KMOV Channel 4: North St. Louis developer under fire from religious group
From the transcript: A spokesman for Paul McKee told News 4 it would be premature to talk to the public because "we really don't have any plans."
Pub Def: VIDEO: McKee a No-Show at Meeting
Friday, October 26, 2007
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7 comments:
"we really don't have any plans."
So McKee is buying land in North St. Louis for fun? Of course they have plans.
At least we can be happy that the meeting last night didn't turn into a McKee lovefest.
The question is: will this turn the MCU firmly against him?
He has a plan, however you are simply not included.
Plans or no, a pledge to respect the members of the community or the character of the neighborhood would not be premature - on the contrary, it's long overdue. That's what MCU asked him to do. His refusal is most disturbing.
He was also asked to enter into discussions with a community roundtable made up of reprsentatives of various "stakeholding" organizations, many of which skew significantly to the north and west of McKee's acquisition area. It would be a good start if all of these organizations would commit to MCU's four basic principles of development.
Isn't it probably safe to assume at this point that McKee is planning a Winghaven or Botanical Heights style development in North St. Louis?
Every other company in St. Louis that has been restoring historic buildings instead of demolishing them brags way in advance that they will save the structure.
"...many of which skew significantly to the north and west of McKee's acquisition area."
If the above is true, shouldn't McKee be expected to engage the people directly in the path of his development area?
"...Isn't it probably safe to assume at this point that McKee is planning a Winghaven or Botanical Heights style development in North St. Louis?
Botanical Hieghts maybe, but Winghaven no way.
Winghaven would involve complete clearance, tearing out all existing infrastructure, building all new infrastructre and very low density average development. There's no way he could justify those costs, and then build Winghaven styled houses for prices currently operating in city neighborhoods.
Winghaven homes sell upwards of $500,000 apiece. Who would pay that price to live near the corner of Jefferson and Cass?
On the other hand, maybe if he could deliver on such a vision, most people would consider him a hero?
"safe to assume at this point that McKee is planning a Winghaven or Botanical Heights style development in North St. Louis?"
A big yes. He certainly isn't doing infill and rehabs.
"Who would pay that price to live near the corner of Jefferson and Cass?"
Rename the streets! Remove the grid. McKee can do it! Santa delivers! If the people that "cause the problems" no longer live in the area, and the street is renamed to some idyllic suburban name, then it is a whole new place! Place erasing then place making! Urban planning of the future!!!!
People who live near the corner of Jeff/Cass would want to remain there I am sure.
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