Brian Hoyt the neighborhood is in the dumps for many reasons i strongly feel that it has largely been a domino effect of a loss of pride and even depression. Maybe a slummy landlord contributed initially by letting a whole block go to crap, and that slowly oozed over to another block and eventually the whole neighborhood. Ive seen first the city not do their part while performing inspections for me and have actually made my inspector go down my basement stairs to complete the inspection! There is industry along the river that provides a not so bright picture of the area, this needs to be regulated and the business' need to be held accountable. I think Pride is the number one factor in my neighborhood, and if this could be restored, I sh@#t you not, I really think it could be one of the greatest working class communities in the country. Raising taxes would not be the right thing to do right now, but inevitably with the plan, it would happen. A strategic plan to provide a new look is what will help this area and create buzz. Actually the area boasts one st louis' lowest crime rates!