Reply to Larry posted Oct.11 2024
Humans do not mind their own business; they shape the world. The “main drag” is not dirt anymore, with horse-drawn carriages dragged behind. Federal, State, and Local taxes are paid to upgrade small communities we all use them and they need us.—my money! We paved the streets for modern vehicles. When I or any of my family are occupants of any business located in any city, I will have a safety concern. I live in the St. Louis Metropolitan area and that to me includes East St. Louis, Alton, and other cities to take pride and we all have input.
Larry, may I ask, what have you contributed to Maplewood MO. Special Business District?

Will you own a Nail House

Citizens of Maplewood. Do you know Maplewood has in the future several massive developments in the works? And on October 15, 2024, from 5 PM to 7 PM. Maplewood will officially launch the Comprehensive Plan, with a Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee that offers guidance. Members of the steering committee are comprised with members: Rob Birenbaum, Nikki Bisel, Ray Crader, Michael Dittrich,  De’Mon Givens, Charlie Hinderliter, Tiffany Jones, Amber Lamb, Owen McGuire, Meredith Mello, Denise Perry, and Kevin Sullivan.

But all that new infrastructure and construction requires space, which means residents are sometimes forced to move to make room for new projects. Some people may refuse to leave their homes, however, often because they consider the compensation they’ve been offered to be too low.
Holdouts of these buildings may be left standing alone as development progresses around them are called “nail houses,” since they stick out like a nail that can’t be hammered down.
Fixing Maplewood politics is necessary before the community can make real progress, the solution doesn’t lie solely with the left or right. Residential homeowners are the community, not commercial building owners or owners of businesses located in Maplewood. Are the residents living in the community being included? Was the appointment of the Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee selected from friends and associates to positions of authority, without proper regard to their qualifications, used to select the Steering Committee? How has the Administrations of the City of Maplewood acted in the past? Your voice and vote matter.

Maplehood has become a gerontocracy.

Ryan Greis posted on Facebook 9/28/2024
Maven Apothecary – New location in the Hill Neighborhood they are having a Grand opening. I can see why they moved from Rob Birenbaum storefront located on main street Maplewood Mo Special Business District, The old location looks impoverished. The new location is a huge improvement with a very period-style storefront.

Citizens of Maplewood do not know what to believe, nobody quite knows what’s true, nobody knows where to turn. This is not a tenable situation. So, either Maplewood is going to descend into some kind of permanent chaos, or there’s going to have to be something that Maplewood can reboot from, and that thing cannot be simply left or simply right. 
Maplewood is more concerned with growth and self-preservation than holding honest positions. The result is an altered incentive structure within Maplewood: Experts are rewarded for sustaining the institution, not necessarily for being honest or doing the best work in their field.
institutions need people who can stand up to the pressures of conformity and authority.
Fixing our institutions is necessary before society can make real progress, solution doesn’t lie solely with the left or right.

Big Think, Mayor Greenberg will be fighting a lawsuit for leaking confidential information.
Citizens of Maplewood do not know what to believe, nobody quite knows what’s true, nobody knows where to turn. This is not a tenable situation. So, either Maplewood is going to descend into some kind of permanent chaos, or there’s going to have to be something that Maplewood can reboot from, and that thing cannot be simply left or simply right. 
Maplewood is more concerned with growth and self-preservation than holding honest positions. The result is an altered incentive structure within Maplewood: Experts are rewarded for sustaining the institution, not necessarily for being honest or doing the best work in their field.

