Historical February 1990 report or notice. Original dates, prices and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
Along with their normal business matters, the Skinker DeBaliviere Community Council (SDCC) dealt with the challenge of a proposed DeBaliviere Walgreens that clearly was not welcomed by some area residents. Attendance at the December and January meetings was as follows: December— Randy Bailey, Margaret Campbell, Nancy Farmer, Mary Fleener, Karleen Hoerr, Martin and Margie Jaffe, Steve Lewis, Bob Mahon, Jim Navies, Shirley Polk. John Roach, Roy Roncal, Lana Stein, Roy and Eva Tagger, Neville Vatcha and Jack Wright; January—Roy Bell, Frank and Flossie Driscole, Bill Duncan, Nancy Farmer, Mary Fleener, Georgi Fox, George Genung, Kathleen Hamilton, Lou Hamilton, Karleen Hoerr, Bob Mahon.
Dan McGuire, Phil Roberts, Roy Roncal, Arline Webb, Kathy Wobus, and Jack Wright.
The Board corrected and accepted the December and January minutes and treasurer’s reports.
December Highlights
Martin Jaffe and John Roach gave the Board an update on the status of the 5700 McPherson project.
After receiving Cornmunity Development Agency approval for the proposal three years ago, they are still awaiting the formal funding commitment.
They are especially frustrated for the the existing owner/occupants on the block who are waiting for the Phase I alley and sidewalk repairs and landscaping to begin and for the funding to cover their home facade repairs.
The presentation was for informational purposes and any help that SDCC could give would be appreciated.
The Board reviewed the proposed 1990 SDCC budget and discussed a number of contribution problems with the usual funding agencies.
A number of fund raising ideas were brought up and will be considered in the near future. Possible additional grant funding is also being considered.
An election was held to add another atlarge member to the Board.
After nomination 62X X McPherson resident Lou Hamilton was unanimously elected.
A discussion of the proposed Walgreens included a review of the problems of the Lindell Walgreens neighbors, traffic congestion, adjacent resident concerns, deed restrictions on pint liquor sales and other area pharmacies.
The Board then passed a resolution to formally oppose the Walgreens. Wright reviewed plans for the 1990 Martin Luther King, Jr. commemoration which SDCC will co-sponsor with New City School and Grace and Peace Fellowship.
January Highlights
Duncan gave a ConServ report. Plans are still in place for the spring exterior inspections.
They have been very successful of late in removing derelict cars in the area.
The neighborhood plan is still in process and will be for another month or two.
It will cover the area bounded by Forest Park Parkway, Skinker, Delmar and DeBaliviere. Wright reported on the great success of the M. L. King, Jr. commemoration which included speakers, singers and many children and filled Grace And Peace Fellowship. McGuire reviewed the plans to extend the existing Rosedale redevelopment area to include all of 6000 Washington and property east of Des Peres to the railroad tracks.
A successful meeting was held with property owners who will reconvene to review the required legislation when it is ready.
Although McGuire had no new information about the status of the Fina station, he and Farmer expect that it will not be abandoned, but re-let to new management. Discussion was held as to the requirements for loss of the existing non-conforming use permit. More information on that will be presented at the next meeting if applicable. Webb, Wobus, and others reported the absence of a security guard at Talayna’s of late. Farmer will write them a letter requesting a situation status report.
The Board discussed guidelines for use of the SDCC office space by neighborhood groups and residents. Farmer will draw up a written policy for Board approval.
The February Board meeting will convene 1/2 hour early to develop the numerous fund raising proposals raised by the Board. Farmer welcomed new Board member Lou Hamilton while bidding farewell to Phil Roberts who will be relocating to Seattle. Director’s Report At Farmer’s request the Board approved the 1990 CDA Contract.
The Board also approved retaining CPA Lee Schulte to do the SDCC 1989 year-end financial report. Farmer reported that the City excise commissioner denied the liquor license application of Charles Wren for his DeBaliviere jazz club.
The reason was lack of the requisite number of owner and tenant signatures.
The American Institute of Architects annually selects an area for which several member architects spend about 12 hours developing plans/proposals.
The event, called the charrette, has been planned for Delmar from the City limits to DeBaliviere.
Two area Christmas parties are planned. one for the Kingsbury Kiosk and one for the City West Business Association. Walgreens design proposal was rejected by the Heritage and Urban Design Commission due to loading dock location and the building’s proximity to residences.
They have just started their liquor license application process, but have not yet applied for a building permit or zoning variance. SDCC is the primary contact for the light rail Arts in Transit program for the Forest Park Station.
A meeting for interested neighbors will be held at the SDCC offices on February 12. Farmer will be submitting the annual grant request to the Regional Arts Commission for the informal concert series and the community theater event for the 1990-91 year.
SDCC Committee Reports
Parkview Fleener and Mahon reported that the Agents have a 1990 budget and new officers.
They will be continuing with capital improvements, maintenance and tree replacement. Genung and Mahon discussed the problems with the west gate and explained that the Agents are working on a schedule of opening times.
And the lights went out again. Housing Corporation Hoerr described their acquisition of 6036 Washington.
This 6-family will be added to the Rosedale Square Project. Their board continues to examine alternatives to achieve the goal of increased owner/occupancy. Plans are being prepared for review by a structural engineer and architect. Rosedale Roncal reported that the RNA board met to begin 1990 planning.
They made a contribution to the Times and reviewed the budget. Overall, 1989 was a successful year and they hope for an additional fund raiser in 1990.
A membership meeting is tentatively planned for late February. Beautification Forslund discussed the bulb planting that had been done around Rosedale Square and the Rosedale barricades. Other bulbs will be planted on Des Peres, at the east end of McPherson, in Lucier Park and at each end of DeGiverville.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, February 1990.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times1990_02.pdf, printed page(s) 7; PDF page(s) 7.
