Stan wasn't the only one to take a hit at Thursday night's gathering of residents from Maryland Avenue and Pershing Place who met at Bar Italia for a meeting with 28th Ward Alderman Lyda Krewson regarding Lester's Sports Bar. My August 24 post on the unattractive color chosen for the east elevation facing the parking lot served as a lightning rod for what quickly deteriorated into a heated exchange on much more than building materials.
Two representatives of the Cultural Resources Office (Betsy Bradley, the recently appointed Director, and Jan Cameron, a long-time plan reviewer) told attendees that while what was built was not what was approved by their office, they didn't think there was much their office could do after the fact. After further discussion they did say they would investigate to see if there is a workable solution and asked for some time to accomplish this.
Next up was the statue of Stan the Man. Lyda Krewson advised that the Board of Public Service had approved the placement of this public art in the public domain because Musial is a St. Louis icon. There was a howl of protest from many in the room who view the statue as advertising for Lester's. Someone asked if this wasn't setting a precedent and whether soon we would see "public art" such as a chess piece, a yogurt cup, and chicken wings in front of neighboring businesses. John Berglund, President of the Central West End Association, added that the entire board had approved the statue, though Bill Seibert said that the CWEA's Planning & Development Committee (a standing committee of the CWEA) was against it.
Neighbors who live nearby say the televisions on the roof deck are really intrusive and wondered if anything could be done about removing them*. Lyda pointed out that this is the first roof deck in the neighborhood so there are no established guidelines to follow, but noise regulations will definitely be enforced.
Rather than continue to report on the many negative aspects of the meeting, with neighbor pitted against neighbor, I would rather point out the good things that have come out of the meeting.
After the meeting, Maryland Avenue residents recognized that they need to form a block organization, such as the private streets have, so that they can participate more effectively in shaping decisions that affect them. Some residents complained that though they belong to the Central West End Association they never hear of opportunities to get involved. John Berglund said that the organization intends to be more transparent by posting minutes from the Association's meetings on a revamped website. John McPheeters, Chairman of the CWEA Planning & Development Committee invited neighbors to attend the committee's meetings held on the second Saturday of the month at 9:15 a.m. at Bowood Farms.
As a result of the heated debate last Thursday, I would like to suggest that future meetings:
1. Engage a facilitator so everyone who wants to speak can, in an orderly, civilized, and more productive environment.
2. If the meeting is for residents, those who not residents should not be permitted to participate.
3. Save the alcohol for after the meeting.
I am planning a future post to help clarify which agency or neighborhood organization is in charge of what. Right now there's the CWEA, the CID, SBDs, Cultural Resources, Preservation Board, Building Division, Zoning Administrator and the Board of Public Service, and more.
Following the event Lyda reminded me that the neighborhood has come so far from ten years ago when the topics of concern centered on a high crime rate, a largely vacant Maryland Plaza, and a shuttered Chase Park-Plaza. In conclusion, the majority seems glad that Lester's is here. As Maryland Avenue resident Maggie Pearson said when commenting on my initial post about Lester's: "their sweet potato fries make the world go 'round." Lester's manager, Pedro, said at the meeting that they want to be good neighbors, and we hope they will. What residents of Maryland Avenue and Pershing Place object to is that the restaurant/bar seems to be unaware of the fact that they are part of a mixed-use urban neighborhood, not just an entertainment district.
* Last evening while walking west on Maryland Avenue toward Euclid I felt assaulted by televisions flashing in the restaurant as if this were a video game parlor. I understand there are louvers that are to be installed on the lower level which may help, but what will be done about the intrusion of the rooftop screens is a huge concern for those who live nearby.
When did the Chase re-open? I stayed there twice in the 2000-2001 winter, and it was doing well then.
Maybe , in the future, whenever a building addition is planned in the CWE, a proposed rendering could be posted somewhere at the site or in a window so those who live close by can voice their concerns early on and the design process can be informed by this (within reason ofcourse).
It becomes more difficult (and contentious) when you try to go back and undo what has already been done.
I guess this also falls in the general umbrella of better communication.
Well said Suzanne! Process and communication are key here. As a homeowner near Lester’s I am happy to embrace progress and new business but only if I and my investment are respected and involved in the process.
All of us have a choice where we buy our homes, invest our taxes and we can surely vote with our feet. Alderwoman Krewson is correct that we’ve come a long way from 10 years ago but its not just developers to thank but DEDICATED residents and all the stability we offer the area too.
Thank you for a constructive post about the meeting last Thursday. I think the points you make on how to organize future meetings are all valid.
I would definitely like to see more communication from Lyda on an ongoing basis on all issues. My observation is that the fundamental problem has been a lack of communication from all parties. The residents on the 4600-4500 block are working hard and quickly to rectify that situation on our part and my hope is that the other parties involved do so as well.
I’m thrilled that a new business is on our block, but the PROCESS has been fraught with inconsistency, lack of communication and in some instances a disregard for the residents on the street. It’s the PROCESS that is fractured and needs to be rectified.
Like you, Nicki, I would like to point out the positives that came from a fairly distressing meeting. For me it was meeting some fabulous new residents on our block and my hope is that they will find our neighborhood as vibrant and dynamic as I do.
Living in the city, I myself, welcome living amongst all sorts of neighbors, residential and commercial alike. However, all must remember that each of us is a neighbor to each other and act accordingly. This remains to be seen with Lester’s. It is my sincere hope that they will.
Thanks very much for the summary – it is incredibly helpful to have access to this information. As a resident that was out of town when the meeting occurred, I appreciate the coverage very much.
I hope someone listens to your suggestions!