Decisions in Webster Groves cast bad light on entire region
October 12, 2013 12:00 am
Amy Kohlbecker • Kirkwood
I am concerned. The Webster Groves City Council passed a moratorium halting the issuance of use permits for education providers in their community. This resolution was introduced for consideration a day after Eden Theological Seminary and Webster University filed suit against the city of Webster Groves challenging the city’s denial of a use permit so the university can use buildings it purchased from Eden. This action doesn’t seem like a coincidence, and seems unproductive.
Based on media coverage, it appears the city would choose to have the buildings remain vacant, rather than have them occupied by a chess club of all things! Webster University students even shared Luhr Library on the north side of Lockwood for 45 years before the university built its new library, which it still shares with Eden.
The Webster Groves City Council’s decisions don’t make sense. These actions cast a bad light on our entire region, hinder our regional economic development, and bring bad publicity — something this area cannot afford. What job-producing enterprise would want to locate here and deal with this?
Other municipalities are crying for investment and development in their communities. Yet the city of Webster Groves deems it appropriate to prevent a thriving, historic institution of higher learning like Webster University from using buildings it bought in a manner consistent with their past use — educating students.
I sure hope the citizens of Webster Groves take notice. I am perplexed about the council’s goals and how they are positive for our region.
Source: http://www.stltoday.com
Good luck.