March SDCC Meeting

Historical April 1988 report or notice. Original dates, prices and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.

Minutes of the March 7, 1988, meeting of the Skinker DeBaliviere Community Council.

Attending: Laura Cheaney, Bob Dowgwillo, Georgi Fox, Karleen Hoerr, Bob Mahon, Jim McLeod, Paul Repetto, Eddie Sanders, Neville Vatcha, Jack Wright.

Guests: Lt. Cognata, Denny Dunaway, Lt. Hammer, Martin Jaffe, Alderman Dan McGuire, Charles Mosley and Shirley Polk.

McLeod introduced Martin Jaffe and Denny Dunaway of City Rehab Corp.: Jaffe explained City Rehab has the development rights and the vacant lots on 5700 McPherson, owned by Pantheon, under contract.

City Rehab has no intention or interest in acquiring the existing buildings on the block.

City Rehab proposes in-fill housing on the vacant lots.

City Rehab has submitted a proposal to CDA for FSIP (For Sale Incentive Program) funds.

He has come to SDCC to explain the plan, and to ask for SDCC’s endorsement.

He will meet with residents of the block tomorrow, and he is working with the two aldermen involved. (The north side of the block is in 26th ward, the south in 28th ward.) The plan involves eight separate parcels of vacant land. Beginning at the northeastern end of the block, the building designs will be a transition from the frame structures in adjacent Kingsbury Square. Moving to the western and southwestern parcels, the design will conform to existing architecture of the block.

The structures will be duplexes or rowhouse configurations, and will sell for $85-90,000.

With two and three bedroom units, the project will attract moderateincome families and new residents to the city.

Most of the area will be marketed as an extension of Skinker DeBaliviere, as opposed to an extension of Kingsbury Square.

The units at McPherson and Laurel will face Laurel.

In Kingsbury Square, Jaffe has found there is a market for custom building; he believes he can attract this market with the McPherson project as well.

City Rehab has asked the City to fund: improvements on Laurel from Waterman to the Bi-State garage; entrance monuments at Laurel and McPherson; fencing and landscaping; cleaning and repaving the alleys; landscaping and improving McPherson. Jaffe believes these proposals not only make the new construction possible, but will benefit the residents on the block and the entire neighborhood as well. Jaffe was questioned about the design of the new construction: They do not plan frame buildings—that design is fine in Kingsbury Square, but not appropriate for 5700 McPherson.

The architecture of the existing buildings on the block is very diverse; the new construction will include bays, cornices, front porches, and brick on the facades to conform with existing structures.

All units will have garages providing two off-street parking places.

City Rehab is also requesting funds to assist buyers of the units; FSIP can be used by purchasers for closing costs, points, and interest write-downs. CDA is reviewing City Rehab’s proposals now and will make a decision in two to three months. Jaffe said the plans and ideas were considered innovative and creative and were generally well received in preliminary meetings with CDA reps.

Questions and discussion followed: Total number of units proposed? 55-60. How much is the grant request? Excluding the street and alley improvements, request is $15,000 per unit for the first 21 units.

As the project progresses, and the values on the block increase, the amount requested per unit should decrease.

An amount has also been requested in grants for current homeowners to improve their buildings. McGuire commented this program addresses a concern that he and other city officials frequently hear: developers get everything. Homeowners, typically lower income, who have worked to improve their neighborhoods through bad times, are often forced out with redevelopment plans.

He agrees this is a new and innovative approach to helping people who are already on the block to stay there and enjoy the benefits of redevelopment. Concern was expressed that such a large sum of public money is requested for a single block when there are many needs elsewhere in the neighborhood. McGuire responded this is by no means a precedent; other blocks in Skinker DeBaliviere and the city have been heavily subsidized to attract responsible, private investment.

If it were easy, or even possible, for this project to be developed without subsidy, it would have been done ten years ago.

It was moved and seconded that SDCC endorse the development plan for 5700 McPherson.

The motion passed with two nay votes and two abstentions.

McLeod introduced Lt. Don Cognata of 7th District Police: It was reported the major problem in our area and the metro area is car theft.

The pattern of theft has changed from cars being stolen for “joy riding” to permanent retention. Cognata reported that the recent problems with fights and assaults in schools had had a big effect on police manpower.

He reported that 7th district is also investigating complaints about gang activity in the area.

As our needs warrant, the police try to increase patrols, but they are shifting and cutting back manpower.

Historic District Ordinance: McLeod distributed copies of a portion of the ordinance which outlines the three charges for a Historic District Review Committee.

The ordinance was passed in 1978; as this is the 10th anniversary year of the ordinance, McLeod believes SDCC needs to reinstitute the committee to review the document.

West End Neighborhood Arts Council: Hoerr, who also serves on the WENAC board, reported it met last week and elected several new directors as well as new officers.

