Historical February–March 2022 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
The Board of Directors of the Skinker-DeBaliviere Community Council held a regular meeting electronically on Zoom at 7 P. M. on January 11. Tim Hendrix from Imo’s Pizza and Gabe McKee of V-Three Studios offered a proposal for building an Imo’s Pizza restaurant on the vacant lot at the corner of DeGiverville and 5956 Delmar Boulevard, where a gas station formerly stood. Having only a few parking spots for patrons on the small lot, the business would focus on drawing take-out customers, with a drive-up window accessible from the short section of DeGiverville which opens onto Delmar, DeGiverville not being a through street at that point.
There will be minimal seating indoors and a few outdoor tables.
The building would rise one and a half stories, including a façade to enclose mechanical equipment on the roof. St. Louis Artworks, located across Delmar, would be employed to create a large mural on an exterior wall. Mr. McKee noted that cleaning up any residual environmental issues on the property from the previous gas station will be part of the project.
With an opening time of 10 A. M. seven days a week, the business would close at 11 P.M. on weeknights and at midnight on weekends. Mr. Hendrix stated that their business philosophy is to draw employees from the immediate neighborhood. Excepting one abstention by Michael Stephens due to conflict of interest, board members present unanimously voted for a recommendation that the proposal be approved as presented.
This recommendation will accompany the proposal as it moves on to the Planning and Zoning and Cultural Resources Departments of the City of St. Louis.
The senior-friendly condominiums which neighborhood resident Dan Schesch planned to build on his 6001 Westminster Place property ran into a snag over environmental issues.
A gas station previously occupied the property. Nearby residents are concerned about contamination that might occur during removal of two buried gasoline tanks from the lot, which is adjacent to other residential properties. Mr. Schesch has offered ownership of the lot to the Skinker-DeBaliviere Community Council for community use. Concerns were voiced by board members relative to the legal responsibilities of owning such a lot, especially regarding the cost of handling any environmental issues that might arise.
It was also mentioned that it is outside the scope of purpose for the council to own such property. No vote was taken, but there was generally a strong sentiment against taking ownership of the property. Andy Cross, chairman of the Beautification Committee, reported On Sat Dec 4 we held the 20th annual Wintermarkt.
The weather was wonderful and the crowd was as big as ever, possibly a record size. Thank you to Joanna Schooler and Washington U for supporting our live musical performances.
All of the Bratwurst & hotdogs were sold at the food booth so we sent out for more and sold all of those as well.
The vendors, performers, and attendees were all very happy with the event. Thank you to to all who donated baked goods and to all the volunteers.
The most recent food drive was very successful and brought in 1,200 items. Thank you to Arline Webb, Linda Cross, and the drivers who collected the food items. Linda Cross, chairman of the Residential Housing and Zoning Committee, said her committee continues to address issues related to overcrowding and absentee landlords. Letters are being sent to assure that landlords of various properties, including the apartments under construction at the corner of McPherson and Des Peres, understand the prohibition against renting houses or apartments to more than three unrelated persons.
The majority of responses from the neighborhood to a proposal for an in-home day care in the 6100 block of Westminster have been positive. Lana Stein reported for the security committee that crime has been relatively low, possibly due to the pandemic. Theft of license plates or valuables left visible in cars are the most common offenses. Executive Director Mike Reid reported that so far $9420.00 has been given to the Friends Campaign, double what was collected last year. Major goals for the coming year are to encourage more participation from the neighborhood east of Des Peres as well as more transparency to residents regarding the work of board committees.
There were questions and discussion toward working during the next three months on the strategic plan for the neighborhood.
This will include review and updating of work done on this project in the past.
There were no reports from the committees for Community Development, Commercial Districts, or Historic Review.
Residents wishing to attend meetings of the SDCC Board of Directors may call the office at 314-862-5122 and ask that they be placed on a list to receive a Zoom link by email.
Subsequent signed response: In the April–May 2022 issue, page 2, Dan Schesch disputes this report’s statement about two buried gasoline tanks at 6001 Westminster. He writes, “No (zero) underground storage tanks (USTs) have been found on the lot,” and describes three Phase 2 environmental site assessments and earlier remediation discussions. His complete letter is preserved in that issue. The original report above remains unchanged; the competing claims have not been independently resolved.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, February–March 2022.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Archival transcription note: Printed Times Board heading reports SDCC board, not publishing corporation. January eleventh and minimal indoor seating conflict with page one January tenth and no indoor dining. Twentieth Wintermarkt count differs from November poster twenty first.
Original source: SD_Times2022_02.pdf, printed page(s) 3; PDF page(s) 3.
