Ellendale Meeting Notes for May 8, 2017
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 7:00 pm
Matt Sisul called the meeting to order.
Matt asked for the approvals of the March 13 meeting notes.
Joan Bonnell moved to approve the notes. Sue Thomas seconded. All in favor, no opposed. The March 13th meeting notes were approved.
Alderman Ogilvie could not attend the meeting but he provided Matt notes to read:
Slay Park Update: The fence replacement along River des Peres and the replacement of the rubberized surface on the playground is underway (as of May 8).
Question: Rhonda Leifheit asked about people driving up to and on the ball fields (using the roadway along River des Peres) and wanted to know if that was okay and, if not, who to call when that was witnessed. A Park Ranger was at the meeting (Chopper Leifheit) and he explained that was not alright. You can call the Police to report it (9-1-1 if necessary), but he said you can also call the Park Rangers office at 314-289-5350. The Park Rangers are headquartered in Forest Park, but the Rangers visit all 124 City Parks.
River des Peres Greenway Trail Extension construction continues. Potholes along the driving lanes of Ellendale in the construction area are a problem. They have been reported, but the will most likely be spot filled and probably remain a problem until construction is complete.
The Gathering Church has a minor variance needed as they move forward with their construction plans. A representative from The Gathering is will to come to an ENA meeting to discuss and answer questions. Matt asked the assembly if they wanted to hear more from the Gathering on the project and the majority of the assembly agreed. Matt will work with Ald. Ogilvie to get a Gathering representative at a future meeting.
Ald. Ogilvie thanks us for our recent cleanups. Matt explained the recent cleanup we have had and thanked everyone who has helped.
Update from KaJuana Thomas, NIS
KaJuana could not attend the meeting, repeated Ald. Ogilvie’s update about Slay Park.
7:15p.m.
Matt introduced the guest speakers: Patti Aleto and Jae Om from the Aleto Group to discuss the planned development at 2740 Ellendale Ave.
Patti described the company, which has been in business for 62 years and specializes in custom renovations and new home construction.
Patti showed a drawing of a reference project (located on McCausland north of Manchester), explaining it as the inspiration for the new houses to be built on Ellendale.
Patti explained after the purchase of the property, the original plan was to build four new homes on the site, but after talking with Matt Sisul and Ald. Ogilvie who relayed initial concern from residents, Aleto reduced their plans to three homes.
Patti explained about the large trees that line Ellendale and wanting to keep them as well as having detached garages for the homes. To do so they plan to use access from the alley that runs along McCausland and the homeowners would access the homes from the McCausland side.
Maria Gray and other Ellendale Avenue resident voiced their concerns about traffic on Ellendale Avenue during the project.
Patti and Jae relayed that when the construction begins, workers will access the site from the McCausland side, however during the deconstruction phase (removing the current structure and escavating for the foundation) workers and equipment will enter and exit the area via Ellendale. There instructions will be, however, to not block the roadway or leave equipment on Ellendale. Aleto also plans to post signs for their crews on-site reemphasizing these instructions.
Jenise Nea asked about estimated cost of property. Patti said their price points will most likely be between $350,000 to $400,000 each.
Matt asked to confirm that all three houses will be built at the same time. Patti confirmed.
Rhonda Leifheit brought up concerns about the house designs, particular the modern design with the side entrance. A discussion took place. Matt interjected that a debate about personal preferences could go on all night, but noted that Aleto is meeting City building code requirements. Patti mentioned that she appreciated the feedback on the designs and will discuss the issues/concerns with her designers. Patti also noted that the drawing of the three homes she was showing at the meeting were for reference and not final designs yet.
A resident asked what the project’s timeline is. Jae said deconstruction of the current structure should take four to six weeks once the deconstruction company begins. The company is ReFabStLouis, a company that employs veterans and other workers to disassemble buildings in order to reclaim as much construction material as possible. After deconstruction they will need to excavate to prepare the foundation. Construction of the new homes should then take about three to six months (hopefully closer to three barring any weather delays). During the days, work will start no early than 7:00 a.m.
A resident asked if the homes will have basements. Patti confirmed they will.
The properties will be listed by Christopher Thiemet with Circa Properties.
Matt asked Patti if, when Aleto has more complete plans for the project, he can put together a separate meeting with the neighbors along Ellendale Aveune, Ellendale Place, and Rabenburg. Patti agreed.
8:05 p.m.
Leslie Wilson, ENA Housing Committee
Leslie had little to report. The market is hot right now and houses are selling fast, but very few things are coming on the market.
Update from Matt regarding the Wilkinson School
The project planners are in the process of getting an individual historical certification for the property in order to assist with the project financing, but the state is being slow, so at the moment there is not really any further updates on the progress of the Wilkinson School property.
From the March meeting someone brought up changes at the Burlington Northern train facility at Wabash and Ellendale Avenues.
Angela Sebben did some research into that. She contacted BN’s local Public Relations Representative, Andrew Williams. Mr. Williams said, if it ended up that BN’s Intermodal business (intermodal means truck containers on trains) did relocate to Fenton (or anywhere else) this transition would likely take several years and even afterwards BN would still maintain a train facility at its current location. They would then adjust their business according to customer demands. He emphasized a change like this would take several years, so Angela’s understanding is that even if something was in the works now there would be no major changes in the near future. Mr. Williams could not confirm that the old Chrysler facility in Fenton has been purchased by Burlington Northern, but he knows there had been some discussion of it.
8:10 p.m.
Survey Results
Jacqi Kamp handed out the results of the electronic survey to inquire about upcoming Ellendale neighborhood events, particular an event planned for early June. As of the meeting there were 31 respondents to the survey (results attached).
The majority of respondents prefer a Family Day on a Saturday, June 3rd, over a movie night. Planning will begin and volunteers are always welcome.
Matt explained the ENA has a commitment of $500 towards the event. Matt motioned that a budget of $500 be set for the event. Jim Howard seconded. All in favor, no opposed. The budget for the event was set at $500.
8:17 p.m.
New Business
Jim Howard reminded us of his wife Kathy’s presentation last year that May is Stroke Awareness Month. You can read about Kathy’s initiatives here (May is Stroke Awareness Month and People of Ellendale Kathy Howard)
Maria Gray wanted to know if we know of a nuisance property who do we contact? Matt responded that first you should contact the Citizens’ Service Bureau (CSB) and you can also contact Leslie Wilson on the ENA Housing Committee and Matt, himself.
Maria Gray motioned to adjourn the meeting.
Irene Jones seconded the motion.
Matt adjourned the meeting at 8:20 p.m.
The next Ellendale Neighborhood Association meeting will be held on Monday, July 10, 2017, at 7:00p.m. at Abbott EMS, 2500 Abbot Place, St. Louis.
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