During a recent government meeting, community member Miss Greer passionately voiced her concerns regarding a proposed $11 million project that she believes undermines local small businesses and perpetuates discrimination. Greer, who has been a business owner in St. Louis for 20 years, highlighted her significant personal investment in the community, claiming to have contributed over half a million dollars without any financing.
She expressed frustration over what she perceives as preferential treatment for another developer, arguing that her long-standing commitment and contributions to the community should be recognized. Greer emphasized her active role in the neighborhood, mentioning her plans to develop commercial spaces, including a restaurant in a food desert, and her ongoing efforts to provide fresh produce to local residents.
In her remarks, Greer called for the board to reconsider the funding of the project, asserting that it diverts resources away from the black community and small businesses like hers. She concluded her statement by urging the board to halt the project, which she feels threatens the livelihoods of local stakeholders.
In response, a board member clarified that the legislation being discussed does not allocate funding for the project in question, aiming to alleviate some of the concerns raised by Greer. The meeting underscored the ongoing dialogue about community investment and the challenges faced by local entrepreneurs in the face of larger development initiatives.