A new lease for the Skinker DeBaliviere Community Council office, ongoing discussions about neighborhood community gardens, and news of a property saved and one lost to demolition, highlighted the July 7th meeting of the Skinker DeBaliviere Community Council in July.
Community Council Lease — The Council voted unanimously to sign a two-year lease extension for the Council’s offices at 6008 Kingsbury. The new lease includes a $20 per month rent increase in the second year and will require the council to split HVAC replacement with the Skinker DeBaliviere Housing Corporation, the building owner.
Council President Mike Stephens characterized the new agreement as a good deal for the neighborhood given the nominal rent increase and the fact the Housing Corporation is splitting the cost of HVAC repairs with the Council.
“As a commercial property, it is subject to “triple net” lease terms, meaning tenants are financially responsible for space improvements, maintenance and other related costs,” he said. “The fact we’re splitting this cost is a real benefit for us.”
Community Gardens — Discussions carried over to the July meeting about the McPherson and 1035 Westminster community gardens. Council President Mike Stephens explained that the Westminster Garden presents a financial and administrative challenge for the Community Council.
Both plots are owned by the Skinker DeBaliviere Housing Corporation. Council representatives are evaluating next steps, including additional discussions with the Housing Corp. and reaching out to active Westminster gardeners.
Neighbors in attendance expressed concern about upkeep should the garden be abandoned and were told the Housing Corporation must oversee it as the property’s owner.
DeGiverville Properties — Alderwoman Shameem Clark-Hubbard reported that 5725 DeGiverville, which suffered significant damage from last year’s tornado, has been purchased and permits for repairs issued.
However, 5835 DeGiverville, severely damaged in a fire, has been submitted for emergency demolition after a partial collapse.
Other Neighborhood Updates
Hamilton Bridge — Work continues and is expected to be completed late this fall.
Forest Park Parkway Bridge — Repairs are largely complete and expected to conclude later this summer.
Tree Stumps and Sidewalks — Work on both will get underway quickly thanks to a FEMA grant and the Rams settlement moneys approved by the Board of Aldermen in July.
Daffodil and Tulip Sale — Get a jump on fall, and order tulips and daffodils from (Operation) Brightside STL as part of their fall fundraiser. Visit BrightsideSTL.org.
July Meeting
In the July meeting, Washington University Representative JoAnna Schooler reported that the university purchased the white apartment building at the corner of Waterman and Skinker and is concentrating on repairing tornado damaged buildings. The former Dobbs site on Delmar Boulevard will be converted to green space.
For complete minutes from both the June and July meetings, visit: www.skinkerd.com/meeting-minutes. The next Community Council Board Meeting will be Monday, September 7 at 7:00 p.m.
