In addition to being an entertainment district, Soulard apparently has morphed into a tax haven. Some owners of properties which house local entertainment/business establishments seem to feel that paying their property taxes is a low priority.
For example, according to the website described as that of the City of St. Louis Assessor’s Office and boasting the name of Gregory F. X. Daly, Collector of Revenue (http://stlcin.missouri.org/assessor/lookup.cfm ), 1923-1931 S. 12th Street is in arrears on their property taxes for three years. The bills are: 2006: $10,941.03; 2007: $9780.59; 2008: $8,839.03, or a total of $29,560.65, as per 7/6/09 and approximately 9 a.m., when we checked. The property is owned by NTM Partnership LLC, located at that address, and the building is the home of Nadine’s Gin Joint, a bar and restaurant.
Similarly, the records indicate that 1027 Geyer owes $8,658.61 for 2006; $7,736.58 for 2007, and $6,991.58 for 2008, or a total of $23,386.77, as per the time we checked on 7/6/09. The records indicate that the owner of the structure is Great Grizzly Blues LLC, 2 Clara Ave., Webster Groves, MO. The building is the home of The Great Grizzly Bear, a bar and restaurant.
Another address is 2001-2003 Menard, the address of Clementine’s Bar - Oh My Darlin’ Café. The owner, as listed on the Assessor’s website, is Clementine, Inc at that address. They are in much better shape, with past due taxes listed for 2007 as $5,625.25 and for 2008 as $5,083.52. The total is $10,708.77.
Finally, we note that 1200 Russell Blvd owes $24,191.66 from the 2008 tax year, as per a check of the Assessor’s Office web site, also on 7/6/09 at approximately 9 a.m. Everybody knows that is the address of John D. McGurk’s Irish Pub. The owner is listed as McGurks-Soulard LLC, 2000 S. 8th Street. They make that much money in a half and hour selling booze on Mardi Gras Grand Parade Day or St. Patrick’s Day.
It should be noted that, according to the web site, the information on the web site is updated weekly.
Why is this happening? Do these property owners perceive that Soulard entertainment district businesses are too big - to important - to have to be bothered with keeping their property tax payments up to date? The coffers of the City of St. Louis are not overflowing with cash. St. Louis may declare a fiscal crisis so city government can furlough employees and eliminate jobs.
Did the 2009 Mardi Gras income not meet expectations? Was the neighborhood turned into a trash bin and a public urinal for nothing because some business owners were not satisfied? They didn’t make enough money from the debacle, so they sent the tax man a rain check?
Or is this just another manifestation of the attitude among Soulard entertainment property owners that they can write their own rules, just like they do for Soulard Mardi Gras and during the rest of the year, staging a peculiar string of phony festivals and corn ball events, all to boost liquor sales, all trampling on the quality of life of residents?
Why are property owners whose businesses make so many neighborhood people uncomfortable allowed to skate on their property tax bills, too?
Monday, July 6, 2009
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Look, Ma, We Creamed the Porsche and We had a Good Time, Too
By the early 1970's Soulard was a doomed, inner-city slum, a neighborhood to be demolished as soon as government funds became available. Then rehab took hold and a number of people worked for many years to save the interesting housing stock and to turn the area into a residentially oriented historic district.
Unfortunately, the neighborhood made an unexpected turn. A large number of bars and restaurants took root, latching onto and feeding off the Soulard Mardi Gras. The City of St. Louis supported this development, designating Soulard as an "entertainment district." Residential interests were sidelined.
One of the consequences of evolving into an entertainment district is the tremendous amount of vehicular traffic in Soulard. Sometimes vehicles are driven by careless young people. Some
drivers have trouble driving because they have been drinking. For whatever reason, their attentions are elsewhere. The result is property damage. Thus, we were awakened shortly after midnight on Saturday, June 27, by the crunch of metal on metal and the screech of brakes. Dashing out front, we found that a parked Porsche on S. 12th Street near the intersection with Lami had been smushed by another car.
