Those of us who live, work and own property here within Grand Center have a vested interest to see this neighborhood grow and prosper. But it should not be done at the cruel expense of those of us who have worked the hardest and sacrificed the most to make it wholesome, stable and secure. Mr. “Gentle” Day provides an important service for those of us who appreciate the convenience of an automotive service right here in our urban neighborhood.
Throughout this redevelopment authority’s many varied incarnations over the past 34 years, this neighborhood has been methodically drained of its productive residents and many tax-paying small businesses in a perverse effort to “suburbanize’ the district into a collection of arts venues surrounded by parking lots.
What once was a vibrant, yet mostly black, urban district is but a ghost of its former self n an island within the inner city designed to serve the interests of a mostly white commuter patronage. Sadly, once these commuters quickly depart after attending events, the district lapses back into a dark and empty landscape where few dare to travel.
This area will not fully meet its potential again until this abuse is halted, a new vision of multiple uses is restored and the current redevelopment authority responsible for this tragedy ceases to exist.Frederick D. MedlerSt. Louis