St. Louis Introduces Arch Grants

St. Louis Arch Grants by Michale Ward

Hello everyone my name is Michale Ward, I am so eager to be working in the 6th Ward as an intern for Alderman Kacie Starr Triplett. I am a Senior at Harris Stowe State University majoring in Urban Affairs minor in Urban Studies planning to graduate May, 2012.

Michale Ward, Intern

Recently, I had the opportunity to attend the press event, launching the creation of Arch Grants. The Arch Grants Foundation was created to help young entrepreneurs and professionals create businesses and remain in our area.

The Arch Grants is relevant because its a new program offering a $50,000.00 incentive for new successful start ups in downtown St. Louis.

The Arch Grants is a competitive, rigorous process, in addition to the $50,000 cash prize, recipients also receive business mentoring, housing, office, and retail discounts, along with free legal and accounting services. Award recipients will also have  a chance to compete for a second round grant of up to $100,000 .

This is exciting for the City of St. Louis.  The Arch Grants not only creates a national buzz, but allows St. Louis to be the center of creating a strong support  system for local start up companies.

What does Arch Grant mean to me? It gives college graduates an opportunity who are looking for work in the business field to have a great opportunity with Arch grants as they are looking for young entrepreneurs who are willing to stay in the St. Louis area .

I think it also gives residents in the 6th ward an opportunity as well. Downtown is part of the 6th Ward, and this opportunity presents more jobs and more prominence for our community and City.

6th Ward Welcomes Intern Angelica Small

Hello City of St. Louis,

My name is Angelica Small, and I will be working as an intern for the 6th Ward with Kacie Starr Triplett. This is a very exciting time for me working with Kacie, as I have admired her work for the city of St. Louis for so long. My field of study is Urban Affairs/Urban Studies. From this experience I want to get a feel for public service, media relations, community development and a broader sense of how the 6th ward serves the community!

Join Us for the Presidential Primary Watch Party

Like their national party’s search for a reasonable, non-extreme and acceptable presidential nominee, the Missouri Republican Party will soon embark on a pointless, unproductive effort of their own – and the Sixth Ward Democrats will be there to celebrate!

On Tuesday, February 7, local Republicans plan to waste up to $7 million of public funds on a non-binding “Presidential Preference Primary”.  The vote will award no delegates, have no impact on the nomination process and some of the race’s leading candidates won’t even be on the ballot.  In effect, this primary is nothing more than a glorified “beauty contest”.

To recognize this reign of Republican ridiculousness, the Sixth Ward Democratic Organization is hosting a watch party at the Fox Park Grille (located at the corner of Nebraska & Shenandoah).  There, local progressives will join together to witness the madness, play “Where’s Newt”, and help raise money to turnout city voters in August and November – two elections that actually matter.

The fun begins at 7 p.m., and for a $5 door charge, you’ll receive light appetizers and access to the cash bar and grill.  Hope to see you there!

Upcoming Community Forum on Homelessness

Homelessness and the issues surrounding it are very important considerations for our city and region.  As alderman, I’ve worked to be a strong voice and advocate for many issues affecting St. Louis’ homeless community.

An upcoming series from the Missouri History Museum, “Stories of Resilience”, will help spotlight issues of hunger and homelessness in our region.  This monthly series offers stories of resilience and hope in the St. Louis area. Topics are examined from different perspectives through a variety of formats, from guest lecturers to workshops.

The series kicks-off with a community forum on Tuesday, February 28 at the Lee Auditorium in Forest Park.  There, we’ll explore ways in which homelessness is being addressed in the St. Louis region, including the efforts of organizations like Gateway 180: Homelessness Reversed.

This important forum promises to be informative and thought-provoking, and I strongly encourage you to attend.

TIF Board Approves Funds for Foodland Site

Decision paves way toward development of long-vacant grounds

Today, Alderman Kacie Starr Triplett (Ward 6) applauded the Tax Increment Financing Commission’s decision to approve $1.7 million in funds to help develop the Jefferson Avenue Foodland site near Lafayette Square.  The move marks another step toward making the proposed rehab of the 47,000-square-foot former supermarket a reality.  Returning a grocery store to the area and redeveloping the property, which has stood vacant since 2004, has been an chief concern of Triplett’s since she first ran for office five years ago.

