Historical April 1989 report or notice. Original dates, prices and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
Lack of a quorum and a foot of snow caused cancellation of the Skinker DeBaliviere Community Council’s (“SDCC”) February and March meetings respectively.
But at an interim assemblage March 20, the SDCC Board took some forward-looking actions which will usher in another era of neighborhood improvement.
In attendance were Nancy Farmer, Georgi Fox, George Genung, Kathleen Hamilton, Karleen Hoerr, Paul Kurtz, Phil Roberts, Neville Vatcha, Arline Webb, and this reporter. Alderman Dan McGuire was a guest. New Board member, Phil Roberts, was introduced.
He is the representative from Delmar Baptist and was warmly welcomed.
A number of agenda items were tabled for discussion at the regular April 3 Board meeting.
They were: the 1988 year end financial report and review of the January meeting minutes.
The treasurers report through 2/28/89 was reviewed and accepted. Questions about the existence, volume and loudness of school buses “Cruising” the neighborhood were raised by Fox.
She reported that especially in the early morning, many blocks are subjected to high numbers of the rumbling vehicles roaring down the streets.
They are frequently empty.
They sometimes park and sit idle.
The Board asked Farmer to write the bus companies mentioning our concerns and asking for some explanations. Hoerr gave an update on the status of the Housing corporation.
She along with Jim McLeod, Tom Scatizzi, Katie Kurtz and John G. Storey acted as incorporators.
They are investigating not-for-profit corporate status with assistance from City Hall. Skinker DeBaliviere will serve somewhat as the “pilot” Housing corporation for the city-wide plan which is a companion project to Operation ConServ in 13 city neighborhoods.
As a result, the initial details are time consuming and complicated, Hoerr reported.
It will be fully worth the effort, however, once this initiative gets going.
The Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority (“LCRA”) proposes transfer of title to the Rosedale Square Apartment Project to the Housing Corporation once it’s fully operational. Further details will be reported as they develop.
The Board approved formation of a Planning committee. Approximately 20 people will be asked by Board President Kurtz to serve on the committee. Its charge is to establish short and long-term goals for the Skinker DeBaliviere area.
They will advise our ConServ officer, Housing corporation and SDCC Board. Lou Green will be the chairperson. Their first meeting in late March will be reported at the April SDCC Board meeting. Forslund raised the question of vacant space in the Skinker DeBaliviere Retail Center. Farmer will check into the situation.
DIRECTOR’S REPORT
The 1988 neighborhood crime statistics were presented. Overall, we had a 24% reduction from 1987; specifically larceny and auto theft were down 33%, and burglary down 36%. Unfortunately, assaults were up 11% and after no rapes in 1987, one was recorded last year.
The number of homicides and robberies remained the same as 1987. Farmer reported that the Delmar McDonald’s had received a variance from the City Board of Adjustment for their 50′ high sign. But, as the paperwork went through City Hall the property was flagged as being located in an area covered by an old LCRA Urban Renewal Plan!
The Plan allowed only 25 ‘ high signs. It’s not known what the owner’s plans are for the future.
A representative of Rally’s Restaurants met with a group of Board members in March following the cancelled regular meeting.
The position previously stated by the SDCC Executive Committee in opposition to the location was reiterated.
The next day, at the scheduled Board of Adjustment meeting, Rally’s variance was denied. Farmer will again co-chair our Blitz day operations with Sam Green. Watch for it April 29!
The expansion of the Grace Methodist parking lot on McPherson is “on hold” for the present. April 30 will be the date of the first of many wonderful events made possible by the Regional Arts Commission (“RAC”) grants. Co-sponsorship with the West End Arts Council (“WEAC”) brings back Mary Henderson for a concert on April 30 at Grace Methodist.
The Spring Concert Series will take place on four Sundays in May, with artists and locations still being finalized. And, on May 20, the Dinner Theater returns to New City School.
A busy arts season awaits us right here in our own backyard. SDCC hopes many will attend and enjoy. Plans for participating in the City’s Presentation Week (May 13-20) are still being formulated. SDCC Board approved a motion for Farmer to make application to an area Title V employment program for an office assistant. Locally administered for Federal and State governments by the Cardinal Ritter Institute and the St. Louis Area Agency on Aging, this program sponsors workers, 55 and older, for up to two years to perform various jobs for qualified agencies. SDCC, as a not-for-profit organization, may apply for an employee who will be paid for by program funding, and provide some much needed assistance around the ever-swamped SDCC office.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
HISTORIC DISTRICT REVIEW
Monthly meetings have been established and the committee membership is almost complete. Their plans are to track building work within the historic district. That includes checking into what needs and has received building permits and how that permit process is working in connection with Heritage and Urban Design Commission review. Their hope is to present an evaluation of the “evolution” of the historic district with respect to the intent of the original ordinance.
PARKVIEW
There is nothing new to report except that meetings are planned with student organizers of Washington University’s Thurteen Carnival to discuss complaints and problems that Parkview neighbors want resolved.
ROSEDALE
Webb gave a review of the actions of the Rosedale Barricade Study Committee.
A clean-up and fix-up is planned for the Blitz Day project and some neighbors will be doing further study of possible traffic pattern improvements.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, April 1989.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Archival transcription note: Reported crime percentages lack underlying counts or definitions in this article; preserve as the director’s reported 1988 figures, not a newly validated crime dataset.
Original source: SD_Times1989_04.pdf, printed page(s) 5; PDF page(s) 5.
