Historical Summer 2016 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
There are some good signs on the horizon. Word about upcoming meetings is being more widely distributed, by flyers, in NextDoor, by Facebook and the SDCC email listserve.
This should continue.
We all lead busy lives–even those of us who are retired–and notice/reminders make it more likely that we could attend meetings and give our input. Given the controversy over Snarf’s, the Clayco building and proposed new housing for Pershing and DesPeres, it is essential that these issues be addressed by the Council and essential that residents have the maximum opportunity to query, complain, protest, or support.
In the early years of the Council, there were greater threats to person and property, and involvement was far more common. Even though Skinker DeBaliviere has been through so much, it is not the time ro rest on our laurels.
We have to be vigilant. Outsiders still have their doubts about where we live.
The recent contretemps over a Webster Groves church kindergarten team playing one from Lourdes in U City in a park north of the Loop should tell us something.
We are not always going to agree on problems or on solutions but a healthy dialogue is necessary at all times. Information should be provided in a timely manner to residents and residents should try to keep abreast.
There are problems that we should all be aware of: There are properties that have been vacant for years and too many outsiders have bought single family homes which they rent to students, frequently contrary to ordinance. Crime does not appear out of hand but nonetheless occurs. Block units and watch groups have often atrophied.
The grass roots need tending.
We are having another nice concert series and celebration of the Council’s 50th anniversary.
There is a lot of fine work to celebrate but that work must continue.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, Summer 2016.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times2016_06.pdf, printed page(s) 2; PDF page(s) 2.
