Historical February–March 2007 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
I have had people ask, “Is the SDCC still open?” “Does it still serve a purpose?” Well, only “YOU,” the residents of Skinker DeBaliviere can decide that.
Here is some food for thought. Think of the neighborhoods that don’t have neighborhood associations, property management firms, boards, or trustees – how well do those neighborhoods fare? Just for a moment imagine your community without the SDCC…
The fact is this neighborhood has come a long way in 2007. Great thanks and many accolades to those of you who are working hard with the SDCC; participating in events, community activities and volunteering – but, we can’t keep recycling you – and we don’t want to burn anyone out.
The Skinker DeBaliviere neighborhood has made great success and continues to move forward, but we are not yet at the place where we can rest on our laurels.
We may never be there.
But at least the neighborhood association gives the area a conduit which should act as the beacon to help bridge gaps in age, diversity and economics.
The SDCC can provide accurate, complete and efficient forms of communication: emails, flyers and advertising events.
The SDCC can and should provide the community with competent, capable staff.
The staff should be capable of initiating change and the vision to be proactive to the needs of the neighborhood . Crime does not decrease or stop because of the police alone, it’s because people/residents decide they have had enough.
The SDCC works and meet regularly with the police to help residents take proactive steps to crime prevention; it works to develop community building events that help build diversity, inclusion and provide social gatherings for all neighborhood residents.
The SDCC provides goals and strategic planning for committees that are neighborhood focused and because of the SDCC working on behalf of the entire community – not just a chosen few – the SDCC eliminates the premise of us and them, racial boundaries, people east of Des Peres and people west of Des Peres.
The SDCC is a community voice. That’s why the board should be representative of the area.
The SDCC exist so that it can orchestrate events and happenings so that residents don’t feel victimized or as if they are being take advantage of.
The SDCC works on housing issues, with developers, and helps to market and sell the area.
The SDCC meets and collaborates with the commercial district and its ongoing developments.
The SDCC works with the Alderman to provide the Skinker DeBaliviere area with the possibility of real stability not just an illusion thereof. Great neighborhoods don’t just happen they are created and maintained by people who get involved.
The SDCC serves as the foundation, the base for your neighborhood. So, instead of asking me, “Is the SDCC still open?” or, “Does the SDCC still serve a purpose?” Ask yourself, “What can you do for your neighborhood association?” “Darcell, what can I do to help maintain the safety and growth of our neighborhood?” Or ask, “When can I volunteer at the SDCC?”
Original photograph caption
SDCC Executive Director Darcell Braylock. Photographer not credited.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, February–March 2007.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times2007_02.pdf, printed page(s) 7; PDF page(s) 7.
