Parishes Re-Affirm Sponsorship
Rev. Paul Rothschild, Pastor of St. Dominic Savio Catholic Church and Rev. Paul Gins, Pastor of Seven Holy Founders Catholic Church have reviewed a multi-year success summary of the work of the Affton Community Involvement Association (ACIA) and re-confirmed their desire to continue dual sponsorship of the organization. At the July 25th meeting of the ACIA, which was devoted to reorganization issues, Larry Stone was elected President for a sixth term, Ron Hartmann was elected Treasurer for a second term and two new positions were created (i.e., President-Elect and Secretary). Efforts to fill the two new positions will be addressed during future monthly meetings. Larry Stone reported that written commentary regarding the ACIA's opposition to the South County Connector had been sent to John Hicks of the St. Louis County Department of Highways and Traffic by the July 19th established deadline. Stone also reported on two meetings he had with officials from St. Louis County. In a meeting with Tom Curran, Director of Intergovernmental Affairs, Curran strongly expressed a desire to see the ACIA continue its work on behalf of the unincorporated area of Affton. He also offered to facilitate an introduction to Jonathan Boesch, Special Assistant to the County Executive. Stone set-up a meeting with Boesch, during which Boesch stated that he was impressed with the years of accomplishments of the ACIA. Stone commented "I found Jonathan to be like-minded in his approach to see economic development occur in Affton in a controlled manner (but not to infringe on the free market rights of potential owners/lessors). He agreed with our philosophy that duplication of certain types of businesses, which project a less than progressive image, can potentially negatively impact positive economic development in older inner ring suburbs." During the meeting Boesch expressed a desire to be of assistance to the ACIA and committed to providing an update on the status of the Affton Community Plan and also on the status of MOdot's five-year plan at a future meeting. There was a discussion concerning the implications of the closure of Seven Holy Founders School as well as the relocation of Rooftop Church to a new west county location. Commentary triggered by an ACIA-generated article, as well as a subsequent article generated by the Affton Chamber in the Affton-Shrewsbury Patch soliciting ideas for vacant store fronts in Affton was considered extremely positive; and, that the Affton Chamber of Commerce is using those ideas brought forth to contact companies about potentially opening a business in Afton is a terrific move on their part. More from the Affton Community Involvement Association will follow through use of our blog.