Historical April 1990 report or notice. Original dates, prices and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
At a small, quick March meeting the Board of the Skinker DeBaliviere Community Council (SDCC) took up housing corporation, building inspection, MCI building rooftop sign and historic district business among other things. Present at the March meeting were: Nancy Farmer, Mary Fleener, George Genung, Karleen Hoerr, Bob Mahon, Shirley Polk, Roy Roncal, Art Santen, Neville Vatcha and Arline Webb. Santen brought the issue of the downtown MCI Building rooftop sign before the Board.
He asked for neighbors to contact the Alderman, Mayor and/or the Aldermanic President to express their opinion on the project.
He wanted the Board, Parkview Agents, and Rosedale Neighbors to vote on the issue and present resolutions opposing the sign to the Board of Aldermen. Mahon said that the SDCC Board has no authority or jurisdiction to decide on issues outside our neighborhood.
The February minutes were approved as read and the Treasurer’s report was reviewed.
The Community Development Agency (CDA) has increased the SDCC grant for the current year which will help balance the budget.
The report was approved. Director’s Report Door-to-door exterior building inspections in the neighborhood have started as a part of the City’s ConServ program.
The Times will be running articles about making and financing repairs.
On April 16 a seminar is scheduled about re-use and repair of garages.
If the Board feels it is desirable, SDCC can schedule presentations by some potential lenders such as the Urban League or Boatmen’s Bank.
The Board decided to think about future offerings. Walgreen’s obtained approval from the Heritage and Urban Design Commission (HUDC) for their revised building plans.
They have not yet applied for their zoning variance or liquor license.
It seems unlikely that they will be able to gather the necessary number of signatures for their liquor license. Farmer will keep checking on the situation. CDA Director Tony Williams will be meeting with neighborhood leaders in March at an informal reception to discuss the neighborhood plan.
The community theater group has started meeting.
A good number of people were in attendance, including some new faces.
They will be giving two performances.
The Friday night program will consist of the play only. Saturday night the Times will help sponsor and the performance and parties will be a fund raiser for both SDCC and the Times. West End Arts Council needs a letter of support from SDCC for its Regional Arts Commission grant proposal and the Board approved providing it.
The May 5 Blitz presentation will be made at the April SDCC Board meeting.
The ConServ brochure is in the works and Farmer asked interested Board members to make contributions.
The Fina station has re-opened under new management. Work should be beginning soon on the Delmar Shell station to turn it into a minifoodmart and car wash. Shell responded favorably to all suggestions made by SDCC committees and Farmer hopes this is indicative of the kind of neighbor we can expect. Committee Reports Beautification Forslund reported on the success of the neighborhood survey. Almost 15 neighbors helped complete it one cold February Saturday morning.
The data will be compiled to help develop a priority system for the work of the committee. Farmer said that other ConServ areas will be using our survey form. Housing Hoerr reminded the Board that the Housing Corporation directors have nothing to do with the day-to-day maintenance of the properties.
They have a paid, off-site manager who has been doing a good job. But, if neighbors see a problem, they should notify Farmer who will in turn pass the message on to the manager.
They can’t take care of problems if they don’t know they exist.
They are still trying to purchase a shell HUD property on 60xx Washington.
There is a new architect on the Corporation’s Board who is working on remodeling plans.
They will be creating some larger units with 2 and 3 bedrooms and multiple baths. Their constant goal is to reduce density and these larger units should help. Parkview Pershing will be resurfaced beginning March 26, Mahon advised. Also, the “negative speed bumps” on Washington were really new trenches for the street light cable, and they’ll be re-paved in April.
The Center Gate will remain closed for the time being until repairs and an opening schedule can be worked out.
The Skinker walls are being tuckpointed.
The annual meeting is scheduled for May 21.
The Thurtene Carnival is coming and will close at 8:00 p.m. this year due to security concerns. Rosedale Roncal reported on the meeting with HUDC.
In connection with that discussion, Hoerr asked that the Historic District Review Committee look at our ordinance and make a presentation at the next Board meeting.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, April 1990.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times1990_04.pdf, printed page(s) 5; PDF page(s) 5.
