I moved into the Skinker-DeBaliviere neighborhood about a year ago — and now I wouldn’t live anywhere else. But some people are doing their best to get me to change my mind.
They are the thoughtless dog owners who refuse to quiet their dogs and the small band of motorcyclists who use Des Peres, Skinker, Waterman, Lindell and Delmar as a performance test track.
Between them these two groups of people are responsible for more lost sleep and jangled nerves than even the most cynical observer could imagine.
Pets are fine, but should they be allowed to wake people in the middle of the night or disturb the peace by day? The answer must be no and the only persons who can do something about it are the dog owners themselves. It’s just a matter of their being a little more considerate of their neighbors.
The motorcyclists are harder to deal with. How does one reason with an animal? Our level, well-paved streets are made to order for these men (boys?) to parade their machismo in the form of powerful unmufflered machines that shatter the peace and quiet for blocks around.
As I talk with my neighbors, I find that many are tearing their hair out over this problem.
The motorcyclists, they agree, not only disrupt sleep and destroy our tranquility, they pose a threat to our children by their speeding and reckless driving.
These neighbors say now is the time to stop talking and start acting. But what to do? The police seem unable or unwilling to help. One possible solution (at least until cold weather arrives) is to offer support for an ordinance that would ban motorcycles in Forest Park. This would cut down on bikers using our streets to get to the park (and also would make the park much quieter). If you support this ban, call Alderman Vincent C. Schoemehl, Jr. at 727-8199. It is his proposal and support from his constituents would help get it passed by the Board of Aldermen.
Meanwhile, keep calling the police; sometimes they get so fed up with calls, they become “annoyed” into taking action.
The streets are for everyone. But our neighborhoods are our own. Skinker-DeBaliviere is a friendly, warm neighborhood; let’s work together to keep it that way.
(signed) Angry, but hopeful
Originally published in The Paper, September 1978.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times1978_09.pdf, printed page(s) 2; PDF page(s) 2.