Later, we were told the story that a woman from Arnold was driving alone, she reached for her cell phone and the rest is history. She passed the breath-a-lizer test, administered by John Law. The explanation for the numbers of people on the scene was that they were friends of hers who were in another auto which was following her, for an unstated reason.
Last year there was a similar accident on Lami, half way between S. 11th and S. 12th. A rather fancy parked car lost a whole bunch of metal and plastic when it was hit by somebody or other in the middle of the night. And, of course, on Mardi Gras Grand Parade day, there was an Infiniti parked on the alley on Lami between S. 11th and S. 12th with its back end half way into the
street and the alley. The first cop car passing by called it in and had it towed away. Whoever parked it must have been really smashed, but the car wasn’t. Cars go shooting down S. 12th at 50 miles and hour and blast through stop signs. Motorcycles do the same, while producing an ungodly amount of noise. On any afternoon or evening, speeding vehicles and loud motorcycles announce the corroding presence of those enjoying the Soulard entertainment district while disrespecting the residential element of the neighborhood.
The fallout from these bars and restaurants - the noise, the litter, the discourteous visitors, the property damage - could not continue without support from neighborhood residents. A party culture has evolved in Soulard. Instead of contemplating how to improve the neighborhood, those submerged in the party culture focus on how to improve their party. In other words, Soulard has lost its focus and the party has become the thing.
The hollowness of this culture can be perceived by their excuse. "Anyone who lives in Soulard isn’t going to be anti-bar. You wouldn’t move here if you were!" That is the comment from
"Gary Siddens of the Soulard Restoration Group," as printed in the Sunday, August 29, 2004 issue of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.For years his bombastic and glib sound bite has provided sustenance to the arrogance of Mardi Gras and bar and restaurant apologists, enablers and beneficiaries, supporting and excusing bad behavior and the problems these negative elements cause.
Thus, an additional sound bite would be: "Anyone who lives in Soulard isn’t going to be against having their parked car trashed in the middle of the night. You wouldn’t move here if you were."
Nobody can make a comeback to these comments. The bottom line seems to be that if you move to Soulard, for some strange reason you become part of an excuse for bad behavior You are automatically a supporter of the party culture. And if you have lived in Soulard for years and years, somehow you don’t count. Par-tay trumps quality of life every time. This is the message of the trashed Porsche.
(Top two pictures: a bruised Porsche. Bottom picture: Mardi Gras parking problems.)
Monday, June 29, 2009
Soulard Farmers' Market News
Allen Scharf says that the asparagus offered on Saturday was the last of the season. It was an excellent run, we think, and we appreciate the efforts and devotion of the owners and employees of Scharf Farm. Meanwhile, Scharf provided the first of the sweet corn crop on Saturday. Chartrand Farm, located at Stand 56 in the northwest wing, also offered their first corn. It was delicious. (Please note: both Scharf and Chartrand offer other products, all home grown, all fresh. You can’t beat it.)
A stand worth a visit is Ozark Mountain Orchard ("fresh from the orchard to you"), located on Saturday in the southeast leg of the market in the outdoor section. Blueberries, blackberries, peaches, tomatoes, red raspberries and other products in their season will be provided. The farm (and orchards) is located in Hilandville, Mo. We exchanged pleasantries with Paul Lais (and we purchased some blueberries, too). For more information, contact him at 417-443-3343 or visit their website at http://www.ozarkmountainorchard.com.
Another stand with a specialty line of products is "Heaven Sent Home Spun," which offers "hand crafted soaps and body care, personal and home fragrance products, fibers and yarn and related goods." Among a spectrum of offerings is Fido’s Favorite Gone Buggee. For a complete list, visit them at http://www.heavensenthomespun.com.
In addition to excellent, locally produced goods, Soulard Market vendors offer excellent strawberries, grapes, flowers, eggs, and what have you. A visit to the market is an excellent summer outing. If you have out-of-town visitors, bring them to the market for a treat. For information about what is good, you can get reliable information from JoAnn at JoAnn’s Produce, Soulard Market Stand 48. Stock up on bar-b-q fixins for your weekend.
