Historical October 1991 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
The Skinker DeBaliviere Community Council met on August 20. 1991. Present were: Directors C. Forslund, G. Genung, A. Johnson, R. Johnson, S. Polk, R. Roncal, L. Stein, N. Vatcha, A. Webb. Committee/Association reports: Commercial District—Stein reported that the committee continues to meet frequently and build consensus for a Chapter 99 Redevelopment Plan for Delmar Blvd. between DeBaliviere and the City Limits including the “Wabash Triangle” north of Delmar. Debra Smith, a graduate student in the Architecture and Urban Design Program at Washington University. has joined the committee.
The subject of Smith’s dissertation is Delmar Blvd. and her research is very helpful. Committee members are currently working with Smith in conducting face-to-face interviews with business owners/operators in the area.
The survey covers what business operators like and don’t like, and what they hope to see happen in the future.
This is a long, slow process but the information being gathered is critical to formulating an acceptable plan. Stein also reported that the committee had reviewed plans for signs proposed for the check cashing business at 5980 Delmar; the Committee strongly opposes these proposed signs. Historic District Review—Farmer reported that this committee also opposes the signs proposed for 5980 Delmar. “Checks Cashed” signs proposed for 5980 Delmar—Farmer distributed copies of plans for the signs.
Following review and discussion the following resolution was adopted by the board: RESOLVED: “That the Skinker DeBaliviere Community Council Board of Directors strongly opposes the signs proposed for 5980 Delmar.
The signs are excessive in size, number, color and design, and, serve as advertising rather than identification.
The SDCC supports approval of individual letters mounted on the building identifying the business by name, or, a fabric awning bearing the business name.” Kingsbury Square—R. Johnson reported that someone, the association does not know who, is locking the gate on Laurel with a padlock.
The homeowners’ association board voted to keep the gate locked overnight, but someone is locking it without authorization.
They are investigating these incidents. . Nina Place—Stein reported that there are four units in Phase I of the project which have not sold. Two buildings of Phase II are under construction. Several units are currently being leased by their owners; the board of the condo association plans to develop a lease which they will require owners to use when units are rented. Stein also reported on a grievous mistake made by the contractors developing the Metro Link system.
While preparing the track bed between Kingsbury and Waterman (parallel to DeGiverville and Nina) the contractor removed nearly all of the foliage from the west side of the right-of-way embankment.
The contractor has admitted to removing foliage which should not have been disturbed; Bi-State and Arts in Transit staff are working with artists and landscape architects to develop a plan for planting next spring. Parkview—Genung reported that the Agents reviewed the status of the center gate in the subdivision; prevailing opinion is that it should remain locked.
He also reported that a consultant had evaluated the trees in Parkview; he appraised the value of the trees at two million dollars.
He noted that some species of birds are returning to Parkview including Screech Owls and Hawks. Recycling Committee—Farmer reported that Andy Cross-called the first meeting of the committee 7/31/91.
A small group met with Alderman McGuire and discussed what plans the City has for recycling programs. Committee member Jerry Witter explained the curb-side recycling program he is operating as a small business. McGuire suggested that Roger Chadwick, who is directing the development of recycling programs for the city, be invited to the next meeting.
The committee will meet with Chadwick 8/29/91. Rosedale Neighborhood Association—Roncal reported that the tenth annual Rags to Riches yard sale day is scheduled Sept. 21, 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Neighbors throughout Skinker DeBaliviere are invited to register with RNA and have a yard sale that Saturday; RNA secures a permit for the sales, publicizes the event, provides maps to the sales, and hosts a barbecue and bake sale on the parking lot of the Kingsbury Animal Hospital. Registration is $15. Housing Corporation—Farmer reported that SDCHC acquired the laundromat at 532 Des Peres 8/1/91.
The plan for the property is to raze the existing structure and then to landscape the lot per the “Greening of Des Peres” plan outlined in the Historic District ordinance. Demolition should begin soon. SDCHC sold the vacant two family building at 6029 Washington to M. Ippolito on 8/16/91. Ippolito plans to rehab the building and occupy one of the units. SDCHC continues to pursue a joint venture agreement with a private developer to rehab the four family building at 6048 Washington and convert it to two attached townhouses. SDCHC is also moving forward with plans to develop the three family at 6025 Westminster and convert it to two units with the second and third floors as a townhouse. Social Service—Farmer reported that the committee has not met; Chairperson Cantwell has been out of town.
The goal at this time is to increase membership in the committee—not necessarily through the neighborhood churches. Director’s Report: Neighborhood Plan—the St. Louis Development Corporation has a new staff person. Carlene Peterson, in Urban Design.
Her role is to work with the ConServ neighborhoods in developing their neighborhood plans: she is translating the narrative committee reports into designs and drawings. Peterson is working on Skinker DeBaliviere now and has begun with the commercial perimeters.
The “Neighborhood Plan” document will be in two-three sections in a book format. One section will address neighborhood improvement sub-areas with a mission statement, goals, objectives, strategies, tasks, opportunity/constraints and accomplishments for each. Farmer and ConServ Officer Waits have started working on this section.
The last section will be the Urban Design vision for the future which Peterson is working on. • Farmer conceded that nearly three years was a long time to wait for a plan, but it appears that the document will be valuable for the neighborhood. Walgreen’s—Jim Koman, the Koman Group, currently manages the DeBaliviere Retail Centre and has the development rights for the vacant lot, Site A, south of the Centre.
He has indicated that Walgreen’s is still interested in locating on that site and Koman is interested in developing it for them. Koman met with Farmer and McGuire and indicated that he wanted to pursue neighborhood support for the project. Farmer shared with him the concerns that were raised at the June SDCC board meeting and he asked to attend the next meeting. Because Walgreen’s is interested in locating in the area and there is interest in having a store like Walgreen’s convenient for the neighborhood, the Commercial District Planning Committee • suggested locating a Walgreen’s on Delmar. Farmer, Ald. Clay, C. Peterson and Rich Lacaille from Walgreen’s, are meeting tomorrow at SDCC to discuss this possibility. • New Cote Brilliant Church of God— Farmer reported that this church is officially a new neighbor at 6195 Delmar. formerly occupied by Delmar Baptist Church. Rev. Mike Merritt, pastor, indicated they will have a dedication service in September; he will keep Farmer informed. New Business Chancellor Danforth has appointed Sara Johnson to represent Washington University on the SDCC board of directors. Johnson replaces Jim McLeod who has served on the board for over a decade including two terms as President. McLeod will continue to serve on the housing corporation board of directors and work with the SDCC in other capacities. Johnson is a resident of Parkview and is Special Assistant to the Chancellor at Washington University.
She is involved with orientation programs on campus this week and could not attend tonight’s meeting but she is anxious to get involved and plans to attend the Sept. board meeting. Forslund distributed a status report on SDCC’s committees.
The report was reviewed and Forslund asked board members to indicate which committee they would like to serve.
The following assignments were made: Historic District Review—N. Vatcha & G. Genung Recreation—S. Polk & R. Roncal Recycling—N. Vatcha, G. Genung & R. Roncal Social Service—A. Johnson
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, October 1991.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times1991_10.pdf, printed page(s) 6; PDF page(s) 6.
