Historical November–December 2002 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
Meeting called to order at 7:03 PM by President Dan Schesch. Council members and guests introduced. Minutes from August meeting reviewed and approved with corrections. Peggy Droege presented the Treasurer s report. Approved unanimously. Security Report Laure Porterfield reported that the Security Seminar is scheduled for September 22nd. Parking tickets are being written for those who do not display current parking permits in the DeGiverville/ Waterman Parking District. Permits are available for purchase at the Skinker DeBaliviere Community Council Office. For $25.00, residents receive two permanent window decals and two hang tags for visitors. Officer Heather Sabin reported that several housing repair scams have been reported in the neighborhood and around the City. Officer Sabin also reported that the number of burglaries in the neighborhood has increased compared to last year.
The increase in burglaries reflects a large number of garage burglaries as well as daylight breakins. Officer Sabin reported that crime is down in other categories compared to last year. Neighbors reported crime concerns including car break-Ins and robberies in the 6100 block of McPherson, an incident on the Laurel/Waterman bridge, car windows smashed in the 5900 Block of McPherson, and suspicious activity in the 6000 block of McPherson. .Residential Committee Lana Stein presented a request from Bill Christman that the Council issue a letter of support for the Cafe he wishes to open at 6014 Kingsbury.
The letter would demonstrate neighborhood support for the project as Mr. Christman pursues permits and variances from the City. Discussion of the request followed.
The Council declined to act on Mr. Christman’s request until he provides a written plan for the Cafe. SDCC Bd. of Directors, September 9, 2002 Lana also gave an update on the convent at 6102 Waterman.
The Sisters of Mercy have transferred the property to the Center for Women in Transition (CWIT.) CWIT wishes to use the property as transitional housing for 8 women who have been recently released from prison.
The City’s Zoning Administrator has ruled that such a use would require a zoning variance. Alderwoman Lyda Krewson reported that she had toured the property. CWIT apparently intends to utilize the property within current zoning restrictions while pursuing variances for their desired use. Rosedale Tim Schoemehl reported that Rags to Riches was a successful event. Final financial information is not yet available. Halloween party again scheduled for October 31st. Beautification Committee Andy Cross requested volunteers to help with watering. Andy also reported that a public sculpture project will be held in the McPherson Community garden.
The project, sponsored by the West End Arts Council, will include a ceramics workshop on September 28th at Four Corners Park and a firing of the ceramic sculpture on October 19th in the Garden. Wintermarkt Katrina Stierholtz reported that vendors are still being solicited for the second annual Wintermarkt, to be held again at Four Corners Park on Saturday, December 7th.
The planning committee is also looking (or a choir/carolers/musical performers who can work outdoors and with no heat. Transportation Committee Susan Littlefield reported that the Transportation Committee met to discuss traffic problems and possible solutions likely to accompany MetroLink construction.
She distributed a list reflecting this discussion. Alderwoman Krewson reported that she is working with Bi-State to schedule a public meeting to discuss similar issues. Aldermanic Report Alderwoman Lyda Krewson reported that the Delmar enhancements (sidewalk widening. etc.) are scheduled to be bid this fall and begin construction this winter. Executive Director’s Report Laure Porterfield referred to her written report which was included in the meeting packet She noted that CDA funding to SDCC is likely to decrease next year. CDA is holding a public hearing September 16th.
All Board members were invited. Laura also noted that the annual Security seminar will be held once again on Sunday afternoon, September 22nd, at Grace. Students and neighborhood residents were invited to attend.
The SDCC Annual Meeting will be a Potluck Supper, on October 14th, starting at 6:00 p.m. at Grace United Methodist Church.
All residents as well as Board members and block captains are invited to attend. Laura reported that a problem property in the 6100 block of McPherson is being foreclosed on by the lender and is scheduled to be sold on the Courthouse steps. Date of sale not certain. SDCC Bd. of Directors, September 9, 2002 Housing Corporation Gary Boehnke referred to the minutes included in the Board Packet.
In response to a question, Gary indicated that the Housing Corporation’s intended rehab of the building at Delmar and Hamilton is moving forward.
They are still working through the financing. Executive Committee Dan Schesch gave an update on MetroLink. Dan reported that he and Paul Hohmann had met with representatives of Bi-State and Congressman Clay to discuss a possible underpass at Des Peres.
A document for board action will be shared with Board members and discussed at the November meeting. Joe Keavany heads a new Committee to review the SDCC bylaws. Major issues will include clarifying representation and selection process for board members and officers. Other Business Shirley Polk reported that the Neighborhood Picnic was a great success.
The event was held in Forest Park, and was well-attended and much enjoyed.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:35 p.m. 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.
