Politics & Government

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.

"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.

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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.

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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.


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