Candidate Darryl Walach questions BOA vote on Salvation Army request!
Sad Day in Crestwood
I attended the marathon Crestwood’s Board of Alderman’s meeting on January 10 and listened to comments regarding the potential granting of Salvation Army’s Conditional Use Permit request for a thrift shop. Earlier in the evening there was a Resolution for Helen Tello recognizing her for her efforts and dedication in the County Older Resident Program. Mrs. Tello thanked everyone for this recognition and commented that the Crestwood residents are wonderful residents whom are caring and willing to go the extra step for those whom are in need.
I then listened to Caption Scheler’s of the Salvation Army presentation to have a thrift shop located next to Aldi. Mr. Scheler commented and confirmed by the Economic Director, Ellen Dailey that Melaniphy & Associates, consultant on the retail market of the Watson Road corridor, thought that this particular location would be a right "fit" for the thrift shop. One of the reasons by Melaniphy is that the location considered is not visible.
This particular location has been vacant for 2+ years without any revenue. It is located on the south side of the strip mall next to Aldi. It’s true that the location may not bring any sales tax directly to the City of Crestwood due to the tax exempt status; however, it will bring in additional traffic that is sorely needed on the Watson corridor. This is again what Melamphy suggested was to increase the traffic flow. Indirectly, it brings individuals of all income levels to browse, shop, or drop off donations at the thrift shop. This increased traffic flow indirectly increases the opportunity for Crestwood to capture additional revenue at other Crestwood businesses which outweighs any monetary loss in granting Salvation Army’s request for a thrift shop. The individuals whom "shop" at thrift shops range from low income to the upper income level. It is not your typical stereotype that one would expect to visit a thrift shop.
On a personal matter, my mother was a volunteer at Feed My People, a very similar charity. It was the most worthwhile, gratifying and fulfilling volunteerism that she had performed. I am very much in favor of allowing Salvation Army a permit not only on a personal level but it is a right "fit" to that location as confirmed by Melaniphy. Would this business generate an increased flow in traffic? Does this increased traffic flow override the loss of retail sales tax loss for this site? Is there a general welfare concern of allowing the thrift shop at this location? Would Aldi and the other businesses at this site benefit with a thrift shop at this site? What was not asked last night was the potential sales tax that the City hopes to generate at this site if a business moves in? You would be surprised of what little sales tax would be generated from this particular location. I also ask as to who is going to place their business next to Aldi’s. If anyone has any inclination, I encourage them to talk to the property owner of that location as they have been searching for the past couple of years for tenants.
Here was a wasted opportunity to increase the traffic flow which means increased revenue to our other businesses throughout Crestwood. If the concerns were the timeline in allowing the permit or the hours of operation, I’m sure that Salvation Army is willing to address those concerns. What we really lost out on is Crestwood’s appeal that was earlier echoed by Mrs. Tello earlier that evening. Where was the caring, goodwill, thoughtfulness when this decision to deny Salvation’s Army permit request for the thrift shop? I wonder now if Mrs. Tello wants to reconsider her comments.
Thanks, Darryl Wallach
NO.51
I attended the marathon Crestwood’s Board of Alderman’s meeting on January 10 and listened to comments regarding the potential granting of Salvation Army’s Conditional Use Permit request for a thrift shop. Earlier in the evening there was a Resolution for Helen Tello recognizing her for her efforts and dedication in the County Older Resident Program. Mrs. Tello thanked everyone for this recognition and commented that the Crestwood residents are wonderful residents whom are caring and willing to go the extra step for those whom are in need.
I then listened to Caption Scheler’s of the Salvation Army presentation to have a thrift shop located next to Aldi. Mr. Scheler commented and confirmed by the Economic Director, Ellen Dailey that Melaniphy & Associates, consultant on the retail market of the Watson Road corridor, thought that this particular location would be a right "fit" for the thrift shop. One of the reasons by Melaniphy is that the location considered is not visible.
This particular location has been vacant for 2+ years without any revenue. It is located on the south side of the strip mall next to Aldi. It’s true that the location may not bring any sales tax directly to the City of Crestwood due to the tax exempt status; however, it will bring in additional traffic that is sorely needed on the Watson corridor. This is again what Melamphy suggested was to increase the traffic flow. Indirectly, it brings individuals of all income levels to browse, shop, or drop off donations at the thrift shop. This increased traffic flow indirectly increases the opportunity for Crestwood to capture additional revenue at other Crestwood businesses which outweighs any monetary loss in granting Salvation Army’s request for a thrift shop. The individuals whom "shop" at thrift shops range from low income to the upper income level. It is not your typical stereotype that one would expect to visit a thrift shop.