A stand worth a visit is Ozark Mountain Orchard ("fresh from the orchard to you"), located on Saturday in the southeast leg of the market in the outdoor section. Blueberries, blackberries, peaches, tomatoes, red raspberries and other products in their season will be provided. The farm (and orchards) is located in Hilandville, Mo. We exchanged pleasantries with Paul Lais (and we purchased some blueberries, too). For more information, contact him at 417-443-3343 or visit their website at http://www.ozarkmountainorchard.com.
Another stand with a specialty line of products is "Heaven Sent Home Spun," which offers "hand crafted soaps and body care, personal and home fragrance products, fibers and yarn and related goods." Among a spectrum of offerings is Fido’s Favorite Gone Buggee. For a complete list, visit them at http://www.heavensenthomespun.com.
In addition to excellent, locally produced goods, Soulard Market vendors offer excellent strawberries, grapes, flowers, eggs, and what have you. A visit to the market is an excellent summer outing. If you have out-of-town visitors, bring them to the market for a treat. For information about what is good, you can get reliable information from JoAnn at JoAnn’s Produce, Soulard Market Stand 48. Stock up on bar-b-q fixins for your weekend.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Updates from Living Well in Soulard
Those on the lookout for locally grown produce at the Soulard Farmers’ Market should check out the Wholesome Gardens Produce booth, located next to the booth of Baetje Farms, in the northeast wing. A spectrum of hydro lettuce and fresh herbs is offered. Fresh cut basil, arugula, and wildfire, butterhead and romaine lettuce are available now. Eggplant, squash and peppers will be offered in the season. All produce is grown by Gardell Strite on the farm, located in Bluford, Il.
For additional information, contact Gardell at the farm at 618-732-8552.
Also, while we are on the subject, Veronica Baetje has introduced a new cheese she is calling "Fleur de la Vallee." It is made using the same techniques as the French use to produce their famous reblochon cheese. She cannot use the reblochon name, which is copyrighted.
If you google the word "reblochon," you can research the history of that product. Of course, the French cheese is made with milk from cows, while Veronica is using goat milk. But the steps and procedures she uses copy of French techniques. It is a very interesting product, and Baetje Farms fans should take note.
Veronica learns about making different cheese products by attending a school in Vermont and from consulting with specialists in her field. She is an artist. She is constantly learning, improving, updating and experimenting, always seeking to achieve perfection and to express herself through her cheese. Madame Chouteau is so proud that Veronica and husband Steve - also an artist - have chosen Soulard Farmers’ Market as one of the outlets for their products. Watching the evolution of the booth is a wonder. Watching them aspire to be the best that they can be is inspirational.
As an aside, it is reported that Globe Drug has restocked Georges Deboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau, vintage 2008, as discussed in a posting on this blog on May 11. This French wine is perfect with Baetje Farms cheeses, as well as with many other foods. The review of the wine was posted, too.
For additional information, contact Gardell at the farm at 618-732-8552.
Also, while we are on the subject, Veronica Baetje has introduced a new cheese she is calling "Fleur de la Vallee." It is made using the same techniques as the French use to produce their famous reblochon cheese. She cannot use the reblochon name, which is copyrighted.
If you google the word "reblochon," you can research the history of that product. Of course, the French cheese is made with milk from cows, while Veronica is using goat milk. But the steps and procedures she uses copy of French techniques. It is a very interesting product, and Baetje Farms fans should take note.
Veronica learns about making different cheese products by attending a school in Vermont and from consulting with specialists in her field. She is an artist. She is constantly learning, improving, updating and experimenting, always seeking to achieve perfection and to express herself through her cheese. Madame Chouteau is so proud that Veronica and husband Steve - also an artist - have chosen Soulard Farmers’ Market as one of the outlets for their products. Watching the evolution of the booth is a wonder. Watching them aspire to be the best that they can be is inspirational.
