Historical Fall 2001 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
Attendance: President Dan Schesch, Directors, Sole Van Emden, Peggy Droege, Sharon FitzGibbons, Georgi Fox, Steve Givens, Greg Freeman. Ronie Haliburton, Dee Joyce-Hayes, Paul Hohmann. Joseph Keaveny, Gwen LaZard, Shirley Polk, Tim Schoemehl, John Thomas. Guests: Captain James Geiseke (SLPD), Alderman Lyda Krewson, P.O. Don Reynolds (SLPD), Val Torstenson. Absent: Lara Lennon Doyle, Rev. Miki Merritt, Katrina Stierholz. President Daniel Schesch called the meeting to order at 7:05.
The minutes from the previous meeting were reviewed and approved with corrections. Treasurer’s Report – Peggy Droege reported that all collections from CDA are in line and that the report has been corrected to show this.
The report was approved as submitted. Peggy noted that the Breakfast Garden Tour netted over $1,300, with more funds turned in this evening. Andy Cross made a more detailed report on the Garden Tour, which was very successful; participants and tour observers all seemed to have a good time. Special thanks to Genesis House for the coffee and Renard Paper for supplies, as well as to all the board members who either purchased or sold tickets and who participated on tour day as volunteers and/or participants. Security Report – Police Officer Don Reynolds introduced Captain James Geiseke, the new Captain of the 7th District. Don was pleased to report that there was nothing new regarding crime in our neighborhood.
A question was raised about auto sticker theft and there was discussion about possible statewide change to window stickers.
This problem is not just with our neighborhood, or even with our city, but statewide in nature. Security Committee – Chairman Gary Hayes reported that the committee has patrolled for burnt-out streetlights.
They asked that block captains and individuals take on the responsibility to report lights as soon as they observe them, through Citizens Service Bureau (622-4800) or Larry Isom. the NSO (454-9749). Gary also addressed the Security Committee’s efforts to control the liquor consumption/loitering problems on Delmar at Hamilton, particularly as this affects our community’s ability to utilize Lucier Park.
He spoke about a new court initiative that brings repeat nuisance offenders directly to court and allows them to be remanded for treatment and/or for community service.
He has arranged for a meeting with Bob Crecelius, the court clerk.
After much discussion, the security committee’s recommendation that the Council oppose the issuance of a new license was passed.
The Board President asked Gary to share information from a recently held meeting of the Washington University Neighbors Council. Gary indicated that the Council had been told that the bids for the new building at Skinker and Forest Park Parkway came in at almost double the amount budgeted for construction.
They are currently revising plans to bring down the costs. Decision on how they will move forward will be reached in three to six months.
They were also told that the University now owns two houses on Lindell east of Skinker, and that the first house will be torn down for green space.
The second house will be sold to a private buyer for residential use. Discussion ensued regarding Washington University’s plans for the Arthur building and what requests if any we should make of the University. SDCC Board of Director June 11, 2001 Greg Freeman then made the following motion: That we ask the university to: move forward with demolition; clean up the site in preparation for new construction; Include a sign showing a drawing for the building and the estimated date of completion.
The motion was defeated. Dee Joyce Hayes then made the following motion: That we ask the University to clean up the site, secure the building against weather and vandalism; place a sign as was described in Greg’s motion: mention the Historic District Review Committee and their necessary role in approving any new plans that might be proposed or developed; and that all of this needs to be revised in a timely fashion (by the August meeting).
The motion passed. Aldermanic Report – Lyda Krewson reported that the Delmar Business Association has discussed the possibility of establishing a special business district. Tax dollars raised would be spent at the business’ discretion to bring about various enhancements.
The new Executive Committee of the Delmar Business Association will choose and help Lyda spend $10.000 that she has earmarked for trash receptacles on Delmar. Lyda also reported that she met recently with Bi-State and the Mayor’s Office regarding her goal of getting a “real engineering effort” for alternatives at Des Peres and the Parkway.
She reported that 6186 McPherson continues to be a problem.
She continues to receive many complaints about activity at the home; about the number of folks living there; and about behavior on the sidewalk and even in the street.
She may invoke the nuisance ordinance regarding this property. John Thomas reported that Grace was trying to work with the owner in order to bring the building up to code as part of code enforcement.
It was moved and approved to write a letter to Mr. Taylor notifying him of our continued concerns about the number of unrelated people living in the building and the disruptive behavior.
If this situation is not remedied immediately, the Council will urge the Alderman to move forward with eminent domain. 6172 Delmar – They continue to operate a business without an occupancy permit.
They have no license for cafe activities.
The Commercial District Committee continues to try to work with Legacy Books on this. Redistricting – Lyda’s goal is to keep the ward intact.
However, the ward needs to give up a few hundred people.
There were various questions and comments about the Forest Park/Des Peres intersection and the Jersey barriers now blocking bicycle, rollerblade and baby carriage access to the path.
There was an update on the Forest Park Advisory Council – Five volunteers have been found to attend the meetings.
There may still be an opening on the Advisory Council.
It was moved and passed unanimously that we send a letter recommending Lara Lennon Doyle, Lana Stein. and Rick Bender be considered for these appointments. SDCC Board of Directors June 11, 2001 Transportation Committee – Paul Hohmann reported that the station at Skinker has now shifted to the east and the walkway to Limits Walk eliminated. Right now there is a pedestrian bridge over the tracks in a five-foot cut. Congressman Clay’s letter to Bi-State was distributed. Residential Committee – Lana Stein and Laure Porterfield reported that Code Enforcement is proceeding. 44 people have applied for the grant money; some 22 have not completed and attached code violation letters.
They were notified by mail that this needed to be done if they were to be considered for the program. John Thomas is working with churches and block captains to get resources and referrals to people who might need assistance. Kingsbury Square – Sharon Fitzgibbons reported that the Bi-State facility has walls built on the neighbors’ property. Walls are built of rotting railroad ties. Want a brick wall to keep out noise and pollution from busses. Kingsbury Square asked that the board write a letter asking that the old wall be demolished and replaced with a brick sound barrier moved back to Bi-State’s property.
It was moved and seconded to send a letter after all details are worked out with Sharon. Val was introduced as a potential new representative to the council. Respectfully submitted, Tim Schoemehl.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, Fall 2001.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times2001_09.pdf, printed page(s) 7, 8; PDF page(s) 7, 8.
