Historical Summer 2017 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
The Community Development Committee of the Skinker DeBaliviere Community Council has formed a subcommittee to look into issues related to occupancy levels in residential rental properties within the neighborhood.
The subcommittee was formed in response to information provided by a group of residents.
The information indicated a growing problem with landlords renting single family residences and individual apartment units to more than three unrelated persons, often university students.
This practice violates St. Louis City Ordinances. Hitch Powell was appointed subcommittee chair and Linda Cross was elected recording secretary.
The subcommittee is open to any Skinker DeBaliviere neighbor or anyone else with an interest in the issue. Meetings are held in public and minutes are provided to subcommittee members, the Community Development Committee and the SDCC Board. Current members include, a diverse group of neighbors, Washington University representatives, City of St. Louis Building Division representatives, rental property owners, real estate professionals, and the SDCC Executive Director.
The subcommittee has held two meetings and reported back to the council at the last SDCC board meeting.
The subcommittee has already identified one property in violation to be used as a test case. Committee members have provided the needed documentation and the SDCC Director has submitted a formal complaint to the City.
The committee is in the process of identifying all neighborhood properties in violation of the City’s prohibition of more than three unrelated occupants. Along the way, the subcommittee has also discussed other issues, like the neighborhood’s growing renter footprint, the need for affordable housing for young and old residents, and education for both investors who want to buy or rent property in the neighborhood and the neighbors who are considering selling their homes.
In about three months, the subcommittee will submit a recommended plan of additional action to its parent committee, Community Development, for review. Those interested in the work of the subcommittee or in becoming a member are encouraged to contact the council office at (314)862-5122.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, Summer 2017.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times2017_06.pdf, printed page(s) 2; PDF page(s) 2.
