This may be a scoop for OVCC, since I have yet to see this in the Suburban Journals or the Post-Dispatch. Or, discussed in a City Council meeting, either.
Overland Medical Center, the multi-specialty medical facility in the heart of Overland, will be closing its door on August 1. A doctor's office in every specialty--plus a Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy (which will probably stay unless something non-medical completely takes over the building)--it filled the medical needs of the community from birth to grave.
It's a loss for Overland, not so much in tax revenue, but in needed services for the residents. Tis a sad day.
Showing posts with label City Planning. Show all posts
Showing posts with label City Planning. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Sunday, November 30, 2008
A Predator is coming to Overland
Dear Friend in Overland,
Something very distrurbing came to my attenion on a recent visit to city hall for a Overland Farmers Market meeting. Posted on the notices board near the front door was an announcement and agenda for an upcoming Board of Adjustment meeting. One of the items on the agenda was the bringing of a “Title Max” to Overland.
Are you familiar with Title Max and like companies? Title Max is one of the various companies that will loan one money at interest rates that would make a loan shark shudder using one’s car title as collateral. Not only do they charge outrageous interest rates, often people end up losing their car (and thus their way to the job they do have to pay the bills).
The Title Loan companies can be grouped with check cashing places, payday loan establishments, and signature loan businesses as PREDATORY LENDERS. I have very strong feelings about companies such as these that take advantage of those in need, people who often end up in more dire straits than when they walked through the doors of these establishments. In these uncertain financial times, many people will be false lured into thinking there problems can be solved via these businesses. Do we want to invite a company that’s sole purpose is to prey upon the people of our town?
Secondly, having this Title Max business on Page Ave creates an image problem for Overland. Inviting in predatory lenders basically dis-invites better businesses to our city. Our city recently went through months of reviewing and updating our comprehensive plan. I don’t recall them saying these were the types of businesses we hope to attract. In fact, many business planners will see the predatory lenders in a city and think “oh, its one of those cities” and not bring their business here. Is this moving in the right direction?
We can take action now before this goes any further. I will be sending letters to my City Council members and the mayors. Unfortunately, I have to work the night of Wednesday, December 10 or I would attend the meeting of the Board of Adjustment. In my place, I am sending a registered letter to city hall and requesting that it be read into the record as a citizen statement.
I urge you to join me in taking action.
Something very distrurbing came to my attenion on a recent visit to city hall for a Overland Farmers Market meeting. Posted on the notices board near the front door was an announcement and agenda for an upcoming Board of Adjustment meeting. One of the items on the agenda was the bringing of a “Title Max” to Overland.
Are you familiar with Title Max and like companies? Title Max is one of the various companies that will loan one money at interest rates that would make a loan shark shudder using one’s car title as collateral. Not only do they charge outrageous interest rates, often people end up losing their car (and thus their way to the job they do have to pay the bills).
The Title Loan companies can be grouped with check cashing places, payday loan establishments, and signature loan businesses as PREDATORY LENDERS. I have very strong feelings about companies such as these that take advantage of those in need, people who often end up in more dire straits than when they walked through the doors of these establishments. In these uncertain financial times, many people will be false lured into thinking there problems can be solved via these businesses. Do we want to invite a company that’s sole purpose is to prey upon the people of our town?
Secondly, having this Title Max business on Page Ave creates an image problem for Overland. Inviting in predatory lenders basically dis-invites better businesses to our city. Our city recently went through months of reviewing and updating our comprehensive plan. I don’t recall them saying these were the types of businesses we hope to attract. In fact, many business planners will see the predatory lenders in a city and think “oh, its one of those cities” and not bring their business here. Is this moving in the right direction?
We can take action now before this goes any further. I will be sending letters to my City Council members and the mayors. Unfortunately, I have to work the night of Wednesday, December 10 or I would attend the meeting of the Board of Adjustment. In my place, I am sending a registered letter to city hall and requesting that it be read into the record as a citizen statement.
I urge you to join me in taking action.
- Write your council members and mayor.
- Attend the December 10 meeting or write the Board of Adjustment.
- If you know any members of the Board of Adjustment (below), I recommend you bend their ear on the subject.
- Forward this to other Overland residents who will share our concern about a Title Max coming into Overland.
Members of the Board of Adjustment per city website:
- Tom Eckert
- Bob Aston
- Rudolph E. Kuhlmann
- Jack Arnold
- Dennis Hageman
- Jon Seal (Alternate)
Friday, February 15, 2008
"News" to me
I attend every city council meeting. However, Buck Collier--who doesn't even attend the meetings--has a story about downtown development in Overland in The Journal. I don't seem to recall this being mentioned at any city council meeting, workshop, etc.
The article states that "In Overland, there's been much talk..." and of groups that "wants to help revitalize" the downtown area. As usual, we have lots of talk but no plan of action and no initiative.
The article outlines a downtown plaza. I seem to recall Conlon talking about such a thing in both mayoral races, including a gazebo in the vacant lot near Midland/Woodson. I think Schneider pooh-pooh'd such an idea, possibly asking if it would be paid for by "grant fairies".
Could Conlon's dream finally be coming to fruition? If so, will Schneider give credit where credit is due? My bet is that even if the first one question's answer if ever a yes, we would never have that for the second one.
The article states that "In Overland, there's been much talk..." and of groups that "wants to help revitalize" the downtown area. As usual, we have lots of talk but no plan of action and no initiative.
The article outlines a downtown plaza. I seem to recall Conlon talking about such a thing in both mayoral races, including a gazebo in the vacant lot near Midland/Woodson. I think Schneider pooh-pooh'd such an idea, possibly asking if it would be paid for by "grant fairies".
Could Conlon's dream finally be coming to fruition? If so, will Schneider give credit where credit is due? My bet is that even if the first one question's answer if ever a yes, we would never have that for the second one.
Development and Progress
I see that the former Kribs Ford City has been leveled and made way for a new Walgreens. Wow! Development.
Wait....that's not in Overland. Once again, progress "just outside" Overland.
Wait....that's not in Overland. Once again, progress "just outside" Overland.
Friday, December 28, 2007
Comprehensive Plan Review Committee
The committee reviewing the comprehensive plan met on Wednesday (12/26). They seem to be making progress. Here are the highlights:
They decided to narrow their focus on changes to a list of less than 10 items. This will make it more managable for both the council and the CA (once hired).
Discussion of the city's demographic data. Note: I found this bit of discussion to be ironic, since it was apparent that the committee itself was not diverse in respect to age and race. I have since mentioned this to both the mayor and Mark Giroux (the committee chair) in hopes that future such committees might be more representative of the population.
A lot of discussion on transportation issues, including any Metrolink expansion that would go to Westport Plaza.
Economic Development. Included a hand-out from the Elmhurst City Planner that was a recent guest to Overland courtesy of the Overland Business Association.
They made plans to meet again on Wednesday, January 30.
They decided to narrow their focus on changes to a list of less than 10 items. This will make it more managable for both the council and the CA (once hired).
Discussion of the city's demographic data. Note: I found this bit of discussion to be ironic, since it was apparent that the committee itself was not diverse in respect to age and race. I have since mentioned this to both the mayor and Mark Giroux (the committee chair) in hopes that future such committees might be more representative of the population.
A lot of discussion on transportation issues, including any Metrolink expansion that would go to Westport Plaza.
Economic Development. Included a hand-out from the Elmhurst City Planner that was a recent guest to Overland courtesy of the Overland Business Association.
They made plans to meet again on Wednesday, January 30.
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