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Chronology

January 11, 2001
Tower Grove East Neighborhood Association Board of Directors invited developer Tim Boyle of City Properties and the residents of 3500 blocks of Arsenal, Hartford, and Juniata for an Informational Meeting on what was announced as a "Proposed Parking Expansion Plan." At this meeting residents hear for the first time of the proposed demolitions of 3539 and 3541 Hartford for the addition of 20 spaces to the present parking lot. Before leaving the Informational Meeting, TGENA Board members are required to vote on the demolition plan. By a vote of 8-2, the TGENA Board approves the plan contingent on St. Louis Bread Company agreeing to expand their So. Grand bakery-café.

Feb. 26, 2001
Hearing before the Cultural Resources Board regarding Mr. Boyle's preliminary application for demolition of the two properties. This hearing lasted over 5 hours, and included the presentation into evidence of 3 separate parking studies showing open parking spots in the current parking lot throughout the day, as well as many more open spots on the side streets and the Commerce Bank lot. Many residents from both Tower Grove East and Tower Grove Heights Neighborhood Association spoke for and against the demolitions. The hearing ended without a vote because some members of the Board had to leave before all testimony was completed.

March 12, 2001
Another hearing before the Cultural Resources Board regarding Mr. Boyle's preliminary application for demolition of the two properties. At this hearing, each side is given 15 minutes to present a summary position on the matter. Because there is not a quorum, the vote is delayed until April 9, 2001.

March 13, 2001
Alderman Kenneth Ortmann attends a meeting of those involved in trying to stop the demolitions where he states that he will withdraw his support of the demolitions if St. Louis Bread Company does not expand, hence nullifying the Tower Grove East Neighborhood Association's Board approval.

March 27, 2001
After weeks of contacts and conversations with the St. Louis Bread Company officials and decision makers in the Panera Bread Company, the residents against the demolitions ask the Bread Company to make a commitment by April 2, 2001 regarding their intent to expand the So. Grand bakery-café given the neighborhood's opposition.

March 27, 2001
Alderman Ortmann introduces a redevelopment plan before the Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority that seeks to demolish 4 homes adjacent to the current parking lots behind the South Grand Square. Two of these homes are 3539-41 Hartford and the other two are on Arsenal. Because St. Louis Development Corporation officials are unaware of the intentions to sell of the property owners of the 3500 Arsenal homes, LCRA approval is only given for 3539-41 Hartford.

April 2, 2001
Panera and St. Louis Bread Company issue a letter to those opposed to the demolitions and to their customers at the So. Grand bakery-café stating their desire to expand the store and their belief in the public process to determine whether this proposal will gain the necessary endorsements.

April 7, 2001
Residents of the city of St. Louis opposed to the demolitions stage an informational picket in front of the So. Grand bakery-café in order to educate the customers and others in the neighborhood on the proposed demolitions.

April 9, 2001
The Cultural Resources Board votes 4-3 to deny Mr. Boyle's preliminary application for demolition of 3539-41 Hartford.