Historical February 1999 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
In Attendance: President, Gary Hayes, Ann Smith Carr, Lara Doyle, Greg Freeman, Jane Geiler, Ronie Haliburton, Maggie Hart-Mahon, Ruth Johnson, Gwen Lazard, Susan Littlefield, Shirley Polk, Dan Schesch, Lana Stein. Guests: Andy Cross (Beautification Committee Chair), Paul Hohmann (Transportation Committee Chair). Larry Isom (NSO), Deanna Wendler (Washington University Student Resident). Jill Kriesmann, Margaret Hesse, Linda Smith, Christine Bubbico, Rose Storey, Lyda Krewson (Alderman 28th Ward), Sgt. Don Frentzel (SLPD-7th District), Elise Humphrey, Carol Williams, Laura Cheaney, Jeff Suits, Debbie Warshawski, Nanette Hegamin, Brian Humphrey, Margaret Anderson, and Katrina Stierholz (Playground Committee Chair). Staff: Gary Boehnke (Housing Corporation Project Administrator), Laure Porterfield (SDCC Executive Director), Absent: Peggy Droege, Steve Givens, Miki Merritt, Julie Schoemehl, Paula Sigman.
The meeting was called to order at 7:10 p.m. by President Gary Hayes. Approval of Minutes Minutes of the September 14, 1998 meeting were approved with corrections marked. Financial Report Lana Stein, Treasurer, reported that the monthly financial report was not completed due to the unexpected death of Juanita Wood’s father and Juanita’s absence from the office. Security Report Sgt. Don Frentzel reported that crimes against persons are down substantially in the neighborhood and crimes against property are down somewhat.
The police have broken up several groups committing car sticker thefts and yard/garage/car breakin property thefts. Executive Director’s Report The written report (attached) was highlighted by Laure Porterfield. noting in particular the successful safety seminar presented in conjunction with Washington University Security, University City Police Department, and St. Louis Police Department, all of which sent participants, and refreshments were provided by Washington University. Approximately 55 persons attended.
The Christmas dinner for police and firemen is being planned, Ruth Johnson again agreeing to head up this effort. Committee and Neighborhood Updates and Reports A. Housing Corporation, Gary Boehnke. Boehnke submitted a written report, and added that active negotiations are underway by the Housing Corporation with NationsBank with regard to the SDCC building premises. Residential Development Committee, Lana Stein, Chair. No response has been received from Washington University with respect to the letter approved at the last Board meeting. Rainey Crawford’s team presented a proposal to the committee for single family homes in the 5700 block of McPherson, but the proposal needs substantial additional work which is being prepared. Gary Bierman presented a proposal to demolish the two properties on either side of Hamilton at the Kingsbury/Nina/ Hamilton intersection which have been determined to be beyond renovation, and to replace them with four townhomes on each lot. Stein further noted that the Washington University program granting a $5,000, 5 year forgivable loan to staff who pur- . chase homes in our neighborhood requires the property owner to grant the University a 30 year right of first refusal (see attached copy).
A motion to publish the Residential Development Committee letter to Washington University in the Times was passed unanimously. Dan Schesch introduced a motion (attached), which after second and discussion was referred to the Residential Development Committee for recommendation as to a further course of action by the next Board meeting with regard to the ownership and operation of residential property by Washington University in the neighborhood. C. Restricted Parking on Rosedale. Maggie Hart-Mahon introduced and explained St. Roch’s proposal for restricted parking on the east side of Rosedale between Waterman and Pershing MondayFriday during the hours of 8:00 a.m. through 4:00 p.m.
A bill authorizing same has been introduced to the Board of Aldermen by Alderman Krewson. Visitors/ residents offered a variety of opinions, rationales, and other information in uniform opposition to the granting of restrictions to St. Roch’s for parking, although one proposition for compromise was also briefly discussed. Alderman Krewson explained the reasons for the introduction of the bill and its current status. Susan Littlefield presented a report (attached) on a parking survey prepared by her and Dan Schesch outlining the parking available and parking practices observed, as well as suggestions for improving the parking situation.
After further discussion, a motion with respect to support of the proposed restriction authorization bill was defeated, with 11 opposing the bill, 1 in favor, and 1 abstention from taking a position at this time.
