GATE DISTRICT EAST ASSOCIATION MINUTES
October 5, 2016
Absent from meeting: Neighborhood Rep Jay Klein (Lafayette Terrance), Third District Police Captain Shawn Dace and Sixth Ward Neighborhood Stabilization Officer Dena Hibbard.
In Attendance: GDEA President Henry Gray and Secretary Theresa Hebron, Neighborhood Reps Mary Jones and Steve Brown (Buder Park), Neighborhood Rep Vanessa Jones (St. Vincent Park), Third District Outreach Officer Patrick Clancy, Barr Branch Library Manager Tonnya Joy and Aldermen Christine Ingrassia (Sixth Ward) and Marlene Davis (Nineteenth Ward).
Vacant Positions: The GDEA position of vice president, treasurer, and neighborhood reps for Eads Park and St. Vincent Park are vacant. Alderman Marlene Davis announced that Kurt Tarkington is the new stabilization officer for the Nineteenth Ward. Mr. Tarkington replaces Vernita Mullins who is retired. He was not at the meeting.
Opening Business President’s Report and Treasurer’s Report
GDEA President Henry Gray introduced the guest speakers to the neighbors: St. Louis Comptroller Darlene Green and Gateway Greening Executive Director Matt Schindler. Henry urged neighbors to consider volunteering to serve in one of the vacant board and rep positions.
From January 1 through October 5, 2016, the GDEA has dispersed checks totaling $18,265.31 for payments for landscaping & maintenance, accounting & bookkeeping fees and supplies, insurance, printing & copying, postage, taxes and the First Responder Luncheon for 2016. The ending checking account balance is $11,911.00. Other accounts include Savings Account balance of $19,652.87, Investment Fund balance of $43,561.05 and a Business 12-month CD of $6,562.21.
Neighbor inquired if Association could pay for snow removal on side streets as deep snows could impede the arrival of emergency vehicles. Henry explained that contracts for street snow removal are expensive and that the association would have to increase the assessment fees. It would cost approximately $10,000 per snow event for snow removal from side streets. Snowplows are too large for side streets requiring the use of pickup trucks. Alderman Davis opined that while the City is improving snow removal, it does not have the funds to remove snow on side streets. Snow removal on side streets requires the use of pickup trucks making it even more expensive.
Neighbors should check the GDE website at www.gatediestricteast.org for updates on the Sixth Ward crime statistics, GDE monthly expenditures and the minutes of previous general meetings.
Aldermen Reports
Sixth Ward Alderman Christine Ingrassia
Reported that a bill she co-sponsored targeting vacant buildings failed in Committee. Alderman Ingrassia said that the old Garavaglia building at Lafayette and Nebraska is not salvable. She wants to see the building demolished and she is pursuing that option. However, a son of Mr. Garavaglia works for the City, which is part of the problem. The developer who owns the vacant swimming pool on St. Vincent Ave is not interested in doing anything with the property. Alderman Ingrassia suggested that neighbors engage the assistance of other City Agencies for help in forcing the owner to take action. For example, standing water in the pool is a public health risk, and the Department of Health can take action against the owner.
The City has to locate the owner of the abandoned property at 1418 S. Cardinal before taking any actions against the property. [Anyone with information about the property owner should give this information to Sixth Ward Neighborhood Stabilization Officer Dena Hibbard.] Neighbors witnessing drug trafficking at St. Vincent and Park are encouraged to get license plate numbers and report information to the police. [Stabilization Officer Patrick Clancy may be able to provide assistance if the caller can provide him with the vehicle description and license plate numbers.]
Nineteenth Ward Alderman Marlene Davis
Alderman Davis invited neighbors to attend the initial meeting of Gate District West at 6:00 pm, October 12, 2016 in Terry Park at Eads and S. Compton. Alderman Davis also invited neighbors to the meeting of the Downtown Neighborhood Association at 6:00 pm, October 22, 2016. Go to Event Brite for additional information about the meeting and to RSVP.
Alderman Davis reported on upcoming development plans for a new SSM Hospital on S. Grand and on planned developments for Washington Ave, Locust and Olive, including the introduction of Craft Breweries. Alderman Davis also said that a new candy store at Grand and Olive is minority-owned. The Nineteen Ward has a new Stabilization Officer Kurt Tarkington, who recently participated in sit-ins to stop neighborhood drug trafficking.
The Compton Bridge while in stable condition is in need of repairs. The City must get its funding together in order to qualify for federal matching funds.
Neighborhood Organizations Reports
Third District Community Outreach Officer Patrick Clancy
Officer Clancy reported on crime statistics from September 2016 until October 2016 that included 29 crimes of which 22 are larcenies: 15 thefts from vehicles (and yards), 7 vehicle break-ins and 1 attempted theft of a vehicle. However, the owner of the vehicle had two guns stolen. There were three shoplifting reports from area stores and two employees were maced during a shoplifting incident at the Family Dollar store. There were two reports of domestic cases and a burglary in a new home construction in the 3300 block of Eads Ave. Office Clancy said that the September report does not include property destruction or broken windows. Neighbors with video surveillance equipment are encouraged to contact Office Clancy if they have usable information. Officer Clancy said while it is always helpful to the police to have license plate numbers and vehicle descriptions, neighbors should not put themselves in danger to get this information. Officer Clancy said that neighbors should pass vehicle information to him if they are able to obtain it.
Barr Branch Manager Tonnya Joy
Tonnya Joy invited neighbors to the library’s “Star Gazing” event on November 9, 2016 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. The St. Louis Astronomical Society will facilitate the event. On the same day, the library will conduct training on downloading eBooks, eAudiobooks, magazines, and music to mobile device or home computers from 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm. On December 7, 2016, the library is hosting an “Open House” from 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm featuring crafts, games and light refreshments. Barr Library will be closed on Election Day November 8, Thanksgiving Day and from December 24 until 26, 2016.
Neighborhood Representatives Report
Lafayette Park Rep Jay Klein was absent and did not submit a report.
Buder Park Alternate Rep Steve Brown promised to poll homeowners on Rutgers concerning the proposed Gateway Greening garden project. Buder Park now has new exercise equipment and the rocks/gravel have been removed from the swing area. The police are still strictly enforcing the Buder Park curfew.
Eads Park needs a primary and alternate rep.
St. Vincent Park needs a primary rep. The alternate rep Vanessa Jones had nothing to report.
Guest Speakers
St. Louis Comptroller Darleen Green was promoting the new Green Help Home Energy-Efficiency Loan Program that the Office of the Comptroller administers. The Green Help program does not take into account income level. Eligible single-family homeowners get a loan with a 2.1% interest rate on home loans up to $15,000. The loans, which must be repaid, allow homeowners to replace furnaces, hot water heaters, windows and home installation. The homeowner makes an application and the Comptroller’s Office will conduct an energy audit analysis. The Home Depot is collaborating with the Comptroller’s Office. Saint Louis County has implemented the program. The money for the program comes from the federal government.
Gateway Greening Executive Director Matt Schindler talked to neighbors about implementing a garden on vacant land at Hickory and California and the site of the old Grace Chapel site. Some of the property sets on LRA land while the other is on privately owned land. The organization would relocate their Washington Avenue office to the Gate District. Gateway Greening also has two and one-half acres of land on Pine Street. Most of the organization’s gardens are located in the Nineteenth Ward of Alderman Marlene Davis. Alderman Davis said that Gateway Greening is a good partner for the community.
Gateway Greening is looking for three to five acres of land with good soil and good central transit. Bausch and Skinner are offering some additional land to the project. Gateway Greening is open Monday through Friday from morning until 4:30 pm. Saturday activities open to the neighbors include farm classes until 1:00 pm. The garden will be fully sustainable and environmentally friendly. The garden will be fenced-in, with security lighting and cameras. Gateway Greening would also help implement a community garden for Buder Park. Mary-One planned to build homes on Rutgers however, that project failed. There are no plans to build any other homes on the land.
The next GDEA general meeting will be at the Beloved Community United Methodist Church 3115 Park Avenue at 7:00 pm. in January 2017.
October 5, 2016
Absent from meeting: Neighborhood Rep Jay Klein (Lafayette Terrance), Third District Police Captain Shawn Dace and Sixth Ward Neighborhood Stabilization Officer Dena Hibbard.
In Attendance: GDEA President Henry Gray and Secretary Theresa Hebron, Neighborhood Reps Mary Jones and Steve Brown (Buder Park), Neighborhood Rep Vanessa Jones (St. Vincent Park), Third District Outreach Officer Patrick Clancy, Barr Branch Library Manager Tonnya Joy and Aldermen Christine Ingrassia (Sixth Ward) and Marlene Davis (Nineteenth Ward).
Vacant Positions: The GDEA position of vice president, treasurer, and neighborhood reps for Eads Park and St. Vincent Park are vacant. Alderman Marlene Davis announced that Kurt Tarkington is the new stabilization officer for the Nineteenth Ward. Mr. Tarkington replaces Vernita Mullins who is retired. He was not at the meeting.
Opening Business President’s Report and Treasurer’s Report
GDEA President Henry Gray introduced the guest speakers to the neighbors: St. Louis Comptroller Darlene Green and Gateway Greening Executive Director Matt Schindler. Henry urged neighbors to consider volunteering to serve in one of the vacant board and rep positions.
From January 1 through October 5, 2016, the GDEA has dispersed checks totaling $18,265.31 for payments for landscaping & maintenance, accounting & bookkeeping fees and supplies, insurance, printing & copying, postage, taxes and the First Responder Luncheon for 2016. The ending checking account balance is $11,911.00. Other accounts include Savings Account balance of $19,652.87, Investment Fund balance of $43,561.05 and a Business 12-month CD of $6,562.21.
Neighbor inquired if Association could pay for snow removal on side streets as deep snows could impede the arrival of emergency vehicles. Henry explained that contracts for street snow removal are expensive and that the association would have to increase the assessment fees. It would cost approximately $10,000 per snow event for snow removal from side streets. Snowplows are too large for side streets requiring the use of pickup trucks. Alderman Davis opined that while the City is improving snow removal, it does not have the funds to remove snow on side streets. Snow removal on side streets requires the use of pickup trucks making it even more expensive.
Neighbors should check the GDE website at www.gatediestricteast.org for updates on the Sixth Ward crime statistics, GDE monthly expenditures and the minutes of previous general meetings.
Aldermen Reports
Sixth Ward Alderman Christine Ingrassia
Reported that a bill she co-sponsored targeting vacant buildings failed in Committee. Alderman Ingrassia said that the old Garavaglia building at Lafayette and Nebraska is not salvable. She wants to see the building demolished and she is pursuing that option. However, a son of Mr. Garavaglia works for the City, which is part of the problem. The developer who owns the vacant swimming pool on St. Vincent Ave is not interested in doing anything with the property. Alderman Ingrassia suggested that neighbors engage the assistance of other City Agencies for help in forcing the owner to take action. For example, standing water in the pool is a public health risk, and the Department of Health can take action against the owner.
The City has to locate the owner of the abandoned property at 1418 S. Cardinal before taking any actions against the property. [Anyone with information about the property owner should give this information to Sixth Ward Neighborhood Stabilization Officer Dena Hibbard.] Neighbors witnessing drug trafficking at St. Vincent and Park are encouraged to get license plate numbers and report information to the police. [Stabilization Officer Patrick Clancy may be able to provide assistance if the caller can provide him with the vehicle description and license plate numbers.]
Nineteenth Ward Alderman Marlene Davis
Alderman Davis invited neighbors to attend the initial meeting of Gate District West at 6:00 pm, October 12, 2016 in Terry Park at Eads and S. Compton. Alderman Davis also invited neighbors to the meeting of the Downtown Neighborhood Association at 6:00 pm, October 22, 2016. Go to Event Brite for additional information about the meeting and to RSVP.
