Q: Alderman Clay, I understand that there were to be renovations at the Ruth Porter Mall on Delmar, beginning at the end of DeBaliviere.
A: Yes, actually the improvements were finished in late July. Lights will be installed but there is a new sign, the superstructure has been painted, the sidewalks have been shored up, there has been planting, and new trash receptacles. It’s a nice addition to the new Social Security building immediately to its west.
Q: What is happening with the renovations at People’s Clinic?
A: Construction will begin again soon. There is $500,000 in this year’s Community Development Block Grant budget to assist the Clinic. It will get moving after February.
Q: What kind of services are at the new Social Security building?
A: It is a full-service office and replaces the one on Euclid.
Q: There has been mention of new homes being built in the neighborhood to the north of ours. How is this coming along?
A: Work has begun along Bell and foundations have been laid. The homes will go along Belt up to Arcade and along Cabanne to Maple. They will cover 10 acres of ground. The costs of construction are funded by the Missouri Housing Development Corporation. Prospective buyers must meet certain requirements regarding income and family size. They will receive $1,500 to cover closing costs and have a mortgage of about $440 a month. Northside Preservation Commission is handling applications for the homes which have 3 or 4 bedrooms, a garage, a full basement, and a security system. The lots are 50 feet wide and 200 feet deep. They are designed to be similar to houses already existing in the area. They will be 2 to 2 and 1/2 stories.
We are also breaking ground for a 72 unit senior citizen building nearby. To further develop the general area, we will continue making Home Improvement Grants to allow owners, many of whom are older people, to shore up the exterior of their property. For those who qualify, this is money they do not have to repay. I began in 1991 and we have given out $600,000 in these grants. There are 151 now planned for the coming year. This helps to stabilize the community.
Don’t forget to return the Voter Registration form which should have arrived at the homes of all who are registered to vote in the City of St. Louis. If you don’t return it, your name may be removed from the registered voter rolls. Let’s keep our area strong through high registration numbers and significant voter turnout.