On a personal matter, my mother was a volunteer at Feed My People, a very similar charity. It was the most worthwhile, gratifying and fulfilling volunteerism that she had performed. I am very much in favor of allowing Salvation Army a permit not only on a personal level but it is a right "fit" to that location as confirmed by Melaniphy. Would this business generate an increased flow in traffic? Does this increased traffic flow override the loss of retail sales tax loss for this site? Is there a general welfare concern of allowing the thrift shop at this location? Would Aldi and the other businesses at this site benefit with a thrift shop at this site? What was not asked last night was the potential sales tax that the City hopes to generate at this site if a business moves in? You would be surprised of what little sales tax would be generated from this particular location. I also ask as to who is going to place their business next to Aldi’s. If anyone has any inclination, I encourage them to talk to the property owner of that location as they have been searching for the past couple of years for tenants.
Here was a wasted opportunity to increase the traffic flow which means increased revenue to our other businesses throughout Crestwood. If the concerns were the timeline in allowing the permit or the hours of operation, I’m sure that Salvation Army is willing to address those concerns. What we really lost out on is Crestwood’s appeal that was earlier echoed by Mrs. Tello earlier that evening. Where was the caring, goodwill, thoughtfulness when this decision to deny Salvation’s Army permit request for the thrift shop? I wonder now if Mrs. Tello wants to reconsider her comments.
Thanks, Darryl Wallach
NO.51
posted by Crestwood Independent at 17:40
22 Comments:
Upon reading Mr. Wallach's insightful comments regarding the denial for the Salvation Army Thrift Shop at one of our more isolated and deserted plaza's, I was impressed with his humility.
Thrift Shopping has become an enlightened pastime for many nowdays and certainly a benefit to those less fortunate. It is a 'today' type of shopping for those who love the adventure and the hunt for bargains and in the doing are contributing to a good cause. Considering this kind of shop "beneath" social dignities in this town at this time in its history is uppity and without soul. It is ridiculous. This form of isolationism is entirely passe nowdays. Thrift shopping shares the stage with Tag Sales; fun and productive for all. Why should Crestwood be denied this interesting shopping concept; this worthwhile exercise in goodwill. When did this city become so stuffy? So blind? We have run off good restaurants for gosh sakes. Where is the "classy" in that! We have storage lockers on the main drag.
When did Crestwood decide it is in a position to "poo poo" the possibility of increasing retail traffic and becoming more diversified,interesting, conceptual? Since when can a city desperately trying to make a comeback deny opportunity? This city is in dire financial straits with its real estate being used for collateral; doesn't get much tackier than that! It has a BOA with 5 of its members reminiscent of the 3 stooges, all determined to undermine the new Mayor who is working hard to get the city back on path. This city has a City Administrator so sterling that he is having an affair with the City Finance Officer, (both of whom were so possessed with themselves and so unqualified they pretended and advised we were well off enough to build them a castle in which to debauch to the tune of $14 Mil). This same person has an agenda which in time will probably prove to be a collosal lesson in deceit - and more.
Crestwood has empty stores and a struggling Plaza, 2 lawsuits pending; one harrassment lawsuit recently settled, and serious allegations regarding legal bills in the air. It had 2 negative audits and an accounting firm who quit. It has a budget which Warren Greenspan would burn.
Now I ask you, what on earth can a Thrift Shop do to destroy the ambience of this city?
I don't think Crestwood is opposed to the Salvation Army residing in Crestwood, just not down the street from an area that will be "high end" shopping, etc.
I don't believe that Ellen Daily confirmed that the proposed location would be a good fit. Melaniphy & Associates had stated that the Salvation Army would fit in the Watson Road corridor but did not state a particular location.
