Historical Winter 2003 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
The meeting was called to order at 7:04 PM by President Joe Keaveny.
The minutes from the May and June Board meetings were reviewed and corrected. Corrected minutes were approved unanimously.
In the absence of Treasurer Peggy Droege the board reviewed and unanimously approved the written Treasurer’s Report. Aldermanic Report: Alderwoman Lyda Krewson (28th Ward) was unable to attend, but attached a written update on several traffic issues that had been discussed at recent meetings.
Following up on issues raised in Lyda’s report, the Board requested that the City conducts a traffic study on the volume of traffic in various blocks in the neighborhood; that Washington University follows up with the City about proper signage for the two-way portion of Pershing next to the 276 N. Skinker Building. and that the curb be painted yellow within the proper legal distance of the intersections of McPherson and Des Peres and Washington and Rosedale. Board of Elections Presentation: Two representatives from the Board of Election made a presentation on the need for election judges in the City.
The City needs 706 Democratic judges and 706 Republican judges for each election. Many people who have served as judges in the past are no longer able to do so. Anyone interested in serving as a judge should contact the election board. Lucier Park Committe: Katrina Stierholz and several members of the Lucier Park Committee gave a presentation on their recent discussions regarding development in and around Lucier Park.
They reported that the committee has been looking at the park with the primary goal of creating a safe place for kids to play.
A positive step was taken when former Alderman Irving Clay (26th Ward) set aside funds for new playground equipment in the park before he left office.
The equipment will be installed later this year.
Another focus of the committee has been finding ways to raise the visibility of the park and have “eyes on the park” to help create a safe environment. One possible way to increase the visibility of the park would be to reopen Washington to Hamilton and develop new housing on Washington that would face Lucier Park and Hamilton school.
The Committee presented conceptual drawings showing how the housing might be accommodated, along with a softball field, the playground, and a possible recreation center.
The Committee is planning another “Fall Festival” in Lucier Park and a Grand Opening Celebration for the new playground.
The Committee will continue to work with residents of the blocks immediately adjacent to the park and discuss possible plans for housing with residents and elected officials. No action from the Board was requested at this time. Security Update: Officer Sam Hill of the 7th District gave the security update. Officer Hill introduced Officer Dave Ramsey, who is a new public affairs officer for the 7th District, replacing Denise Young. Officer Hill reported that auto theft, including theft from autos and theft of license tags continues to be a problem around the City and in the neighborhood.
There have also been several daytime burglaries in the past month.
The officers urged residents to make sure windows and doors are secured to deter burglary. Transparent license plate covers can be a deterrent to license tag theft, collars for steering columns and/or the “Club” can help deter auto theft. Police have made several arrests in the neighborhood over the past month, including arrests at some “problem properties.” Residents reported concerns about suspicious activity at certain corners in the neighborhood.
The officers reminded residents that in addition to 911, residents can call 241- COPS to report possible drug dealing or other suspicious activity. Information may be left anonymously, but the more detailed the information (names, descriptions, license plates, addresses of suspects, etc.) the more effectively the police will be able to follow up.
Residents may also call 231-1212 for routine, non-emergency police calls. Executive Committee Report: Joe Keaveny reported that the Laurel Apartments at Pershing and Laurel are under contract to be sold. SDCC has an old mortgage for $30,000 that should be paid to us at closing.
If CDA funded the purchase, the money would probably have to go back to CDA. Laure will continue to work with CDA to find any documentation.
The St. Roch convent is on the market, but apparently no offer has been accepted to date.
The September SDCC Board meeting will be hosted by Washington University and held at the new 276 N. Skinker building. Rosedale/Rags to Riches: Tim Schoemehl reported that Rags to Riches, the neighborhood wide yard sale will be held on August 23. 41 registrations have been received to date, putting us on pace with last year’s level of participation. West End Arts Council: Laure Porterfield reported that volunteers are needed to help staff the concert series in Four Corners this summer. Transportation Committee: Dan Schesch presented the Transportation Committee report. Dan reported that a meeting to discuss traffic issues and a possible change in the street pattern on 6000 and 6100 Pershing will be held August 14th at St. Roch. Dan presented several issues related to the timing of the Waterman/Skinker traffic light.
The temporary traffic signal at Lindell and Skinker should be installed by August 16th, and issues related to the timing of the lights may be addressed in conjunction with this. Community Picnic: Shirley Polk reported that the Community Picnic is scheduled for August 17th in Forest Park.
As usual, there will be great food and fun for kids and for the entire family. Many thanks to everyone who has donated to the picnic to help make it a success. Housing Corporation: Gary Boehnke referred to the minutes and project reports included in the board packet. Executive Director’s Report: Laure Porterfield noted that CDA is requiring all board members to sign a conflict of interest statement.
The statement was distributed to all board members to sign and return. Laure referred to the written report included in the board packet.
She noted that he City has approved an Ordinance renaming Four Corners Park “Greg Freeman Park at Four Corners.” The committee that led the effort to change the name will meet again soon to discuss an appropriate ceremony and marker to dedicate the park. Laure provided an update on issues related to liquor licenses in the neighborhood. Judge Wilson issued a ruling upholding the restrictions the excise commissioner placed on the liquor license for the Country Store.
The VW Package Liquor on Delmar has been acquired and is scheduled to close August 17.
The proposed purchasers of the Delmar Lounge were unable to collect sufficient signatures from neighbors to support their 3AM liquor license. Therefore, it does not appear the sale of the property will move forward. Laure reminded Board members of the probable change in our meeting location for September, and brought their attention to the WEAC concert series, the Washington University Birthday Party, and other information included in the Board packets.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned. Respectfully submitted, Tim Schoemehl
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, Winter 2003.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times2003_11.pdf, printed page(s) 6; PDF page(s) 6.
