Tower Grove Heights Neighborhood Association Meeting

March 24, 2009 7:15 p.m.

President Mark Froese chaired the meeting. Mark introduced Laura Johnson who came to speak about the concept of green alleys.

Laura (Johnson Architectural Services) is a resident on Humphrey and has been working with Jennifer Florida, our 15^th Ward Alderman, on methods to use for paving the remaining 4 unpaved alleys in our area. These alleys (the Humphrey and McDonald sides of north and south Utah Place) were not paved due to a commitment to keep the historic brick but they can no longer be economically repaired. Laura learned about the green alley method (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TowerGroveHeights/files/greenalleyhandbook.pdf) from work done in Chicago approximately 5 years ago This technique, using a pervious system of notched pavers over layers of compacted, absorbent materials, improves drainage and helps avoid overflowing the storm and sewage system. These pavers can also be easily removed and replaced for any required repair work. The Board of Public Service has drawn up plans and cost estimates. These estimates are approximately $1 million for all four alleys (note that these are very long alleys.)

The contractors would have meetings with homeowners prior to doing any of this work in order to answer questions. MSD would also need to ensure there won’t be any problems with the sewers before the work is done. The contractors would only work on half of an alley at a time to help minimize disruption.

The City and MSD are in favor of this due in part to the lawsuit EPA has filed against the city regarding the issue of untreated sewage being released into rivers because of the overflow volume of the storm system. Jennifer thought we could get funding from the economic stimulus funding but that didn’t happen during the first round. The Dept. of Natural Resources may also be a funding source. We might get a grant, such as an energy efficiency grant from the State, to do a small section as a sample on the worst part. At the moment, however, the project is in a holding pattern until funding is available.

Mark announced that MSD is having a public Open House to discuss possible options in addressing the problem about the amount of sewage that discharges into waterways during moderate to heavy rainstorms. The South City Open House is scheduled at Woodward Elementary School, 725 Bellerive, on April 13 from 4:30-7:30PM.

Matt Vianello spoke to us on behalf of Jeff Smith, our 4^th district Senator. Jeff is trying to stop proposed legislation that would cap the amount of historic tax credits at $50 million, with the city of St. Louis to only get $3 million. These tax credits have been vital in much of the city restoration and Jeff will try to filibuster the attempt to cap these credits. He passed a bill so that people convicted of failing to pay child support could have their sentences reduced if they complete court-ordered treatment or resume payments. He amended the omnibus higher education bill to include $5 million for early childhood education. He is opposed to the financing bill for the second Callaway nuclear reactor unless taxpayers have a guaranteed return on the investment. Matt will try to attend our monthly meetings and can be reached at mvianell@slu.edu with questions for Jeff.

Jan Clinite, Treasurer, passed around thank you cards we received from our donation to the 100 Neediest Cases. She distributed flyers about the next meeting of the 15^th Ward Democrats on March 26, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. at Mangia Italiano on Grand. She also encouraged everyone to vote in the next general election which will be held on April 7, 2009.

Pauline Ashton, Membership Secretary, had membership forms. Dues are $15 per household (two votes), $10 per individual and $100 for a lifetime membership. Please get a form from Pauline if you have not joined or renewed your membership yet. She will be sending out notices this month to those who have not yet renewed their membership. Mark noted that we will be canvassing the neighborhood in May to try to get additional members. Further details will be distributed and everyone is welcome to help.

Jennifer Florida, 15^th Ward Alderman, mentioned that although violent crime is down, there has been a spike in burglaries and car thefts, particularly in the 4100 block of Juniata and Hartford. These typically happen around 3 p.m. when everyone is at work. Please call the police if you see anything suspicious and don’t display your new flat panel TV in front of the window where everyone can see it. Also, don’t throw away the box from your new TV in the alley where it announces your purchase. She reminded us that real estate assessments should be received June 15, 2009. There will be a 2-week period in which to file an appeal. Mark noted that our speaker for next month will be someone from the Assessor’s Office.

The South Grand streetscape project did get funded with $1.8 million which will cover both the East and West side of Grand. Operation Brightside will be held in our neighborhood on April 18^th. A presentation on this will be made at the Block Captains’ meeting on Monday at Grand Oak Hill. Everyone is welcome to attend.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:15 p.m.

Claudia Seifert, Secretary