Christian on the Issues
1. Neighborhood Commercial & Retail Development
As an active resident in TGE, I strongly value community input into the process of creating commercial amenities that enhance neighborhoods. Neighborhoods may vary widely in the 6th Ward, but residents in all areas desire local retail and commercial uses they can walk to and which complement the residential character of their communities. As alderman I will work closely with residents and neighborhood organizations to bring commercial, office and retail uses specifically sought by my constituents. I will personally dedicate efforts to finding new uses for vacant properties by communicating with property owners and local developers who know well that the 6th Ward is a great place for business and commercial development. My knowledge of the City redevelopment processes, boards, agencies and offices will enable me to work promptly and efficiently to enhance our neighborhoods.
"Christian was always helpful and professional when he assisted me with redevelopment in the city. He was reliable and conscientious, and I believe his expertise in city government and development will make him most effective as alderman in the 6th Ward."
— Joe Edwards, developer and entrepreneur
2. Problem Properties & Nuisance Behavior
My approach to this issue, which is a concern for everyone dedicated to the future of our City, involves a multifaceted effort. As alderman, I will attend every block meeting and neighborhood organization discussion involving nuisance and criminal activity in any block of the ward, whenever my presence is required or requested. I will be directly and personally involved in resolving problems by helping to coordinate resources available to concerned citizens. I will communicate directly with the Neighborhood Stabilization Officer and make sure that he or she is regularly tracking, noting and following up on problem behavior at specific addresses. If there is overcrowding at the property in question, if there are health and safety code violations or if disruptive individuals reside at the address in question without valid certificates of occupancy as required in a Conservation District, I will communicate regularly with the Building Division to address these issues. As a full-time alderman, my interest in the stability of our neighborhoods will also include communicating directly with absentee landlords. I will duly apprise them of documented nuisance activity at their properties and request their assistance in resolving the issues. If they persistently choose to ignore or avoid dealing with the criminal and nuisance behaviors they are abetting, I will proceed through proper channels to condemning the property in question for occupancy if necessary, as provided by local laws. In my experience, when an active community's efforts are complemented by strong, local leadership and pressure is exerted in the appropriate places, satisfactory results are most often obtained.
3. Historic Preservation
One of the City's greatest resources is its impressive array of historic buildings and neighborhoods. The 6th Ward itself features an extensive and eclectic collection of classic St. Louis architecture, from stately 19th-century homes and commercial buildings to bungalows and classic multifamily dwellings. The creative reuse of warehouse and commercial buildings downtown and elsewhere offers an exciting choice of urban residences varying from studio apartments to luxury penthouses. As alderman, I will strongly support preservation and renovation of our historic building stock. Personal involvement in helping to save historic buildings has taught me that retaining irreplaceable structures benefits not only individual neighborhoods and the City of St. Louis at large, but redevelopers and property owners themselves. The 6th Ward also provides opportunities for construction of new residential and commercial structures. My affection for historic buildings will not preclude strong support for this type of development. The urban environment should be characterized by a certain degree of density. A basic principle of "highest and best use" should govern our approach to enhancing that environment, by both preserving that which will never be built again and improving underutilized property with new construction of the best quality.