Letter to the Editor: Shrewsbury—a Community Divided

The following was submitted to Patch as a letter to the editor. For more info on the Kenrick Plaza Redevelopment Project, check in on our topic page: http://affton.patch.com/topics/kenrick-plaza-redevelopment.

A leader is supposed to unite the community. Yet, our city hall has totally “divided” our community. 

It is not just the issue of Walmart. Other issues are involved.

The Shrewsbury mission statement excludes those of us who live on the wrong side of the tracks.

Why are we told that we can not go to the gym because we do not live in Shrewsbury?

Why are we told that we do not live in ward 2?

Why are we patronized at public meetings and not even allowed to hold our own microphone?

Why is there very little transparency and so much secrecy?

Why did we hire a developer who threatened us at the first public meeting?

Why does city hall want to restrict our access to Watson?

Why do we want to divert money from the Affton school district to subsidize a “Corporate” giant?

Why would we even consider inviting crime into our neighborhood?

Why are we subsidizing the operation of the pool?

Small businesses are the backbone of every community.  We are so lucky to have so many successful small businesses in Shrewsbury.  These businesses include (but are not limited to) Dierbergs, Shop & Save, Value City Furniture, Rothman’s, St. Louis Sports Zone, St Louis Rehab, Petco, Southwest Medical Center, Dr. Galanis Eye Center, Powerhouse Gym, Shrewsbury Bowling Lanes, Kidney Dialysis, Edward Jones, Kenrick Antique Mall, a veternarian and several dentists, etc.

Why aren’t we working with them to enhance their businesses as well as help us redevelop Kenrick Plaza with community-based businesses?

Is it time to elect new leaders that think outside of the box?

If not, do we really need the “financial burden” of a Shrewsbury?

ME Dorsey
7420 Williamsburg Colonial Ln.