It's On People, Here's Your Party

At the risk of creating a potential fire hazard at the 10 Mile House, I cordially invite you, my constituents and friends of Affton, to the 2nd Annual Mayor's Economic Development Ball this Friday the 28th. I'll be featuring the Sons of the Southside band again this year playing more of your 70's and 80's favorites similar to last year. Cocktails with the Mayor at 7PM, music around 9:30.

I'd love to see some faces from the ACBA, our state representatives (Mike Vogt, this party is totally up your alley), all the "Affton Junior Planners" from the UMSL Partnership the last two years, and the fine folks from St. Louis County Economic Development Council and County Planning and Zoning. These are the people who really put in the time, blood, sweat, and tears to improve Affton's future as opposed to my online shenanigans.

Charlie Dooley, I understand if you have other obligations or if you are still bitter about the Billy Ocean thing, but you're welcome too as I know you have a sense of humor.

(Oh, and if Capt. Belmar and his staff from the County Police could drive by around 10PM and make sure I haven't been assassinated by all these folks, that would be great.)

Happy Holidays,
The Mayor

Finally, Resolution on Gravois!

Well, my Afftonians, it appears that the Angry Villagers in Grantwood Village are no longer so angry. The Suburban Journal is reporting this week that the new plan for a senior assisted living center on the acreage next to Cor Jesu has met with everyone's approval. I'm very pleased that the developer, Erickson Retirement Communities, of Catonsville, Md. was responsive to issues brought up by the residents. This is the way it should happen and shows that it IS possible to get the public's support for a well-planned development. I'm also very pleased that Cor Jesu got what they wanted in the deal and will be able to expand and to stay competitive.

I'm a bit dismayed that the population of the community will be only seniors. There was a real opportunity here to bring much needed new housing for middle class families to Affton that would bring some new life, energy and ideas to our area. Instead we will have more voting seniors who have been sent off by their families to grow old outside of their homes.

While the Carondelet neighborhood, a new haven for young families, is moving forward with their plans for an aquatic center for example, Affton will remain unable to compete until some more progressive minds move in.