Forest Park and BJC

For most of the past 18 months, representatives of the Parks Department, City Counselor’s Office and Comptroller’s Office have been participating in discussions with BJC over a proposal to change the terms of an existing lease on a strip of Forest Park east of Kingshighway. Earlier this week, the Comptroller’s representative said the deal they negotiated is not in the best interests of the City. Jim Shrewsbury, the President of the Board of Aldermen, believes a fresh, independent look at the proposal would be beneficial.

I agree with Jim. As the general plan now heads to the Board of Aldermen for its consideration, I have asked four senior aldermen - Lyda Krewson; Freeman Bosley, Sr.; Fred Wessels; and Steve Conway - to look over the financial details and report back to me. If they believe the City should get more money, we will ask for more. Alderman Joe Roddy, in whose ward BJC and the strip are located, concurs.

Krewson and Conway are both certified public accountants - and Krewson’s ward includes the rest of Forest Park. Bosley, Wessels, and Conway chair key aldermanic committees. Most importantly, all four are good aldermen who provide steady leadership and who want what’s best for the City.

I am confident they will do their job well.