Down the street from high end shopping, now that is interesting! High end shopping! We can't even maintain a Bread Co, a California Kitchen, a K Mart, a Maytag Store or a Blockbuster. Office Max is now squeaking by. Is Ms Dailey in the real world, or completely lacking in adventure? Watson Road is not Rodeo Drive. The mentioned location for the Thrift Shop is in a hidden little plaza with a delivery pizza hut, an Aldi's, 2 beauty shops and whatever ... go look! Unless you can get a TJ Maxx, Plato's Closet, CD Warehouse or Duffy's to go in there, it is destined to remain forlorn.I hope that a Starbucks and High End Shopping will bring in needed revenue, but just in case the desired results are not forthcoming, and this wayside plaza continues to be lonely, why not stretch the imagination? Crestwood already has a strange shopping pattern. It is going to take a lot of ingenuity to hustle up lost interest and this could start with tweaking the Development Plan and having an open mind. In the meantime, there is a very nice new Goodwill store located at Lindbergh and Tesson Ferry in a former Drug Store. There are brand new Goodwill stores at Chesterfield Commons, on Olive at Woods Mill, in Fenton and on Manchester Road in Ballwin. Their parking lots are always full.
I have been reading this blog for months, and while I haven't always agreed with everything published, I can not help but comment on these unenlightened comments about he Salvation Army store.
To begin with, the Salvation Army is a non-profit organization, which means NO tax revenue for the City of Crestwood.
Second, while some people may view it as an opportunity to improve traffic flow, it merely brings in undesirable business for the city of Crestwood.
Let's not continue down this path of making Crestwood into the next Dogpatch. We speak of property values, the importan
I have been reading this blog for months, and while I haven't always agreed with everything published, I can not help but comment on these unenlightened comments about he Salvation Army store.
To begin with, the Salvation Army is a non-profit organization, which means NO tax revenue for the City of Crestwood.
Second, while some people may view it as an opportunity to improve traffic flow, it merely brings in undesirable business for the city of Crestwood.
Let's not continue down this path of making Crestwood into the next Dogpatch. We speak of property values, the importance of maintaining our business community, and keeping crime out of Crestwood.
Instead of viewing this as a good match to Aldi's, we should be trying to discourage more business such as Aldi's and the Pink Galleon from coming to Crestwood.
Residents and elected officials should not repeat the mistake of the Grant and Watson development. City officials were seeking a high-end residential and retail community that would have rivaled that of neighboring Webster Groves. Instead, we are getting a low-end retirement home that brings no tax dollars, and keeping our crime-ridden Value City, all in the name of retaining some mom and pop corner development replete with a sleazy bar and cigarette shop.
Send a message now, to your elected officials and to prospective businesses....we are interested in developing Crestwood to maintain our property values, not becoming the next Jefferson County.
Having read the comments about the Salvation Thrift Shop on this blog site, I have come to realize the value of the site. It really is a good forum for the exchange of ideas.All the comments regarding the Thrift Shop appear to be sincere and well meaning and have given me much to ponder. Thank you to these posters.
Residents have not had this type of interaction in a very long time in Crestwood. Repeated telephone calls to some of the city Aldermen have netted few to no call backs. Letters to the Editor have not improved the dismal behavior of these same Aldermen; these Aldermen have ignored constituancy input altogether resulting in a downward spiral for Crestwood.This spiral has been going on long enough for more dedicated officials to have realized some of this input would have been advantageous; and teamwork on the board even more so.
Certainly diminishing revenue does not help matters, but neither does this cointinued outrageous unqualified political riff raff on the board that is negotiating some very dangerous legal curves for the city while controlling the majority votes. Their overacting to anything the new Mayor says has cast a very ugly shadow on the city and hindered efforts to get back on course. Nor, has it done much for this wonderful town to have included in this mix several very serious lawsuits including one for sexual harrassment at city hall, a City Administrator and a Finance Officer(neither who have the background to handle their jobs)engaged in a liason, both with so much baggage past and present that employees and residents are wondering how this dirty linen passed muster in the first place. Having read that there is no backup to the enormous legal bills presented to the city for payment, I will be looking for a reason for this and a full explanation ASAP. If the BOA is unwilling to lift this cloud of darkness and secrecy that hangs over Crestwood, and explain to me why the CA/PC is getting $94,000/year and a BMW and a license to mislead, and carry on with his mistress at city hall, then perhaps there is another town, say in "Dogpatch," that could accomodate each one of them.
So, let's get this strait our CA is having an affair with the Finance Director. 1) Doesn't this leave the City open to a huge sexual harassment lawsuit? - The human resources department of my firm says this is a lawsuit waiting to happen. (Like we really need to spend more scarce tax dollars on lawsuits/settlements). 2) Isn't the CA the Finance Director's Boss? Doesn't he provide for her performance review? Has she received a salary increase compliments of the CA? If so, this sounds like taxpayer financed prostitution! 3) On the City Administrator's page on the City's Webage, it says that he is a member of ICMA - the professional organization for City County Administrator. I checked with ICMA, a relationship like this is a violation of their "Code of Ethics" and would likely result in the member being censured or expelled – if true.
WHAT IS GOING ON? THIS IS JUST MINDBLOWING! Obviously the two current Ward 2 Aldermen don’t have a problem with this. How does the Canidate from Ward 2 feel abut this situation?
Better yet, how do all the candidates, the existing Aldermen, the Mayor and the residents feel about this??? These known illicit facts seem to just linger in limbo. Right, this sort of activity on the job causes legal expense and we are broke. So, does this mean the town Romeo & Bimbo get a pass? And, if what the blogger intimates is essentially fact regarding the year end evaluations of employees and raises, and the association ICMA rules have been broken, why is this city employee and his tax paid lady-pal still insulting our dignity at $94,000/year and a BMW? Kind blogger, what do you recommend? Seems that Aldermen in this town have such low expectations that your suggestions might well prove worthy of consideration and be an impetus for action. Actually, at this point in time, I would think legal concerns should be directed straight toward the perpetrator, not the city. This man does not deserve a pension in June. Not on your life.
I think we need to call them on the carpet at the next Alderman Meeting. Ask them point blank, in public and then ask the Board to do something about it! Unfortunately, his pension is untouchable; however his/her salary is not!
Ladies, and Gentlemen, I don't think that what goes on between two adult's should be our focus here. Do I think it's a good idea, NO!, Do I condone it?, NO!, but, that said, please keep your eye on the prize.
We have a great chance to remedy this, and other wrong's in April, so please do not be distracted by this, and remember what's more important, winning in April!
"My name is Tom Ford, and I want to be your Alderman in Ward Two"
Tom Ford
No reason to wait until April to remedy this sick situation. None whatsoever. What kind of copout is that? What is with this Mr. Nice Guy Stuff? When lately has that theory been practiced? This chronicle of ethics and morals has been a major distraction, and a major detriment to the city for quite some time.What goes on between these two consenting adults who work for the city is very definitely dead center focus and very definitely resident business, and very definitely unacceptable. You figure out why! Start by looking at the bottom line, and the fact that city personnel are directed by this jerk and expected to look the other way. Nice!! The best prize would be to get this slime out of here. Who is running this show anyway! Each day he is here is one day too many. Whats the real reason he isn't confronted by the board with this miserable soap opera? How about cluing us all in. This man has never been worth $94,000. He and his ridiculous spreadsheets and self serving advice would have been run out of any other town long ago. Sure doesn't say much for the people sitting on the Board in this city who are too lame to identify a trainwreck when they see one. I had hoped April would present a more determined and united front; not one that sweeps things under the rug.
Winning in April is not the prize, it is the solution. "Don't be distracted" -- Little late for that. I would rather keep my eye on the ball, and cut out the bad parts of the apple before it is totally rotten. And while at it, I would expect board members to knock off the politics and stand on their own two feet.
Crestwood is not a playgound for egos and arrogance on its governing board. It isn't proving to be a positive springboard to nurture ones political aspirations either. It is not a stage on which to "perform." Local press has had a field day with Crestwood as some on the board continue to tramp all hope of unity and what is really best for the city. Some of the quotes, insults and pranks are way out of line. A couple of the Aldermen have rambled themselves right into ridiculous.
The last time I hunkered down with my personal observations and talked it up with fellow fedups, I realized that backing off, turning the other cheek and caving in defines a cowardly slide around here, a tragic dual purpose chaos in this town, where the city never wins. Take a look at the bottom line, the past years' wars, the bloody press and lawsuits. It is not always possible to plant positive while negative spoils the soil -- to put on that happy smile while watching Rome burn. Ya know the troops get a little restless watching their city property become collateral and their management staff set totally unacceptable examples; and witnessing politics choking hopes of speedy recovery while forcing irrelevant and bogus charter changes on the ballot, and bickering over every conceivable variance. Dual purpose tug of war has served no useful purpose, has had a disastrous impact on the city and is contrary to all that is good about this town. It's severity cries out for therapy.
