Reflections from a Former Director

Historical February 1982 report or notice. Original dates, prices and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.

Richmond “Skip” Coburn resigned as Executive Director of Skinker-DeBaliviere Community Council in November 1981 in order to become Executive Director of the Land Reutilization Authority of the City of St. Louis.

The LRA was created under state law for the purpose of receiving tax delinquent properties which it then sells to interested parties, after giving consideration to the best interests of the city regarding proposed development and usage, so that the property is returned to the tax rolls. Coburn had served as Executive Director of the Council since April 1979. Of his activities during that period, he says he is most pleased about having recognized that the Arts Council would be an important and exciting contribution to the neighborhood.

The main activities of the Arts Council to date have been the two fall series of “Four Corners for Four Evenings.” He plans to continue to be actively involved with the Arts Council, noting that they are planning to have concerts or other activities almost every month, and that they will be organizing a major fundraising drive. Skip’s current plans are to remain as a resident of the general neighborhood of Skinker-DeBaliviere, perhaps purchasing a condominium or two-family. Will he be going to neighborhood meetings now that they are no longer required attendance?

If they are about crime, the answer is a definite yes whenever his other job commitments will allow. Whether the meetings are against crime, for, or against, the police department, Skip says he will be there to support the police and to show continued concern about fighting crime.

Originally published in The Paper, February 1982.

Read this article in the original newspaper issue.

Original source: SD_Times1982_02.pdf, printed page(s) 7; PDF page(s) 8.