Historical Summer 2003 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
Meeting called to order 7:01 PM by President Joe Keaveny. Minutes from the March 2003 Board meeting reviewed and approved as presented. Treasurer’s report presented by Peggy Droege and approved by board. Rev. Mary Harvey, Pastor of Grace United Methodist Church, was introduced as Grace’s new representative to SDCC. Rev. Harvey also introduced Jason Roberts as the alternate for Grace Methodist. Aldermanic Report. Alderman Lyda Krewson (28th Ward) distributed an update on the schedule for MetroLink construction on the Forest Park Parkway. Lyda reported that after the Parkway closes, Des Peres will remain open to Lindell for about one year.
After that time, Des Peres will close permanently south of the Parkway.
However, when Des Peres closes, the Parkway will be opened with one lane of traffic in each direction for the remainder of construction. Lyda also reported that the design has been finalized for the pedestrian overpass at Des Peres. Lyda presented drawings of the new overpass, the screening wall that will be constructed south of the Pershing alley, and the entry markers that will be placed at Des Peres. Security Update. Officer Sam Hill of the 7th District gave the security update.
There has been a recent increase in burglaries, with most occurring during the day. Officer Hill reminded neighbors to keep doors and windows locked, and report suspicious activity.
There was a question about soliciting in the intersections. Officer Hill indicated that even if the individuals have a permit, they should not be in the intersection since it poses a safety hazard. Police continue to issue citations for this problem, and neighbors should report the problem to police. Executive Committee Report. Joe Keaveny reported that the SDCC will need to elect a new Vice-President. Steve Givens agreed to serve as the nominating committee. Nominations should be submitted to Steve, and he will present the nominations at the May meeting. Neighborhood/Committee Reports. Tim Schoemehl gave an update on the “ad hoc” committee that has been meeting to discuss an appropriate neighborhood memorial for Greg Freeman. Tim reported that the Committee had considered a range of possibilities, including a scholarship fund. However the scholarship posed a number of practical challenges including how it would be administered.
The Committee decided to recommend renaming Four Corners Park “Greg Freeman Park at Four Corners.” Such a change would require an Ordinance passed by the Board of Aldermen.
The Board voted unanimously to endorse the Committee’s recommendation.
A letter will be written making a formal request. Dan Schesch presented the Transportation Committee report.
The Committee has scheduled a neighborhood-wide meeting for April 29th to discuss options for traffic mitigation during MetroLink construction. Representatives from Metro and the Streets Department will attend. Pursuant to a meeting with Alderman Krewson and the Streets Department, the Street Department will install “One Way” and “Do Not Enter” signs on streets where they are needed. Dan will get suggestions from neighbors on where signs are needed, and they will be put onto a map for Streets. Andy Cross reported that the Regional Arts Commission has accepted the West End Arts Council’s grant request.
The grant will fund a tile installation on the stage at Four Corners, a summer concert series at Four Corners, and Wintermarkt. Andy also reported that the neighborhood Brightside Blitz day was a success. Lots of trash was picked up throughout the neighborhood, and the area along Des Peres near Delmar was cleaned up. Laure Porterfield reported that the neighborhood’s Blitz cleanup included help from the Environmental Engineers Club at Washington University and the 7th District Community Service group.
There was some discussion of items that were missed in Blitz bulk pick-up. Lyda Krewson reported that a special pick-up has been scheduled to catch items that were missed. Andy also reported that the neighborhood Plant Exchange will be on Saturday, May 3rd.
The Plant Exchange is held at Four Corners park and will include distribution of flowers for planting in public locations, free mulch, free grass seeds and much more.
There will be hot dogs and soda as well.
The Breakfast Garden Tour is June 7th, and will include gardens on the 6000 and 6100 block of Kingsbury and the 6000 block of Westminster. Board members are asked to help sell tickets to the event to raise money for the Council. Steve Givens reported that Washington University’s Commencement will be on May 16th.
The University has scheduled a number of extra trash pick-ups and bulk pickups to coincide with students moving out of apartments in the neighborhood. Steve asks that neighbors let him know if any items are missed during the pickups.
The new building at Skinker and Forest Park Parkway is to be completed in June. Plans are moving forward for a coffee shop to be the first commercial tenant. Steve also reported that the University will be hosting a celebration of their 150th anniversary in September. More details will be provided later. Executive Director’s Report. Laure Porterfield reported that the Special Business District for Delmar was approved by voters at the April Election.
This will fund a number of improvements along Delmar.
The Council’s strategic planning process started with FOCUS St. Louis last year should get going again soon with a new facilitator. Grace Methodist is seeking the Council’s support for their application to the Affordable Housing Commission for their home repair activities in the 5700 block of McPherson.
The Council supported their application last year.
A motion to support Grace’s application again this year was made and seconded.
After some discussion about the program, the motion passed unanimously. Gary Boehnke reported that there was no update for the Housing Corporation and referred Board members to the Housing Corporation’s Board minutes and Project Report.
The meeting adjourned at 8:55 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Tim Schoemehl, Sec.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, Summer 2003.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times2003_06.pdf, printed page(s) 6; PDF page(s) 6.
