Jan
30
Written by:
main-blog
1/30/2008 10:01 AM
By Lewis E. Reed:
We are all in this together and no matter our socio-economic, cultural, religious, ethnic, geographic differences; we as a community must move forward together in order to improve the City of St. Louis because, “United we Stand Divided We Fall” has never been so true as it is here. There are several very important issues that will drive our City forward and targeted re-investment in key areas is certainly one of them.
Our City has seen a radical change over the past 100 years. In 1910, the City of St. Louis had a population of 687,029. As of 2006, St. Louis had a population of 353,837 according the U.S. Census Bureau and posted the first net population gain since 1950. Our population is much lower than it was in the past and we are now facing important decisions on how to move forward to the future. This change in population has had drastic effects on our City. We must collectively work together to address the problems created by a large population loss.
I am a firm believer in the role development can serve to improve our City and rebuild our neighborhoods. Development is not an easy task; we must overcome historical biases, find funding for projects and have a conscientious plan. It can and must take place for improvement of St. Louis.
North of Delmar must be a primary focus of our re-investment efforts. Our history has shown us that in order for St. Louis to improve, re-investment has to happen in all the communities and neighborhoods. St. Louis is a beautiful city full of opportunity. We must focus on areas of the City that have not benefited from the recent development efforts.
Our tax base has taken a very large hit over the last 100 years because there are less people in the City. Still our need for services has not diminished and has actually increased. There are still fires, crime problems, trash to be picked up, parks to be maintained and streets to be paved. People need good schools and access to healthcare. These essential services have not changed over the last 100 years. We have seen many technological advances and improvements but the core needs still exist. We must work with the community, including business and civic leaders to create a road map that results in creative ways to encourage people to move back into all areas of St. Louis to maintain the much needed City services.
To continue to grow our city, improve the quality of life for everyone and develop a strong healthy economy we must have heavy re-investment north of Delmar. This will strengthen our tax bases allowing for the stabilization of our school system, public safety, health care for the under and un-insured and better access to basic city services.
At a time when our schools are facing financial crises and our children are not achieving their full potential, we must provide adequate resources for teachers. Schools and services are part of the overall infrastructure of our City.
This brand of targeted investment can and will strengthen the City’s business districts providing for job growth in already established businesses and the resulting stable infrastructure will undoubtedly attract new businesses to our City. New businesses bring new jobs and a higher demand for housing.
Many challenges exist in our future, but by working together and venturing into new territory we can and will continue to improve St. Louis. I look forward to the challenge of growing all of St. Louis and hope that you will all join me as we move our City forward.
Tags: