By Antonio D. French
Filed Tuesday, June 27, 2006 at 10:19 PM
Members of the Clifton Heights Neighborhood Association voted 100-6 tonight to oppose a new QuikTrip gas station and convenience store proposed for the corner of Hampton and Columbia. Labels: Development
The Association also heard from two of the five candidates running for the state senate. Derio Gambaro and Jeff Smith spoke about their backgrounds and fielded questions from the audience on topics including school funding and Tax Increment Financing.
The three northside candidates -- State Reps Yaphett El-Amin and Amber Boykins, and former Ald. Kenny Jones -- did not attend.
UPDATE: And now video from the vote and the preceding discussion on whether to count it... Ald. Bill Waterhouse (24th Ward) said the vote of the neighborhood association would not be the only factor in his decision to support or oppose the development. He said that representatives from QuikTrip had collected more than 250 signatures of people in support of the new gas station. A hearing on the project has not yet been scheduled.
33 Comments:
The African American candidates made a mistake by skipping this. While Clifton Heights is about 95% white, its residents are really quite progressive.
6/27/2006 12:22 AM
Interesting--Kenny Jones and Yaphettt El-Amin skipped Clifton Heights but attended the St. Louis Hills Neighborhood Association candidate forum.
6/27/2006 7:41 AM
106 people at a neighborhood meeting??? I doubt that, I bet a lot of those folks were voting by proxy. I bet if you asked everyone in the neighborhood they would be ok with a QT.
6/27/2006 7:48 AM
I was at the meeting, Southsider. There was easily 100 people there. I have some video of the actual vote, the announced results, and the bit of controversy in between. I just don't have a lot of time to edit it this morning. Check back late afternoon or in the evening.
6/27/2006 8:03 AM
Hmmm, Burgle Burgle...
Hampton and Columbia might be a good spot for a new McD's
6/27/2006 8:36 AM
No one wants a QT Mr. Soutsider.
6/27/2006 9:35 AM
Yo antonio, I was listening to 88.1 lastnight around 7:30pm and some guy on their was talking about pubdef, he said that it was the most reliable blog for news, and himself and his other friend that was also onair said they dont watch the tv news, but were giving you all props. I have know Idea who they are, but if you exspand and want to hire some "reporters" count me in
6/27/2006 9:38 AM
I didn't hear that last night, Brian. But it's nice to know people appreciate this site. But before I even think about "expanding," I've got to first figure out how to make this thing pay for itself.
Frankly, between this and the Schools Watch, all this free reporting is costing me. I may have to make some decisions pretty soon. I may have to get a "real job" and go work at the Post-Dispatch -- which has never been a big fan of this site and probably won't let me do both.
But before I'm forced to sell out, I am looking for an experienced ad salesperson to sell ads for me. If anyone knows an experienced ad salesperson, tell them to shoot me an email.
Or if anyone knows Ray Hartmann, tell him St. Louis journalism needs him and his investment dollars.
Thanks.
6/27/2006 10:11 AM
Actually Doug, Alderman Bill Waterhouse said 250 residents signed a petition saying they do support the QT.
6/27/2006 10:13 AM
Antonio, he probably is trying to protect his ass and not get recalled like Bauer ;)
6/27/2006 11:32 AM
Some might call it protecting one's ass. Others might call it being an inclusive representative. I guess it's all in the eye of the beholder.
6/27/2006 11:44 AM
My comedic commentary should be taken with a grain of salt.
I am sure he has the 250 signatures, and that's a good thing that he actually is seeking opinion on this important issue.
However, I would like to know if these 250 residents live near the proposed QT site.
6/27/2006 12:13 PM
I went to my first CHNA meeting last night... and it turned out to be an interesting one. I was disappointed by the debate surrounding the QT vote. I think some of the attendees were confusing The Neighborhood Association with The Neighborhood. Our vote last night was an important step in letting Alderman Waterhouse know how the Association feels about the QT. But it is only ONE OF MANY things that he can and should take into account.
In defense of the association members involved in the debate last night, I do think a lot of the confusion and mixed feelings could have been avoided if Alderman Waterhouse had been more clear and consistent in describing how he was approaching the matter.
Thanks for the coverage Antonio, and thanks to Josh for the leadership at the meeting.
6/27/2006 1:06 PM
As much as I love QT, (it's a reliable source of the NYT and other bennies) I have to side with the 'hood on this one.
There are other locations on Hampton that would be better.
6/27/2006 4:12 PM
I've really got to hand it to the African-American candidates. What an ingenious way to woo white voters. Ignore them. I highly doubt Lacy Clay would be in office if he ignored the white constituents in his district. As St. Louis Oracle said, they a made a really big mistake. That will cots them votes. I guess they feel catering to a non-voting electorate makes more sense than welcoming views from an electorate that will not just complain about the situation, but get off their bottom and vote. But I digress.
Anyhoo, what is this fascination with convience and fast food restaurants of late? It seems that suddenly these places want to open like wildfire in city after ignoring it for what is it, 3 decades? I'm getting the vibe from the Clifton Heights Neighborhood Association, the don't want them, now. GO CHNA!
Antonio, you at least have webmaster skills (you could do that to generate money for a bit). Now as for me, I don't know how Frontpage, GoLive, or Dreamweaver work...
6/27/2006 6:26 PM
Let's not assume that the candidates are dissing the neighborhood. It is difficult with so many forums scheduled simultaneously.
There were easily 100 people in the room. I was there.
6/27/2006 7:47 PM
Antonio:
You ave a good thing going here. I hope you find an ad person to help you keep it going. I heard that Nebraska billionaire Warren Buffet is looking to dispose of 42 billion. You might hit him or his good buddy, Bill Gates, up for a grant.
Doug:
Not sure if you were kidding or just making outrageous comments to make a point, but some people like QT.
Josh:
I am sorry that some candidates chose not to show. It has become the track record for Rep. Boykins not to, but I would have expected the others to show or send a representative.
All:
This campaign is not about race, although the supporters of a couple of the candidates that "serve" in the State House would like to make race the issue.
The issue is who can best serve the entire 4th district. I would assert not a couple of single-issue candidates, nor a Republican-in-Democrat's-clothes, but rather a candidate who has served through public and private service as a volunteer, a teacher, and a community leader, like Jeff Smith.
6/27/2006 9:26 PM
Someone that is friends with Antonio French and Dave Drebes(Arch City Chronicle)had a meeting with them on separate occasions and advised them to join forces or to start their own newspapers independently. They were told to crank up their newspapers and let their exceptional talent show.
One person decided to re-invigorate their own newspaper, although not totally the way that I would have imagined it being done. The person is a very good writer, however the paper lacks the citywide coverage it needs.
The other person started the best damn website period, and works his a** off covering everything citywide in every nook and cranny imaginable. However, he asks that you print his actual newspaper off the internet (great concept, a little before its time) and read it.
Antonio you are still a great journalist and newsreporter, whether the St. Louis Post Dispatch hires you or not! You and Dave Drebes should still consider joining forces and starting a new independent newspaper.
How about the STL DEF ARCHPUPPY? JUST JOKING!
Don't bother responding on this blog comment Antonio or we'll be discussing until eternity!
6/27/2006 9:31 PM
A little mistake above, I meant the STL DEF ARCHPUPPY CHRONICLES!
6/27/2006 9:38 PM
How about Arch City Defender?
6/27/2006 10:13 PM
I think the real question is whether print media is a dying media. I don't think I can do what it is that makes PUB DEF so good in a weekly print paper.
That being said, let's get back to the discussion of Q-T or not Q-T.
6/27/2006 10:46 PM
I like pub def because I can leave comments and cuss a-holes like Nia knows out. I cant do that with normal news
6/27/2006 10:52 PM
Travis, the Arch City Defender sounds good. That title sounds like it would be published for the defense of the people.
6/28/2006 2:48 AM
Ok, back to the main topic here. I did find in a post that Josh Wiese, President of the CHNA, posted that Kenny Jones had RSVP'd in the negative. So, at least Mr. Jones let the association know he would be unable to attend due to a scheduling conflict. That is the courteous thing to do, rather than just not show up.
6/28/2006 9:32 AM
I do not see the advantage of another gas station in a location that is 50 feet from a gas station, both north and south.
Adding another gas station will lower property values, in my opinion, and create more traffic issues on Hampton. Furthermore, it will probably put the Sinclair out of business. As pointed out before, the Sinclair is a locally owned franchise. He closes his business at 9PM for the purpose of reducing late night liquor sales, which is something I support. If another gas station is placed directly down the street, this could affect this business drastically.
Furthermore, I do not believe that demolishing Wash U, Zitos, and a couple of homes for a large gas station is a good utilization of scarce city land. As stated before, there are plenty of gas stations on Hampton, and I believe the only possible justification for demolition of these properties would be office space, or retail.
I do not believe it is a good idea to demolish these properties and replace them with an establishment of lower utility.
In accordance with my anti-fast food restaurant stance, St. Louis City needs to raise the bar on many levels. We need to improve the SLPS, yet we also need to require higher quality development. St. Louis needs to attract more residents, and if we expect to reach 500,000, I believe both the SLPS, and our development precedent must be improved.
As I was joking about Waterhouse before, I need to specify that he is taking the correct stance by considering the opposing view. In response to Waterhouse's stance, the NA should hit the streets and get more signatures. Furthermore, Waterhouse should disclose whether these pro-QT residents live on, or near Hampton. I believe that the more signatures of people who are directly affected by this decision, the more weight is present.
6/28/2006 9:59 AM
I have been to the Sinclair and the Shell, and both are worthless. I think a QT would be a great thing in that section, though I live near Joan of Arc. I understand that the Sinclair owner doesn't want to have to upgrade his crap, and some of the neighbors don't want it in their yard, but don't make the Sinclair owner seem like the victim. He isn't in that store much, and when he rebuilt that store he did shoddy work. If the neighborhood doesn't want QT, don't put one there but don't act like the Sinclair owner is a saint. He acted like a bully at the meetings about QuikTrip.
6/28/2006 11:24 AM
Maybe instead of yet another gas station, the site should be used for something south city doesn't have yet: a Hooters! (Note: Neither Union Station nor south county along Lindbergh qualifies as south city.)
6/28/2006 11:26 AM
Brian: I do not see how the demographics of that area would not support a small amount of retail, or office space?
The clinic next door recently spend close to a million in renovations. I am sure their business is doing well?
Anon: You may dislike Shell and Sinclair, however we cannot simply close them and open a QT. If QT opens, there will be three gas stations for a while. You may also dislike the owner of Sinclair for being a bully, but his business will be the first to close if QT opens, and the Shell will probably remain. That place is older, and not perfect, but the fact that he closes at 9 says something: he does care about the community. Instead of purchasing liquor at Sinclair, he looses business. Customers can then spend their dollars at Shell, or Arena Liquor. Loosing money for the sake of community security is a good mark in my book.
Furthermore, if the QT does open, and the Sinclair closes, then there will be another building which will either sit vacant, or be demolished. The easier solution is either to keep Wash U open, and demolish Zitos, or demolish Wash U and Zitos and build small office buildings.
6/28/2006 11:52 AM
Doug for the sake of argument, why would the sinclair be the first to close and not the 7-11 right across the street from the sinclair. Everyone is worried about the sinclair but nobody cared about the 7-11 when sinclair remodeled to allow for more convienence products. Why all of the sudden worry because QT is moving in. All of the property QT wants they are paying for, Sinclair is crap, and when did we start worrying what a competing business thinks when deciding what goes where. They put that Zito's right across the street from Bartalino's. Why didn't they stop that and say "well we don't want the competition." What kind of statement is that. That would be like if Hardee's was the driving force behind not moving McDonald's. Who would listen. By the way I am pretty sure that the Sinclair doesn't close at 9.
-Same anon as previously complained about sinclair.
6/28/2006 12:14 PM
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
6/28/2006 1:32 PM
On Brian's note about placing services where they are needed, which the new QT may or may not do, there has long been a cry in the areas Brian mentions (CWE, downtown, etc.) for more services, such as grocers and gas stations. I could not imagine living in an area without services that support a residential existence. To Brian's point, office space and light retail does only get you so far. We need basic services in more areas, even if not in this specific location.
6/28/2006 2:21 PM
"even if not in this specific location."
Exactly!
There are plenty of basic services in this area. My main point is that there are two gas stations not 50 feet north and south of this location.
Have the QT open somewhere else.
6/28/2006 3:32 PM
Good God leave poor Nia alone already Mr.Fat Nuts, I'm personally tired of you two going at it all the time. I think you two ought to meet up i sense some sexual tension between the two of you!
6/29/2006 10:28 PM
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