WEST PINE LACLEDE NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
Minutes: 10.11.16
President Harold Karabell called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
Harold dispensed with the usual order of business to allow our guest to present first: Kasan Moorehead from Care Solutions In-Home Services spoke in support of SENIORS COUNT – a ballot issue that will be voted upon in the upcoming elections. The proposal would provide a reliable stream of funding to enable existing groups like Meals on Wheels to serve more seniors and new groups to fill unmet needs to enable more citizens to stay in their own homes as they age. More at: www.SeniorsCountStl.com .
MINUTES
Minutes for the August 8, 2016 meeting were approved as submitted with a minor correction in the Treasurer’s report.
TREASURER’S REPORT
Savings account balance: $1,053.59
Certificate of deposit value: $7,045.34
Checking account balance: $1,216.09 (includes $225 in deposits)
BEAUTIFICATION:
Marshall Mitchener noted that Regis has added new plants to the median planter and the neighborhood is appreciative of their efforts to maintain this area. Both Marshall (West Pine & Sarah cul-de-sac) and Diana (community garden) have been seeing migrating monarch butterflies in their gardens. Thanks to Operation Brightside for providing funds for the plants to attract these butterflies.
Ron Coleman spoke of the city’s plan to remove ash trees in advance of the ash borer – a process to take place over the next three years. Removal of ash trees in our neighborhood will not take place for at least another year. A few historic ash trees may be saved with special innoculations, but at a cost of $90 per tree per year, this must be a highly selective process.
PARK CENTRAL DEVELOPMENT REPORT – SUSAN ANDERSON
CWE Infrastructure
- CWE Infrastructure Committee – 100+ residents responded to the “needs survey” and focused on lighting, sidewalks, and ADA sidewalk ramps. The Committee is identifying funding resources to cover the $3,000 project cost.
Miscellaneous
- Angled parking – back-in angled parking has been implemented on West Pine by Whole Foods and will soon be implemented on the 4100—4200 block of Laclede.
- Forest Park Parkway infill – work is scheduled to begin in November and last 8 to 9 months.
- Central West End Southeast Special Business District renewal will be considered at January 2017 meeting of the St. Louis Board of Commissioners.
- Dog Waste Station at the Community Garden has not been maintained because the funds to pay for this service from the Central West End Southeast Special Business district have expired. The association recommended removing the box but continuing to provide dog waste bags. If the Special Business District reapproves funds in 2017, the box might be re-installed. Marshall Mitchener said that dog walkers frequently deposit waste in the cement litter barrels at West Pine and Sarah and that these are not being emptied regularly. Ron Coleman said they should be emptied on Tuesdays and Fridays. Marshall will report to the Citizen’s Service Bureau and monitor the situation.
Events
October 15 – Pair & Pour along Euclid, Lindell to Forest Park from 2:00 – 6:00 PM. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 the day of. For this first annual event, Euclid South businesses are offering specialty dishes paired with select cocktails, wine, and beer served while patrons enjoy live music and art outdoors. http://www.parkcentraldevelopment.org/pour-pair-event-october-15-in-central-west-end/
SECURITY COMMITTEE
Marshall has no reports of crimes from NSI. However, the following incidents were noted:
- 4168 Laclede: break-in attempt 2 nights ago – reported to police.
- 4236 Laclede: garage door opener removed from car and used to break into garage.
- 4316 Laclede: attempted garage break-in – not reported.
We are reminded that, even if the crime seems insignificant, it is good to call 911 and report it. These events can be part of a larger mosaic and thorough reporting may lead to apprehension of perpetrators.
St. Louis Police have a new mobile app: Search for SLMPD on iOS and Androis app stores and be able to receive emergency & safety alerts, submit tips and report crime, and request city services from the Citizen’s Service Bureau.
MISCELLANEOUS
33 S. Sarah, near the BLOCK restaurant a concrete light post needs replacement. Ron Coleman says the city is aware and awaiting a quote before it can allocate money to fix it.
The sidewalk on the west side of Sarah between Lindell and West Pine is obstructed by a wooden rail and plant growth. It is on property owned by the Lawrence Group. Ron Coleman will address this with them.
ALDERMAN RODDY REPORT
The City and Park Central Development have engaged a consultant and local professors to do a best practices study and develop a plan for our city and neighborhood. A plan will be submitted in about a year.
Interest in development in our area from Kingshighway to Grand Avenue is being spurred by the new Metro Link stop between Boyle and Sarah, Cortex, the proposed development of the Federal Mogul site and the Armory site, and by the new relationship between SLU and SSM which may lead to an investment of over $500 million in a new hospital.
4308 Laclede property: the architect has removed himself from the project. The alderman, concerned neighbors and the building commissioner met with the owner who was given a 30 day permit to pour a new footing and foundation on the west side of the property, with the understanding that he can encroach no further on the sidewalk of his neighbor to the west.
Respectfully submitted,
Diana Gualdoni
Acting secretary