They have submitted a proposal to Regional Arts Commission requesting funds for Art Exposed, a spring concert series, and a program for children. WENAC is co-sponsoring the Mary Henderson concert in April with SDCC and the University. Anyone who would like to work with the Arts Council should call Polly O’Brien, the new president, or contact the SDCC office.

Henderson Concert: McLeod reported Mary Henderson will perform a program of spirituals on Sunday, April 24, 4 p.m. at Grace Church.

This program adds another dimension to our series of concerts cosponsored with WENAC.

The Arts Council is addressing invitations to the event and providing most of the volunteers needed. SDCC needs to support the event, help promote it, sell tickets, and recruit donations for the reception. Ticket prices are $5, $2.50 for students, $25 for patrons who receive two tickets and are acknowledged in the program.

Liquor Licenses: Repetto asked the status of requesting an ordinance to restrict 3 a.m. liquor licenses in our area. Farmer has talked with McGuire; we need to make the request in writing and specify the area we wish to include. McGuire stated that a portion of our northern boundary includes the 26th ward; our request should also be addressed to that Alderman, Marion Miller. Repetto moved SDCC write a letter to Aldermen McGuire and Miller requesting the area served by the Council be excepted from the right to have liquor licenses allowing 3 a.m. closing. Second by Hoerr and approved.

Social Service Committee: Fox reported the committee met last week, K. Kindell (Hamilton Community School), L. Emerson (Breitmeyer Minister, Grace Church), M. Watkins (interested neighbor, member St. Roch), Fox, and Farmer attended.

The committee has decided to recruit volunteers to assist with GED classes at Hamilton. Kindell reports the student-teacher ratio is 35:1; one-to-one tutoring volunteers would be a great service.

The school will provide training for volunteers in how to teach.

Currently the committee is looking for volunteers to work one or two hours per week. Anyone willing to help should call SDCC.

Parkview Report: Mahon stated Parkview approved a six-year budget and an assessment increase last Monday.

Because of the increase, Parkview will retain Wells Fargo security and schedule capital improvements including resurfacing streets and work on the subdivision’s infrastructure.

Terra-Cotta Angel Figures: Farmer reported Larry Giles called the office last week to ask about SDCC’s plans for the figures, which are stored in his warehouse.

He is willing to keep them in storage, but they need to be crated so they can be stored upright.

The angel figures were originally part of the Title Guaranty Building.

When that structure was razed, the four angels were donated to SDCC.

After much discussion, SDCC arranged with Pantheon to have the figures installed in the DeBaliviere Arcade when it was renovated.

Since plans for that renovation were dropped and those buildings torn down, SDCC has not discussed the angel figures. Giles told Farmer if SDCC is interested, he may have a buyer for one of the figures; at $2000-$2500, it would more than pay for the cost of crating the remaining three at $300-$400 each. P. Repetto moved the Council authorize the executive director to seek a buyer for the four angel figures. Second by Hoerr and approved.

Neighborhood Study: McGuire informed SDCC of a follow-up development study being conducted by Kennedy and Associates under contract with the City’s Community Development Agency.

It is not comprehensive, but will be a good tool for the neighborhood to use. Part of the study’s charge is for the planners to meet with neighborhood leaders and discuss their findings as well as ideas for improving the neighborhood. McGuire invites all SDCC directors to attend either of the two meetings scheduled: Tuesday, March 15, or Wednesday, March 26.

Director’s Report: Dinner Theatre—The closest suitable space for the play which was available on or before May 30, is the Center for Contemporary Arts, 524 Trinity. Farmer and play director, Rita Sweets, have scheduled the performance for Saturday, April 9. Also, because of cost for space and rentals, there will be an hors d’ oeuvre/dessert reception after the performance instead of a full sit-down dinner.

The play is “West of Pecos,” a western; it has been cast and rehearsals are scheduled two-three times a week.

A cash bar is not permitted, so tickets will be priced at $10 per person. Eight to ten volunteers are needed to take tickets, usher, and work the reception.

Skinker DeBaliviere Business Association—There was discussion by the leadership of forming a new, larger, umbrella organizations which would serve areas both north and east of Skinker-DeBaliviere, but as they met with the leadership in other areas and organizations, there was little interest or need for that kind of structure.

However, SDBA’s official service area boundaries have been relaxed, primarily so the association can work more closely with 7th district police and some of the businesses north of Delmar where there is no association in place.

The next SDBA meeting is March 15, 6-8 p.m.; several new officers are being nominated including Jessie Cox for president.

Property Managers’ Association— Farmer has met with Teri Cohn, discussed some ideas and looked at some brochure samples. Next step is to contact property owners and see if there is interest in funding a joint marketing brochure.

Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, April 1988.

Read this article in the original newspaper issue.

Archival transcription note: March 26 is labelled Wednesday in the minutes; printed date/day conflict retained. Motion seeks a buyer for four angel figures after discussion of selling one; preserve full record.

Original source: SD_Times1988_04.pdf, printed page(s) 5; PDF page(s) 5.