by Michael R. Allen
A small nit that I will gladly pick: When will St. Louis city government finally forbid parking on the sidewalk of 14th Street alongside the Muncipal Courts Building? Now that the Muni Courts have been vacant for the last few years — an embarrassing civic problem for another discussion — there aren’t even employees using that building. The people who park on that sidewalk must work at City Hall, or be visitors. Either way, they should not be allowed to park there.
A sidewalk is a space for pedestrians. That particular sidewalk is two blocks north of a major bus transfer point and a MetroLink Station. People use it to walk north to the Central Library, Washington Avenue or other bus lines. Those on foot can easily walk around the cars parked there, but those using a wheelchair are effectively blocked for using that section of sidewalk. How’s that for inclusive city government?
Also, the image of cars parked on the sidewalk in front of a grand civic building certainly doesn’t help to convince anyone that anyone at City Hall is serious about moving St. Louis up from the 52nd city rank. I’ve seen more decorum at out-state county courthouses.