Letter to the Editor: Parking in the Loop

Please take just a moment to listen to the short audio clip that I have uploaded for your review.  

First, there was a new round in the continuing assault on the status of the free surface parking lot just north of Delmar (running between Kingsland and Leland). 

As you know, the Mayor and her allies want to develop garages and condominiums on the Lot. 

Now, because the LSBD seemed to have garnered some support for our position, Lynn Ricci, former Council Member, and ally of the Mayor and her administration, is attacking the Merchants and Property Owners (The Loop) as being a financial drain on the City and its resources.

On Monday, July 9, 2012, she spoke at a Council Meeting (see a transcript of her statement to the Council below or listen to the audio clip here.

It would appear that we will now be forced to marshal resources to prove the value of our economic impact and rebut this new round of attacks.

So much for the partnership that once existed between the and The Loop.

On a side note, Coldwell Banker released their annual "" list on Tuesday and University City made the list! “The list ranks the best places in every state for people who seek social-areas. It is based on the number of restaurants, events and nightlife options as well as how many people in the area take advantage of the social scene.“ 

Why is it that that the entire country can see the value that The Loop adds to University City, except for our Mayor and her coalition? 

Statement

Lynn Ricci 7833 Gannon Ave.  (Monday July 9, 2012)

“This is the first time that I have addressed you from this side of the dais. Loop parking, I am telling you, I feel very strongly about this. I think there is legal exposure here, I believe that this is a wrongful taking. If you start talking about giving parking away, it is a huge cost to the city. You all are making emotional decisions; it makes me wonder what sort of capital or contributions to elections have been given to some of you if this is your position. If you, of course we have budget-reading folks here, so you know from the budget that we’ve been carrying the Loop Special Business District for years. And for you to say the viability and value of The Loop, you don’t know! I think what you need to do is be educated and do a study and see if The Loop is that value that you’re now reporting that it is.  I suspect, I suspect that it’s not. I suspect that this is not a give all, that there has to be some kind of sharing. Which means if The Loop wants free parking then the Loop Special Business District, a revenue generator, can contribute to the cost of it. I can’t believe the great expense the City has with this parking lot, as well as the great liability that the city is carrying if someone gets harmed on that parking lot, it’s us! So I certainly hope that you consider/reconsider this free parking in The Loop, I certainly hope that your goal is to make an informed, educated decision so you’re not going to shoot from the hip, you’re going to want to get information to determine truly the financial and liability implications of the parking lot, the cost of it, and this current move that is being contemplated right now today.” 

Please take the time to share your feelings on this very important matter with our Mayor and elected City officials: 

• mayor@ucitymo.org, 
• lwalker@ucitymo.org, 
• creator.price@gmail.com, 
• qforlifeasj@att.net, 
• paulette_carr@sbcglobal.net,
• lmglickert@yahoo.com, 
• crow@cttlaw.net, 
• kraftstephene@gmail.com

Thanks,

Jessica Bueler
LSBD President