Misguided Information about U.City's Immigrant Businesses

“Over. My. Dead. Body.” I was shocked to hear these words spoken by one of the opponents to the I-170/Olive redevelopment proposal, along with accusations of racism and claims that the project plans for a total destruction of the Olive Boulevard business district. Some of those claiming to represent and/or support the Asian business community along Olive Boulevard in University City are shouting hyperbole misrepresentation or — let’s say it — out and out falsehoods.

Several of the opponents who spoke at the June 22nd TIF meeting had been duped into believing that many of the immigrant businesses — especially Asian businesses — east of McKnight on Olive Boulevard will be destroyed as part of the I-170/Olive redevelopment. The opposite is true: those businesses, such as Lulu’s Seafood Restaurant, Mandarin House, and Seafood City, are staying, are not in the buy-out zone and thus are NOT at risk of demolition, and will have the opportunity to benefit from the monies raised by the redevelopment project through street improvements and other public investments — $5 million raised via the TIF financing will be dedicated to this.

There is no destruction of the community, but rather a plan to fortify it. Only a small number of immigrant businesses are affected in comparison to the significantly larger portion along Olive are being asked to relocate, and they will receive financial help because University City government and residents want them to stay in our city.

Yelling “racism” and “Over. My. Dead. Body” misrepresents what is truly going on. Fear mongering tactics from some of the opponent organizers could easily cause an Asian business flight similar to the White flight that occurred in the 1960s and 1970s. As an African-American, I know racism when I see it, and this is not it.

Patricia McQueen, Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee member, University City

Photo by J. Ryne Danielson/Patch