That's the first time I've seen the Post-Dispatch reference urbanstl.com. Nice.
Obviously, because Wash Ave. was "gentrified" (read: no longer vacant), the issue has presented itself. When no one was living there, it did not matter if anyone slept in Lucas Park. But I agree that it's the wrong way to frame the problem.
It makes me wonder if St. Patrick's (and McMurphy's Grill) is at capacity--or simply can't attract a certain segment of the chronically homeless. McMurphy's Grill hires the homeless and trains them in the food service industry. I think that's a wonderful program. Supposed to be great food too, although I've never been.
As far as aggressive panhandling--I'm not sure most of the people who complain about this have been to New Orleans or Chicago or a host of other cities. They try to terrorize wayward tourists into walking to ATMs. I know I have been approached in St. Louis (near Lucas Park, on Wash Ave., and elsewhere) numerous times and have never once felt threatened or overburdened. I know that is just my particular anecdote. And yes, the woman whose business was barricaded by the homeless man--I do feel that's a particularly bad case. Even so, I think the problem is mostly aesthetic--that is, people don't want to have to "see" the homeless and they have all sorts of stereotypical fears as to their dangerousness.
Even so, public urination and litter and noise are not what I would want to have in my backyard, even in a downtown setting. I hope that the mayor's spoken efforts do take place and that the homeless can be connected with services that can assist them, to the best degree possible, in getting jobs.
And by the way, there is actually a homeless camp south of the Arch along the river. A friend of mine knows a man who is disabled and lost his job and house and moves down there. I think Larry Rice has something to do with it too if this homeless gentleman is to be believed. He says that they fish out of the Mississippi in order to eat. You might as well drink the urine at Lucas Park, I say.
Obviously, because Wash Ave. was "gentrified" (read: no longer vacant), the issue has presented itself. When no one was living there, it did not matter if anyone slept in Lucas Park. But I agree that it's the wrong way to frame the problem.
It makes me wonder if St. Patrick's (and McMurphy's Grill) is at capacity--or simply can't attract a certain segment of the chronically homeless. McMurphy's Grill hires the homeless and trains them in the food service industry. I think that's a wonderful program. Supposed to be great food too, although I've never been.
As far as aggressive panhandling--I'm not sure most of the people who complain about this have been to New Orleans or Chicago or a host of other cities. They try to terrorize wayward tourists into walking to ATMs. I know I have been approached in St. Louis (near Lucas Park, on Wash Ave., and elsewhere) numerous times and have never once felt threatened or overburdened. I know that is just my particular anecdote. And yes, the woman whose business was barricaded by the homeless man--I do feel that's a particularly bad case. Even so, I think the problem is mostly aesthetic--that is, people don't want to have to "see" the homeless and they have all sorts of stereotypical fears as to their dangerousness.
Even so, public urination and litter and noise are not what I would want to have in my backyard, even in a downtown setting. I hope that the mayor's spoken efforts do take place and that the homeless can be connected with services that can assist them, to the best degree possible, in getting jobs.
And by the way, there is actually a homeless camp south of the Arch along the river. A friend of mine knows a man who is disabled and lost his job and house and moves down there. I think Larry Rice has something to do with it too if this homeless gentleman is to be believed. He says that they fish out of the Mississippi in order to eat. You might as well drink the urine at Lucas Park, I say.
The meeting is geared toward downtown residents but anyone is welcome. 
