The July 2021 meeting of the Forest Park Southeast Neighborhood Association included details on National Night Out (September 11, 2021), upcoming Neighborhood Cleanups, a guest presentation from the Planning and Urban Design Agency, and updates from Park Central Development, Officer Walker, and Alderwoman Sweet-T.

20 July 2021 / 6:45 PM / Zoom

MINUTES 

Minute 10:10 Meeting Called to order, Ground Rules review (Dan Doelling)

Minute 13:00 Community Announcements (Dan Doelling, President)

  • SAFE SPACE TRAINING:  All are welcome to attend an GAP Initiative’s upcoming, free, “safer spaces” training focused on gender.  For more info contact: alayna@pcdstl.org
  • NATIONAL NIGHT OUT: will be Saturday September 11th at 5:30pm in Chouteau Park.  Features: a food truck, yard games, vendors, fire and safety officials, local businesses & organizations.  For info or to get involved, email forestparksoutheast@gmail.com
  • CLEAN-UP:  The next days to volunteer for trash pick-up will be 10am July 31 and August 28.  Great way to meet neighbors and give back!  Meet at Newstead and Manchester.  Gloves and trash bags provided.  Email forestparksoutheast@gmail.com or RSVP on the FPSENA Facebook event
  • Pay dues/donations to FPSENA by check, cash, or CashApp $FPSENA

18:53 Treasurer’s Report (Michael Browning, Treasurer)

  • Raised $310 from dues/donations last month
  • Spent money to buy folks lunch after the June clean up event
  • Full treasurer’s report always available at forestparksoutheast.com

20:08 July 2021 Crime and Safety Report (Officer Walker, ncwalker@slmpd.org)

  • https://www.slmpd.org/crime_stats.shtml
  • 23 accidents, 1 auto theft, 11 calls for burglar alarms, 2 issues with mental illness, 14 destruction of property (business district and Gibson), 9 calls for disturbances, 9 domestic disturbances (4300-4400 Gibson blocks), July 4th had 7 calls for fireworks, 1 call for waiving a gun, 1 accidental injury, 7 derelict autos.  17 larcenies from vehicles in business district, 4 “person down” on curb, 1 call for shots fired 4300 Norfolk, 1 license plate stolen, 13 calls for suspicious person, 1 tampering with an auto, 1 fire arson.
  • Skycop may be deployed on Arco.  Increase officers on Manchester.

28:33 Park Central Development & Grove CID Updates (Alayna Graham)

  • GROVE FEST will be October 2nd.
    • Vendor applications at thegrovestl.com/grovefest
  • PCD is taking applications for Seniors to receive free services 
  • Grove CID Updates:
    • Grove Signs (west side) should be up this weekend
    • Currently seeking city permits for banners on light posts
    • Adding bench at the bus stop (Sarah @ Manchester)
    • Added a trash pick up day on weekends
  • Former U.R.B. building will soon host a new bar; Resident Tom expressed concerns about future potential parking congestion

36:13 Neighborhood Improvement Specialist Update (Ron Coleman)

  • City is not currently recycling because of driver shortage; pays $15/hr
  • Bulk pick up is coming up next week (tires and car batteries ok)
  • 11 intersections recently received upgraded ADA accessible ramps 
  • New paving on some portions of Boyle
  • Resident Alan asked for updates on Chouteau Park.  Basketball court recently was painted, hoops will be installed soon. Request made for picnic benches installed before National Night Out September 11th.

41:32 Ward 17 Updates (Alderwoman Sweet-T) 

  • Explanation of Alderperson’s role:  legislation, constituent services, community engagement, safety security, development, planning, administration.  
  • Seeking volunteers, funds, committees
  • The City Foundry $18 million TIF includes $1.8 million pilot program for “Equitable Development” to be split 50/50 between FPSE (for affordable housing repair, eligibility TBD) and north city. This legislation needs to be signed by Mayor but was approved by Board of Alderman.  Similar to a “Linkage Fund” program by MIT.
  • Developing a more transparent community engagement process.  
  • Creating a newsletter and new website
  • Recommends Citizen’s Service Bureau for city service problems/questions https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/public-safety/neighborhood-stabilization-office/citizens-service-bureau/index.cfm
  • July 28 Midtown Community Services will have a children’s Peace Parade

57:38 Guest Speaker: Jonathan Roper, Planning & Urban Design Agency (PDA)

01:21:00 Bylaw Amendment Discussion:  (Dan Doelling)

  • Drafted language is available for review on forestparksoutheast.com
  • Amends boundaries of FPSENA to include of Kings Oak 
  • Discussed concerns and opportunities about potential for Kings Oak institutions/businesses joining FPSENA (not only residents)
  • Members in attendance and Board supported changes to the bylaws. Bylaws will be voted upon in August.

You can listen to an audio recording of this month’s meeting on Anchor or most other podcast platforms.

You can download a PDF of this month’s minutes below: