Historical March 1987 report or notice. Original dates, prices and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
The January-February meeting of the Skinker-DeBaliviere Community Council was held on January 26 at the Council offices.
In attendance were Rosedale representatives Hoerr Dowgwillo, Vatcha, Klevorn; St. Roch’s representative Fox; Grace Methodist representative Wobus; Delmar Baptist representatives Hayes; Alderman McGuire, at-large member Eddie Sanders, and visitor Dudley Grove from United Way. Several important items were on the agenda for Council approval or action.
First, Ms. Dudley Grove presented the members with an opportunity to participate in a workshop on boardsmanship which she would coordinate to the needs and wishes of our Council members.
The members of the Council identified issues of concern to them in their functioning as board members.
These included communications, involving diverse populations, and public conceptions and misconceptions of SDCC. Later the members will meet on two evenings for workshop and training in these areas.
Safety: Neville Vatcha reported that posters advertising the phone number of an organization which pays rewards for information leading to arrests will be placed in public areas of the neighborhood.
This organization, Crimestoppers, is a local nonprofit. group funded privately and affiliated with the national Crimestoppers organization. Georgie Fox moved that the Council donate $100 from the Loretta Rhinehart Fund toward these rewards.
This motion passed.
Problem Properties: Dan McGuire reported that three lots along Des Peres (the old Tot Lot, the former Sunoco station, and the former leasing company lot) are being turned over to the city which will plant and maintain them as “pocket parks.” Two of the lots need to be graded to discourage parking.
The Rosedale Living properties are blighted and plans are presently being filed by Mead-McClellan to redevelop these buildings.
The building at the corner of Westminster and Skinker, formerly a group home for disabled, has been sold.
The new owner is renovating the property for use as offices, including a computer software business.
Home Improvement Loans: The proposal to Citicorp for funds to support a revolving loan program has been formally submitted.
This fund will make home improvement loans available at below-market-rate interest to owner occupants of one- and two-family structures.
The proposal concentrates loans on a target block.
As loans are repaid and additional funds are raised, loans would be made available on a second target block, etc. Alderman McGuire suggested that if and when the Council begins to actually make the loans, a block be chosen which is not currently covered by Operation Impact low- and moderate-income loan programs.
Directors Report: Nancy Farmer asked the Council if it was interested in submitting a proposal to SLATE to provide employment for the summer for 8 to 10 area youths. Ginny Klevorn moved to submit the application.
It was passed.
The Council then considered the description of the cultural events which are under consideration for funding from the Arts Council. Included are both a fall and spring outdoor concert series, perhaps moving to various park sites in the Council service area; community theatre; readers’ theatre; Christmas walk/house tour; and Mardi Gras concert.
The application is asking for $24,000 to support these events.
The Council then voted to have the executive director send two letters of endorsement. People’s Clinic is putting together their grant proposal and needs a letter of neighborhood support. Also, Operation Brightside is trying to promote Operation Blitz to receive a $20,000 prize as an urban beautification project.
The Council supported both of these endeavors.
New Business: CORO Foundation is undertaking a project concerning city regulations for liquor licenses.
A survey was sent to the Council for its reactions. Members agreed in the main to support more restrictive and measurable requirements. St. Roch’s Parish Council sent a letter to the SDCC stating that it wants to facilitate programs to aid the needy and elderly in our area.
The letter asked SDCC to consider ways in which it would cooperate with local churches in providing services to these segments of our population.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, March 1987.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times1987_03.pdf, printed page(s) 7; PDF page(s) 7.
