Historical February 1988 report or notice. Original dates, prices and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
The Skinker DeBaliviere Community Council meeting of January 4, 1988, was called to order at 7:40 p.m. Attending were Bob Dowgwillo, Georgi Fox, Karleen Hoerr, Paul Kurtz, Bob Mahon, Jim McLeod, Jim O’Neal, Paul Repetto, Eddie Sanders, Neville Vatcha, Kathy Wobus, Jack Wright and guests Guy McClellan, Dan McGuire, Shirley Polk, and Kevin Short. Jim McLeod introduced Guy McClellan who asked SDCC to endorse a request by the West Side Partnership for For Sale Incentive Program (FSIP) funds from the Community Development Agency.
The partnership owns and manages seven buildings in Skinker DeBaliviere.
It has a loan from CDA under the Housing Implementation Program (HIP) for this project. McClellan has negotiated an agreement with the City to convert loan money for FSIP when the units are converted to condominiums. FSIP would make the condos more saleable; the money can be used by buyers for closing costs, interest write-downs, or points.
The money cannot be used for the developer.
The structure of FSIP requires a neighborhood, not-for-profit corporation to act as a “pass-through” agent. Discussion followed about the role of the neighborhood organization.
The not-for-profit corporation is a party in the agreement, but handles no money, etc. Presumably, this structure assures that a project receiving funds has neighborhood support. What happens if the partnership sells the project?
The HIP loan is due upon sale of the project; the loan would be repaid and the FSIP agreement would no longer be valid. Why convert to condos?
To make the project saleable as apartments, rents would have to double.
To be eligible for FSIP, buyers must be low to moderate income and occupy the unit they purchase.
After further discussion, Paul Kurtz moved that SDCC endorse the FSIP agreement pending a legal opinion on SDCC’s liability. Second by G. Fox and approved. McLeod thanked McClellan for coming. McLeod introduced Kevin Short who explained his background and involvement in the Skinker DeBaliviere neighborhood: His company, Clayton Financial Group, took over, as general partner, several properties owned by Michael Bearden when properties went through foreclosure.
All of the buildings were at least partially occupied. Mr. Short stated that he is in the financial advising business, not real estate or management.
He and his family are moving into the neighborhood and through CFG Properties-Management Company (a separate company from his investment firm), he does now own/manage 150 units in the area.
His investment in Skinker DeBaliviere is substantial and he is anxious to work for the continued improvement of the neighborhood.
He is interested in acquiring additional properties, two to six-family buildings as they become available. Mr. Short wanted to attend the meeting and learn who we are as well as let us know who he is; if there are concerns or problems with his properties, he wants to be contacted.
With the addition of K. Wobus’ name to those attending the November meeting, the minutes were approved as amended. November and December treasurer’s reports were reviewed and approved.
Skinker Planning: P. Repetto reported the committee is working on the parking problem of Grace Methodist Church, and nearby Parkview and Rosedale neighbors.
The parking lot on McPherson behind the Sinclair station has been shared by Skinker Place apartment tenants (52 units on McPherson at Skinker) and Grace.
This arrangement has not been satisfactory for any of the parties involved and parking arrangements in general have presented problems for Parkview. Members of the committee have met three times formally with the Board of Trustees and representatives of the Administrative Council of Grace, as well as with the apartment building owner and manager. Plans were drawn up addressing short and long term needs.
Currently there is a signed agreement between the apartment building owner and the church. Prior to the February board meeting, the planning committee will meet to review the plans, will meet formally with all of the McPherson neighbors, with Alderman McGuire, and with Parkview Agents to review the plans. Representatives of the church and the apartment building will present the plan to SDCC at the February meeting for the neighborhood’s endorsement. Repetto added that he and the committee have had good input in the planning process from affected neighbors, and the alternative to some action in this situation is chaos and potential failure for the parties involved.
He believes the plan is workable and good, and the committee has operated well within its budget.
This is a good start on a major plan for the west side of Skinker.
The agreement would include who uses the lot and when, security—everything.
Social Service Committee: G. Fox reported the committee has not met.
The effort to locate an office of the Missouri Energy Assistance Program in this area was met with some resistance in the state bureaucracy.
The committee will continue to pursue this in hopes of having an office here next year.
The Committee will meet next month and continue efforts to get people involved, help identify those in our area who need assistance, coordinate the resources and services available in the area.
Home Improvement Loan Program: J. McLeod reported the committee has not met; they are currently waiting to hear from NAP on the status of our proposal.
Rosedale Neighborhood Association: B. Dowgwillo reported that packets of information for new neighbors are ready to be assembled and mailed; this should be accomplished later this month.
Skating Party: B. Dowgwillo reported that Steinberg Skating Rink is doing a booming business under the new management.
The only time available to book private parties is 10:30 p.m.-12:00 midnight on Saturdays.
