In this month’s meeting we hear crime updates, get updates throughout the ward and city, and hear about the news and events happening in the neighborhood.

6:45 Meeting called to order (Dan)

Public Comment

  • Comment on car vandalism 

FPSE Neighborhood Business

Treasurer’s Report (Dan)

  • General Membership dues start over in new year; dues are pay-what-you-can
  • Donations always welcome. Cash, check, or cash app: cash.app/$FPSENA
  • Final ending cash is $2,822.81.  $60 in donations were given in July.

Crime & Safety Report (Officer Walker)

  • Calls for service report provided in-person.
  • Safety tips given by Officer Walker.
  • City-wide issue is having issues with car vandalism.
  • Recommended to not store valuables/firearms inside your car
  • If unable to bring a firearm-in into a business, officer suggestion is to purchase a gun safe and bolt it down.  
  • Comments on Pride weekend crime.
  • Recognition that if there is a wait on 9-1-1 is to wait so that dispatch can take your information.  
  • Foundation is providing a summer event for the neighborhood kids.  

Ward 9 Updates (9th Ward Alderman Michael Browning) 

  • Conditional use vote is coming up for a smoke shop on Manchester.  Next Tuesday, the 22nd there is a neighborhood meeting to discuss the smoke shop on Manchester.  The 31st is when the vote will take place.
  • Board bills 44 and 45 sets up a registered neighborhood process.  This bill will push a notice of any meeting that affects your neighborhood.
  • Comments on Grove Pride:
    • Grove is welcoming to all LGTBQ+
    • Both nights at the end of Pride month had a “street takeover”, which is where crowds came into the street with their own items.
    • Streets was not closed because of the cost of ~$40,000/night.
    • Statement that they wish to find the funds to close the streets for future years.
    • Inside the bars had their own security and identification checks.
    • Grove Fest is a permitted event that will close the street.  Grove Fest has not had incidents of crime.
  • Question on right-of-way with Spire.  Question on how long Spire will be completing construction on Choteau. 
  • If Spire is completing construction, Spire is supposed to be ramping plates with asphalt. A neighbor reported the issue and the street inspector did not acknowledge the issue.
  • Further updates from Alderman Browning can be found on his website: https://www.browningstl.com/ 

Neighborhood Updates (N.I.S. Ron Coleman)

  • Cars have not been towed for the last 3 months.  The tow lot has been closed for 3 months.  The issues should be fixed going forward.
  • Comment on noise complaints.  If noise exceeds 85 decibels during quiet hours then this should be reported.
  • Bars need to clear their patios by 1:30a
  • Comment on car break-ins.  
  • CWE has also had large number of car vandalism.  80 car windows were broken around the CWE.  4 out of 6 people were arrested.
  • Comments on Pride Fest. 
    • 40 officers were allocated to the event.  The city is working on making it safer for next year.
  • Spire has a rebate program for switching from electric to NG.
  • During national night event, the city will waive fees for blocking the street.

Neighborhood Events (Dan)

  • Midtown Community Peace Parade:  is on Wednesday, July 23rd at 11a.  Starts at midtown community center on Boyle.  Anyone is welcomed to participate.
  • Kids Bike Ride in Choteau Park: Neighbor is hosting a kids bike ride around Choteau Park on Saturday, July 26th from 8a-10a.  Request for additional traffic cones.  Reach out to Dan if some are available.
  • Chouteau Park Native Garden Watering: We’re looking for volunteers to help water the native plant garden at Chouteau Park. Interested? Email Cammie at: lewis.cammie@gmail.com
  • Monthly Litter Clean-up: We’re cleaning up the streets and select alleys throughout the neighborhood! Gloves and bags provided! 
    • Date: Saturday, July 26
    • Time: 10am – 11:00am
    • Location: Meet at Oakland & Newstead
  • World Naked Bike Ride: is on August 02, 2025 with people gathering at 4p in front of Handlebar.  It will ride at 6p with entertainment afterwards at 8p.  Street festivities will end at 11p.
  • Neighborhood Tree Watering: Help keep the young and newly planted street lawn trees strong and growing!
    • Date: Sunday, August 3
    • Time: 8am
    • Location: Meet at the corner of Newstead & Oakland.
  • The Forest Park Southeast Great Gathering: Tell a neighbor, bring a chair, and join the rest of the neighborhood for the neighborhood’s annual great gathering event! Enjoy free food, free drinks, live music, yard games, local organizations and more! If you’re interested in participating as an organization, vendor, supporter shoot us an email at forestparksoutheast@gmail.com.
    • Date: Saturday, September 13
    • Time: 5:30-8PM
    • Location: Chouteau Park
  • Fordo’s Killer Pizza at Urban Chestnut: Urban Chestnut is opening up a new service.  Fordo is currently at the Foundry.
  • Chouteau Park Native Garden Planting: Phase 2: Help plant more natives at Chouteau Park! This is phase 2 of 3 in which we’re beautifying the southwest corner of the park! Tools will be provided but feel free to bring your own. For further details, email Cammie at: lewis.cammie@gmail.com
    • Date: October 11
    • Time: 8am – 12pm
    • Location: Southwest Corner of Chouteau Park

You can download a copy of this meeting’s minutes below.

You can also listen to July’s meeting here, and wherever you get your podcasts.