As an aside, it is reported that Globe Drug has restocked Georges Deboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau, vintage 2008, as discussed in a posting on this blog on May 11. This French wine is perfect with Baetje Farms cheeses, as well as with many other foods. The review of the wine was posted, too.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Crime Alert: Report of Soulard Robbery
A resident sent the following information by e-mail on Friday:
"Last night (05/14) another Soulard resident was robbed at gunpoint at 9th and Geyer at around 2:30 A.M. According to the police (who were congregated and talking very loudly about the incident over their intercom outside my window), three black males jumped out of a newer model silver Pontiac and pointed guns at a man walking home from a friend's house and demanded his money. Apparently they only got away with his keys and cellphone and he was not assaulted.
"However, it appears that this is a trend developing in this area and is worth keeping an eye on - its actually kind of similar to the one [...previously reported]. That's all I can provide because that is all I could hear from the cops talking, but if you wanted to post more about it I'm sure the police would be happy to fill you in. Since part of my name is in my email address, I ask that you please keep this information anonymous. Let me know if you have any questions."
We thank this person for providing the information, and we suggest that all residents and visitors take care, especially after hours. Hopefully, we can obtain additional information, which we will post.
"Last night (05/14) another Soulard resident was robbed at gunpoint at 9th and Geyer at around 2:30 A.M. According to the police (who were congregated and talking very loudly about the incident over their intercom outside my window), three black males jumped out of a newer model silver Pontiac and pointed guns at a man walking home from a friend's house and demanded his money. Apparently they only got away with his keys and cellphone and he was not assaulted.
"However, it appears that this is a trend developing in this area and is worth keeping an eye on - its actually kind of similar to the one [...previously reported]. That's all I can provide because that is all I could hear from the cops talking, but if you wanted to post more about it I'm sure the police would be happy to fill you in. Since part of my name is in my email address, I ask that you please keep this information anonymous. Let me know if you have any questions."
We thank this person for providing the information, and we suggest that all residents and visitors take care, especially after hours. Hopefully, we can obtain additional information, which we will post.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Foodies Pay Attention: Living Well, Soulard Version
On Saturday, after doing our shopping at the Soulard Farmers' Market, Madame Chouteau purchased several bottles of Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau, vintage 2008 at Globe Drug, 1900 South Broadway. We always enjoy French red wine. It is so smooth, compared with the red wines from California, which often seem to have a bite to them, no matter what the price. Of course, Globe offers a spectrum of wines from Australia, Spain, Italy, Chile, the United States and from other wine producing countries, all reasonably priced.
The beaujolais nouveau we added to our shopping cart was a close-out at Globe, priced at $2.98 per bottle, plus tax, of course. It perfectly complemented a meal which included other locally produced and purchased products including fresh asparagus from Scharf Farm, available at the Scharf booth at Soulard Farmers’ Market, along with a small package of Coeur de la Creme goat cheese from Baetje Farms, also at the Market. The portion that we purchased was flavored with lemon curd, another Baetje Farms innovation. It was perfectly delicious.
Any nominations for other outstanding food purchases in or near Soulard?
Additional information (added May 12): We thank Lyn deMoss for forwarding to us the review of the beaujolais nouveau from Globe Drug. The following review is reprinted from a blog titled drinkhacker.com, self-described as "The essential blog for the discriminating drinker."
Review: 2008 Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau
"On Thursday, November 20, the new 2008 vintage of Beaujolais Nouveau goes on sale, and every wine lover should make a point to try at least one bottle before ‘08 is history.
"I got an early peek at Georges Duboeuf’s Nouveau and found it one of the most charming Nouveaus in recent memory.
"The Gamay’s traditional, lightly bitter and strongly fruity character is here, with all sorts of green herbs on the palate. A kind of sage and dried oregano tone laces its way through the very dark crimson vino, and the finish is moderately quick and dry, with notes of cassis.
"As always, it’s nothing complex (sometimes that’s a good thing, after all), and at $12 a bottle, you can’t really go wrong. As always, Nouveau stands best as a wonderful way to welcome the first wines from the 2008 vintage… even though it will be years before most of them hit the market."
