If you want to voice your support before the SRG meeting tomorrow, please sign the petition with your name. Signing it anonymously is the same as not signing it.
Click on the link below to read the letter, copied and pasted from the email I received.
Letter from Alderwoman Phyllis Young in opposition to the BarCycle:July 11, 2012Ron KleinExecutive DirectorSt. Louis Taxicab Commission2628DelmarSt. Louis, Mo. 63103Dear Mr. Klein:I am writing regarding your hearing on July 12th about the St. Louis Barcycle. I have constituents who are concerned about this vehicle operating in the Soulard neighborhood.I’d like to present a number of the issues I’ve heard about the business.First, it advertises itself as a ‘barcycle’. People ride the 16 passenger barcycle, drink, socialize, and pedal. Granted the operator doesn’t serve the drinks, but advertises that they are available from bar stops or that coolers are allowed. Unlike a bar where neighboring residents had to sign a petition about the location of a bar this vehicle is mobile and can go past your block at any time. It isn’t like a neighbor having a noisy party once or twice a summer. This vehicle can come by several times in a day or weekend. Any response is solely up to the operator of the barcycle. There is no way to protest the license.I’ve met with Mr. Lloyd, the business operator. He has agreed to turn the music down on the onboard stereo and to ask his patrons to be quieter. However, if they aren’t in agreement, what recourse does the neighborhood have? Also, whose idea of a reasonable noise level should be the measure?Mr. Lloyd has agreed that he’ll stay north of Russell after a certain time. However, there are residents there who feel that they have enough challenges dealing with the bars alone in that area. That portion of Soulard has the largest concentration of that type of business. Is it fair to allow a mobile establishment to add to the concerns?The other issue discussed is the conflict between the vehicle and the overall traffic of the neighborhood. Soulard is quite crowded at particular times----ballgame nites, Saturday Soulard Market shopping, and special events. During those times the streets are filled with pedestrians, cyclists, golf carts, shuttle vehicles, and automobile traffic. Sometimes seniors on those motorized carts are there as well. It can be very congested!The solution offered is to go down other streets than 9th. Ordinarily that would work; however, those are the streets that visitors are on---- looking for free parking, and they are mostly the residential blocks so that the noise again becomes a factor.The operator says he can pull over to the side to let other vehicles pass. That’s what the shuttle busses for the bars do now. It’s very difficult to see around them so that passing is already dangerous.As a Commission you are considering a new vehicle for the City. If this is successful in Soulard will it or another be allowed to operate on Washington Avenue, in the Delmar Loop, along Grand Avenue, or in other popular sections of the City? How would this fit into the traffic patterns for those neighborhoods, and how would the residents and businesses there receive this concept?I appreciate the rules that Mr. Lloyd has proposed for his operation; however, I cannot support his proposal. I have seen the barcycle operation, and I am not convinced that any rules will make it conducive to the neighborhood. I understand that he has the support of the business association, but I also know that this activity is an enhancement for the bar business. It is in my opinion a detraction from the residential quality of life in Soulard. I believe there’s a delicate balance between the two entities, and I’m working to keep that balance.I appreciate your consideration of my comments and opinions. I understand that you have the jurisdiction in this matter. I am hopeful that you’ll make a decision that is best for the neighborhood.Sincerely,Phyllis Young
WHO MOVES TO SOULARD FOR THE "REASONABLE NOISE LEVEL" AND EASY FLOWING TRAFFIC?! If a horsedrawn carriage, rickshaw, even regular bicycle is allowed on the street, what's wrong with a barcycle? This is ridiculous!
ReplyDeleteI still do not understand why Soulard residents keep complaining about the bars and noise. If we remove the bars and activities such as the Barcycle from Soulard, then the place becomes desolate. Those same patrons that visit the bars and come down to ride on the Barcycle will not be there to support the wonderful small businesses we have on the Island.
ReplyDeleteI live right on 9th Street with my bedroom window facing the street and have never been bothered by the Barcycle. There are several other activities/noises happening on the street that wake me up, but I knew what I was getting into when I purchased my place back in the day. Plus, I think it's great that the area is always "happening".
If you don't like the noise and fun atmosphere, then move to the suburbs. And just as an FYI, I've never been on the Barcycle and I'm not a young college kid living in Soulard. I just think it adds to the fun atmosphere of the area.
Wow John Watermann, that was harsh. I don't know where you get repulsive racist from. Yes, I frequent local Soulard businesses. I pay 95% percent of the time. If you would like to talk to me, I will be at the SRG meeting tonight. Thanks for reading. Appreciate the feedback
ReplyDeleteJust saw London's bar cycle featured on The Today Show. Glad to see that the country that has figured out how to regulate EVERYTHING will allow a bar cycle, but Phyllis Young in her infinite wisdom can't figure it out. Phyllis, you are now officially on record as going out of your way to oppose jobs, and pro-business/pro-Soulard development. This WILL come back to you next election.
ReplyDelete