Historical Summer 2003 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
The meeting was called to order at 7:01 p.m. by President Joe Keaveny. Minutes from the February 2003 Board Meeting were reviewed and approved as presented.
The treasurer’s report was presented by Peggy Droege and approved by the Board. Police Officer Denise Young, the 7th District Public Affairs Officer, gave the security update. Car theft continues to be the single biggest problem, and an increase is likely as the weather gets warmer.
The auto theft prevention seminar sponsored by the Council, Washington University and the Seventh District went well. Police recently arrested a suspect in connection with several “car cloutings” in the neighborhood. (Officer Young explained that a “car clouting” refers to breaking a car window and stealing items from the car.) Police are continuing to issue citations enforcing the Waterman/DeGiverville Parking District. Aldermanic Report. Alderwoman Lyda Krewson (28th Ward) gave an update. Work continues with Metro (formerly Bi-State) to finalize design for the pedestrian overpass and fence along the Forest Park Parkway for the MetroLink extension through the neighborhood.
The contract for Delmar streetscape enhancements is out to bid. Bids are due in April and constructions should be complete by October, with landscaping to follow in the fall. Conditional use hearings are scheduled for a number of new businesses on Delmar, including the new “Pin-Up Bowl,” the Delmar Theater, and new restaurants at 6172 Delmar and the former Delmar Cleaners building. Neighbors presented concerns about an increase in “wrong way” traffic on one-way streets during MetroLink construction and Delmar construction. Suggested placing more one way and do not enter signs at the end of each block. Lyda will follow up with the Street Department. Katie Kurtz of the Historic District Review Committee presented a report.
The Committee has been reviewing plans for proposed new construction at Kingsbury Animal Hospital, a new air conditioning compressor on Dan Schesch’s building, and a possible expansion of Bill Christman’s art studio. Andy Cross presented the Beautification Committee report. Blitz Day is April 5th.
The Committee will be working on a clean up along Des Peres that day.
The design of an art installation for the new Regional Arts Commission (RAC) building on Delmar is being decided. 75 artists responded to a call for entries.
This has been narrowed to 5 or 6 finalists and the models will be on display at the RAC offices March 17th and 18th.
The choices will be narrowed on the 19th.
This summer, Andy will work on repairing the barricade boxes along Rosedale. Planning is underway for the Breakfast Garden Tour in June. Dan Schesch presented the Transportation Committee report.
The Committee is planning a neighborhood-wide meeting in late April to discuss options for traffic mitigation during MetroLink construction. Representatives from Metro and the Streets Department will be invited. Executive Director’s Report. Laure Porterfield referred to her written report in the board packets. Noted an upcoming meeting (March 11) re: street crime sponsored by the Central West End Association that may be of interest to some Skinker-DeBaliviere residents.
Also noted the Forest Park Master Plan update that was recently distributed. Lyda Krewson noted that all construction in Forest Park should be done by the end of the year.
A number of events will be held in the park to celebrate 2004. Housing Corporation. Gary Boehnke referred to the minutes and project report for the Housing Corporation included in the Board Packets. Gary noted that Joe Keaveny and Nancy Hohmann are new Housing Corporation Board members. Executive Committee. Joe Keaveny reported that John Thomas has resigned as Vice-President of SDCC. Dee Joyce Hayes has resigned from the SDCC board after accepting a mayoral appointment to the MSD Board of Trustees. Other Business. Shirley Polk reported that a special neighborhood committee has been established to find a way to commemorate Greg Freeman and his contributions to the neighborhood.
The Committee will meet soon to discuss various options. Georgi Fox reported that the former St. Roch convent at Waterman and Rosedale, which was purchased by the Sisters of St. Joseph from the Mercy nuns in order to house the Center for Women in Transition, may lease the property to the Sisters of Loretto for a Novitiate.
The property is currently vacant. Lyda Krewson noted that such a use would require a conditional use permit. Until they apply for one, there is not much the neighborhood can do.
The residential committee will continue to monitor the situation. Steve Givens reported that a tenant (a “Northwest-themed” coffee shop called “Kayaks”) has been secured for one of the commercial spaces in the new building at 276 N. Skinker.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Timothy 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.