“This morning’s TIF board decision is great news for the entire 6th Ward area,” said Triplett.  “These funds won’t just rebuild a store, they’ll transform the entire surrounding community.  For years, I’ve heard the neighborhood’s desire for a close, convenient retail center.  This TIF approval marks an important step forward in the process, and I look forward to working closely with local residents and Green Street Properties as we make this dream into a reality.”

Green Street Properties filed paperwork with the city last November to begin the $6.6 million first phase of the development later this spring.  They also have tentative plans to begin a potential second phase later on.  The company is currently close to completing another development project in the 6th Ward, the LEED-certified building at the corner of Chouteau and Jefferson that will soon house the new headquarters of the Sheetmetal Workers’ Union Local 36, and DynaLabs, a biotechnology company.

The current plan calls for turning the property on Jefferson into a mixed-use development that will house a grocery store, along with other tenants.  Since the previous supermarket closed after being denied a liquor license in 2004, the area has lacked nearby grocery options.  In fact, the site sits within 2000 feet of three separate geographical tracts declared by the US Department of Agriculture to be “food deserts”, areas where healthful, affordable food is difficult to obtain.

Triplett has been assisting local businesses and spurring the development of local neighborhoods as alderman of the 6th Ward since April 2007.  She currently represents part of downtown St. Louis and several south St. Louis neighborhoods.

New Proposed Grocery Store in the 6th Ward

Triplett Organizes Tenants’ Rights Forum

Next Tuesday, Alderman Kacie Starr Triplett (Ward 6) will host an informational meeting for local renters. Housing law attorneys who will provide an overview of the legal rights afforded to tenants within St. Louis city. The meeting will be held in the Community Activities Area at the Eads Square Apartments (2700 Henrietta).

“It’s so important for local tenants to know their rights,” said Alderwoman Kacie Starr Triplett. “Renters make up a big part of our 6th Ward community. That’s why I’m so excited to partner with these local experts and attorneys to make sure everyone has the information they need to live safely and happily in their apartments.”

Panelists scheduled to attend next Tuesday’s meeting include Ian Simmons (Beck Simmons & EHOC volunteer), Leslie Broadnax (Mound City Bar Association), Shira Truitt (Truitt Law Firm), and Susan Alverson (Legal Services of Eastern Missouri).

Alderman Kacie Starr Triplett is a longtime advocate for housing and homelessness issues. In 2005, Mayor Francis Slay appointed her to the Affordable Housing Commission, where she served until being sworn-in as alderman of the 6th Ward in April 2007. She currently represents part of downtown St. Louis and several south St. Louis neighborhoods.

WHAT: “Know Your Rights As A Renter” Informational Meeting

WHEN: Tuesday, August 9th, 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

WHERE: The Community Area at Eads Square Apartments (2700 Henrietta)

Join Me for A Meal to Support Crisis Nursery

I’m proud to announce that, on Thursday, August 18, I’ll be serving as a celebrity waitress for the 21st Annual fundraiser for St. Louis Crisis Nursery.  For over a quarter century now, the group has worked to prevent child abuse and neglect across the local region.

It’s a great cause and a fantastic event that I feel fortunate to be part of.  My shift will be at Cardwell’s at The Plaza in Frontenac from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

This will be a sold-out event, so be sure to make your reservations today by calling (314)997-8885 and join me in support of one of St. Louis’ greatest advocates for children and families!

Recent Legislative Activity at the Board of Aldermen

This past Friday, the Board of Aldermen wrapped up its legislative session.  The most recent items up for discussion and passage at the Board of Aldermen include the following:

New Law Requiring the Spaying, Neutering & Microchipping for Dogs & Cats (potential passage date is September 2011) - This responsible pet owner’s legislation introduced by Ald. Lyda Krewson (D-28) requires that all city pet owners spay, neuter and micro-chip animals for identification. The ordinance also creates a special Neuter Assistance and Education fund which will offer financial assistance to qualified income -eligible city residents to assist with the spaying, neutering and micro-chipping of their dogs and cats. For those city residents who are found to not be in compliance with the new proposed responsible pet ownership law; there will be a 60 day grace period. Those found to not be in compliance after 60 days will be issued a fine. It should be noted that this law would not take effect until 2012 once session is resumed in September 2011.