The reviewer gives the wine a B+ rating.
Lyn deMoss, who forwarded the wine review information to Madame Chouteau, is a resident and homeowner in the Lafayette Square neighborhood who enjoys good food and good wine. Interestingly enough, she is a seamstress specializing in home interior sewing, including custom pillows, cushions, draperies and slipcovers. Exotic jobs include engineering and fabricating sound control panels for home theater/home entertainment installations. A fashion design background, coupled with work with ballet and theater customers, has sharpened her skills in clothing fabrication, alteration and repair, and she has constructed Victorian costumes and handled wedding dress alterations, among other projects. She can be reached at 314-865-5388 or by e-mail at lyndemoss@sbcglobal.net.
The beaujolais nouveau we added to our shopping cart was a close-out at Globe, priced at $2.98 per bottle, plus tax, of course. It perfectly complemented a meal which included other locally produced and purchased products including fresh asparagus from Scharf Farm, available at the Scharf booth at Soulard Farmers’ Market, along with a small package of Coeur de la Creme goat cheese from Baetje Farms, also at the Market. The portion that we purchased was flavored with lemon curd, another Baetje Farms innovation. It was perfectly delicious.
Any nominations for other outstanding food purchases in or near Soulard?
Additional information (added May 12): We thank Lyn deMoss for forwarding to us the review of the beaujolais nouveau from Globe Drug. The following review is reprinted from a blog titled drinkhacker.com, self-described as "The essential blog for the discriminating drinker."
Review: 2008 Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau
"On Thursday, November 20, the new 2008 vintage of Beaujolais Nouveau goes on sale, and every wine lover should make a point to try at least one bottle before ‘08 is history.
"I got an early peek at Georges Duboeuf’s Nouveau and found it one of the most charming Nouveaus in recent memory.
"The Gamay’s traditional, lightly bitter and strongly fruity character is here, with all sorts of green herbs on the palate. A kind of sage and dried oregano tone laces its way through the very dark crimson vino, and the finish is moderately quick and dry, with notes of cassis.
"As always, it’s nothing complex (sometimes that’s a good thing, after all), and at $12 a bottle, you can’t really go wrong. As always, Nouveau stands best as a wonderful way to welcome the first wines from the 2008 vintage… even though it will be years before most of them hit the market."
The reviewer gives the wine a B+ rating.
Lyn deMoss, who forwarded the wine review information to Madame Chouteau, is a resident and homeowner in the Lafayette Square neighborhood who enjoys good food and good wine. Interestingly enough, she is a seamstress specializing in home interior sewing, including custom pillows, cushions, draperies and slipcovers. Exotic jobs include engineering and fabricating sound control panels for home theater/home entertainment installations. A fashion design background, coupled with work with ballet and theater customers, has sharpened her skills in clothing fabrication, alteration and repair, and she has constructed Victorian costumes and handled wedding dress alterations, among other projects. She can be reached at 314-865-5388 or by e-mail at lyndemoss@sbcglobal.net.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Robbed at Gun Point (soulard)
We ran across the following posting on Craigslist - St. Louis, dated May 3 - Sunday - in the Lost and Found category and titled "Robbed at Gun Point (soulard):
"So, me and my friends where, yes robbed at freaking gun point last night. My purse was stolen and I'm hoping they just took the cash and threw out the window. It's a white purse with a brown strap. If any one finds it, can I please have it back!" Location: Soulard.
Madame Chouteau sure hopes this person gets her purse back. Remember, these are hard times, and wandering around the Soulard neighborhood after dark can be risky, especially if you have been drinking. Of course, this is just common sense.
