Historical February–March 2003 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
It was interesting to learn that a University of WisconsinMilwaukee study found St. Louis City to be the 5th most integrated city in the U.S. Certainly, Skinker DeBaliviere has been the premiere city neighborhood in this regard. Given the recent increasing property values and seemingly no shortage of potential buyers, we have come a long way.
It would be nice if greater swaths of our and other metropolitan areas could be as diverse. Maybe it’s a matter of time — but maybe not.
We need not be too complacent, however.
We have to be vigilant regarding public safety. And we should look for more projects that bring neighbors together such as the community gardens or the playground. Maybe Lucier Park? And, we need to think about the schools.
The St. Louis Public Schools by and large have become the repository of the poor and those of color.
The schools need a strong community coalition dedicated to bettering instruction and preparing students for a fruitful life. How many of us have children at Hamilton School?
If it appeared more viable, it would only add to interest in the neighborhood. Meanwhile, it coasts along as a community center but continues to charge area youth to shoot hoops there.
It should be a real community institution and gathering place. Maybe someday.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, February–March 2003.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times2003_02.pdf, printed page(s) 2; PDF page(s) 2.
