urbanSTL

O yeah, I guess the neighborhood I was looking at was just considered Benton Park, but I did go down around the Globe, etc, and it was looking a little better too....

Checkout www.bentonparkwest.org



Many new items such as newsletters and meeting minutes, updated bylaws, etc.



Comments and suggestions are always invited. Send to bpwnapub@yahoo.com.



Thanks!



Bill.

The Beautification Team of Benton Park West Neighborhood Association (BPWNA) has plans for the corner of Arsenal and Jefferson.



With permission from Millennium Restoration and Development Corporation, a planter will be built and maintained by BPWNA in the area next to the sidewalk into the corner right at the intersection.



Watch for more interesting changes in and around Benton Park West as the weather accommodates.



Neighborhood meetings occur on the third Thursday of each month at 7p, 2832 Arsenal (Five Star Senior Center).



The February meeting (Feb 21st) will feature Sgt. Ron Hasty of the Trash/Refuse division of the Saint Louis Police Department.



Additionally, there will be an announcement and brief details of a Recycling Program in Benton Park West, officially sponsored by Benton Park West Neighborhood Association.

Much is happening in Benton Park West when it comes to the Gardens and Beautification!



The Garden Team and residents will be working April 17 and 19th on the garden at Ohio and Crittenden. On May 10th, work will happen at the garden located at California and Wyoming.



The Beautification Team brings us the new planter and plantings to appear by the end of April at the corner of Arsenal and Jefferson. Also, watch for the small concrete planters popping up on Wyoming and even Arsenal as resident commit to adopt the planters. Additionally, as energy, time, and manpower allow, the planters along Gravois will also be worked this month.



Concerning the lots at the corner of Arsenal and Jefferson, information has been received from both Ken Ortmann (Alderman) and Millennium (Developer):



The previously piles from legal and illegal dumping has been "smoothed" out and a berm has been built at the alley and parking lot to restrict any further illegal dumping.



Grass is being seeded so that it will be an easy mow to keep the lot looking better.



The project at the corner is not dead, possibly has changed, but not dead.



Thanks to everyone for watching and supporting!



Bill.

Come one, Come all!



Two events happening in Benton Park West area.



1. May 3 - Cinco de Mayo, 11a-9p. Enjoy the festival and experience unique Mexican foods as well as all of the "beverage" or beer booths.



Support Benton Park West by patronizing their beer booth located at California and Cherokee, next to La Vallesana (2801 Cherokee).



2. May 17 - Blues in Benton Park, 4p-6:30p. Benton Park West and Benton Park are collaborating for a "Party in the Park" to celebrate our great neighborhoods. Join friends and neighbors to hear "Rough Grooves", a high energy sound that showcase at places like Be Be's Blues downtown.



The event will be in Benton Park at Arsenal and Jefferson, in the northwest corner is during the ninth annual Cherokee-Lemp History Fair. Blankets, lawn chairs, food and beverages are all welcome.



For more information on either of these two events, contact 314-771-0803 or e-mail bpwna@yahoo.com

BIG Texas Hold-em Tounament - Sat. May 17, at Five Star Senior Center located at 2832 Arsenal.



This is a fundraiser for The Senior Center which services all of South City and other areas by providing services to Seniors and providing over 100 walkin and over 500 home delivered meals for Seniors.



Always a good time to meet friends and make new ones.



Contact Mike Howard, Executive Director, Five Star Senior Center for more information - 314-664-1008.

There have been much feedback on a bill currently being considered by the Board of Alderman for St. Louis that affects the 20th Ward, which much of BPW resides.



First, this is an overlay for Cherokee, west of Jefferson. The current 50/50 ordinance will remain in place covering the entire 20th Ward. This means that a business that has the investment to create a business that will support the 50/50 Restaurant rule does not have to follow these guidelines.



Secondly, the general consensus of the neighborhoods supports the premise of this bill, however, various guidelines could be viewed as too strict by many who are opposed. The important thing is that he issues are addressed no matter the solution. Those who are interested in growing Cherokee should look at the points and make suggestions to the guidelines that are included that address the issues. Again, these issues are what bubbled up from the neighborhoods to protect residents.



Also, there has been much talk about other small commercial areas in the City. Most of the thriving small commercial areas with vibrant neighborhoods nearby are still under the 50/50 rule. One area that has been used as an example is the Manchester/Grove area. But, drive one block from Manchester and see what the residential area is like. I'm not saying that BPW is perfect, but tell me if you'd live one block off of Manchester.



While the current bill (not an ordinance yet) might seem overly restrictive, the issue that are addressed are definite concerns of neighborhoods that are concerned with Cherokee.



As a matter of fact, the leadership of both BPW and GP are dealing with a groups of residents ranging from those who do not want ANY new liquor license establishments to those who wish to open the floods gates...this covers the 20th AND the 9th Wards. There are always residents on both ends of the spectrum, but we are in a democratic society which means the consensus of the people rule.



It was the idea of BPW and GP to reduce the alcohol percentages in the CSBA commercial district. This is a pilot program to reduce the percentages. No other commercial area in Saint Louis nor to my knowledge is a pilot such as this, reducing the percentages, in any other major metro area.



Currently, close to 1/2 of the small commercial districts in Saint Louis has the 50/50 ordinance.



The thinking behind this bill bubbled up from the neighborhoods that surround the commercial district. Those involved are looking at long-term planning for economic growth and protection of the residents. Also, the leadership of the neighborhoods are driving to have businesses and such that service the residents, not necessarily to create a "destination" for others to come in use the space where we live without regard to the stability of the area.



This is a tough question as no one has a crystal ball, however, I do know that one would be hard pressed to find less that 80% of the homeowners in Soulard that would say if they had it to do over again, they'd have had restrictions on liquor licenses and would have used the 50/50 rule.