welsch defended the Chuck Berry statue, saying it was appropriate and will be positive for the community.
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"Let's move on."
With those word, University City Mayor Shelley Welsch tried to put to rest the controversy surrounding a Chuck Berry statue slated to be installed on city owned property in the Loop this week. "I believe this City Council should move off this issue," she said at Monday night's City Council meeting.
"I disagree that the City of University City should do anything to delay or derail the placement of the statue of Mr. Berry in our town," Welsch said.
Some residents were riled by the fact they didn't believe the statue decision went through the proper channels - for example to the City Council for formal approval - and also moved forward with little resident input.
"I believe we should accept that the previous city manager and mayor made this decision and we should accept that decision," said Welsch.
She also said that the statue's placement does not violate the City Charter or any of the city ordinances.
Welsch said in her opinion the installation of the Berry statue in the Loop "is appropriate," and "will be positive for our community."
The statue will sit on a plaza adjacent to Fitz's Restaurant. The plaza will be connected to a bike path being built by Great Rivers Greenway that will run through Ackert Park Walkway.
"I ask you tonight to put this misdeed on temporary hold until you give it a full, intelligent, detailed, legal review and discussion," said Elsie Glickert, a longtime resident and former councilmember who has been a vocal opponent of the eight foot bronze statue, arguing that it does not belong on city owned property. She started a petition drive that collected 100 signatures.
Glickert said she's concerned that generations of U City taxpayers will be responsible for the maintenance and liability "of this private tribute."
At Monday's council meeting she suggested that Joe Edwards, owner of Blueberry Hill and a major driving force behind the Berry statue, place it on one of his properties in the Loop.
"Mr. Edwards has ample private property in the Loop to host this private, unsolicited tribute with all its future responsibilities."
Joe Edwards said the statue and installation is being paid for by donations from individuals and corporations from St. Louis and around the world. "No tax money is needed for this beautiful piece of art," he said. As for upkeep of the statue, he felt it would be minimal at best.
"I don't think there will be any really upkeep or maintenance to worry about," he said. "It's not going to add to the city's insurance premium."
As for residents who take issue with Berry's criminal record. Edwards said that's in the past.
Edwards note that in 2000, Berry received a Kennedy Center Honor, considered by most to be the highest honor an artist can receive in America.
"They knew about his past a half-century ago when America and its court system were vastly different from today," he said. "Let us choose to honor a great artists," said Edwards.
Berry has done stints in prison for robbery and prostitution violations. And in the 1980s, he settled a civil suit brought by women who accused him of videotaping them in the bathroom of his Wentzville restaurant.
"Let's accentuate the positive and separate the man's personal life from his artistic life," said Edwards. "That's what we're here to honor, not anything else."
Edwards said the Berry statue will be installed in the Loop Thursday or Friday of this week. The official dedication is slated for July 29 at 10:00am.
The mayor also brushed aside citizen complaints that dealt with Berry's sometimes spotty reputation.
"Arguments against the statue should be made on legal grounds, not on personal opinions of Mr. Berry and his life."
She said it's inappropriate to argue against the statue in-connection with Berry's time in a reformatory or jail.
Elsie Glickert's son, Councilmember L. Michael Glickert (Ward 2) was the one that asked that the Berry statue be put on the agenda.
"Quite frankly I was confused," said Councilmember Glickert in explaining his motivation for bringing the issue forward. "There was some concern on my part about the process."
"The problem with this project is that we're having the discussion after the cement has been poured," said Councilmember Stephen Kraft (Ward 1).
He acknowledged that while the process was flawed it was legal. He said the city should learn from this project. The mayor echoed a similar sentiment.
"If you're going to rip apart the middle of the Loop for months and install a statue you should get the widest possible input," he said.
"We want to keep the Loop ahead of the game," said Councilmember Byron Price (3rd Ward) in support of the statue. Councilmember Arthur Sharpe Jr. (3rd Ward) also backed the statue. He said that while some steps should have been taken prior to the concrete being poured, the statue is going to be great and many people will come to the Loop to see it.
Edwards said it was "wonderful" to get the public backing of the council at Monday's meeting. He said the project is above board, and followed "every step of the way," all the regulations and requirements for U City for the last two-years..
"I'm kind of perplexed why it's (opposition) coming up now," he said. "If I were U City I would be proud to have it (statue) on city property," said Edwards.
Earl Higgins
8:21 am on Tuesday, June 28, 2011
I live about a block away from where the statue is being placed. Frankly, I couldn't be more excited to have this in my neighborhood. Chuck Berry is a worldwide icon and St. Louis should be proud to have such an influential "native son". Why all the fuss now? Surely the time for debating this has long past? What's next, debating whether or not to allow the St. Louis Walk of Fame?
This area has historically not done a good job of promoting itself. Seriously, how many people across the nation know one of the true, original inventors of rock 'n roll grew up here, and still plays here monthly? This statute will make the area more of a tourist destination, like Beale Street in Memphis or The French Quarter in New Orleans. Set aside your petty differences and think big!
