Operation Neat, Neighborhood Effort in Action Today, will begin a 90-day program in the Skinker-DeBaliviere area this month. “The program,” said Robert Stoffle of the St. Louis Beautification Commission, “avails city services in an effort to change the physical environment of the neighborhood.”
Operation Neat is a joint service of the City Health, Forestry, and Police Sanitation Divisions, the Building and City Planning Commissions, and the Street DEpartment. The Beautification Commission is the major information source, and James Shea of the Street Dept. is chief coordinator of the program.
The program will function in a sequence, beginning with inspection of property by the Rat and Health Divisions. Rats burrows will be fumigated and buildings inspected for violations of the sanitation codes.
Tenants and property owners will be informed of violations, and failure to comply with recommendations will result in summons to night court.
Sheds and fences beyond repair will be torn down at the city’s expense. Three dates will be set for trash pick-up in the area later in the month.
Originally published in The Paper, May 1970.
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