Historical neighborhood survey report. The source describes 151 randomly selected household interviews by Crossroads faculty and students. Percentages concern reported perceptions, not objective measures of local conditions; question 9 has a printed total discrepancy.
During July a survey of the Skinker-DeBaliviere Neighborhood was conducted by the faculty and students of the Crossroads School.
The purpose of the survey was to measure neighborhood perceptions and attitudes towards problems affecting this area of the City.
It is hoped the results of this survey will assist neighborhood groups in addressing major concerns of Skinker-DeBaliviere residents.
The survey was based on door-to-door interviews of 151 households which were randomly selected.
The results of the survey are printed below. Anyone wishing a copy of the survey or more information concerning the survey can call Skip Coburn at 862-5122.
1. How do you normally hear about what is happening in our neighborhood? – (a) Attending neighborhood organization meetings. 13% – (b) Reading the neighborhood newspaper. 53% – (c) Participating in a political organization (e.g., ward club). 6% – (d) Involvement with a neighborhood church group. 6% – (e) Other (please indicate). 22%
2.
In the event you have a problem or complaint concerning our neighborhood, whom would you be most likely to contact? – (a) Representative of a neighborhood organization. 36% – (b) Representative of a neighborhood church. 9% – (c) Elected official (e.g., Alderman). • 30% – (d) Representative of a government agency. 9% – (e) Other (please indicate). 16%
3. What do you think is the biggest single problem in our neighborhood? – (a) Crime. 24% – (b) Condition of housing. 15% – (c) Lack of stores and shops in the neighborhood. 38% – (d) Lack of social services. 10% – (e) Other (please indicate). 13%
4. How would you describe the level of police protection in our neighborhood? – (a) Not adequate enough. 26% – (b) Adequate. 47% – (c) More than adequate. 10% – (d) Uncertain. 17%
5. What do you believe is the biggest problem with housing in our neighborhood? (answer one) – (a) Too many single-family homes which are not being properly maintained. 12% – (b) Existence of derelict or vacant apartment buildings in certain parts of our neighborhood. 31% – (c) Lack of adequate housing for low-income families. 23% – (d) Lack of enforcement of city building and housing codes. 17% – (e) Other (please indicate). 17%
6. What would be your preference for social services, which are presently not being offered to any great extent to neighborhood residents? (answer one) – (a) Outreach programs for the elderly (e.g., “meals on wheels”). 20% – (b) Day care/child care. 30% – (c) Family counselling. 16% – (d) Treatment of special social problems (e.g., alcoholism, drug addiction). 14% – (e) Other. 20%
7.
The City of St. Louis will shortly complete the Lucier Park, which will be located at Hamilton and Westminster.
In planning possible future additions to this park, what would be your preference for such improvements? (answer one) – (a) More athletic facilities for older children and adults. 23% – (b) Playground facilities for younger children. 25% – (c) Park benches, trees, and more shrubbery. 15% – (d) Lighting so the park can be used at night. 26% – (e) Other (please indicate). 11%
8. What single improvement would you like to see in the commercial areas which are closest to our neighborhood? – (a) Improvement of existing store facades. 13% – (b) Clean-up of trash and litter in commercial areas. 28% – (c) More small retail shops. 24% – (d) More large-scale stores (e.g., department store, supermarket). 30% – (e) Other (please indicate). 5%
9.
Our neighborhood has had a community education program for the last three years. What would be your preference for additional or new community education activities which could be planned in the future? (answer one) – (a) Adult education programs to help those residents who want to go back to school. 18% – (b) Vocational counselling for those residents who are unemployed or want better jobs. 41% – (c) After school activities for children (e.g., field trips, hobbies, etc.) 22% – (d) Formal athletic programs for teenagers and young adults. 13% – (e) Other (please indicate). 16%
10. Besides police and fire protection, what single public service would you like to see maintained or restored (if not currently in operation) by City Hall? – (a) Weekly street sweeping. 23% – (b) “Bulk pick-up” of items along alleys. 36% – (c) Street lighting along residential streets. 13% – (d) Street and sidewalk repair. 19% – (e) Other (please indicate). 9%
Originally published in The Paper, October 1981.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Archival transcription note: Question 9 percentages (18, 41, 22, 13, 16) total 110%. Printed values are retained. This is a survey of perceptions among 151 households, not an objective measure of neighborhood conditions.
Original source: SD_Times1981_10.pdf, printed page(s) 4; PDF page(s) 4.