Update (added on Monday): Wishing to obtain more detail than that on the Craigslist posting, Madame Chouteau had a friend contact the Craigslist poster seeking additional information. The friend truthfully identified himself as a resident of the Soulard neighborhood. Following is the exact reply (the name of the victim has been left out):
"I actually work at Johnny's and after work I went to McGurks to visit with my friends from Dublin. After last call we were gathered at the front bar. My girlfriend was parked on 12th St across from where the cop sits. She wanted to walk by herself but I insisted that we all walk her. All being myself, my 2 girlfriends and a guy friend from Dublin. We walked her to her Jeep and were just talking about plans for Sunday. The time was approx 1:30-1:40ish, our 1st call to 911 was 1:50 a.m. or so. Just then a Silver late 90's Monte Carlo swerved toward us and then wiped around and another car facing the other way, stopped. 3 black men jumped out, I could only see out of the corner of my eye, since I was facing the Jeep. One of the guys about 5 foot 8, wearing jeans and a held a very shiny hand gun to my head. He said to give him all of our money. The other men were pointing guns towards my friends. They hit one of my girlfriends in the face.
"My guy friend from Dublin, told them that they didn't want to do this. They pushed him and hit him. My back was to them...I dropped to my knees and laid my purse down and placed my hands in the air. One of them grabbed it and they hopped into the cars and turned west on Russell. The police came after being put on hold twice, thank God no one got shot or we'd be dead. Needless to say that is the 3rd time I've been robbed in this city. My purse was stolen from work during Mardi Gras, last summer my car was broken into and now this. Each time before I was thankful I wasn't robbed by gun point or hurt.
"Next time I'm sure someone is going to kill me. Thankfully for me I'm only working 5 more days in Soulard and then I don't think I'll ever go back without a gun. It's getting worse in the city and the police just care. No one is safe. I have countless of stories from friends that this type of stuff has happened all in your backyard.
"My boyfriend was home during a home invasion and those assholes were never caught. I'll never get any of my stuff back and I can deal with that. Since this is my 3rd time around, you start getting numb. The police suggested that we arm our selves. I'll probably be caring a gun from now on down there. If this dosen't get under control you're going to have not only the thugs with guns but everyone else with them. I'm not a radical about firearms but if we had guns this would have defanity ended in a blood bath. Needless to say, I'll have a gun on me from now on and suggest to friends not to go down there without one. I hope this helps. Good Luck!"
Madame Chouteau thanks the victim for her willingness to share the unfortunate details, and we hope she soon recovers her composure.
Update 2 (added on Tuesday): Following is an official version of what happened in Soulard relating to the incident on Sunday, May 3, from information compiled by Lisa, Linda and Terry, who operate Soulard neighborhood blasters meant to keep neighborhood residents and others informed:
The following information provided from a St. Louis police officer:
Incident: Robbery 1st
Location: 2018 S. 12th Street
Suspect #1: B/M, early 20's, 5'06", short hair, light t-shirt, shorts, silver handgun
Suspect #2: B/M, early 20's, 6'01", short twisties, slim build, light t-shirt, black blue jeans, black handgun
Suspect #3: B/M, driver in Chevy Malibu
Suspect #4: B/M, passenger in Chevy Monte Carlo
Precinct/Beat: 311/321
Dates/Times: 05/03/09 0150hrs
Terry was also told (by a SLPD officer) that this robbery, and 5 others, occurred throughout the city this same evening, committed by the same suspects. They were driving a stolen car, boxed the victims in, assaulted and robbed them at gun point.
The following information was received by a resident who contacted the Craigslist poster: (Please note, the following are details from the victim's email and not a copy of the reply.) The victim met friends at McGurks after work at another Soulard business. After last call the victim and friends walked one of the friends to her car on 12th Street. (Victims: 3 females and 1 male) A silver late model 90's Monte Carlo swerved toward them and whipped around and another car facing the other way, stopped. 3 suspects (see description above) jumped out with guns and demanded all of their money. 2 of the victims were pushed and/or hit.
"So, me and my friends where, yes robbed at freaking gun point last night. My purse was stolen and I'm hoping they just took the cash and threw out the window. It's a white purse with a brown strap. If any one finds it, can I please have it back!" Location: Soulard.
Madame Chouteau sure hopes this person gets her purse back. Remember, these are hard times, and wandering around the Soulard neighborhood after dark can be risky, especially if you have been drinking. Of course, this is just common sense.
