Historical April–May 2024 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
Our neighborhood is definitely showing it’s best colors. Trees are flowering and popping some green leaves and crocuses and tulips have bloomed.
The weather has absolutely cooperated to keep those blooms on the magnolias and redbud trees. This, however, has been juxtaposed with history-changing activities in the neighborhood.
The archdiocese has decided to close St. Roch School – an enduring institution for over 100 years.
This was a devastating blow. It’s not just that I will miss the children playing outside my window while I am working at home, but the families of the 81 displaced children will now spend time at other locations for sports, activities, and church services rather than our neighborhood.
In addition, families with small children may not move into our neighborhood.
I know personally of a family with three small children that was looking at a home in our neighborhood, but with the threat of the St. Roch School closure, they chose another neighborhood.
In addition, we have more and more non-owner-occupied homes that are being leased out and Washington University has purchased nine more buildings and lots on Delmar in addition to several multi-family units that they own in the neighborhood.
The fabric of our neighborhood is changing. Keep in mind that Washinton University is a good neighbor.
The apartment building next to my home used to be a crack-house and is now Wash U student housing- safe and secure with nice landscaping. What we need to acknowledge is that change happens. How do we respond to it?
The beauty of our neighborhood has been its diversity, its proximity to Delmar and Forest Park, and its incredible informed and active neighbors.
We need to celebrate and nurture those characteristics that make this neighborhood great while embracing the best of a forward-looking community – sustainability, walkability, diversity, and activity.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, April–May 2024.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Archival transcription note: Printed Washinton retained. Eighty one displaced children interpretation differs front article prospective enrollment; both source statements retained.
Original source: SD_Times2024_04.pdf, printed page(s) 2; PDF page(s) 2.
