Good Neighbors
By Jim Wright
I have some great neighbors; those living on either side of my house have become good friends. As a matter of fact, we are having our fall block party in about 2 weeks.
I have great neighbors at work too. Terry from next door here at Adams Place just stopped by this morning asking if the mail was delivered to our address on Friday since she had been out of the office. I can see other neighbors in downtown Kirkwood cleaning their sidewalks as they prepare for another day of providing products and services to their customers.
Our member communities of Des Peres, Glendale, Oakland and Warson Woods are all good neighbors. We share a school district, fire and EMS services as mutual aid, and we share a common love for the area.
We as neighbors have a commitment to do what we can do grow our communities. Recently the Chamber of Commerce has had to struggle with keeping a fine balance between what is best for the community and meeting our mission to "do what's best for business". During this struggle we have learned that doing what's best for business affects our residential neighbors. Specifically, the ordinance proposed by the Kirkwood City Council regarding Electronically Changeable Message signs severely limits a business's ability to utilize the full technology of the sign. The Public Policy Committee of the Chamber and our board of directors have researched how to remain a good neighbor and still utilize the technology to benefit our businesses. Most of the suggestions have boiled down to being sure to limit flashing of messages and keeping the brightness controlled both day and night.
Opponents feel their limitations best serve their constituency without regard to benefiting the entire community. While safety remains paramount by proponents and opponents, there seems to be an unwillingness to be good neighbors and meet somewhere in the middle for the advantage of all. A vote will be held on the proposed ordinance soon. Please contact your elected officials in Kirkwood to suggest further dialogue in the hopes of producing an ordinance that is acceptable by the entire neighborhood.
In addition, there is much debate regarding the razing of two buildings in Kirkwood's downtown business district to make room for additional parking in this congested part of town. Some feel the buildings are historic and should remain; others realize the importance of additional parking to bring in much needed revenues. The Kirkwood City Council must make this tough decision. On October 6 the Council had its first vote on the issue. Citizens and businesspersons were equally represented regarding the pros and con's as were presented to the council. The final vote was 5 in favor and 2 opposed. Those supporting the issue were: Bob Sears, Tim Griffin, Iggy Yuan, Paul Ward and Mayor McDonnell. Those casting the opposing votes were Gerry Biedenstein and Gina Jaksetic.
A German born former Senator of the United States Carl Schurz said: "From the equality of rights springs identity of our highest interests; you cannot subvert your neighbor's rights without striking a dangerous blow at your own.
The Kirkwood*Des Peres Area Chamber of Commerce recognizes there are often two sides to every debate. There is also an opportunity for both sides to benefit. The Chamber's purpose for attending City Council meetings has been to present a business perspective to help arrive at a well thought out solution. The Council has a tough job to decide what best for all of our neighbors; your voice will assist them an informed decision.
Below Is the statement read to City Council at the Oct. 6 meeting: "My name is Jim Wright, president of the Kirkwood Des Peres Area Chamber of Commerce, 108 West Adams in Downtown Kirkwood. This Chamber was founded in 1946 by local business persons with the mission to do what's right for business and the community. These local men and women strategized in partnership with City Leaders, the School District, local community groups and organizations and church's to bring improvements to the community that would have a positive impact on revenues used to keep the city running. One roadblock to success was an agenda item at the first meeting of the newly established business organization - Parking.
Not much has changed. Many owners and employees of the over 600 businesses represented by the chamber are still local. Each is concerned about the economic welfare of the community. They understand the importance of bringing in the revenues necessary to run a successful city. The Chamber is dedicated to a partnership with the City to maintain the vibrancy of the downtown area. Yet, there continues to be a problem with parking.
Much has been said or will be said advising you, the members of the council, on how to vote. I am here to say, "Congratulations on having the wisdom to recognize an opportunity and finally take a step toward solving the age old problem of parking." You have realized the prospect of purchasing land already adjacent to a prime parking area to offer the ability for enhancing sales tax revenues. This once in a lifetime opportunity will allow more consumer parking in downtown. Local businesses will realize a boon to the local economy and the purchase will suppress the impression that Kirkwood has no parking available, a concern echoing through the Chamber on a daily basis.
You will have made this happen by purchasing an asset that may at any time be sold should the City require additional funding. Better yet, it opens the door to offering the combined property to a developer that could at some future date build new retail space along Jefferson Street and make the development profitable by building a few levels of parking above the new businesses.
It takes courage to seize an opportunity amongst opposition. Let it be known that the Kirkwood*Des Peres Area Chamber of Commerce and its board of directors support the purchase of 107 and 113 West Jefferson and applaud your good sense and dedication to doing what's best for the entire Kirkwood community."
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