Historical February 1989 report or notice. Original dates, prices and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
Despite the busy holiday months, the Skinker DeBaliviere Community Council (SDCC) met and covered full agendas with a view toward an even better 1989 for the neighborhood.
In attendance at the December meeting were Frank and Flossie Driscole, Nancy Farmer, Georgi Fox, George Genung, Kathleen Hamilton, Karleen Hoerr, Paul Kurtz, Bob Mahon, Neville Vatcha and Kathy Wobus. January brought together Randy Bailey, Terry Buckley, Frank and Flossie Driscole, Nancy Farmer, Mary Fleener, Georgi Fox, George Genung, Kathleen Hamilton, Karleen Hoerr, Bob Mahon, Jim McLeod, Shirley Polk, Arline Webb and Kathy Wobus.
This reporter attended both meetings and Bill Duncan, Don Roe, John Roach, Martin Jaffe and Dan McGuire were guests. Bill Duncan is the Skinker DeBaliviere operation Consery officer. Don Roe is the manager of the Operation Consery program.
We share Duncan with the Clayton Tamm neighborhood.
His phone numbers are 622-4628, 4629 or 4634.
He is a past president of the LaSalle Park neighborhood group, has done some real estate re-hab and development and has a strong management background.
His new role is primarily that of a facilitator between residents and the many city departments and services needed to address any concerns of the neighborhood.
In January, he reported that our 1989 Operation Brightside Blitz Day will be Saturday, April 29 and asked us to start thinking about beautification projects for our area.
He has started responding to dumpster complaints and derelict car reports.
In the case of any car that is not in running order and parked in an alley, driveway, yard or open garage, notice letters will be sent to the property owner where the car sits and stickers will be attached to the auto giving advance warning of the impending towing.
At the January meeting Martin Jaffe requested that SDCC renew their neighborhood agreements with the Community Development Agency (CDA) which cover 3 projects Jaffee is developing. CDA requires SDCC approval before a development will be considered for the For Sale Incentive program (FSIP) grant funds. Buyers use FSIP moneys to cover closing costs, points and/or interest write downs. Kingsbury Square is one of three projects for which Jaffe was seeking board approval.
While most of that development is complete, FSIP money will continue to be very important in the final phase of development which should be completed in the next year or so.
This phase will be somewhat different from the existing construction. Highlights include more open/green space and landscaping, private yards, 2 car garages, ownership of the lot and some brick detailing. Jaffe reported that around 50% of the buyers so far have either rented or owned in the City previously.
The second project is the 57XX block of McPherson.
Although the plan for infill housing on this block was approved a year ago, it has been on hold pending ownership changes of the planned developer Pantheon Corporation.
The present arrangement is a joint venture project between Jaffe and Pantheon, explained John Roach. Due to the delay, previously authorized FSIP funds need to be re-authorized by CDA.
The plan now includes some units on the west side of Laurel Avenue and possibly even the southwest corner of Laurel and Westminster if the property can be acquired from the Board of Education.
They are ready to start with architectural plans and layouts for the various sized single family attached townhouse and garage units.
This development will use more brick.
It will begin at the west end of the block.
A unique feature of this project is the CDA grant money that will be available to existing homeowners to make improvements on their own properties.
Finally, three apartment buildings in 53XX Pershing which underwent gut rehab five years ago will be converted and sold as condominiums. Due to the tight market for condominiums in the area, Jaffe described the need for FSIP money to make the units more attractive to buyers.
Some cosmetic interior work will be done on the units before marketing.
The Board voted for providing letters of endorsements to each of the projects. Hoerr abstained and Fox opposed the McPherson endorsement.
In December, Frank Driscole reported that the demolition contract for the problem 61XX Delmar garage would be awarded soon. Kathy Wobus invited all to attend Grace Methodist’s candlelight Christmas Carol service.
DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Operation Impact has been asked to acquire four vacant properties: Waterman single family, 60XX Pershing two family and three family.
Two of these properties are already blighted and Impact ownership would mean marketing to owners who would improve and hopefully occupy them.
The Board agreed to send a letter to Impact supporting their efforts. Blighting bills have also been introduced for a 60XX Washington three family and 4XX Laurel two family.
