^ Why remove those trees along St. Charles?
What's the appropriate size for a tree in this park?
What's the appropriate size for a tree in this park?
Removal of the trees is necessary for several reasons:
1) They are too large for the park
2) Historically, there were no trees there at all
3) The trees drop stuff all over the place making a major mess.
4) The trees were originally placed there to hide the once vacant buildings that border St. Charles and Washington.
5) The trees provide lots of cover for illegal drug usage and other illicit activity.
6) The vast majority of neighbors that use the park want them gone (based on the design charrette last year).
7) Grass can't grow under the trees and it gets really muddy, which then flows into the drains backing them up.
Here's a link to the .pdf that the architect has drawn up for a proposed plan.
http://info.downtownstl10.org/Home/Luca ... 021009.pdf
IMHO... I really like the cherry blossoms that are in the fenced in area, I believe that they are the same type that are on the National Mall. They are in full bloom right now and look awesome. I think it would look really cool if the trees were replaced with that type (less of them of course)... As far as "appropriate" size, I'm not sure, but definitely something smaller and less of them.
1) They are too large for the park
2) Historically, there were no trees there at all
3) The trees drop stuff all over the place making a major mess.
4) The trees were originally placed there to hide the once vacant buildings that border St. Charles and Washington.
5) The trees provide lots of cover for illegal drug usage and other illicit activity.
6) The vast majority of neighbors that use the park want them gone (based on the design charrette last year).
7) Grass can't grow under the trees and it gets really muddy, which then flows into the drains backing them up.
Here's a link to the .pdf that the architect has drawn up for a proposed plan.
http://info.downtownstl10.org/Home/Luca ... 021009.pdf
IMHO... I really like the cherry blossoms that are in the fenced in area, I believe that they are the same type that are on the National Mall. They are in full bloom right now and look awesome. I think it would look really cool if the trees were replaced with that type (less of them of course)... As far as "appropriate" size, I'm not sure, but definitely something smaller and less of them.
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gopher wrote:
3) The trees drop stuff all over the place making a major mess.
I find that very funny.
Anyway, the park definitely needs some care and removing these trees seems like a fair idea.
Seems a shame to remove healthy trees. It is a park, after all.
I hope you guys are ready to plant the replacement trees right away. Otherwise it would be like developers who tear down a great old building before they secure the financing for the new one. We get stuck with an ugly hole in the ground.
I hope you guys are ready to plant the replacement trees right away. Otherwise it would be like developers who tear down a great old building before they secure the financing for the new one. We get stuck with an ugly hole in the ground.
Agreed. I hate to tear down trees, but it's gotta get done otherwise we'll be in for another mess. But hopefully, by planting new trees it will be somewhat symbolic of renewal.
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^ I agree gopher. Old trees are great, but parks, especially small parks like this need to show upkeep. The fact is that old trees sometimes cause problems - as you've outlined. Most likely the trees in Lucas Park are not the size/shape/etc. they are through a plan, but because of neglect.
The next park clean up session will be this Saturday, June 13, from 9:00AM to Noon. If you don't have anything scheduled, come on out, get your hands a little dirty, and take in some fresh air.
vollum wrote:The next park clean up session will be this Saturday, June 13, from 9:00AM to Noon. If you don't have anything scheduled, come on out, get your hands a little dirty, and take in some fresh air.
Are you sure you guys want to schedule it then? I would hope most of St. Louis will be at the Race for the Cure a couple blocks away...
Well, the park needs some cleaning. Hope the race for the cure is well attended. But, if you are not planning on participating in the race for the cure or are not planning on spending the whole morning participating, and you would like to do something outside, come on over and lend a hand at the park. You don't need to spend all three hours...one hour or even a half hour would be a help. We'll probably be cleaning the following Saturday as well...Like I said...The park needs some cleaning.
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^ I think it's great since those participating will see people out improving our downtown! Should leave a nice impression!
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I saw a group meeting over in Lucus Park thins morning. Looked liked Kacie STarr-Triplet with a gorup of people, come clutching notebooks.
So, what's up?
So, what's up?
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GelatinousEndive wrote:I saw a group meeting over in Lucus Park thins morning. Looked liked Kacie STarr-Triplet with a gorup of people, come clutching notebooks.
So, what's up?
How many people are in a gorup?
That was Kacie along with some members of the downtownstl10 and the Parks department reviewing the plan for the improvements to Lucas park that will be happening.
We hope to break ground soon on new improvements that we've been working on for the past year.
Plantings, capital improvements, etc. We are coordinating our efforts with the city to move forward.
We hope to break ground soon on new improvements that we've been working on for the past year.
Plantings, capital improvements, etc. We are coordinating our efforts with the city to move forward.
^ When will you be communicating the plans to the neighborhood on your website?