This board is destined to be the worse ever in the history of Crestwood; they refuse to work together for the greater good or recognize their own narrow minds. Most refuse to be "statesmen." Those with professed ability and even with religious calling have been a letdown. As it stands, all hope for reform is based on April, but not if the practice of "denial" continues to overide "accountability." Maybe it's time to focus on some necessary bloodletting. It might just be therapudic so that real issues like tax increase and upward mobility can happen. The residents did not make Crestwood a coliseum for bi-monthly battle, Aldermen, Mayors and City Administrators did. The staff members at city hall with lack of respect for their positions and the community as a whole are overdue for reckoning.
I believe you have mistaken my "focus" comment to be one of complaciency. Quite the opposite, I asure you.
I was trying to convey the fact that unless we win at the poll's, this mess the City is in will never be corrected. Tell me who other than the Mayor has had the foresight to change the C/A job?
Some on the board would have been very happy letting it continue, so I say congratulations to Mayor Robinson, and while we have the broom out, let's sweep the new board into office with a landslide!
"MY name is Tom Ford, and I want to be your Alderman from Ward Two"
EXTORTION
Extortion is the only general intent crime against property. It's synonymous with the term blackmail. It's the unlawful taking of property from another by threats of future harm. The element of time is what distinguishes extortion from robbery. Extortion is the threat of some future harm rather than immediate harm. There's also no need for victim and offender to confront one another. Extortion can be committed over the phone, by mail, or by e-mail (but this of course makes it a federal crime). As a general intent crime, the motives for it don't really matter. It also doesn't matter if the victim cooperates (i.e., there's no such thing as attempted extortion). Here's some typical extortions:
threats to drive someone out of business
threats to destroy somebody's good name
threats to expose somebody's family or personal secret
This extortion education is fascinating. What it implies is that someone has made a threat against another for the purpose of receiving something in return.
“Anonymous” implies that someone is extorting (possibly him/her). That this extortion possibly occurred over the phone, mail or by e-mail, hence the reference to a federal offense.
That “Anonymous” would imply that he/she has been extorted and not report the crime to authorities is incredulous. Indeed, “Anonymous” has chosen to give a general warning to the public via the internet on a blog site.
Certainly, “Anonymous” wants to convey a general warning to the public that he/she is warning against being extorted. He/She does not want to be threatened with a loss of business? He/she implies that they have a “good name” that could be injured? He/She may have a personal or family secret?
As celebrity cases and politicians have revealed to us, once someone enters into the public arena, there are usually no “secrets” that are sacred, a “good name” is subject to public opinion, and the loss of business is sometimes a direct casualty of entering into the public arena by choice.
To extort would imply that the extortionist is expecting a specific payment in return for not engaging in destructive conduct. What is the pay-off?
And yes, motive does matter. See the below legal reference:
“What a person's purpose, intention or knowledge has been is usually a matter to be determined by inference. No person is able to testify that he looked into another's mind and saw therein a certain purpose or intention or a certain knowledge to do harm to another. The only way in which a jury can ordinarily determine what a person's purpose, intention, or knowledge was, at any given time, aside from that person's own statements or testimony, is by determining what that person's conduct was and what the circumstances were surrounding that conduct, and from that infer what his purpose, intention, or knowledge was.”
Please save your general warnings “Anonymous”. The First Amendment should be carefully researched before making claims of extortion, but of course you haven’t done that. You’ve just inferred that someone could be extorting.
Those who died in the line of duty protecting freedom did not give up their lives so easily. Free speech (and lively political debate would be that!) are protected under the First Amendment.
If this supposed “extortionist” doesn’t threaten and requires no payoff, and simply engages in Free Speech then you have a First Amendment battle. Not a criminal offense. Possibly a slander case defined as 1) Oral communication of false statements injurious to a person's reputation, or 2) A false and malicious statement or report about someone.
Or Libel: 1) A false publication, as in writing, print, signs, or pictures, that damages a person's reputation, or 2) The act of presenting such material to the public.
In both cases, the statements made are FALSE statements.
People case say, or write, whatever they want, as long as it is not knowingly FALSE.
The likely conclusion here is that the powerless person who is scared of his/her loss is warning the general public to back off. That suggests that “Anonymous” is warning all those that engage in free speech to be careful of revealing those secrets or causing a loss. Especially those that post comments on this particular website.
Unless a specific threat has been made, with a specific payment to be received, “extortion” will not hold water in a court of law.
“Anonymous” uses terms like “general intent crime”. Who does that other than a person who has a general knowledge of law, a lawyer, police officer, police chief, a politician, or someone who has researched it on the internet ?