A motion that the Council direct the Residential Development Committee to explore parking alternatives (see attached Littlefield report) with representatives of Washington University. St. Roch’s, the City of St. Louis, and Alderman Krewson, as well as to request Alderman Krewson to place the bill on the Board of Aldermen’s informal agenda was passed. D. Transportation Committee, Paul Hohmann, Chair. Hohmann reported on meetings of the Community Working Committee formed to advise EWGCC on September 24th, and open houses on September 28th, October 1st, October 7th and October 8th.
The working group met again on October 13th to discuss the upcoming phase of community involvement, which will include further development/refinement of alignments for study and review. Hohmann noted that at the October 1st meeting, participants voted overwhelmingly for the expansion along the Expressway/Millbrook to be in a cut-and-cover configuration. Hohmann introduced a motion that the SDCC adopt a community resolution (attached) endorsing the prior resolutions/position papers enacted by various constituencies along the extension route which was defeated, but a motion to refer that resolution to the Transportation Committee for review (with a recommendation for Board action, to be presented at the next Board meeting) and consideration of a reciprocity factor was adopted. Beautification Committee. Andy Cross, Chair. Cross suggested as a community contribution to a general neighborhood “spruce up” the painting of the chain link fence along the Forest Park Expressway a dark green color, the project being coordinated by Operation Brightside in conjunction with the scheduled visit of the Pope. Jane Geiler noted her numerous unsuccessful attempts to have problems in the 6100 Washington alley rectified and the alley cleaned up. Cross and Ronie Haliburton noted the planning and preparation which has been accomplished with regard to the “triangle park- by Block Unit 1035. Cross presented to Haliburton the new Block Unit 1035 sign funded by Gateway Greening, as well as the prototype sign he has prepared for Gateway Greening which he proposes to also build as an SDCC notice board outside the SDCC office. Cross further presented a plan to expand the neighborhood garden across the alley with planting of fruit trees in a park-like environment on the lots on Kingsbury now owned by LCRA with funding from Gateway Greening.
A motion was introduced asking Andy to meet with Greg Freeman, Lana Stein, Dan Schesch, Gwen Lazard, Alderman Krewson and other Nina Place residents to discuss/determine a feasible location for such trees in conjunction with the further development planned for that area and to recommend a course of action.
The motion passed unanimously. F. Neighborhood Services 1. Playground Committee, Katrina Stierholz, Chair. Stierholz reported the success of the party held on Saturday, October 17th to support development of the playground, with approximately 100 residents attending.
The Gateway and Rams Foundations’ grant applications have been denied. Stierholz asked and was authorized to approach the Anheuser Busch and DesLee Foundations for grants in the amount of $5,000.00 each, final applications to be reviewed prior to submission by the Executive Committee. Stierholz also reported that the playground committee is reviewing the current construction plans to determine how the budget could be reduced given the limited funds raised to date. Reimbursement of approximately $25 in expenses for the neighborhood party was approved. Stierholz also suggested that the SDCC pursue computer communication with residents, and volunteered to work with Porterfield to establish this system, which was approved by the Board. 2. Social Services, Shirley Polk, Chair.
The community food drive on October 10th was a huge success, with large collections given to the various neighborhood pantries. Setting up collection stations for other donations also proved successful. Polk, Lara Doyle and the volunteers assisting in the drive were congratulated on its success and thanked for their efforts. G. Commercial Development Committee, report given by Lana Stein in the absence of the chair. JoAnn Vatcha. Stein reported that a meeting was held with Washington University last week with respect to the McPherson-Skinker Parking Lot improvements to the lot proposed by Washington University and Grace Methodist Church.
After discussion and negotiation with SDCC representatives, Washington University agreed to the modifications and additions to their improvement plans requested by the SDCC, and Alderman Krewson recommended these items as conditions to the variance grant for implementation for the full lot, which was granted by the Board of Adjustment.
The previously obtained approval of Heritage and Urban Design was revoked, and the proposal must be re-reviewed by that body. H. Other Business Diana Wendler of 340 Rosedale introduced herself as a student at Washington University, who is also an employee of the University, serving as the resident assistant.
She was welcomed to the meeting. 2. Other committee reports and matters were deferred to the next meeting due to the late hour.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:30 p.m. submitted by Ann Smith Carr acting Secretary
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, February 1999.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times1999_02.pdf, printed page(s) 6; PDF page(s) 6.
