ST. LOUIS — An owner of downtown St. Louis hotels said the neighborhood needs restrictions on the open carry of firearms, plus more police presence, in the face of criminal activity, particularly over weekend nights, that has spooked visitors.
"This is ongoing, as you're well aware," said Bob O'Loughlin, chairman and CEO of Lodging Hospitality Management, which owns downtown properties Union Station and Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark. "You can't just turn your streets over every Friday and Saturday to the youth that shoot guns and through windows and just kind of have intimidation parties downtown. Something has to be done."
O'Loughlin also cited a string of business exits from the central business district, with office moves to other areas of the metro area. "Businesses have moved out. Residents want to move out," he said.
