Historical February–March 2004 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
Call to Order and Introductions: Meeting called to order at 7:05 PM by President Joe Keaveny.
The minutes of the Sept. 2003 Board meeting were reviewed and approved. President Joseph Keaveny reported that the annual meeting with report to the community would be deferred until the November meeting. Liz Johnson was introduced as the new Alternate representative for New Cote Brilliante Church of God. Ms. Johnson is the daughter of the late Jack Wright, a long time member of the Community Council. Treasurer Peggy Droege presented the financial report.
The financial statements for Aug. and Sept. were reviewed and approved. Security Report: Officer Sam Hill presented the Security report. Officer Hill reported that burglaries are down, with only one reported in the neighborhood during the month of September. Theft of vehicles, license tags, and theft of items from vehicles continues to be a problem. Officer Hill issued a reminder not to leave items that may be a target of theft visible in vehicles.
Residents reported concerns about loitering, vandalism, and possible drug activity in and around Lucier Park and on the 5800 block of DeGiverville.
Residents requested increased patrols in these problem areas. Any suspicious activity should be reported to the police.
Residents also reported concerns about illegal parking of vehicles blocking the alleys on the 6100 blocks of Pershing and Waterman.
Residents are asked to report illegal parking to the police and vehicles will be ticketed or towed, depending on the severity of the impediment and police availability. Aldermanic Report: Alderwoman Lyda Krewson (28th Ward) gave an update on recent activity, focusing on the construction throughout the area. MetroLink construction is on-going as are efforts to mitigate increased traffic on streets impacted by the closing of Forest Park Parkway.
A temporary traffic signal has been added at Lindell and Skinker.
The Street Department is continuing to adjust the signals at Delmar and Skinker.
The no parking zone on the north side of Waterman at Skinker (along Grace Methodist Church) has been made a tow-away zone. Construction of street and sidewalk improvements continues on Delmar, as does construction and rehab of new businesses.
The latest addition to Delmar is the newly opened Regional Arts Commission (RAC) building. Work on the existing MetroLink tracks is occurring at night near the Waterman overpass.
Residents who have questions or concerns are urged to call the night work hotline for updates. Lyda noted that the City’s noise ordinance is not aimed at construction and does not apply.
Residents raised a number of concerns related to ongoing construction in the area.
With the Parkway closed in both directions at DeBaliviere, the traffic signal there no longer needs to cycle and should be changed to a flashing yellow (like the signal at Des Peres).
Residents also raised concerns about the cycling of the traffic signal at Union and Lindell and at Waterman and Skinker.
Residents noted increased speeding on Skinker and inquired whether anything could be done to address the problem (perhaps posting “No Tolerance” signs.) Finally, residents reported that the dumpsters have been removed from the alleys on the south side of Pershing in preparation for paving the alleys.
The dumpsters are taking up much needed parking spaces on Rosedale and Des Peres, but no progress has been made on the paving. Lyda will look into these issues. Lyda reported that a developer has a contract to purchase the former convent at Waterman and Rosedale.
The developer wants to convert the property to six condominiums, which is allowed under current zoning.
The developer will be requesting tax abatement, and Lyda will ask him to meet with the neighborhood before supporting this request.
Finally, Lyda reported that she and several other citizens filed suit to challenge the constitutionality of the Missouri’s new law authorizing permits for concealed weapons.
A judge granted a preliminary injunction preventing the law from taking effect, and a hearing for a permanent injunction is scheduled for October 23. Executive Committee Report: Joe Keaveny reported that elections of officers will be held at the January meeting. Joe asked Steve Givens to serve as the nominating Committee again, and Steve agreed. Anyone who would like to serve as an officer, or who would like to nominate another board member should contact Steve before the December meeting. Beautification Committee: Laure Porterfield reported that the Beautification Committee is working with the housing corporation on a project to improve the barricades at Rosedale and Washington.
The Committee is preparing to close down the community gardens for the winter, and is looking for projects and ideas for next year. Lucier Park Committee: Katrina Stierholz reported a successful kickoff event in the park to dedicate the new playground equipment.
A number of neighbors attended, as did Alderman Frank Williamson (26th Ward).
The Committee will continue to look for ways to address the loitering littering and illegal activity that make the park unattractive and explore possibilities to bring more “eyes to the park” with new housing. West End Arts Council: The Wintermarkt festival is scheduled for Saturday December 6.
The Committee is continuing to solicit artists and vendors to participate and looking for volunteers to assist with set-up, food sales and tear-down. Rosedale Neighbors: Tim Schoemehl reported that the neighborhood Halloween Party will again be held in the St. Roch gym, with trick-ortreating to follow. Many thanks to Art Santen for organizing this event again! Transportation Committee: Dan Schesch reported neighbors concerns with noise from the night construction work on MetroLink. Other residents reported few problems.
There were concerns about trucks backing up and making a loud beeping noise before 6AM. Alderwoman Krewson requested that residents contact her and contact Metro with as many specifics as possible so that the incidents can be addressed directly. Executive Director’s Report: Laure Porterfield reported that the Delmar Business Association is considering disbanding.
This would avoid overlap with the new Special Business District, and the Commercial District Committee, which also work with business owners on Delmar. Laure noted several recent neighborhood events that have been successful, including the Lucier Park playground dedication.
She referred to her written report for more information on recent activity. Housing Corporation: Gary Boehnke referred to his written report and minutes of the Housing Corporation’s board meetings for an update on their activities. Other Business: Steve Givens provided an update on Washington University’s plans to develop additional parking behind their buildings on Pershing.
The University plans to begin the parking improvements in the Spring of 2004 in the block between Skinker and Rosedale. That block will be completed during the Summer of 2004.
In the Spring and Summer of 2004 the University will add parking behind its buildings between Rosedale and Des Peres. Dan Schesch mentioned that he and several other neighborhood residents are participating in the city charter reform movement sponsored by Advance St. Louis.
After the first of the year, the organization will be looking for opportunities to make presentations to neighborhood groups and solicit input on possible charter reform. Dan asked that the Board consider having a presentation at a regular board meeting or consider a special neighborhood wide meeting on this topic. Mark LaVelle stated that some residents of Kingsbury Square had asked if it would be possible to close Laurel to through traffic at Delmar. Such action would require an Ordinance approved by the Board of Aldermen.
If residents wish to pursue this issue, they will contact Alderman Williamson.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:40 PM.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, February–March 2004.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times2004_02.pdf, printed page(s) 6; PDF page(s) 6.