The annual skating party has traditionally been sponsored as an inexpensive, family-oriented event.
With these late hours, it really wouldn’t be a family event.
The cost, however is nominal; the $50 fee covers rink rental, security, etc., and they do not require a minimum number of skate rentals. Discussion followed about whether SDCC should sponsor the skating party; Dowgwillo will try to determine if there is sufficient interest to support the party and report his findings at the February meeting.
Parkview Agents: B. Mahon reported the Agents continue to discuss security and budget issues. Wells Fargo, in lieu of their private police, has worked out very well.
He reported the Agents are developing a fiveyear plan for capital improvements.
He added that Parkview has sponsored two special events in the past several months: a party for children at Halloween and carolling at Christmas.
Outdoor Lighting Contest: G. Fox reported the winners in Parkview were the Miners; in Rosedale, Buckley; and in Washington Heights, Bush.
She proposed that next year in addition to individual awards, SDCC expand the contest and select a winning block. Fox thanked Rose Flynn for judging this year.
King Commemoration: J. O’Neal reported plans for the event next Saturday, January 9, are shaping up well….Press releases, media advisories and flyers about the program are out; O’Neal feels it is a good family program. S. Polk is in charge of the reception and several individuals have volunteered to donate cookies. Grace and Peace has been very helpful in planning this event. N. Vatcha added that he hopes everyone at the meeting will attend the event and bring 5-10 neighbors, and make it a truly neighborhood event. [See related article and photos on p.4.]
Director’s Report:
Rosedale Square—Notice of the foreclosure was published the week of Christmas.
The foreclosure will take place January 21 and 26.
It is Farmer’s understanding the project was not well structured financially; the total mortgage is too high for the project to support. HUD has guaranteed the loan and will assume ownership following foreclosure.
The next step is for HUD to appraise the buildings to determine Fair Market Value.
Regional Arts Commission grantSDCC has received $10,000 grants the past two years and has sponsored concert series, dinner theatre, reader’s theatre, spring concert, house tour, and King commemoration. D. McGuire suggested SDCC try to fund a semi-permanent awning or cover for the stage at Four Corners rather than renting band shells for concerts.
Fred’s Liquor Store 3 a.m. license application—First protest hearing was December 14. That was the cut-off date for new signatures on petitions for or against the application.
The second hearing is January 15. Between the two hearings, individuals who have signed either petition can change their minds.
The commissioner’s office is also conducting an investigation to verify signatures and determine the total number eligible to sign. Mr. Edwards has to have a majority of both property owners and first floor tenants to get the license.
The protest strategy is to try to persuade property owners who have signed in favor to reverse their position. E. Sanders is working very hard on this. [Editor’s note: The liquor license has since been denied for lack of sufficient signatures on petitions.]
CDA/St. Louis Centre Special Event—March 26, 1988, a one day “celebration” focusing on the City. CDA is not requiring SDCC to participate, but SDCC should be prepared to explain why, if we do not.
It means some quick work—getting brochures printed, etc.—generally putting together an attractive booth. K. Hoerr suggested contacting other area organizations and sharing a “Central Corridor” booth. Directors agreed SDCC should participate.
Delmar angle parking—Several months ago when the City decided to install a center median, Grace and Peace asked if it would affect their angle parking on Sundays. Farmer talked with a City engineer who said the median was already striped off; it was not a traffic lane to begin with, so the median should have no effect on current parking status.
It has, however caused problems for Stella Maris. Farmer was recently told by the Traffic Division that the area is being studied; any concerns the neighborhood has should be expressed to 26th Ward Alderwoman Marion Miller. Farmer distributed copies of a letter sent by Grace and Peace. Farmer asked if SDCC will also send a letter to Miller; directors approved.
1988 CDA grant —SDCC has been awarded $7000 again this year under the Neighborhood Development Incentives Program.
The terms and conditions are essentially the same; they reimburse SDCC monthly for a portion of the Director’s salary.
Washington Heights Neighbors—The kickoff of their 25th anniversary was November 10. E. Sanders and N. Farmer attended and took a cake with a note of congratulations to the organization.
March 1988 Census—St. Louis is the only urban area to participate; the Census Bureau wants organizations like SDCC to be involved.
Year-end Report and Form 990- SDCC has hired Lee Shulte to prepare these the past two years; directors approved hiring him again this year.
Volleyball—M. Nodiff has suggested it would be fun to have an informal “volleyball night” once a week in the neighborhood’. – Farmer is certain wherever we played someone would have to provide liability insurance. Is this appropriate for SDCC to investigate?
It was suggested that Farmer contact Art Santen who has a men’s volleyball program already in place at St. Roch’s.
Dinner Theatre—Farmer will be setting up a meeting later this month to start planning.
Meeting adjourned at 10:00 p.m.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, February 1988.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times1988_02.pdf, printed page(s) 7; PDF page(s) 7.
