Historical September–October 1999 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
In Attendance: President Gary L. Hayes: Directors, Ann Smith Carr, Dan Bailey, Peggy Droege, Amy Gill, Steve Givens, Ronie Haliburton Maggie HartMahon, Shashi Kara, Lyda Krewson, Susan Littlefield, Miki Merritt, Shirley Polk, Lana Stein. Guests: Andy Cross (Beautification Committee Chair), Paul Hohmann (Transportation Committee Chair), Larry Isom (Neighborhood Stabilization Officer), Katrina Stierholz, (Playground Committee Chair). Staff: Gary Boehnke (Housing Corporation Project Administrator). Laure Porterfield (SDCC Executive Director). Absent: Lara Doyle, Jane Geiler, Ruth Johnson, Dan Schesch, Paula Sigman.
The meeting called to order at 7:10 p.m. by President Gary L. Hayes. Because of a number of unexpected guests and announcements we would not follow the written agenda. Lana Stein passed out Memories of Skinker DeBaliviere forms for us to fill out.
There may be a book published with an updates history of the neighborhood. Welcome and Introduction: Ken Cohen a neighborhood resident and member of the Forest Park Advisory Committee, spoke about MetroLink and the Forest Park master plan. Concerns about the intersections of Lindell at DeBaliviere and Lindell at Des Peres and possible street closures or rerouting of traffic were discussed. Bi-State will be in charge of this and it was suggested that we go to Bi-State Director, Tom Erwin, to state our concerns or suggestions. Vote was called to send a letter from Gary L. Hayes to ask for a meeting with Erwin Neighbors to discuss noise abatement/traffic flow and landscaping. Moved and passed. Lana Stein – Treasurers presented the report – Playground fundraising going great. Whitaker fund money move from Skinker DeBaliviere Community Council general checking account to the Playground account. First half received donation from New Cote Brilliante. Washington University is annual fees paid in full. Still waiting St. Roch’s contribution. Report accepted as submitted. Security – No representative from 7th District present. Issues with purse snatching in Parkview and on Pershing. Both times the attacker was fought off.
All were daytime incidents and police were alerted.
A new computer was discussed for the council office as well as E-mail access.
An ad hoc committee include Shashi Kara and Dan Schesch will be formed. Lyda raised concerns about Covenant House, which we thought was a dead issue since neighbors were so opposed. Covenant House went ahead with similar project in the South Side so we must be prepared.
A letter was suggested to confirm our position, which Laure and Amy are to draft. it will go out under Gary’s signature. Evaluation forms for the Executive Director are to be redesigned by the cornmittee. And ready for distribution in September. Gary L. Hayes reported for the Executive Committee. No major decisions made. Paul Hohmann Transportation Committee – As discussed earlier about Metro Link – give planners a chance to look at visuals along FPE. Meeting Monday, July 26 at 7:30. Commercial District – Joe Edwards has not closed yet on the property.
He is still working on parking and will not close until deal is set. Lots of concerns have been raised – some neighbors filed a petition with liquor license people but project are still in planning stages. Delmar property owners have been increasing prices. 6172-78 Delmar – lots of code violations – Afrocentric Book would like to move in but no occupancy permit will be issued until owner repairs property. Arthur Building is still an issue – Letter was sent-to Chancellor Wrighton to meet and go through building.
He sent back letter acknowledging ours.
A meeting to be set between board members and Washington University. Discussion was held on who should attend the meeting. Circulated a response form for interested board members. Laure will work out a date. Rosedale – Need to work with Skinker DeBaliviere Community Council on Rags to Riches. Flyer is going out trying to get bake-off started. Playground Committee Katrina Stierholz- turned down by “Turtle Lady” but still trying. Lyda suggested going to the Rams again. Fund is up to $42,000.00.
We have applied to Ronald McDonald and are going back to Whitaker Foundation for finish money. Wine tasting raised $200.00 from Parker’s Tables. Washington Heights Shirley Polk – would like money for neighborhood picnic. Money was discussed because last year board gave extra funds out of bingo money but that is not available this year. Moved that we give $150.00 as always and will ask Executive Director to approach businesses for contributions. Peggy Droege offered help with paper products. Motion passed. Residential Development – 5766 Pershing and 5768 both are vacant and owners have walked away. 5816 Waterman is vacant after a fire. Discussed having Larry check into status of these. Garden Tour – big cleanup day at the garden on Saturday – Advertising going up in neighborhood and loop. McPherson garden won 1″ Place in Post contest. Photos will be in the Post soon.
Also included on display in Kemper Home Gardenia Center. Public relations for the tour going well – Volunteers recruited. Board Members asked to sell/purchase two tickets each promises to be a great event. Laure – Blitz day moved to March – no date as yet. New CDA monitor. City Centre group made an inquiry about us but we have no info on them will forward info to them about the neighborhood. National Night Out is August 3rd.
All are urged to attend and participate. Housing Corporation – see report. Faithfully Submitted – Amy Gill.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, September–October 1999.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times1999_09.pdf, printed page(s) 19; PDF page(s) 19.