Nick Frederiksen
9:17 am on Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Congratulations to Mayor Welsh and the entire council for dealing with a controversial issue based on the legal side. I would hope that Joe Edwards and those who are critics of this administration can learn from the Mayor's professionalism. I hope that next year when I ask Joe Edwards to allow the placement of a sign, in support of the Fair U City to be placed outside of the restaurant, he will not reply with a negative response. Quote: "We don't allow any non profit organization to put such a sign up, you can put up a flyer on the general bulletin board just outside of the restroom entrance. Question to Joe, is the trolley in the category of a non-profit entity? I had asked Joe if in fact he was not supporting Fair U City. He said that this was not true, however, his position on the sign indicates otherwise. Again, I hope that we can all learn from the example of Mayor Welsh and the present council who bring objectivity in government way past political goals. Keep up the good work, Shelley, Mr. Walker and the coucil members who take responsibility for what they are doing. Nick Frederiksen
John Clark
10:07 am on Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Did the mayor really ask people, out loud and in public, to respect the decisions of the previous mayor and city manager, after doing the exact opposite in regards to the golf course driving range?! Wow, that's some chutzpah. Of course, if you're looking to climb the political ladder, I suppose you better get used to making blatantly hypocritical statements and acting as if your inconsistent decisions are the most reasonable things in the world.
Nick Frederiksen
7:18 am on Saturday, July 9, 2011
Mayor Welsh referred to this one issue not the each and every decision. City Manager Julie F. hid the settlement of a law suit or suits aginst University City. The line items were obscure. Two council members were denied knowledge of the dollar amount and the line item under which the tax payers money on the settlement or settlements. Mayor Adams, City Attorney Mulligan, Council Members Price, Crowe, and the second Council Member from the Third Ward all supported City Manager Julie F. The named individuals have never taken any responsibility for the wrong doings of City Manager Fier. One law suit against the City was not reported to U Cities Insurance Company and the most it would have costs the taxpayers is 15 thousand. One of the law suits was settled with an amount way and above the 15 grand deductible. The other suits may well have been settled for less. The exact figures of the suits, not a sigular entity, is in the audit report. Those who support the Crow, Price, Arthur , and City Attorney Mulligan are doing so on partisan Politics, not the overall wellfare of University City. In the April election there will be people running for Council Positions that are directly aligned with the past administration. I am waiting for a reply on these issues. What politcal position is Shelley Welsh shooting for, none that I am not aware of enlighten us. Nick Frederiksen Cell # 314 346 0779. Correct me on what is not true concerning my allegations, or just keep on tossing pebbles .
Earl Higgins
12:30 am on Sunday, July 10, 2011
Umm, I don't mean to be "that guy", but since this discussion has nothing to do with the Chuck Berry statue in The Loop, maybe there is somewhere else this discussion could be taken? Just a suggestion...
Earl Higgins
10:43 am on Tuesday, June 28, 2011
I couldn't care less about the mayor's political ambitions. Is that really more important than the fact that we are getting a world-class monument to an international icon in our very own neighborhood, and at little to no taxpayer expense? This statue will surely outlast all of us and our silly political bickering. As I said before, think big! Or should I say, think LONG TERM.
I am No One
2:38 pm on Tuesday, June 28, 2011
It's been mentioned but the point is not a small one. The fact Chuck Berry is a national and international figure has been be very good for the tax base of University City, Missouri. Blueberry Hill consistently bulges from the seams before and during each Chuck Berry concert in the Duck Room. Chuck Berry shows also consistently have fans from outside the metropolitan area (outside the country for that matter).
Thankfully, the University City city counsel did NOT impede the installation and dedication of what will soon rival many of the attractions in the metropolitan area. The number of tourists that will have their photo's snapped next to that statue then spend their money at Vintage Vinyl, Fitz's, Blueberry Hill, The Tivoli, Great Works, The Saint Louis Bread Company will more than cover any upkeep of the statue AND provide extra sales tax revenue for University City.
The Delmar Loop area is already one of the great streets of the United States, having the statue there will just be another way of keeping the loop as a tourist destination and local point of interest.
Hail, Hail, Rock n Roll!
Rosa Sharon
4:10 am on Sunday, July 3, 2011
I never knew Berry was a sex pervert. Wow! That is something to think about. Elsie Glickert is right about that aspect. Of course, I guess there is some wrongdoing in everyone's life. And if the crime has been paid for, well, it's time to move on. Let's hope he never does that again.
I think the Loop and U City are fighting for their financial lives and that the statue will be a real drawing card for tourists and locals alike to, as mentioned before, have their pictures taken there and then spend some $$$ at the various merchants in the Loop. I hope so. Maybe we can put up more statues of other famous people. What about Nellie? And there are plenty of other famous St. Louisans/Missourians. We could call it Statue Park. Or we could space them out throughout the Loop so that more businesses could benefit by being close to them - instead of having them clustered all in one spot. I agree, hail, hail rock 'n roll. But get rid of that camera, Chuck!! Thank you, Elsie Glickert for being brave enough to bring up the reasonable objections that you did.
Nick Frederiksen
7:28 am on Sunday, July 10, 2011
Earl, to some degree you are correct on the comments regarding the discussion on the Chuck Berry Statue. That having been said: Just about every issue is in some way related to the political posturing for the next council seat. My point had a lot to do with what is good for the entire community of U City not just the statue. The manner in which the statue came to be was less than up front, stopping short of being illegal. The supporters of the past U City Government take every cheap shot they can, often not based on factual information, yet they fail to acknowledge the objectivity and overall community oriented leadership of Mayor Welsh and the majority council members. This administration takes responsibility for what actions they take. I consider Joe Edwards to be a community leader and I also consider him to be strongly in support of the past administration and a supporter of those who would like to have the majority council member vote in the control of Terry Crow et al. Mr. Clarks comments were absurd. The past administration takes no responsibility for the City M's costly acts. Sorry Earl, there is no discussion monitor on this site. I suggest that all community leaders be less partisan and Joe is a community leader. Elsie Glickert has also been a community leader and many of the ?,s were pertinent. I applaud the objectivity of Mayor Welsh and abhore the wrongs of the last administration majority vote.