Historical May 1994 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
Aldermen Dan McGuire (D-28) and Irving Clay (D-26) have scheduled a community meeting for Wednesday, May 18, at 7:00pm at the Fellowship Hall of the New Cote Brilliante Church of God, to hear comments and answer questions about a redevelopment plan for Delmar prepared by the Commercial Committee. New Cote Brilliante Church is located at the corner of Skinker and Washington.
The meeting will take place in its auditorium and is open to all interested residents.
In 1989, a Skinker DeBaliviere Planning Committee, chaired by Lucille Green, was established under Operation ConServ to chart goals for the neighborhood in a number of areas.
A committee was then established to address the commercial areas bordering our neighborhood. Its chair, JoAnn Vatcha, led members in a door-to-door examination of the area and the committee then decided to focus its efforts on Delmar. Business owners and resident architects joined neighbors in this effort. Members include: Steve Brammeier, Sam Green, Cynthia Homan, George Johannes, Loretta Lloyd, John Reeve, Lana Stein, Dennis Townsend. Jack Wright.
The committee has worked closely with the aldermen and with SDCC directors Nancy Farmer and Kim Koenig.
In its early meetings, the Commercial Committee debated various ideas to assist the redevelopment of Delmar. Members unanimously agreed that a redevelopment plan filed as a city ordinance with incentives for developers would be the best tool to facilitate a coordinated approach to business on the thoroughfare that would be compatible with neighbors’ needs on both sides of the street.
The Committee received considerable assistance from Debra Smith, a graduate student in urban design at Washington University.
As part of her thesis, Smith surveyed business owners along Delmar as well as residents in Skinker DeBaliviere and the West End. Nancy Farmer of the SDCC and Marie Fowler of the West End Community Conference assisted:in this endeavor. Jack Wright and others helped with the surveying. Results from Smith’s survey, particularly regarding desired uses on Delmar–sit-down restaurants, retail shops–helped to focus the nature of the plan. Committee members deliberated over suitable building styles as well.
They also deliberated over parking, fencing, and signage.
In perhaps the most critical feature of the plan, they elaborated a list of uses deemed undesirable for successful redevelopment efforts on Delmar.
The plan covers the area along Delmar between City Limits and DeBaliviere as well as the Wabash Triangle area.
The Times is publishing the plan, slightly amended since its last publication in the Times, so that residents will have a better idea of what is being discussed at the hearing. See pages 4 and 5 of this issue. Again, all are invited to come and voice comments or ask ques tions. Alderman McGuire and Alderman Clay and Committee members will be in attendance.
This hearing is held prior to the plan’s introduction at the Board of Aldermen so that citizens have ample opportunity to raise any concerns. Committee Chair JoAnn Vatcha pointed out that “this is the time to shift the focus from this stretch of Delmar being a stepsister of the Loop to an area ready for development.
We want to make sure that development occurs in an appropriate and sensitive way instead of a hodgepodge of unrelated activity.” Delmar has already blossomed as a result of the Committee’s activity and SDCC’s assistance.
With grants from Southwestern Bell and the city, trees were planted along the thoroughfare which are now blooming for the first time. Banners using an award-winning design were hung as well and a number of buildings now have new and distinctive awnings.
A Delmar business association has been formed chaired by Gary Robertson who is also building a new furniture store on Delmar.
There have been setbacks as well. Two recent fires marred the street’s beautification. But. the opening of MetroLink as well as new restaurants and other businesses add to a general feeling of hope. Again, the public hearing on the Delmar Redevelopment Plan will take place on Wednesday, May 18, at 7:00pm, at the New Cote Brilliante Church of God Fellowship Hall, Washington and Skinker.
If you would like additional information, call the SDCC at 862-5122.
Original photograph caption
Delmar stores with awnings. Photo by King Schoenfeld.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, May 1994.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times1994_05.pdf, printed page(s) 1; PDF page(s) 1.