Update (added on Monday): Wishing to obtain more detail than that on the Craigslist posting, Madame Chouteau had a friend contact the Craigslist poster seeking additional information. The friend truthfully identified himself as a resident of the Soulard neighborhood. Following is the exact reply (the name of the victim has been left out):
"I actually work at Johnny's and after work I went to McGurks to visit with my friends from Dublin. After last call we were gathered at the front bar. My girlfriend was parked on 12th St across from where the cop sits. She wanted to walk by herself but I insisted that we all walk her. All being myself, my 2 girlfriends and a guy friend from Dublin. We walked her to her Jeep and were just talking about plans for Sunday. The time was approx 1:30-1:40ish, our 1st call to 911 was 1:50 a.m. or so. Just then a Silver late 90's Monte Carlo swerved toward us and then wiped around and another car facing the other way, stopped. 3 black men jumped out, I could only see out of the corner of my eye, since I was facing the Jeep. One of the guys about 5 foot 8, wearing jeans and a held a very shiny hand gun to my head. He said to give him all of our money. The other men were pointing guns towards my friends. They hit one of my girlfriends in the face.
"My guy friend from Dublin, told them that they didn't want to do this. They pushed him and hit him. My back was to them...I dropped to my knees and laid my purse down and placed my hands in the air. One of them grabbed it and they hopped into the cars and turned west on Russell. The police came after being put on hold twice, thank God no one got shot or we'd be dead. Needless to say that is the 3rd time I've been robbed in this city. My purse was stolen from work during Mardi Gras, last summer my car was broken into and now this. Each time before I was thankful I wasn't robbed by gun point or hurt.
"Next time I'm sure someone is going to kill me. Thankfully for me I'm only working 5 more days in Soulard and then I don't think I'll ever go back without a gun. It's getting worse in the city and the police just care. No one is safe. I have countless of stories from friends that this type of stuff has happened all in your backyard.
"My boyfriend was home during a home invasion and those assholes were never caught. I'll never get any of my stuff back and I can deal with that. Since this is my 3rd time around, you start getting numb. The police suggested that we arm our selves. I'll probably be caring a gun from now on down there. If this dosen't get under control you're going to have not only the thugs with guns but everyone else with them. I'm not a radical about firearms but if we had guns this would have defanity ended in a blood bath. Needless to say, I'll have a gun on me from now on and suggest to friends not to go down there without one. I hope this helps. Good Luck!"
Madame Chouteau thanks the victim for her willingness to share the unfortunate details, and we hope she soon recovers her composure.
Update 2 (added on Tuesday): Following is an official version of what happened in Soulard relating to the incident on Sunday, May 3, from information compiled by Lisa, Linda and Terry, who operate Soulard neighborhood blasters meant to keep neighborhood residents and others informed:
The following information provided from a St. Louis police officer:
Incident: Robbery 1st
Location: 2018 S. 12th Street
Suspect #1: B/M, early 20's, 5'06", short hair, light t-shirt, shorts, silver handgun
Suspect #2: B/M, early 20's, 6'01", short twisties, slim build, light t-shirt, black blue jeans, black handgun
Suspect #3: B/M, driver in Chevy Malibu
Suspect #4: B/M, passenger in Chevy Monte Carlo
Precinct/Beat: 311/321
Dates/Times: 05/03/09 0150hrs
Terry was also told (by a SLPD officer) that this robbery, and 5 others, occurred throughout the city this same evening, committed by the same suspects. They were driving a stolen car, boxed the victims in, assaulted and robbed them at gun point.
The following information was received by a resident who contacted the Craigslist poster: (Please note, the following are details from the victim's email and not a copy of the reply.) The victim met friends at McGurks after work at another Soulard business. After last call the victim and friends walked one of the friends to her car on 12th Street. (Victims: 3 females and 1 male) A silver late model 90's Monte Carlo swerved toward them and whipped around and another car facing the other way, stopped. 3 suspects (see description above) jumped out with guns and demanded all of their money. 2 of the victims were pushed and/or hit.
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