Historical November–December 2002 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
The meeting was called to order by President Dan Schesch at 7:05 PM. Introduced Mr. Brown from State Senator Pat Dougherty’s office. Mr. Brown distributed maps showing the revised boundaries of the 4th District. Minutes reviewed and approved as corrected. Treasurer’s report reviewed and approved as submitted. Security Report Officer Heather Sabin gave the Security update for the Seventh District. Officer Sabin reported that crime is down in all categories except daytime burglaries.
She reminded everyone to take summertime precautions to keep crime down—including keeping doors and windows closed and locked. Discussion followed about how to pass these security reminders on to neighbors. Officer Sabin reported that the police had recently arrested 3 individuals suspected of a series of burglaries, mostly affecting businesses. Neighbors asked questions and expressed concern about illegal parking in the alley between 59XX McPherson and 59XX Waterman and enforcement of the Waterman/ DeGiverville Parking District. Beautification Committee Andy Cross reported that the Breakfast Garden Tour was a success.
The weather was excellent, and the event raised $1,100. Andy reported that recent graffiti on the publit art at Four Corners should be removed soon. Andy is working to repair the Rosedale barricades at Westminster and McPherson. Commercial District Committee Lana Stein and Laure Porterfield reported that Mayor Slay is hosting a breakfast meeting with Delmar businesses on June 20th.
The purpose of the event is to showcase new development on Delmar and highlight the Mayor s plans for streamlining small business permits. SDCC Board of Directors, June 10, 2002 Lana gave an update on deirelopments underway on Delmar, including the Regional Arts Commission (RAC) building, the renovation of 6154 and 6172 Delmar by Joe Edwards, and the conversion of the Mount Olivet Church to a performing arts theater. Residential Committee Lana Stein reported that there had been some discussion of constructing accessible housing within the neighborhood, possibly at Pershing and Des Peres or other sites.
The Residential Committee held a meeting to get neighborhood reaction to the concept. Lana reported that sentiment was divided. Since no proposal materialized, the Committee has taken no further action.
The Residential Committee also met with the Center for Women in Transition, a social service agency which provides mentoring services to women who are released from prison for non-violent offences.
The Center would like to add a residential component to their program and want to convert the Sisters of Mercy Convent at Waterman and Rosedale for this purpose. Lana Stein and Dan McGuire reported that upon further investigation, the Committee found that such a conversion of the property would require a license as well as a zoning variance and a conditional use permit.
The Committee also learned that under city ordinance, such a license could not be granted within 500 feet of a church or school.
A discussion of the proposal and issues surrounding the zoning and licensing requirements followed.
After discussion, the Board adopted a motion to oppose any potential permit, license, zoning variance, spot zoning, or conditional use permit that would allow the conversion of the Convent at Waterman and Rosedale to a dormitory. Motion passed 8-0 with 2 absten. tions.
There was some discussion about the importance of preserving the residential character of Skinker-DeBaliviere and a proposal for the Board to adopt a motion opposing all zoning changes, etc. that would make zoning less restrictive in the neighborhood. it was agreed that the Residential Committee would look into +hose issues, and possibly make a proposal to the Council at a later time. Security Committee The Excise Commissioner issued his order regarding the liquor license protest for the Country Store.
The Commissioner imposed the same restrictions on the Country Store that had been placed on the Shur Save Market across the street. National Night Out is August 6th. Volunteers are needed. Everyone is invited and encouraged to attend. Executive Director’s Report Laura Porterfield referred to the Board Packet, which contains her written report. Laura Porterfield and Tim Schoemehl reported that Rags to Riches, the annual neighborhood yard sale is scheduled for August 24th. SDCC Board of Directors June 10, 2002 Laura Porterfield asked the Board to authorize a letter in support of Grace United Methodist Church’s application for a grant to fund home repair activities in the neighborhood. Motion passed unanimously. Housing Corporation Gary Boehnke referred board members to the minutes of Housing Corporation meetings. Executive Committee Dan Schesch reported that efforts to mitigate the impact of MetroLink expansion in the neighborhood continue. Dan reported that he and Alderwoman Krewson met with Mayor Slay about the financing of the MetroLlnk extension and the impact on City neighborhoods, and the Mayor was receptive. Dan also reported that the neighborhood, through the Transportation Committee is working with Bi-State to get some type of visual screening between the MetroLink tracks and Pershing. Other Business Shirley Polk reported that the Social Service Committee presented an award to Hamilton School, in recognition of its help with the neighborhood’s annual food drive.
The meeting adjourned at 8:50. Respectfully Submitted, Tim Schoemehl, Secretary
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, November–December 2002.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times2002_11.pdf, printed page(s) 6; PDF page(s) 6.