All,
We are making some serious progress for improving Lucas Park. We had a very successful trivia night to raise funds for Lucas Park improvements and we hope to break ground soon.
To that end, I'd like to post the following meeting notice:
Lucas Park Beautification Meeting:
Monday, August 10th
Fashion Square Clubroom
7:30 to 9:00 PM
Agenda Items
· Kacie Starr Triplett will attend
· Dog Park construction plans and projections
· Trivia Night success report!!!
· Proposals for Park benches
· Voting for new board members*
· Cocktail Party in September or October
· Safety issues downtown ( proposal for hiring a private safety force)
· Stronger legislation to enforce health department regulations for handing out food in public
info at www.downtownstl10.org
We are making some serious progress for improving Lucas Park. We had a very successful trivia night to raise funds for Lucas Park improvements and we hope to break ground soon.
To that end, I'd like to post the following meeting notice:
Lucas Park Beautification Meeting:
Monday, August 10th
Fashion Square Clubroom
7:30 to 9:00 PM
Agenda Items
· Kacie Starr Triplett will attend
· Dog Park construction plans and projections
· Trivia Night success report!!!
· Proposals for Park benches
· Voting for new board members*
· Cocktail Party in September or October
· Safety issues downtown ( proposal for hiring a private safety force)
· Stronger legislation to enforce health department regulations for handing out food in public
info at www.downtownstl10.org
The city should be starting within the next three weeks on building the new dog park. In addition we brought up the issue of security with Kacie, she stated that she would talk with the district captain and her Sgt. about it.
We reiterated that we basically want the cops to enforce the ordinances that already exist (no public feeding, no loitering after 10pm, no public urination, etc.) We also talked about getting the CID to pay for extra patrols and / or a private security firm with arrest capabilities (read off duty cops) to patrol the immediate area. We have some serious problems with drug dealers hanging out in the park, on the corner across from Larry's, and across from the library.
Muggings, assaults, and car clottings are also perceived (by the residents) to be increasing. Bums are also now camping out (yet again) at the entrance to the new health food shop each morning and night at 13th / St. Charles (Old downtown Children's Center).
We reiterated that we basically want the cops to enforce the ordinances that already exist (no public feeding, no loitering after 10pm, no public urination, etc.) We also talked about getting the CID to pay for extra patrols and / or a private security firm with arrest capabilities (read off duty cops) to patrol the immediate area. We have some serious problems with drug dealers hanging out in the park, on the corner across from Larry's, and across from the library.
Muggings, assaults, and car clottings are also perceived (by the residents) to be increasing. Bums are also now camping out (yet again) at the entrance to the new health food shop each morning and night at 13th / St. Charles (Old downtown Children's Center).
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The icing on the cake is this: my wife's friend was leaving our home after visiting a few weeks ago, and was victim to a mugging attempt. The guy was camping in Lucas Park and took a running start from a parkbench at her. She is, fortunately, very swift and was able to outrun him and make enough noise to make him feel uncomfortable.
There was also a mugging of one of my neighbors for her purse a couple weeks ago.
On top of these issues....
Has anybody noticed a distinct increase in the amount of people camping out in Lucas Park lately? They've also become more aggressive with panhandling and general harassment. I got into an argument with one of them last night after I was demanded to give food (I was returning with carry-out for dinner from Sen) and then money. It seems like there's several people camping out all day, all night, laying about on blankets and littering.
Something needs to be done about this.
There was also a mugging of one of my neighbors for her purse a couple weeks ago.
On top of these issues....
Has anybody noticed a distinct increase in the amount of people camping out in Lucas Park lately? They've also become more aggressive with panhandling and general harassment. I got into an argument with one of them last night after I was demanded to give food (I was returning with carry-out for dinner from Sen) and then money. It seems like there's several people camping out all day, all night, laying about on blankets and littering.
Something needs to be done about this.
I won't go into how many muggings, assaults, etc. That belongs in the crime thread, however...
I've asked Kacie (our "alderwoman") at least 3 times to setup a meeting with Capt. Spicer (the Dist. 4 Commander). She has responded stating,
And this was from Jul 20th..."I am working on setting up a meeting time with the police captain and other city officials to discuss your concerns. Once the meeting has been coordinated, I will be in contact with you. We will sit down and discuss your concerns and develop a plan of action of what we can do regarding the circumstances in the park. Your patience is appreciated as I try to work around everyone's schedules. My focus is to try to get as many partners at the table as possible, so we can have a candid discussion. kst"
Now what exactly does that mean? Partners at the table? The next discussion may be someone talking with his partners Smith & Wesson the next time someone gets attacked.
Yes, it's gotten completely out of hand, there are people camping there each night and I can actually take a picture of the sign that has the ordinance number on it with people camping underneath of it.
