Historical February–March 2004 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
The meeting, held in the new 276 Building at the corner of Skinker and Forest Park and preceded by personalized tours of the facility for interested board members and neighbors, was called to order at 7:05 PM by President Joseph Keaveny.
The minutes from the July 2003 meeting were reviewed and approved unanimously. Treasurer Peggy Droege presented the financial report, but noted that she had not had the opportunity to review all of the figures. Therefore, approval of the report was deferred to the next meeting. Aldermanic Report: Alderwoman Lyda Krewson (28th Ward) presented a report.
The Delmar street improvements are under way and should be completed by mid-January.
The City will begin construction on Forest Park Parkway East of DeBaliviere in the spring.
A 10-month construction schedule is anticipated. Construction also continues in Forest Park.
The “dual path” is being installed.
When completed, this will provide one path for walking and jogging, and another for biking and rollerblading.
All costruction should be completed by November, and no construction will occur in the park during 2004. Alderwoman Krewson also reported that the Board of Aldermen is back in session after a summer recess.
This Friday, she will introduce a Bill that would prohibit all solicitation for donations at traffic intersections.
This is in response to numerous safety concerns that residents have raised about this practice. Members of the SDCC Board expressed their appreciation to Alderwoman Krewson for her work with Alderman Frank Williamson (26th Ward) to designate “Greg Freeman Park at Four Corners” in honor of Greg’s contributions to the neighborhood and the City. Security Report: Officer Sam Hill of the 7th District presented the security report. Theft of motor vehicles, thefts of license tags and thefts from vehicles continue to be the biggest crime problem in the neighborhood and throughout the City.
The police department is continuing to try new ways of addressing this concern including the use of unmarked police cars and undercover officers in areas experiencing large numbers of thefts. Officer Hill also reported that the street department will not be cleaning streets during September, so the police will not be ticketing for violations.
The Street Department will establish a new schedule for once-a-month street cleaning beginning in October. Signs are being changed now by the streets department.
The Board requested that flyers be sent to the various blocks when the new street cleaning schedule is established. Executive Committee Report: The Laurel Apartments at Laurel and Pershing have been sold. SDCC received a check for $30,000 to pay off an old Deed of Trust we held on the property.
It is not yet clear whether the funds originally came from CDA, and if they may have to be returned to CDA.
The former St. Roch Convent at the corner of Waterman and Rosedale sold.
It is not known who the purchaser is, or the intended use.
As long as the use is residential and does not require a conditional use permit or zoning variance, the issues will not have to come back to the Council. Rags to Riches Report: Tim Schoemehl reported that Rags to Riches was a very successful event.
A record number of people participated by holding sales, and over $800 was raised.
The funds will be split between SDCC and the Rosedale Neighborhood Association. Many thanks to all those who participated and helped make the event a success, including Joe Keaveny, Andy Cross, Dan Schesch, Paul Hohmann, Mary Ann Rudloff, Shirley Polk, Arline Webb and of course Laure Porterfield and Stephanie Schiller.. West End Arts Council: Andy Cross reported that the “Neighborhood Notes” concert series concluded last night.
The events were funded by a grant from the Regional Arts Commission (RAC) and were a great success, with crowds sometimes exceeding 250 people. Many thanks to all those who helped make the event a success, including Katrina Stierholz, Mark Banacek, and Ute Levi.
The other component of the RAC grant will fund “piazza pizzaz” a found object tile mosaic art piece that will be installed on the stage in Greg Freeman Park at Four Corners.
The mosaic will be created by local artist and neighborhood resident Ute Levi. Beautification Committee: Andy Cross reported that the McPherson Community Garden was featured in a tour sponsored by the state master gardeners. Andy also reported that the City will be unable to repair the barricade posts on the Rosedale barricades.
The posts must be reset before Andy can reconstruct the decorative wooden covers.
This will require the use of a portable welder. Steve Givens will see if someone at the University can provide assistance in this regard. Transportation Committee: Arline Webb presented the Transportation Committee report in the absence of Dan Schesch. Dan provided a written report on the meeting held with residents of the 6100 and 6000 blocks of Pershing regarding possible changes in traffic flow on those blocks.
This meeting did not produce a consensus on any change to the direction of traffic on these blocks.
However, residents did endorse the idea of a second curb extension and a second “Do Not Enter” sign, to reduce the amount of traffic going the wrong way on the 6100 block of Pershing.
A motion was made and seconded to endorse the concept of a second curb extension on the 6100 block of Pershing, and to authorize the Transportation Committee to follow up with Alderwoman Krewson, the Streets Department, Washington University, and any impacted property owners to obtain the necessary approvals and determine how the additional extension could be funded.
The motion passed unanimously.
The other issue that was a major concern at the meeting with Pershing residents was the lack of parking available on the street. Washington University presented a plan approximately two years ago under which the University would add parking spaces in the rear of several buildings it owns in the neighborhood.
The improvements were to be phased in over a period of time.
This proposal was well received by neighbors, but does not appear to have been acted upon.
The Council will send a formal request to the University inquiring about the status of these improvements. Central West Community Picnic: Shirley Polk reported that the Central West Community Picnic was again a great success.
The event was well attended and enjoyed by neighborhood residents. Many thanks to everyone who’s time and contributions make the event possible. Laure Porterfield thanked Shirley for her work with the picnic, and for helping continue this neighborhood tradition for 35 years! Executive Director’s Report: Laure Porterfield referred to her written report included in the Board packet.
She noted that there have been a number of major events recently, with several more scheduled, including the Security meeting with Washington University, the Fall Festival in Lucier Park, and the celebration for the opening of the RAC building on Delmar and the neighborhood food drive. Laure also reported that she will follow up with a few board members on the conflict of interest waivers required by CDA. Housing Corporation Report: Gary Boehnke referred to the Minutes and Project Reports contained in the board handouts for an update on Housing Corporation activity. Other Business: A concern was raised about the lighting at Washington University’s new 276 N. Skinker Building.
The exterior lighting is directed upwards to highlight the architectural features, but little light is directed to the sidewalk.
This could present a safety concern for people patronizing the businesses at night.
In contrast, the building at McPherson and Skinker that the University owns has a great deal of light directed towards the sidewalk. Steve Givens said he would investigate the issue. Steve Givens reported that Washington University’s 150th anniversary celebration will be held on September 14th.
The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra will play in the Quadrangle that evening, and a variety of other events will occur on campus throughout the day.
The entire community is invited to participate in the celebration. Georgi Fox reported that the St. Roch Golf Tournament will be held on Saturday, October 4th at Forest Park.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:20 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.
