Phyllis Young BOARD OF ALDERMEN 7 CITY OF SAINT LOUIS ‘ALDERMAN-7th WARD ere oul (14) 622-3766 December 5, 2014 Dear Colleagues: When I moved into the Soulard neighborhood of the 7* Ward in 1978, the colorful Ray Leisure wae in the midst of a27 year run as our alderman. Ray and his Leisure’s ‘Lounge con Chouteau were institutions in St. Louis polities. That’s his picture in the Leisure Room. It's hard to believe that I have now passed the lerendary Alderman Leisure in tenure, As we approach our holiday recess, I have served almost 30 years as 7% Ward Alderman. Co ——————“ eT jp years is enough, Tam resigning as of Friday, December 12,2014. The timing will dliow the voters of the 7 Ward to choose my replacement in the spring elections. During my years at City Hall, I have seen many amazing changes in our City and in my aed. T have been fortunate to play a role in many of those changes. From downtows Iie filled with residents to reborn neighborhoods, from an expanded convention center to the Renaissance Hotel, from the Metropolitan Square office building to the new ballpark, P've had the opportunity with your help to shape the face of our City Tam particularly proud of my neighborhoods. My goal of having a strong, network of neighborhoods from Broadway to Grand has been accomplished with the redevelopment pe Soulard, McKinley Heights, Fox Park and Compton Heights. In Lafayette Square acer vociming houses have been renovated back to the grand homes of the past. The Foumer Darst Webbe has been rebuilt with quality mixed income housing, There are foadly any vacant buildings in the ward, and many ofthe vacant lots have and are being ward with new housing, 1am grateful for the opportunity tha the etizens of the 7 Ward have given me to represent them these many years ‘While serving in my seven and a half terms as alderman, 1 have been privileged to serve With cach of you and your predecessors. Ihave found each of you to be dedicated to Your wis Geoonty and the progress of our City. Tam blessed to count you among my frends ey e St. Louis, Mo. 63103 e (314) 622-3287In closing, I know T'll miss seeing all of you each Friday and being on the scene as critical City issues arise. But know I am leaving our City government in capable hands. Twish you all the best in the years ahead.