We have a bunch of new bums in the park, not sure where they are coming from, but I have a guess (see the other thread where Larry Rice talks about busing the homeless in from other communities)... and they are very, very aggressive.
http://www.semissourian.com/story/1542008.html
There is also a very obese white female bum who likes to have sex in the park. The word "gross" doesn't even come close.
The old man "Johnny" who is now sleeping in the park with the wheelchair was apparently dumped there as he has stated, "I don't want to go back to the VA hospital". He has refused to go back, but yet is complaining about being robbed by the other bums in the park.
shoot.gif
In the meantime, I suggest everyone obtain a CCW when walking around this area. We are also attempting to hire Hi-Tech security (off duty cops) as even though we pay for police services via taxes (they are not bound to provide protection, just enforce the law), it looks like we're gonna need some extra services.
For a paltry $250,000 / day we can get 117 armed mercenaries with an APC From Xe (formerly Blackwater) to hold and occupy an area. For a bit more we can get predator drones as well... (yes I've priced it out...)
shoot.gif
I've asked Kacie (our "alderwoman") at least 3 times to setup a meeting with Capt. Spicer (the Dist. 4 Commander). She has responded stating,
And this was from Jul 20th..."I am working on setting up a meeting time with the police captain and other city officials to discuss your concerns. Once the meeting has been coordinated, I will be in contact with you. We will sit down and discuss your concerns and develop a plan of action of what we can do regarding the circumstances in the park. Your patience is appreciated as I try to work around everyone's schedules. My focus is to try to get as many partners at the table as possible, so we can have a candid discussion. kst"
Now what exactly does that mean? Partners at the table? The next discussion may be someone talking with his partners Smith & Wesson the next time someone gets attacked.
Yes, it's gotten completely out of hand, there are people camping there each night and I can actually take a picture of the sign that has the ordinance number on it with people camping underneath of it.
We have a bunch of new bums in the park, not sure where they are coming from, but I have a guess (see the other thread where Larry Rice talks about busing the homeless in from other communities)... and they are very, very aggressive.
http://www.semissourian.com/story/1542008.html
There is also a very obese white female bum who likes to have sex in the park. The word "gross" doesn't even come close.
The old man "Johnny" who is now sleeping in the park with the wheelchair was apparently dumped there as he has stated, "I don't want to go back to the VA hospital". He has refused to go back, but yet is complaining about being robbed by the other bums in the park.
shoot.gif
In the meantime, I suggest everyone obtain a CCW when walking around this area. We are also attempting to hire Hi-Tech security (off duty cops) as even though we pay for police services via taxes (they are not bound to provide protection, just enforce the law), it looks like we're gonna need some extra services.
For a paltry $250,000 / day we can get 117 armed mercenaries with an APC From Xe (formerly Blackwater) to hold and occupy an area. For a bit more we can get predator drones as well... (yes I've priced it out...)
shoot.gif
<rant>
Anyone who thinks that this is a problem can tell Kacie in their own words, because she probably thinks I'm alone on this one because I won't shut up about it...
kacietriplett@yahoo.com
Go ahead and send her an email, or a facebook message, or twitter her.
The more people that tell her that she needs to start fixing this issue instead of "bringing people to the table to discuss" the better.
Walked out there today with my dog and a bum rushed me for money. I looked him square in the eye and told him to "back the F off".
I for one am sick and tired of the rhetoric and placation from my elected "officials". I'm sick of the "let's all get along koom-by-ya" BS. Meanwhile we've got Larry sitting over there yet AGAIN telling everyone on TV that he needs a freakin' miracle as far as funds go because the homeless are "being dropped off at his doorstep" while he's telling the Federal government that he has another $40-50 million dollars in assets (no this is not a repeat from 2004, this is from 2009). We've got the police telling us that they aren't going to enforce the ordinances either through their inaction, or their unwillingness, or whatever.
And why does Lucas park have to be a laundromat for the bums? This isn't the Ganges river, it's not a place to bathe, do laundry, and hang up your clothes on the fence to dry while you go out and panhandle, I mean "work".
I mean for Christ's sake enforce the panhandling ordinance so that I can take my kid to the library across from the park without being hit up for cash or having him stared at by the pedophile bums that hang out on the steps of the library and do drug deals all day long, or be able to eat outside on a sidewalk cafe without a cracked out bum trying to sell me a used VHS copy of Blade (yes the Wesley Snipes one).
For those of you who aren't familiar with the panhandling ordinance here it is:
http://www.slpl.lib.mo.us/cco/ords/data/ord7918.htm
</rant>
Anyone who thinks that this is a problem can tell Kacie in their own words, because she probably thinks I'm alone on this one because I won't shut up about it...
kacietriplett@yahoo.com
Go ahead and send her an email, or a facebook message, or twitter her.