Maplewood Comprehensive Plan

To officially launch the Comprehensive Plan, the community is invited to an open-house-style public meeting at City Hall on October 15, 2024, from 5 PM to 7 PM.
The City of Maplewood is collaborating with PGAV to update the Comprehensive Plan, a vital document that will shape the future of our community.
Committee members on average Includes one or more artists that live in the community and generate a portion of their income through art Includes a person who is knowledgeable about public and government funding opportunities Includes at least two teenage or young adult members who can participate on a regular basis Includes representatives of the private, academic, public, and nonprofit sectors who are familiar with local issues Includes one or more individuals with research and analytical skills; familiarity with data bases; interviewing, design, writing, and public speaking experience Personal traits or characteristics can make or break a team. Consider people who will see the Steering Committee as a serious responsibility, and are able to work in a collaborative spirit.
The Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee for this meeting will be:
Rob Birenbaum Tiffany Jones
Nikki Bisel Amber Lamb
Ray Crader Owen McGuire
Michael Dittrich Meredith Mello
De’Mon Givens Denise Perry
Charlie Hinderliter Kevin Sullivan
Current Comprehensive Plan
The City’s current Comprehensive Plan was adopted in 1990. Subsequent comprehensive plan updates were prepared in 1992, 2001, 2003, and 2005. A key component of the new plan will include updating the City’s current Land Use Map. Nineteen years have gone by, that is way too many years.
I am interested in the manner the steering committee was appointed and with more transparency.
Qualifications are extremely important in a Comprehensive plan.
Will a Historic Preservation Plan be considered with a comprehensive understanding of the historic and cultural resources found in the Maplewood MO Special Business District community, with an analysis of current preservation issues and a vision?

Who is the Boss in Maplewood MO? Follow the Money!
You can fool all the people some of the time, and some of the people all the time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time.
While deception may have temporary success, it is ultimately ephemeral. As individuals, we have the power to form our understanding of reality, seeking evidence and challenging assumptions to ensure we are not perpetually fooled. When I ponder the complexities of subjective reality, it reinforces the importance of critical thinking.

Activities surrounding Maplewood MO. Special Business District have a history of shady dealings.
Corruption is an enabler that protects organized crime operations.
Organized crime such as fraud from certain other forms of crime also usually involves organized or group criminal acts, such as white-collar, financial, and political crimes.
An “organized criminal group” is defined using four criteria:
A structured group of three or more persons;
The group exists for a period of time;
It acts in concert with the aim of committing at least one serious crime;
To obtain, directly or indirectly, a financial or other material benefit.
Maplewood MO It is what it is. Fast and Loose.

Chamber of Commerce Might Not Be What You Think
The name conjures up a local community group devoted to defending small businesses and mom-and-pop shops.
It’s surprising for many people, even politically engaged people, to learn what the Chamber of Commerce does,
the Chamber often leans toward supporting and funding the agenda and policies of investment groups that may avoid taking a controversial public stand on issues, “allowing them to anonymously funnel money to the Chamber, which then advocated on their behalf. Public citizens follow the money and work to expose the origins of some of the dark cash, found that various contributors to the Chamber — including companies, rich individuals, and politically active nonprofits, This isn’t exactly in line with the mom-and-pop, small-town.

From my perspective, it’s about being around for the long term. It’s good business. 

A Message from the Mid County Chamber of Commerce
By: Executive Director, Jeannine Beck

Is the Maplewood business community going to be okay?
Yes!

In light of the recent string of businesses that announced closings, we feel compelled to reassure the community that downtown Maplewood remains a vibrant business hub for dining, shopping and entertainment. The simultaneous closings cannot be ignored.
Linda Beck maybe a relative of Jeannine Beck, has a colourful history in the Special Business District She operated a business called Flora Diva.
I am not going ton take the time to share my experiences with Linda Beck, however, if anyone is interested post a comment.

I posted on Facebook the following to Rob Birenbaum concerning Maplewood Special Business District not attracting enough “Shop & Walk Maplewood” this can become an experience. St. Charles, MO is charming, from the brick-paved historic South Main Street filled with boutiques and restaurants to the wineries, historic attractions and friendly people. My post on FB:Rob I was studying your shopfront as a design student in architecture. The front door is a standard residential door, and the glazing around the door is not period correct. Do you think it is time for you to make capital improvements for the beautification of Maplewood Streetscape. Did you know that this is the natural built fabric of the street that adds to the experiential quality of the space? Possibly, the Maplewood Special Business District has grant money for your effort. Shopping becomes an experience for the consumer that pays back in multiple ways. Shopfront lost. Maven has been for the past 5.5 years and moved to the Hill.

