There are great things about living in a happening neighborhood, which I bring to your attention many times each week. A mixed-use neighborhood such as ours requires a delicate balance between the interests of residents, who have decided that, despite high taxes and school issues, the benefits are worth the price of staying; and restaurants, bars and shop owners, who pay hefty rents to do business in the CWE. The mix is part of the charm and therefore why it's desirable to live here, visit, and – the real subject of this post – hold events (both public and private) in our midst.
A private event that closed a city street recently was St. Louis Magazine's A List Party which took place Thursday, July 10. Maryland Plaza has been the site of this event for several years, however the fallout from this year's party has been more vocal than in the past, due to excessive noise that traveled into the far reaches of the neighborhood. The loud music made it impossible to hold a conversation within the confines of the party, or even at nearby restaurants. Fireworks set off from a rooftop over the plaza at 10 p.m. shocked neighbors, one of whom said she thought a bomb had landed.
It should be noted that the yearly Halloween events for children, pets, and adults is public and open to all. Euclid and Maryland Avenues are closed for this event too. There is noise and a certain inconvenience to those who live in close proximity to that area, but the difference is that the Halloween activities are available to all without requiring an entrance fee, whereas the private A-List event is limited to those who purchase a ticket.
The fundamental question is whether it's appropriate to take over public spaces for private purposes or, for that matter, public events, and, if so, what are the criteria for determing which events qualify for that privilege.
This is a tough question but a timely and valid one. I am glad to see its being posed on this forum.
Lyda Krewson and the Fire Marshall were not alerted to the fireworks and did not approve them. So why weren’t StL Mag and the event organizers fined by the city? I don’t understand how private enterprise gets away with so much. I think they should both be slapped with a huge fine.
That said, I welcome any private or for-profit event to our community. The community that we are all passionate about, have built, keep clean, beautiful and connected; The one we keep safe and watchful of, and continue to invest our dollars in old home renovations and upkeep and private schools and high taxes to ensure its vibrancy. These private, for-profit events are welcome to be good neighbors to the area and donate a fee to the CWEA for our continued upkeep. They would pay a rental fee anywhere else! Also, this requirement sets a precedent for our area for the types of events we deem appropriate. If they don’t want to pay they must not need to throw their event here. Residents – not just private enterprise – deserves a voice and to see impact.