By Antonio D. French
Filed Thursday, March 2 at 12:08 PM
Corporate mergers have hit St. Louis workers and the City's tax base hard over the last few years.
There was Boeing's acquisition of McDonnell-Douglas, which moved the headquarters of the aerospace giant to Chicago. Then American Airlines’ takeover of TWA, which drastically cut the number of daily flights to Lambert Airport. And just yesterday, nearly 500 downtown employees picked up their final checks from Famous-Barr, following Federated Department Stores's purchase of May Department Stores.
The City's unemployment rate continues to hover around the 10% mark -- much higher in some parts of the City and for specific demographics -- and the effects of the closing of the Ford plant in Hazelwood won't completely show themselves for years.
The large number of unemployed and underemployed St. Louisans is a serious problem. And contrary to some headlines, most economists seem to believe that the housing market is cooling down -- not good for those that believe downtown loft developments will save the city.
There was a time when Democrats used to talk about jobs. A job for anyone that will work, that was how political machines were built in this city. But now it seems that all St. Louis Democratic politicians talk about is developing.
Rebuilding the city is great. New construction downtown is fantastic. Southside rehabs are inspiring. People moving from the suburbs back into the city limits is an absolutely necessary part of St. Louis becoming a bigger, better city.
But let's not forget about the people that never left. Many of those people will never step foot in one of these new lofts. They can never afford a rehabbed home in south or north St. Louis. Why? Because they need better jobs -- or any job!
Sometimes I think I'd trade two-hundred Clinton Democrats for one good Tip O'Neill.
7 Comments:
"Democrats" like Francis Slay would be Republicans if they grew up just 3 miles further south.
2:04 PM, March 02, 2006
The downtown developments are good for everyone and they will encourage businesses to return. That will bring jobs.
2:17 PM, March 02, 2006
People are not moving from the "burbs" back to the city. But everyone thinks they are, If you believe that is happening, Just Prove It! Dont just speak it, Downtown development was built on politics, tax breaks and fed grants for business developers in "hopes" of the city comming back. Not built on a solid demand for urban living.
6:54 PM, March 02, 2006
Clinton Democrats dance with the Danforth Republicans on a floor that I have to wax in the morning.
A$$holes!
8:49 PM, March 02, 2006
No one is moving back. These lofts are being reserved by flippers and with real estate bubble about to bust so will these lofts.
7:18 AM, March 03, 2006
Please don't compare the Sleazy Clintons with the respected person like Danforth.
7:20 AM, March 03, 2006
anonymous seems to have a personality disorder
8:23 AM, March 03, 2006
Post a Comment
<< Home