The more people that tell her that she needs to start fixing this issue instead of "bringing people to the table to discuss" the better.
Walked out there today with my dog and a bum rushed me for money. I looked him square in the eye and told him to "back the F off".
I for one am sick and tired of the rhetoric and placation from my elected "officials". I'm sick of the "let's all get along koom-by-ya" BS. Meanwhile we've got Larry sitting over there yet AGAIN telling everyone on TV that he needs a freakin' miracle as far as funds go because the homeless are "being dropped off at his doorstep" while he's telling the Federal government that he has another $40-50 million dollars in assets (no this is not a repeat from 2004, this is from 2009). We've got the police telling us that they aren't going to enforce the ordinances either through their inaction, or their unwillingness, or whatever.
And why does Lucas park have to be a laundromat for the bums? This isn't the Ganges river, it's not a place to bathe, do laundry, and hang up your clothes on the fence to dry while you go out and panhandle, I mean "work".
I mean for Christ's sake enforce the panhandling ordinance so that I can take my kid to the library across from the park without being hit up for cash or having him stared at by the pedophile bums that hang out on the steps of the library and do drug deals all day long, or be able to eat outside on a sidewalk cafe without a cracked out bum trying to sell me a used VHS copy of Blade (yes the Wesley Snipes one).
For those of you who aren't familiar with the panhandling ordinance here it is:
http://www.slpl.lib.mo.us/cco/ords/data/ord7918.htm
</rant>
A friend that lives in the lofts next to Lucas Park got a beer bottle thrown at his window last saturday. He ran down to see who did it. Everyone pointed one guy so friend confronted the homeless guy... homeless guy admits it as if it is ok, and then PUNCHES friend.
Well friend is rather on the ripped side and takes the homeless guy down and puts him a headlock...homeless people gang up on my friend...Lucas Park Grill bouncers stop everything.
Police came, the guy started running away, police did nothing at first because they didnt know who started. Another police office got the guy.
Well the next day police call up friend, asking if he wants to press charges, because the police were doing it as well because the homeless guy head-butted a police officer during booking...
Well friend is rather on the ripped side and takes the homeless guy down and puts him a headlock...homeless people gang up on my friend...Lucas Park Grill bouncers stop everything.
Police came, the guy started running away, police did nothing at first because they didnt know who started. Another police office got the guy.
Well the next day police call up friend, asking if he wants to press charges, because the police were doing it as well because the homeless guy head-butted a police officer during booking...
The city appears to have started construction of the new dog park this morning. There were a bunch of plumbing company trucks and a city parks department pickup parked along the north side of the park. Looks like the first step is to remove the sprinkler system in the area where the new dog park goes.
Where is publiceye on this thread? Perhaps the mayor's office should be notified?
Perhaps someone should vet all of this information over to the local news channels or the Post Dispatch?
The police are clearly doing nothing to stop this issue. Seems like a juicy story to break, which may force action out of the City.
Question: why are the homeless avoiding the new City Garden? Is there law enforcement patrolling that area? Perhaps a comparison can be made and submitted to the Paper/News Channels/Mayor as well.
Hope you guys make some progress on this. Let me know what I can do to help.
Sincerely,
Tom
Perhaps someone should vet all of this information over to the local news channels or the Post Dispatch?
The police are clearly doing nothing to stop this issue. Seems like a juicy story to break, which may force action out of the City.
Question: why are the homeless avoiding the new City Garden? Is there law enforcement patrolling that area? Perhaps a comparison can be made and submitted to the Paper/News Channels/Mayor as well.
Hope you guys make some progress on this. Let me know what I can do to help.
Sincerely,
Tom
My guesses as to why the homeless avoid City Garden:
1. Too many people around on a regular basis to make it a comfortable place to completely loaf.
2. It is very well lit, unlike Lucas Park and other downtown park / green space areas. I found someone camping in the green space across from Union Station - and a guy waiting for the bus went and took a pee right in front of us, but behind a tree.
3. There is more enforcement by the police in the area.
1. Too many people around on a regular basis to make it a comfortable place to completely loaf.
2. It is very well lit, unlike Lucas Park and other downtown park / green space areas. I found someone camping in the green space across from Union Station - and a guy waiting for the bus went and took a pee right in front of us, but behind a tree.
3. There is more enforcement by the police in the area.
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Wait, we have sprinklers in Lucas Park?
I see an easy solution to our expanded homeless problem.
I will personally write a check today to cover the additional costs of activating the sprinkler system every hour upon the hour from 10PM until 10AM. Just tell me where to go.
I see an easy solution to our expanded homeless problem.
I will personally write a check today to cover the additional costs of activating the sprinkler system every hour upon the hour from 10PM until 10AM. Just tell me where to go.