Life in St. Louis City is both wonderful and sometimes challenging. But, the challenges can be reduced in magnitude when we all remember to be kind and respectful to one another.
Photo Credit: Paul Sableman via Flickr
Have you ever visited another city and driven around and around looking for a spot that isn’t restricted by a “Parking by permit only” sign or a parking meter? Parking in Shaw is completely public, no permit required. We are lucky to live in a neighborhood where parking is abundant and free; we can park anywhere on our streets almost all of the time. This is not the case in the neighborhoods of many of our peer cities.
We also live near incredible cultural institutions like the Missouri Botanical Garden and Tower Grove Park. Sometimes, events in those areas (most of which are free and wonderful reasons to live close by) can cause folks from all over the region (and sometimes country) to come visit and park on our streets. This can be a challenge, even an irritation, but it’s also an opportunity to show off our beautiful neighborhood and gain some business.
Recently a neighborhood resident reported finding a milkshake thrown all over her car (with the cup deliberately placed under the windshield), and later bags of trash left there after parking across the street from her usual spot. This family has been cursed at and personally insulted by a neighbor, and told that owners get parking preference before renters. This is, of course, not true, and the treatment of this neighbor absolutely unacceptable.
The streets belong to the city, and to all of us as taxpayers. Thus we are all equal, or unequal, in our entitlement to any one parking spot and respecting that system goes a long way toward maintaining peace in Shaw. Let’s use common courtesy, shall we? And next time you see a neighbor, how about giving a friendly smile, saying hello, and introducing yourself. It just might be a person needing a reason to stay in Shaw.
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