Under the auspices of the Skinker-DeBaliviere Community Council, the Residential Service covers several different areas. It is concerned with beautification, code violations, sanitation, police services, general promotion of the area and local real estate.
In the interests of beautification, the service has been responsible for trees and grass planted along Des Peres, closing off the railroad right of way and helping to plan the "Tot Lot".
Assistance is also offered to area residents in the proper filing of complaints concerning code violations and sanitation. In addition the service works closely with local law enforcement officials to help provide better service to the community.
The real estate service was an outgrowth of several events. The blockbusting practices of some realtors, speculation associated with 235 and the government suit against real estate companies were all influential in encouraging the formation of the real estate service, according to Pat Kohn, an area resident who works closely with the service.
Based at the home of a resident for over a year, the service relied on the volunteer help of ten women to keep it going. In October, 1970, it was relocated at Council headquarters, but it is still run on a volunteer basis.
Basically, the purpose of the real estate service is to offer listings of rental and purchase property available in the area to those interested. This is done on a non-profit, non-discriminatory basis. The listings are compiled through the aid of RESCO, the newspapers and information from area residents. At present the service has been instrumental in the sale of at least five houses and has helped to rent several apartments. Exact figures are not available because there is no follow-up procedure although people are requested to call back if they use the service to find housing.
Financing has been a major problem of the real estate service in the past. It is hoped, however, that a bid to the Skinker-DeBaliviere Community Council for paid publicity and secretarial help will be accepted.
Original newspaper source
Originally published in The Paper, February 1971.
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