When “Anonymous” refers to “future harm” is he/she inferring that there is a secret in Crestwood that everyone doesn’t already know? Or that his business could suffer more than it does already? Or that he has a “good name”? Clearly there are not too many secrets in Crestwood. Not too many people being “extorted” already have a “good name” or haven’t suffered a loss of business as a result of the nasty politics.
I would suggest to “Anonymous” to step out of the public arena before that loss occurs. Unless you have air-tight evidence on motive, intent, and payoff demanded, you will have no recourse once that loss occurs.
You’ve made these statements on a political website. What did you expect? You’ve now just enlivened the conversations as to what your secret is?
Mr. Walach why we are at it lets have check into cash, and the pawn shops move into the city as well.
Are laws regarding defamation applicable to e-mail and other on-line activities?
Absolutely! If a person commits libel (false and unprivileged publication or assertion of a fact, which exposes any person to hatred, contempt, ridicule, or which causes him/her to be shunned or avoided, or which has a tendency to injure him/her in his/her trade or occupation) against you through e-mail or other on-line activities, the publisher, and any re-publisher, of the offensive statement can be held accountable for damages. For the defenses against libel, see our section on Libel .
Passing fraudulent information about can get you into trouble, whether you try to profit from it or not. Because if the victim is harmed by your action, you can be held liable for his or her losses.
It's really curious how you paste a cryptic message from an internet page onto this site to scare off...well, no one knows who.
YOU are obviously on the receiving end of some type of criticism that makes you uncomfortable.
Then start working on the solutions!
Contact the people that have a grudge and try to straighten out this mess FOR ALL OF OUR SAKES!
After all the negative that this town has been through in the newspapers, TV reporting, scandal caused by public figures....there's no wonder why we're upset.
In the last two years or so, you've seen more citizens become activated in this community than ever before.
Why? Because they HAD to do something about the way Crestwood has been mishandled financially.
Do you think people really enjoy giving up pieces of their lives to straighten out a mess that was created when they TRUSTED YOU?
This is business people, no matter how angry it makes us.
Let's focus on the future, get this mess straightened out, and go back to normal life.
That would be having public figures we trust to handle the business of the city!
That would be having a tax base that can support the services we want!
That would be instilling hope that Crestwood can overcome this hurdle.
What doesn't kill us makes us stronger.
Going through this solution process WILL make us stronger, and wiser.
No matter how we disagree on the process, we all agree on finding the solutions!
So let's start working together on the future, and put the ugly past behind us!
Upon reading Anonymous' note of Jan 23 1:44 am, I oppose those businesses that you listed.
The sentiment that I expressed is a simple one as the City should not be so narrow minded and simply look at the tax dollars that a business will bring in. There are other factors that needs to be considered.
As expressed earlier in the blog, what do the cities of Chesterfield, Chesterfield Valley, Manchester/Ballwin, Fenton and the location in South County at Tesson Ferry and Lindbergh have in common? These communities opened their arms to allow thrift shops into their community.
If those same communities were concerned about any negatism or concern about the general welfare of the community, they would have denied those requests. Those same communities feel that a thrift shop is a worthwhile business concept.
Salvation Army is a nationwide recognized organization which competes against Goodwill Industries. Salvation Army is committed to help others.
I have now found out that the Crestwood Board of Alderman reconsidered the Salvation Army CUP last night and have agreed to the permit. I applaud the BOA in granting the permit.
Darryl Wallach
I agree with Mr. Wallach! The BOA got it right this time!
Folks, a thrift shop is not a bad thing, but rather, it will give all of our citizens a place to find bargan's. And it will give our less fortunate a place to save money for a change!
I know it's a "tax free store" however, it will bring customers to the other stores in that center!
As you may know I served as a police officer for 18 years, and I will tell you that the store will not "draw a criminal eliment" any more that the Plaza does, in fact less!
I see no problem with this store, and once it's in place, I doubt any of it's detractors will either.
"my name is Tom Ford, and I want to be your Alderman from ward two"
Tom Ford
Ward Two
"Heaven's NO! " That's what most of the Board of Aldermen members said when
the Salvation Army came before the board and requested a permit for a thrift
store. We could never fit it in with all of the elaborate, expensive, state of
the art, richy rich department stores lining our streets. I am surprised the
Little Old Lady dressed in Red at Christmas time is allowed to stand in front
of Schnucks in freezing temperatures and ask for donations to put in her red
kettle.