Viewers are calling the Olympic opening ceremony one of the worst
My comment:
The artistic director is responsible, so France is well known for its liberal tolerance of the expression of art. And it is documented how Hitler felt about abstract art. I would not get on that bandwagon. Maplewood, MO Take a moment or a few days before responding. I believe there is an answer to problems the Maplewood Special Business District could learn from. And I have been bashing the Maplewood Special Business District. And I would like to clear my poor writing skills. 1 The Maplewood Community regarding residence I have little knowledge of what living in the housing includes. When I post, I am directing my comments to only the Maplewood Special Business District and the Administration of Maplewood City Hall. Thank you!

Recent post on 40 South News-
The owner and founder of Speakeasy Therapies and Fitness, Celia Montes, which opened and closed (recently) on Sutton Boulevard, said the business closed in Maplewood because the business was dissolved because she lost her staff.
and A reply from L Shafer July 27, 2024 At 3:54 pm
Was this a bar or a gym?
It appears there is a lot more to this story considering Kirkwood and Maplewood are not an extreme distance for the former employees to travel.
I responded – Maybe some truth, but here are some facts, The business was requesting a state-funded grant and was declined. Maplewood, Mo has become a haven for fraud. The city administration and building owners are acting out of desperation and renting to anyone willing to pay with American dollars.

Shoot! This one was in this Sutton location only like two months! Wonder what went wrong? About 2718 Sutton, So I posted my outlook on what is the problem.

Top fan
Tom Thompson
First – Local politics, Second – Maplewood Special Business building owners are real estate speculators and are only interested in their portfolio holdings, and using empty space as tax write-off, Third Maplewood City signage approval allows a clutter of designs and colors just not a professional appearance, some of the businesses do not even advertise the name of the business, looks shady. Forth – What has been built out is done on a shoestring budget without any professional design choices. (Colors, Material, Door and Window sizing, Hardware used on doors, mailboxes ect.) The Maplewood Mayor needs to hire an Architect. So many projects are not finished. What is up with the crapping-looking Caboose behind this building. The city could change the name to “Brokewood”. That is how I see it. Somebody is not paying their bills.
I received this back from CEAS
You forgot crime is becoming a problem in Maplewood also. Who in the world wants to pay high rent for a bad location. My family roots have been in Maplewood for 80 years. I live here and I’m completely shocked by what is going on. I have had an extremely scary incident in Maplewood involving 5 men with ARs. I did call the police and they were on it. Also let me talk about the people that don’t maintain their property 3 ft of grass and abandoned cars. It takes an act of congress to get it taken care of. I maintain my property but some of my neighbors should be ashamed of themselves. I pay a lot of money on property taxes and I’m tired of Maplewood neglecting to enforce codes. After all these years I’m looking to move to a different county. Maplewood will soon be a shadow of what it was and the town government is to blame.

I uncovered a painted-over ghost sign at 2732 Sutton Blvd. and wanted to restore it, Barry Greenberg told me the city council would not allow it. Look at 2737 second-floor windows falling apart, never painted they were brand new Marvin Windows. Neither the building owner nor the fraudulent condominium property management or other decision-makers on this whole complex to the corner of Hazel ever created a Condominium Association. The complex was built fraudulently. Just look at this Haphazard lacking any obvious principle of organization: Because this was never a Condominium. Maplewood MO City manager Marty Corcoran, the City Council with Barry Greenberg an architect, and Mayor Mark Langston who may still own 2739 Sutton Blvd. This group was behind the cooked-up scheme of a “condominium” 2737 What is Studio X Graphic Design, There is no signage. And look at the Salt Room signage, what a joke. Could you look at Sea Foam Media, it does not match the existing signage. I was given a variance by Maplewood City Council to use that space for the signage I designed. In place of transom windows.
There is a lack of signage review, and building exterior code requirements. This is Barry Greenberg, Mayor of Maplewood MO/ Architect responsibility. The ball is in your court, can you hit the ball back? The key to success, surround yourself with the right people.

