Report to University City Council

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respond positively only to offers to merge some services. It is more likely that U City would be able to attract political merger interest from municipalities on the northern boundary. Wellston, Pagedale and Hanley Hills and Vinita Park are primary candidates for this due to the fact that these are the communities for which merging with U City may offer the most benefit. Vinita Terrace demographics are socioeconomically somewhat higher than U City but it may be swayed by the concept of higher efficiency and lower taxes. Most of the benefits anticipated can be derived without a political merger and the merger of services would be considered necessary tentative first steps prior to any political merger process. For U City to realize the greatest benefit, there needs to be a commitment to a longer arc that sees the redevelopment of the primary assets of these adjoining communities -land, which can be used to diversify the economic base of the new entity. However, U City could see immediate, tangible, economic benefits through the merger of some services. There is/will be opposition to this concept. It is primarily based on the perception that any such merger would be an economic drain on U City. (eg., West Germany absorbing East Germany). In response, it should be noted that, for the northern communities, there is a certain level of economic decline that is not likely to get any worse. As inner ring suburbs, their economic value can only be expected to increase from their present levels. Land values are already on the increase and resources are being pumped into these communities in recognition of the need and the opportunity. The trend is likely to accelerate as the cost of supporting suburbia goes up [rising fuel costs and the like]. This may be reinforced by an apparent trend to move back toward the gravitational center of the region. Such a trend would make this a sustainable venture. The time to act is now. The window of opportunity may be closing. We should make an effort to expand the land base ofU City by merging with one or more of these communities. Recommendation The City Council should develop a focus for the future that would foster the sustainable development of northern U City and the adjacent communities. The purpose of this effort is to assure that U City and these communities create a common future that benefits their residents and businesses. There needs to be a vision - and a commitment to the vision - that projects willingness and strength of purpose well into the future. The goals above could be the underpinnings of such a vision. It is suggested that this vision can be expressed as developing a "Super City". It should be recognized that it will take years to develop trust among the parties and determine the compelling common grounds that can be used to convince the parties that this is in everyone's best interest. Having VISION - FOLLOWED By ACTIVE 18