Ellendale Meeting Notes for November 14, 2016
A PDF of the meeting notes can be downloaded by clicking here.
MEETING NOTES
Location: Abbott EMS, 2500 Abbott Place, St. Louis, Missouri
Meeting began at 7:02 pm
Approval of Minutes, September Meeting Special Guest – Deanna Venker: City of St. Louis Traffic Commissioner
In mid-July the traffic light at McCausland and Arsenal was changed from a dual left, onto Arsenal, to a left on green arrow only. Meeting members applauded.
Lights are synchronized with surrounding intersections and set to prioritize Arsenal and McCausland Traffic.
Community Reports
Alderman Scott Ogilvie (24th Ward)
March Primary election for mayor is coming up along with leadership changes that ensue.
Ald. Ogilvie asked for feedback regarding qualities ENA would look for in candidates.
Q: Matthew Sisul, regarding property tax changes this year.
A: SLPS tax recently passed increased tax bill by approximately 10%, reflected in this year’s property tax rates.
Q: How can assessments appeals be made?
A: Collectors of Revenue Office has online instructions. https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/assessor/real-estate/appeal-your-property-assessment.cfm
Concern: Barry Marquart, regarding new driveway connecting Byron Place resident to Ellendale avenue just South of Esplanade. Concern centered around how this driveway would affect new Greenway’s bike trail, soon to be constructed, on this same stretch of road. Concern also for how new driveway would affect traffic on heavily used Ellendale Ave.
A: Resident did received permit from City. No communication with Great Rivers Greenways occurred during this process, however they are now aware.
Q: Will there be leaf pick-up for the Ellendale Neighborhood?
A: Yes, on street sweeping days, place leaves along curb. This leaf pickup is intended for mostly your front yard or City trees, it is not intended for all the leaves from your back yards as well. Those should be bagged and put into yard waste bins. Call 622-4800 Citizen Service Department if services do not occur. Wait until the end of the day after 4pm, before calling. Yard waste should be picked up through December 31st.
Self Storage business on McCausland was granted a permit for construction.
Concern: Joe Nea, Construction crew starting earlier in the mornings than permitted.
A: Ald. Ogilvie will look into the matter.
Resident asked about the 50/50 sidewalk program. City still honors the program. Inquire through CSB.
KaJauna Thomas (NSO, 24th Ward)
In her third month of service and excited to represent the Ellendale Neighborhood.
Business cards were dispersed with contact information.
Contact info: 314- 657-1369 ThomasKa@stlous-mo.gov
Special Guest – Kathy Sorkin & Donna Smith: Wilkinson School Development Proposal
SLPS issued Request for Proposals (RFP) for conversion of a vacant school building into affordable housing for teachers (City public & charter school). Any former school building was eligible. Two proposals received – both for Wilkinson School. Contract was selected by SLPS for Howard and Donna Smith Construction to develop Wilkinson School.
Proposal includes affordable housing for teachers including a new addition to the school. Team plans to place building on National Register of Historic Places. Challenges due to historic preservation laws limits amount of exterior modifications & interior alterations that can be made to existing school.
Parking is planned in back of school along with a main entrance from Canterbury
Development Team Background: Experience with non-profits (such as Habitat for Humanity, as board members) including funding and development in low income areas.
The development team is experienced in rehabilitation of historic structures including making historically-appropriate additions to them.
Education has long been their primary focus and their hope is to help retain SLPS and charter school teachers by offering apartments to teachers at a discounted price.
Matt Sisul helped to clarify that their proposal met the requirement of the RFP (Request for Proposal) that was issued by the SLPS.
Proposal would likely include twenty units in existing school along with twenty in new addition. Apartments would be a mix of one and two bedroom units.
If units are vacant, they may be available at market value price for non-teachers.
Timeline for development currently unavailable as they are just in the beginning stages of development.
Proposed construction would occur all at once (no phases).
Resident concerned with drainage issues in school yard near Southeast corner of the Wilkinson property. Designer assured that area inspections should uncover any underlying issues with drainage.
Professional property management firm will be hired to manage property once completed.
More updates will be shared with neighborhood through ENA’s housing committee as plans progress
Board Report
Treasurer’s Report (Joe Nea)
$225 current balance – no activity since last meeting
Membership application form currently available and are due by 1st of the new year.
Dues: $6 per person , $3 seniors , $24 for businesses
Housing Committee Report (Lesley Wilson)
Provide printout of real-estate activity within the neighborhood.
There was a short discussion about the property at 2740 Ellendale. The current building has been purchased by a local builder and will most likely be demolished and potentially three new homes built in its place. Plans are very preliminary, but more updates will be shared with the neighborhood through ENA’s housing committee as plans progress
Matt Sisul informed everyone that Jim Martin, the attorney for Chemisphere, was present to answer questions for residents in the Clifton Avenue area
Trash Bash Summary (Barry Marquart)
Over 500 participants, including many youth groups, removed 8 tons of trash from the River des Peres and its tributaries.
Angela Sebben
Promoted the ENA blog and web page including the Neighborhood Guide currently on the website.
Meeting adjourned at 8:18 PM Additional Items (external links): City Services Information (by Property Address) Resource - Appraised Value vs Assessed Value Property Assessment - Appeals Property Tax Relief Programs Trash Pickup - Normal Schedule Trash Pickup - Holiday Schedule Yard Waste - General Information
The next Ellendale Neighborhood Association meeting
will be held on Monday, January 9, 2017, at 7:00p.m.
at Abbott EMS, 2500 Abbot Place, St. Louis.
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