Barry Greenberg Mayor of Maplewood, MO is an architect, does he have an opinion on Drinking Water Service Line Inventory – Missouri Water?
Restaurants with lead supply lines.
If a building was constructed before 1989 that does not mean it has a lead service line. Most do not, but it is possible. Should restaurants be lead-free?
You might have lead in your drinking water if your service line, household plumbing, or fixtures contain lead. Buildings built before 1930 are more likely to have lead supply lines. A service line is an underground pipe that carries potable drinking water from the water main to the customer’s home or building.
Application Period is Open
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources is offering a new funding opportunity to assist communities with their lead service line inventory, planning, and replacement projects. This funding helps public water systems comply with the revised federal Lead and Copper Rule requirements. The rule requires all public water systems to complete an inventory of all drinking water service lines connected to their distribution system.

Funding is provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and made available through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. Funding is expected to be allocated on an annual basis through 2026.

Restaurants close one after another, are they paying too much for rent? Maybe Maplewood has become a glut of restaurants and not enough retail shopping, art galleries, and other shopping interests.

Restaurants closing in Maplewood MO – Summer 2024. When the famed Monarch Restaurant closed on the corner of Manchester and Sutton I was shocked, and my first reaction was “this is the beginning of a downward trend”. I have lost count of the number of openings and closings of restaurants and businesses in the Special Business District. Lately three more restaurants closings this summer Boogaloo, Meadow Cafe, Burger Champ. I remember when former Councilmen Barry Greenberg said to me “Maplewood does not want to be the next Delmar Boulevard” The vibrant Delmar Loop, designated “One of the 10 Great Streets in America” by the American Planning Association. A decade ago, the city’s leaders realized their community needed a new spark, a new call to action. At the time, the city’s face, the commercial strip along Manchester and Sutton, was suffering; at one point there were more than 15 vacant storefronts. And a community development director Rachelle L’Ecuyer appointed. But Rachelle L’Ecuyer, resigned as the Maplewood community development director. Forward to Aug 7, 2018 · In a news release, Loop chairman and “Duke of Delmar” Joe Edwards announced that Rachelle L’Ecuyer will serve as the first-ever executive director of the Delmar Loop.
What I heard from the Councilmen, it became personal for Mr. Greenberg. A specific goal. Now Barry Greenberg is Mayor for a second time. So Barry is getting his wish.
How is this working for Maplewood MO?

April 2 2024 Tonight will Maplewood MO May show its fickle mind and change loyalties. Characterized by a lack of consistency or stability in decisions, preferences, or affections. It’s important to note that fickleness isn’t inherently bad or good. It can be both, depending on the context and the outcomes of these frequent changes. Emotional volatility is a part of everyday life. Decisions change as emotions do, leading to inconsistency. Consider someone with an avoidant attachment style. That person may become uncomfortable with too much closeness or commitment, often resulting in decision-making patterns that keep them detached and independent. Values, likes, dislikes, and goals, usually exhibit consistent behavior and are less likely to be fickle. Ships without a rudder, drift with the currents and winds of circumstances, changing direction frequently. Leading to perceptions of fickleness.

Why was this post removed?
Why I am running for Mayor of Maplewood as a write-in candidate from 40 South News-Is this a form of What is censorship in politics?

What Is Censorship? Censorship, the suppression of words, images, or ideas that are “offensive,” happens whenever some people succeed in imposing their personal political or moral values on others. Censorship can be carried out by the government as well as private pressure groups. Censorship by the government is unconstitutional.

Didn’t know where to post this. Thought folks would be interested. This is the lady that distributed food when she lived in Maplewood.
https://bit.ly/3OWOuEK

Used to be a window painting contest for Halloween in Maplewood. I think it was sponsored by The Observer. (I delivered them as a kid).
I won a prize one year.
Back in the ’50s.

Lived on 7200 block of Manchester above Cook’s Paint during the 60’s. Would love to see some pictures of that store back then. Walked to the newspaper and tobacco store every afternoon to pick up a newspaper.