Historical December 1988 report or notice. Original dates, prices and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
Obsolete districts and barricades were the major topics at the Fall general meeting of the Rosedale Neighborhood Association (RNA), held November 17 at the 28th Ward Democratic Committee Headquarters.
These issues plus a standing room only crowd made for an evening of lively discussion. Alderman Dan McGuire introduced the concept of an obsolete district as one means to encourage improvement of the few substandard buildings remaining in Rosedale.
As provided by statute, a specific area is declared an obsolete district by passage of a bill by the Board of Aldermen.
Then, owners of building of four residential units or less located within the district are eligible for a property tax freeze on major repairs and improvements.
The cost of such repairs and improvements must exceed one half of the assessed value of the property.
It is McGuire’s understanding that the abatement also protects the property owners from any increase in taxes due to the bi-annual reassessment. Any abatements remain with the building during the full five years, even if the building is sold.
The abatement ends completely after the five year period.
Although available several years, obsolete districts are “not well used, as such,” says McGuire.
The Shaw and Tower Grove neighborhoods and some parts of the Central West End have seen limited applications.
Following a period of discussion, a straw vote showed most in favor of pursuing the idea.
Persons interested in learning more about obsolete districts should contact Nancy Farmer (862-5122), Executive Director, Skinker DeBaliviere Community Council.
The condition of the twenty-five-year-old traffic barricades on Rosedale was the next agenda item. Rosedale Assoc President Terry Buckley asked if the neighborhood should “ignore them, clean them, or change them.’ ‘ Subsequent discussion pointed out that the current appearance of the barricades is deplorable, that some traffic control is still needed, and that perhaps the barricades serve undesirably to separate Rosedale into two neighborhoods. Alderman McGuire noted that the city no longer favors post and chain barricades because of safety concerns. Also, options may. be limited by the need for passage of a bill by the Board of Aldermen to eliminate the barricade-s, and the limited city money available for any work.
A motion was made and carried to establish a committee to study the issue: Three issues were raised in new business. Residents of 6000 Washington complained of the mud from the vacant lot adjacent to the traffic turnaround at Washington and Des Peres. McGuire stated that money for landscaping’ has been approved, but there has been a problem with the Parks Department in getting the work done.
The Department has been contacted, and he expects that the work will be completed before the end of the year.
Another resident noted that Rosedale now has two of the Journal papers delivered: the Central West End edition and the Clayton edition.
This has made the litter problem associated with unclaimed papers even worse.
A representative of the Journal Papers contacted by phone stated that the delivery of the Clayton edition would be stopped. Residents were encouraged to complain to the Journal if the problem persists. Alderman McGuire reminded residents that they can request the Journal to cease delivery of all papers to their address.
A resident of 6000 Pershing complained of an overhanging tree on the property at the southwest corner of Waterman and Des Peres. Low branches interfere with use of the sidewalk and block the view of drivers exiting the alley. Alderman McGuire stated that he will contact the property owners to have the situation corrected.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, December 1988.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times1988_12.pdf, printed page(s) 1, 4; PDF page(s) 1, 4.