Alderman Davis reported on upcoming development plans for a new SSM Hospital on S. Grand and on planned developments for Washington Ave, Locust and Olive, including the introduction of Craft Breweries. Alderman Davis also said that a new candy store at Grand and Olive is minority-owned. The Nineteen Ward has a new Stabilization Officer Kurt Tarkington, who recently participated in sit-ins to stop neighborhood drug trafficking.
The Compton Bridge while in stable condition is in need of repairs. The City must get its funding together in order to qualify for federal matching funds.
Neighborhood Organizations Reports
Third District Community Outreach Officer Patrick Clancy
Officer Clancy reported on crime statistics from September 2016 until October 2016 that included 29 crimes of which 22 are larcenies: 15 thefts from vehicles (and yards), 7 vehicle break-ins and 1 attempted theft of a vehicle. However, the owner of the vehicle had two guns stolen. There were three shoplifting reports from area stores and two employees were maced during a shoplifting incident at the Family Dollar store. There were two reports of domestic cases and a burglary in a new home construction in the 3300 block of Eads Ave. Office Clancy said that the September report does not include property destruction or broken windows. Neighbors with video surveillance equipment are encouraged to contact Office Clancy if they have usable information. Officer Clancy said while it is always helpful to the police to have license plate numbers and vehicle descriptions, neighbors should not put themselves in danger to get this information. Officer Clancy said that neighbors should pass vehicle information to him if they are able to obtain it.
Barr Branch Manager Tonnya Joy
Tonnya Joy invited neighbors to the library’s “Star Gazing” event on November 9, 2016 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. The St. Louis Astronomical Society will facilitate the event. On the same day, the library will conduct training on downloading eBooks, eAudiobooks, magazines, and music to mobile device or home computers from 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm. On December 7, 2016, the library is hosting an “Open House” from 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm featuring crafts, games and light refreshments. Barr Library will be closed on Election Day November 8, Thanksgiving Day and from December 24 until 26, 2016.
Neighborhood Representatives Report
Lafayette Park Rep Jay Klein was absent and did not submit a report.
Buder Park Alternate Rep Steve Brown promised to poll homeowners on Rutgers concerning the proposed Gateway Greening garden project. Buder Park now has new exercise equipment and the rocks/gravel have been removed from the swing area. The police are still strictly enforcing the Buder Park curfew.
Eads Park needs a primary and alternate rep.
St. Vincent Park needs a primary rep. The alternate rep Vanessa Jones had nothing to report.
Guest Speakers
St. Louis Comptroller Darleen Green was promoting the new Green Help Home Energy-Efficiency Loan Program that the Office of the Comptroller administers. The Green Help program does not take into account income level. Eligible single-family homeowners get a loan with a 2.1% interest rate on home loans up to $15,000. The loans, which must be repaid, allow homeowners to replace furnaces, hot water heaters, windows and home installation. The homeowner makes an application and the Comptroller’s Office will conduct an energy audit analysis. The Home Depot is collaborating with the Comptroller’s Office. Saint Louis County has implemented the program. The money for the program comes from the federal government.
Gateway Greening Executive Director Matt Schindler talked to neighbors about implementing a garden on vacant land at Hickory and California and the site of the old Grace Chapel site. Some of the property sets on LRA land while the other is on privately owned land. The organization would relocate their Washington Avenue office to the Gate District. Gateway Greening also has two and one-half acres of land on Pine Street. Most of the organization’s gardens are located in the Nineteenth Ward of Alderman Marlene Davis. Alderman Davis said that Gateway Greening is a good partner for the community.
Gateway Greening is looking for three to five acres of land with good soil and good central transit. Bausch and Skinner are offering some additional land to the project. Gateway Greening is open Monday through Friday from morning until 4:30 pm. Saturday activities open to the neighbors include farm classes until 1:00 pm. The garden will be fully sustainable and environmentally friendly. The garden will be fenced-in, with security lighting and cameras. Gateway Greening would also help implement a community garden for Buder Park. Mary-One planned to build homes on Rutgers however, that project failed. There are no plans to build any other homes on the land.
The next GDEA general meeting will be at the Beloved Community United Methodist Church 3115 Park Avenue at 7:00 pm. in January 2017.