The Laurel owner hopes to be able, to do something to improve the property.
This will be the last regular school semester at the Academic and Athletic Academy. That program will operate at Busch School next year.
The Board of Education has not yet decided what will be done with the “Little Hamilton” building on Des Peres, but it will not be sold.
It might be used for offices or temporary class space during repairs on other buildings.
There is precedent for leasing of school buildings to local community agencies. Farmer reported that the building will at least be vacant from spring ’89 through fall ’90 and the Board authorized her to explore the possibilities of leasing the building for use as a community center.
A “sunset clause” caused expiration of the State legislation creating the obsolete district options being considered for the neighborhood at the end of 1988. Expectations are that it will be extended, but until that happens any further decisions about its application here will be postponed. Alderman McGuire introduced the ordinance to allow the City to erect stop signs on Waterman at Nina Place and Laurel which the Board previously approved.
The Neighborhood Services Coordinating Committee postponed their neighborhood children survey until spring when more volunteers and organization will assure a better result.
The Martin Luther King Commemoration is scheduled for Saturday evening, January 7, 1989 at Grace and Peace Church. Tom Hoerr will be master of ceremonies and Police Capt. Alphin the keynote speaker.
The West End Arts Council (WEAC) is selling boxed sets of 12 blank note cards bearing artwork of area artists for $10.
They are attractive and excellent for gift giving.
The Regional Arts Council (RAC) is drafting its funding plan for the 1989-90 grants.
Because there has been some discussion about the overlap of service between WEAC and SDCC, Farmer suggested that we request RAC funding at the same level we now receive.
City West Business Association’s holiday luncheon meeting on December 8, 1988 had only one agenda item, FUN! Inquiries have been made about plans for a skating party this year at Steinberg Rink in Forest Park. (See related article on page 1.) This year’s dinner theater funding was approved through the 88-89 RAC grant. (See related article.) RAC funding is also secured for this spring’s concert series. SDCC is fielding ideas for performers which they’d like to get booked in February or March. Parkview may also consider an event in their area this year. Farmer reported that CDA will be organizing May’s Preservation Week activities. SDCC needs to commit for participation by March 15 and Farmer feels we should plan on joining this city-wide promotion of our City’s history and architectural integrity.
An adult volleyball group has been established at Hamilton Community School gym.
It is open co-ed play on Wednesday nights from 7-9:00 P.M. and admission is 1 canned food item which Hamilton will donate to an area food bank.
The Board decided to hire Lee Schulte again to prepare the year end tax report in the same format that he has been using. Farmer reported that a Rally’s DriveThru Restaurant has applied for a conditional use permit to operate at 633 N. Skinker, the abandoned car wash just north of Delmar.
The permit was denied, but an appeal is pending. Much discussion was held regarding the traffic problems, noise, litter and other potential residential ramifications of the Rally’s.
A straw poll of the Board came out split between those against it and those who might consider it with some traffic and/or hour restrictions.
The McDonald’s restaurant on Delmar has asked the City Board of Adjustment for a variance to erect a 50 foot high sign.
The Board discussed many aspects of the request and voted to oppose a sign that large but feels the business should build a sign within the zoning allowances.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Parkview:
Leaf pick-up, McPherson tree trimming, street sweeping and inner circle light repairs are complete. Budget planning is underway and the reserve fund capital improvements are proceeding on schedule.
The whole neighborhood is very pleased with the work of the Wells Fargo Security, petty crime has been drastically reduced.
Rosedale:
The November 17 Rosedale Neighbors Association (RNA) general meeting included much discussion about obsolete districts and Rosedale barricades.
The barricades committee will meet on January 25 to work on a proposal to present to the RNA general membership. Laura Cheaney has resigned as the southside representative and a replacement is being sought.
Christmas Walk:
Fine architecture, beautiful holiday displays and handsome interiors highlighted the neighborhood Christmas Walk. (See related article.) Grace Methodist’s children’s party was nice but it turned out that people did not use it as a child drop off. Fox would like to get more houses involved in outdoor decorating and Hoerr suggested better marking of the walk homes and maps.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, February 1989.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times1989_02.pdf, printed page(s) 5; PDF page(s) 5.
