I'm wondering about the recent article in the Post-Dispatch "City Board Turns Down Muslim Center."





It seems incredible to me that the city would stop an organization that wants to fix up a building and bring in people for classes, meetings, etc. on a regular basis. On the face of it, it looks like a case of prejudice run amok. Am I wrong? Admittedly, I don't know the block and haven't been on Morganford for a while.



Does someone have more insight into the particulars of this case?

It sure sounds like racism to me. If you were trying to rebuild a business area, it seems to me that you would WANT lots of new people to come. Their excuses sound pretty hollow.



But what about the new Islamic Center on Landsdowne, just east of Kingshighway? Is that a differant sect, or something?

Not necessarily. The Morganford business district is starting to make a comeback and would be better served by additional retail than by a storefront church, which is essentially what they've proposed (albeit on a larger scale).

But the extra 200-250 church goers would create more traffic and could help boost retail development in the area. I disagree with the fact they didnt approve and goes to show the non progressive attitude of the Aldermen and the City officials. Their arguments are very weak and agree there may be some prejudice. Just my opinion.

Downtown2007 wrote:But the extra 200-250 church goers would create more traffic and could help boost retail development in the area. I disagree with the fact they didnt approve and goes to show the non progressive attitude of the Aldermen and the City officials. Their arguments are very weak and agree there may be some prejudice. Just my opinion.

Err.. 200 to 250 is a bit optomistic, and that would only be 1 day a week

(Saturday), and more during holy days, and its not like they go out for a beer afterward. Storefront churchs, no matter what affiliation, are usually a kiss of death to street activity, I don't think turning this down can be construed as lack of ?progressiveness? on the city?s behalf. We can find better places for a Mousque (lke how bout tearing down the 7-11 or carwash and putting it there? Or maybe an empty lot on Grand?

It looked to me like they were planning more than just a "store front church." They were going to offer real services and amenities to a mostly immigrant population, including English lessons.

It's not like the members of Holy Family Church went out for beers after their Sunday services! We all know that having churches in the city helps build a sense of community, attracts families, creates foot (and car) traffic. What exactly is so different in this case - apart from the fact that the constituents are Muslims?

Yes, I'm sure there are better places to put a community center, but this is the place they bought. I just can't believe that Morganford's commercial district is so far along that the city is in a position to chase away potential investors.

So...to those who think Morganford isn't a good spot: any ideas for locations in the city where this center might go?

Immigrants are the (future) life of any city. Just look what the Bosnians have done to stabilize the Southside (and gee, they're Muslims, too! Immagine that!).



I think we need to do everything possible to welcome new immigrants to St. Louis. After all, wasn't it the Germans and Italians and Irish etc. that made St. Louis great 100 years ago? And didn't they all have they're own churches, schools, clubs, etc? And didn't it all turn out OK? How is it any differant today?

I wish someone would point them towards South Broadway in Carondelet. Hopefully it would mean more settlement of immigrants to the area.

I don't have anything against this group and what they're trying to accomplish, I just don't think the Morganford Business District is the right place for it. How about one of the old St. Louis Public School District facilities? How about reusing a building from the Archdiocese? I realize that reusing a church would be out of the question, but an old school or rectory might be suitable for their needs. My opinion is that Morganford needs more businesses right now; the religion of the people involved has nothing to do with it. I'm Catholic, and I wouldn't want to see a Catholic church/social services facility go in there either.

I live in the neighborhood and from the discussions I've heard there is nothing racist about the desire to move the Muslim Community center to another site. Something inside of Tower Grove South would be fine. There are long term plans in place for the Morganford Business District and even if it may seem like an area desperate for development they are moving forward cautiously and trying to develop correctly.



I believe there is a law in place against storefront churches in that area and they were looking for a varience saying that it was a community center.



A similar arguement could be made in North City. North Grand needs commercial development so why not put a bunch of strip clubs and casinos there. Well, it just may not be right for the neighborhood 10 years from now and you have to plan for the future today.



If you haven't yet you should go to Morganford just South of Arsenal and check out the Tin Can Tavern and Grove Furnishings and see what else is going on there.