New Ward Boundaries for the 6th Ward - Every 10 years based on population count from the deci-annual census the ward boundaries for our City must be redrawn.  The 6th Ward was one of the few wards to experience a double digit population growth.  To accommodate population loss in surrounding parts of the City, our ward boundaries had to shift.  What does this mean for us in the 6th Ward? It means that we will continue to maintain our diversity, excellent neighborhoods and strong quality of life; however we will have to lose some neighbors and gain new ones.  The 6th Ward will still consist of the Lafayette Square, Compton Hill, Compton Heights, Tower Grove East, Fox Park, Gate District and Clinton Peabody neighborhoods. Unfortunately, we have to say goodbye to our friends in the Downtown West & JVL neighborhoods.  Those neighborhoods will now be represented by portions of the 5th and 19th Wards.  We welcome new blocks of the Compton Heights and Fox Park neighborhoods and also say goodbye to some areas of Lafayette Square including the historic Lafayette Park.  With Redistricting, “you win some and you lose some.” It’s a heavily political and at times controversial process. However, I am convinced that as Alderman, you and I will work together and continue to make our community vibrant, sustainable and a great place to live, work and play. (more…)

Why I Voted No

Recently, the Board of Aldermen met to vote on our city’s budget for the new fiscal year.  As a member of the Ways and Means committee, I was proud to work with my colleagues to balance a budget that had a projected $30 million dollar shortfall.

However, I was disappointed that the final bill removed $1 million from the affordable housing programs that serve our city’s most in need.  I believe that it’s simply wrong to cut programs that help our residents remain in their homes during one of the worst housing crises in our country’s history; and am adamantly opposed to cutting funding that was created by the tax payers for this specific purpose.

I was the only member to vote no against passing our city’s budget bill; and I am okay with that. I felt it important to take a stand and bring light to this issue. There are too many people in our City who are in need.  We must never develop a philospohy that it is okay to balance the budget on the backs of our most low-income and elderly residents.

The Affordable Housing Trust Fund was created for a specific reason, and by law is to be funded at a specific level. By removing these funds and using them for other purposes, I feel is completely wrong.

Getting Tough on Scrap Metal Theft

Whether you personally have been a victim of scrap metal theft, or know someone who has, I am sure you have heard the horror stories about the crime. Like families returning to their homes after a nice evening out, only to discover an air conditioner missing from their backyard; or a neighbor ready to depart for the workday who finds his or her car’s catalytic convertor has been hacksawed away for its precious metal.

Scrap metal crimes have increased throughout our City. No longer subject to just vacant, derelict buildings; scrap metal thieves have become emboldened by stealing from construction sites and major downtown businesses. A bill has been introduced at the Board of Aldermen to crackdown on scrap metal thieves and dealers who purchase stolen metal. (more…)

Redistricting: Gain Some & Lose Some

Last week, the legislation committee of the Board of Alderman publicly revealed its proposed redistricting maps for the first time.  Unlike many areas of the city, the 6th Ward grew according to our most recent census figures.  That means the size of our new ward will slightly shrink.  However, it will host the largest population of any of the city’s 28 wards – an estimated 11,961 people.

As you can see from the map below, one of the biggest changes to the new ward occurs downtown. The revised boundaries now exclude the area north of Washington and east of 20th Street, and also some areas near Harris Stowe. There’s also a pretty big change in Lafayette Square. The new map takes out the area east of Lafayette Park bordered by Mississippi Ave., Park Ave., and 18th Street, as well as the area south of the park that sits east of Jefferson.

There’s also small cutouts north of Allen between Compton and Nebraska, and east of Compton between Park and Lasalle.

That’s a lot to lose, but our ward is growing in some areas! The easternmost border now extends to 13th Street near Peabody Elementary and the southern border now goes along Gravois all the way to Wyoming. We’ve also added some territory in Compton Heights just south of Allen between Compton and Jefferson.

I’m going to miss the people and places I’ve served for the last four years, but I’m really excited about the new areas that will soon join our great 6th Ward community.

What are your thoughts on the new 6th Ward? You can click here to see the previous boundaries. What do you think of the proposed maps in the rest of the city? Let me know in the comments section below – I’m looking forward to hearing from you!