Historical September 1987 report or notice. Original dates, prices and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
July 6, 1987, meeting of the Skinker DeBaliviere Community Council:
Members Present:
Eddie Sanders, Paul Kurtz, Bob Dowgwillo, Kathy Wobus, Georgi Fox, Jim O’Neal, Jim McLeod, Nancy Farmer. Meeting called to order at 7:35 p.m.
Treasurer’s report:
Cash statements for May and June were reviewed.
The June income reflects two grant awards, $2000 from CitiCorp to support the series of community events, and $5000 from Boatmen’s for the Community Reinvestment Program. G. Fox asked if Farmer could prepare a breakdown of expenses for each special event SDCC sponsors with grant money.
If all the grant money is not used on the events, can any of it be spent on other activities, e.g. social services? Farmer responded that the funds are restricted; CitiCorp and Arts Commission monies may only be spent on the events outlined in the proposals.
She will prepare budget breakdowns for the board after each of the events in the series.
Skinker Planning Committee:
J. McLeod reported this committee is looking at the needs, especially for parking, of the businesses and institutions on the east side of Skinker.
The committee is chaired by Paul Repetto. J. McLeod explained this committee is not an organized effort specifically for beautification.
The Skinker Beautification Committee addressed curb repairs, tree plantings, trash can purchases, etc., in 1985.
The planning committee has a broader focus. Dowgwillo is concerned about the bus stop north of the Pershing/Waterman alley on the east side of Skinker. G. Fox asked if additional parking was in the plans for the building on the NE corner of Westminster & Skinker? Farmer responded no. Steve Ensor is renovating the building for office/commercial use.
The tenants for this building develop computer software on a contractual basis for clients. Traffic will be minimal and current parking, two off-street and along Skinker, will be adequate.
DeBaliviere Arcade:
Farmer reported the design plans as revised by the board and the neighborhood were approved by HUDC with these contingencies: landscaping be at least three feet high and copper flashings be used. Demolition is scheduled later this month, construction should begin in August.
The developer projects the center will open before Christmas.
Rosedale Neighborhood Association:
B. Dowgwillo reported the officers are currently making plans for Rags to Riches.
The yard sale day will be September 26. Income from the event last year was down from preceding years and they are trying several new strategies this year, including moving it from summer to fall.
J & W Liquor Store:
G. Fox reported she understands this business on the 6100 block of Delmar sells alcohol, mostly beer, to minors.
She would like this Council to alert Capt. Page and/or Alderman McGuire to our concern about this. Farmer will follow up on this with the business owners and authorities. J. McLeod thanked Fox for bringing this up.
He asked that when the directors hear of concerns like this they bring them to the Council’s attention and encourage their neighbors to do the same.
Fred’s Liquor Store,
3 a.m. License application: The second protest hearing is scheduled Monday, July 20, 1:30 p.m. P. Kurtz feels this license would set a precedent and the Council should go on record against the application. J. O’Neal felt neither Mr. Edwards nor his attorney addressed the issues raised by the opposition at the June meeting. G. Fox moved that the Council oppose the 3 a.m. liquor license application for Fred’s Liquor Store/Edwards’ Lounge, 5892-98 Delmar and notify the Excise Commission in writing of this action. P Kurtz seconded and approved. Farmer will poll board members not present. J. McLeod informed directors that Mr. Edwards has told some neighbors that the Council is trying to close him down.
He asked that directors be very clear that we are only opposing the 3 a.m. license when they discuss this issue.
Times Fundraiser:
P. Kurtz reported that the paper netted about $600 from the event.
There was a good turnout, new neighbors, etc., and although considered a success, the $600 does not retire last year’s debt.
The Times costs about $1000 per issue to publish; advertising revenues cover about 1/2 of the costs.
The financial situation is very serious. P Kurtz said the Times board is looking at several alternatives.
He added there is additional concern this year because at least one annual contribution is questionable. Discussion followed about the importance of the paper to the neighborhood, and its outstanding quality. Kurtz was making this report at Farmer’s request so the Council would be aware of how critical the situation is for the paper. Any suggestions are appreciated.
Property Renovation:
B. Dowgwillo commented on the progress and quality of MeadMcClellan’s work on seven neighborhood buildings He suggested the Council write to Guy McClellan and express our appreciation.
The board approved.
Directors Report:
Calendars of SDCC meetings and events, July—Dec., were distributed.
Christmas Walk/House Tour:
CDA is sponsoring “House of the Month” as of May 1987.
The program was formerly sponsored by Neighborhood Housing Services which dissolved several months ago. Generally, “House of the Month” generates good publicity. CDA has not selected a house for Dec. and requested SDCC apply in writing if interested.
They need a tentative date — Farmer requested Skinker DeBaliviere be featured in December, tentatively 12/13. West End, Neighborhood Arts Council — River Faces: River Faces, Inc. will conduct a limited number of workshops for $100; they are subsidized with a CitiCorp grant.
The workshops primarily create entries for the annual parade in October. WENAC will organize the event if SDCC will pay the $100. Part of WENAC’s grant can be used for operating funds.
They would like to sublease the back office at SDCC for $100 per month, probably effective in August.
The board approved. Boatmen’s
Community Reinvestment Program:
The proposal was delivered June 3; Farmer was notified of the $5000 award June 10, and picked up the check June 11. Part of the Council’s commitment is to publicize the program in the Times.
The other commitment is to act as initial contact for persons interested in getting a loan through the program.
Neighborhood Liaison Officer:
Kate Hart’s last day was June 12; she started new position at DeSales June 15.
The Council sent flowers to her at the new job wishing her luck and thanking her for all her help with our neighborhood.
Problem Properties:
Alderman McGuire informed Farmer of the following actions: Five vacant buildings are scheduled for blighting hearings later this month, three of them are already being renovated. A-1 Leasing building at Washington and Des Peres should be razed soon; the City will landscape the lot.
The City has already acquired the former Sunoco lot at Westminster and Des Peres and will landscape it as well. J. McLeod expressed some of his concerns and plans as new president: He feels we need to get more people involved in the Council activities — committees, programs, etc.
If directors are interested in working with any project or if they know of neighbors who are, please let him or Farmer know.
He also hopes to use the monthly meetings to learn more about the neighborhood from institutions, businesses, etc.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, September 1987.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times1987_09.pdf, printed page(s) 7; PDF page(s) 7.