In case some board members have their heads stuck in the sand, the Salvation
Army and the Red Cross have assisted millions of people everywhere for years
and years. When you and I were in a nice comfortable home, sleeping in a nice
warm bed and reaching for fresh food in our refrigerators - these
organizations were in New Orleans helping Hurricane Katrina victims who lost everything.
People were dying, children were lost and sick, and many had to wait for hours
for help standing in contaminated water. The Salvation Army was there - were
you?
We are so concerned about a high-end development that hasn't even been built
yet that may go through, that we haven't even got an ounce of humanity to
allow them to put a thrift store in an adjacent - almost vacant shopping center.
The Salvation Army has seen the devastation and hunger of the poor people in
New Orleans, Mississippi and Alabama - of the United States of America - here
on our soil. But we don't want their thrift store in our city.
The New York Yankees supported Hurricane Katrina Relief with a one million
dollar gift to the Salvation Army. Communities all across the nation have
assisted the Salvation Army bringing hope to those impacted by the storm. The
disaster service teams in Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi placed emergency aid
workers and volunteers in these affected areas. And this is only one incident
- although a big one. We even had our Federal Government (FEMA) goof us up.
But the Red Cross and Salvation Army were there!
But Crestwood - cannot OK the Salvation Army one thrift store in their
community.
Whatever you do - citizens of Crestwood - please do not vote to get rid of
"TERM LIMITS" - in April. We used to have Board of Aldermen members that I
thought all cared - but I don't know some of these people anymore.
People - many who are very wealthy I may add - donate very nice things to the
Salvation Army and right it off on their taxes. People who are in to
decorating on a budget (which does not mean low class) will go to thrift stores,
antique stores, or go to garage sales - all the time.
Many women and men do this on a regular basis especially on the weekends when
the weather is nice. Garage Sale Signs are all over town from people selling
items they cannot use. These same citizens don't seem to mind who gives them
the 5 or 10 bucks for an old table or chair. They take anybody's money, but
that money goes into their pockets and they don't care if it is sold to a rich
person or a poor person. But if the Salvation Army sets up a store for the
common good - Heck - that's different. We don't want it in our town. Man does
not live on sales tax alone - get a life!
People can really be two-faced! The Salvation Army is not good enough to
come to Crestwood - but let their be a disaster the likes of Hurricane Katrina in
this city - and I'll bet the people who are against them will be the first
ones in line ready for a handout.
Sandra Grave
I just caution the board and the people of Crestwood not to go down a path that will invite even more questionable people from other area's. We have enough clothing stores in Crestwood. Look at Gordman's, how much longer can they make it in Crestwood. Any given night there are ten cars or less on the parking lot. Value City, now there's a store. Stay on the parking lot and watch what mostly comes Westbound from the city to shop. Let's ask a Crestwood cop or better yet a city cop and hopefully he gives you a straight answer with the types of people those stores bring to your city. Yes, the mall brings them too, but lets not invite them any more then we have too. We have Aldi's ,soon a old forks home, we might get Salvation Army. When will it stop with the low end stores. I know that I wouldn't want to spend over 200,000 for a house again, if the city continues down this path.
Speaking of the old folks home, I feel the up scale attached homes and condo's would have went over big. Espically since Grant's Trail is coming through next year. I wonder how many people that development would have brought to the area. No, we let a business owner put some paint on a building that has been an eyesore since I've been coming to Crestwood ruin, what 500 maybe 600 people move to the area. People would have paid a petty penny to live there,and if you don't belive me look at Old Sappington and Sappington condo's. I think maybe there is only one unit left and they sold for 450,000.00. I would image the condo's off of Rock Hill will be in that range. Talk about missing the boat.
Lets take a look at Sunset and Kirkwood with what has come to their town along Lindbergh. Crestwood looks like it is still stuck in the 50's compared to their developments. This city is really far behind the times and needs to catch up fast. Walk through the mall every week and you will see store after store leaving, and getting replaced with Dollar stores, craft stores, and cell phones stores. This towns bread and butter is drying up fast. This tax increase will only be a band aid for a year or so,and then we will cut more employee's and scramble for a new plan again.
Mister Ford good luck to you if you get in as alderman. Thanks for being, lets say polite on this website. It is clear that others have made it more personal and can't keep their feelings under control. They have an ax to grind and it makes more people not want to leave their names and ignore this site all together.
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