Historical September–October 2021 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
For those newer to the neighborhood or those who have not been active in the neighborhood, below is a description of two non-profit organizations that were established during some transitional times that were challenging to the neighborhood to ensure stability, equity, and diversity. Skinker DeBaliviere Community Council SDCC is a Certified Community Based Development Organization that operates out of offices at 6008 Kingsbury by the Greg Freeman Four Corners Park. Founded in 1966, the SDCC is made up of resident and and institutional representatives. Per the council’s website “The mission of the Skinker DeBaliviere Community Council is to serve and promote the community and advocate on behalf of the residents to enhance their quality of life.
The Skinker DeBaliviere Community Council aims to be the connector, coordinator and facilitator of all aspects necessary to maintain and enhance the diverse, desirable and thriving community of Skinker DeBaliviere.” The council is a 501C3 nonprofit subject to government audit. Traditional grants and funding have been reduced over the years and the council has had to increase it’s fundraising activities in order to provide the services and programs that they offer.
The council has a group of committees addressing safety, commercial development, the historic district, and residential issues.
The SDCC is comprised of several volunteer committees: Security Committee – Chairs Mark Gorman and Ken Burton, Residential Housing and Zoning Committee – Chair Linda Cross, Commercial Development Committee – Chair Nicole Blumner, Community Engagement Committee – Chair Josh Peck, Commercial Districts Development Committee – Chair Rachelle L’Ecuyer, , Beautification Committee – Chair Andy Cross, Historic District Committee – Chair Nancy Hohmann, The Council meets 9 times a year on the second Monday of the month at 7:00 pm.
If you are interested in being more involved with the neighborhood and your neighbors, please attend the open SDCC meetings or feel free to join any of the committees that work to ensure that our neighborhood continues to thrive. You can contact the office at 314.862.5122 or view the meeting calendar at https://skinkerdebaliviere.wordpress.com/calendar/. Volunteer Board of Directors: Rosedale (west of Des Peres) Tracy Granneman James Holzer Arline Webb Tim Woodcock
Washington Heights (east of Des Peres) Mickey Clarke (SDCC Vice-President) Sheryl Davenport (SDCC Treasurer) Kingsbury Square Molly Rater (SDCC President) Marnita Spight (SDCC Secretary) Parkview Andrew Cawood Mike Stephens Washington University JoAnna Schooler St. Roch Kim Freter New Cote Brilliante Carl Merritt Grace United Methodist Jeff and Karen Stokes East Loop CID Rachelle L’Ecuyer Business Rep Busey Bank Kathryn Bulard At Large Jeff McGee Executive Director Mike Reid Administrative Assistant Karen Kelsey Skinker DeBaliviere Community Housing Corporation Board Richard Bose Joe Fank Eric Friesen Paul Hohmann Alice Stanley Executive Director Gary Boenke The housing corporation was founded in 1988, per it’s website, to “be the buyer and developer of necessity; empowering strong development and homeownership, with the goal of improving the character, heritage and quality of the Skinker DeBaliviere neighborhood and community.” with a mission of “combating community deterioration and improving the quality of life by promoting and undertaking neighborhood improvement and housing development activities within service areas defined by the Board of Directors.” It’s original mission was to be housing developer of last resort, buying and repairing abandoned units for owner occupancy.
The Housing Corp was given Rosedale Square apartments by the city.
It sold the Rosedale Square units which were rehabbed as condos by a private developer.
This provided a nest egg for the housing corporation.
The housing corporation now owns several buildings which it rents out and has been trying to develop new townhomes in the neighborhood on properties that other investors have not shown interest.
It no longer wants to redevelop existing housing that could be acquired by speculators if it did not act.
The Housing Corporation is a sister organization to the SDCC and maintains an office at 6008 Kingsbury.
The housing corporation has had only one director, Gary Boenke, hired in 1997. Although Boenke has relocated to Arizona, he remains a half time employee.
If you are interested in working with the housing committee you can view their meeting dates on the SDCC Calendar at https://skinkerdebaliviere.wordpress.com/calendar/.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, September–October 2021.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times2021_09.pdf, printed page(s) 2, 3; PDF page(s) 2.
