University Heights Online

The Subdivision trustees, propose to create a Neighborhood Improvement District
(NID) in conjunction with the City of University City in order to finance important
improvements to our Subdivision infrastructure. When you are asked to sign the Petition,
you will be told the actual dollars which this action is expected to cost for your lot. Please
come to neighborhood meetings to ask questions and possibly sign the Petition.

A newsletter was delivered this week outlining this NID proposal in detail. To view this newsletter, please click here.

Meetings have been scheduled to answer questions 7/31-8/4. See Calendar for details

Tuesday, July 31 7:30 p.m.
17 Princeton

Wednesday, August 1 7:30 p.m.
733 Harvard

Friday, August 3 7:30 p.m.
738 Harvard

Saturday, August 4 10 a.m.
6928 Amherst

Apparently, there have been two car thefts in the neighborhood in the last two weeks. Please call 911 if you see suspicious activity.

The U. City police department is hosting a meeting with neighbors and residents. One of the purposes is to maintain a focus group with the neighborhood watch units to meet and discuss problems, share information, plan activities and coordinate efforts. This will be an excellent opportunity to express our concerns. The more residents in attendance, the better.

Tues. May 29
6-8pm
Community center
975 Pennsylvania

For further info, contact Lt. Anderson at 505-8686.

Neighborhood Jazz Performer
Jeremy Davenport, former resident, jazz musician, and son of Diane and Roger, will be returning to St. Louis with his quartet to play at The Botanical Garden on the evening of June 6. Bring a picnic and enjoy the good sounds. I think that it starts at 7:30 p.m.

5/23/07
Memorial Day Run
University Heights is hosting the one mile fun run on Monday at 10am. That said, if you need to get out of the neighborhood around then, please do so before 9:30 or you will be trapped, and possibly late. Also, if you live on the route (Harvard, Dartmouth, Yale and Princeton, please try to park off the street that morning so that the kids don’t run into your cars.

Crime in the Heights
There have been some instances of vandalism, burglary and a stolen car in the Heights. Awareness is important, so if you or a neighbor have been the victim of any crime taking place in the neighborhood, please notify us and we will communicate to the neighbors.

Movie Night this FRIDAY
Weather permitting, we will be showing Shrek this Friday (May 25) at 8:15pm at the Vacant lot. Bring a blanket and some bug spray. Also, we are taking requests for other movies to be shown. Please email your suggestions to news@fencetalk.org.

The treelawn lampposts near the intersections of Trinity/Columbia & Trinity/Amherst have been disconnected. You may recall that last year, after continously going out, temporary wires were strung between the lamps and trees. They are in the process of repairing the buried wires which ultimately will illuminate the ornamental lamps too.

There is a sinkhole on 6987 Cornell between the intersections of Yale and Radcliffe. The Trustees are aware of the problem and are working with MSD and the water company to remedy the situation.

Mark and Isabel Siedband of Columbia Ave. have presented their plans to completely restore #15 Princeton to its original glory to the University City Historical Preservation Commission and to the University Heights Trustees. They have been busy interviewing contractors and hope to begin construction by June.

Morty Hyman elected Trustee
Morty Hyman has been elected unanimously by those who voted to be your new Trustee. Thank you to those who voted and congratulations Morty!!

Lightning strike fatality
Unfortunately, lightning strike victim Joshua Reed passed away Sunday. Additional information is limited. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends.

As many of you know, #15 Princeton was bought by the Siedbands of Radcliffe. There are plans to rebuild the house

4/25/07
Lightning Strikes- UPDATED
Because I have received several calls, I thought it would be the best interest to tell what FACTS are known about last night’s lightning strike.

Yes, at 7pm Tuesday night, lightning struck two trees and is believed to have struck a young adult male on the treelawn of the Vacant Lot at the corner of Radcliffe and Columbia. As of last night, he was in critical condition at Barnes Hospital. While his identity has not been disclosed by authorities, none of the neighbors on the scene recognized him. We will keep you posted when more details arise. Until then, feel free to think positive for this young man.

The victim's name has been released. His name is Joshua Reed and was visiting someone in the "area". It is unclear whether U. Heights was his destination.

Memorial Day Run
This year marks the thirty-second anniversary of the Memorial Day Run held in University City. The Run benefits The Green Center, The University City Children’s Center, U. City in Bloom, and the University City Public Library. The Memorial Day Run will begin at 7:30 AM on Monday, May 28, in front of the library (6701 Delmar), with the start of the 10 K run. The 5 K run will begin at 9:00 AM near Blueberry Hill, and the Fun Runs begin at 10:00 (for older children), and 10:15 (for kids nine years old and younger). Awards are given to overall finishers and winners in five year age group categories based on participation in the 10 and 5 K events. Entry forms are available at the University City Public Library, may be downloaded from the library’s website, www.ucpl.lib.mo.us, or register on-line at www.active.com.

As in past years, the two Fun Runs will use the perimeter streets of U. Heights #1 for their course. The Fun Runs start near the corner of Trinity and Harvard, go north down Harvard, turn west onto Dartmouth, turn south up Yale, and finish up by returning to the City Hall area via Princeton. The Run Committee greatly appreciates having permission to use the streets and would like to request that residents on the race route, particularly near the start and finish lines, park off-street that Monday if at all possible. They’d also like to recruit a few volunteers in the Heights to stand at the turns and make sure the young racers stay on track. A couple of memorable times, the police car even led them incorrectly! If you are willing to act as a course official (come on – you know you’re going to be out there watching anyway!), could you please call Patrick Wall or Linda Ballard at the Library, 727-3150? Thanks so much for your help!

Also, don't forget that Heman Park pool has historically opened on Memorial Day so after your sweaty run, jump in the pool to cool off.

3/23/07
Bigger is Better!
Movie nights in Central Park just got bigger. The neighborhood association just purchased a 10'x10' screen to replace the borrowed 7'x7' screen. Keep your eyes open for a impromptu sneak preview night this spring.

There are two new sections to fencetalk.org. We have added:
Who to Call - This section has frequently needed phone numbers of who to call sorted by subject.

Trees - A new featured section discussing the neighborhoods trees and maintenance.

12/20/06
Building Plans for #15 Approved
At the meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission on 12/20/06, the Commission approved the plans for the rebuilding of #15 Princeton as submitted, with the following contingencies:

This was partly precipitated by the claim that the bank would not give a loan on a plan that had not been approved by the city.

This is a compromise plan which represents the best chance we have of getting the house rebuilt. Thank you to the neighbors and my fellow trustee Paul Schoomer who were most eloquent in their concerns to the commission about this project. The commission was quite responsive to our pleas for rapid action.

Details of meeting about #15 Princeton
#15 Princeton, as of 12/17/06
The way we hear it, subject to constant change and new gossip:
Currently, the latest plans for the re-build of #15 Princeton have been reviewed by Paul Schoomer and Judy Baernstein. From our point of view, the plans look to rebuild it much as it was, with the façade as it always has been, and with a new house inside and an addition to the rear. The addition contains a new kitchen and family room on the main floor and a new master suite on the second floor. The bump out is a full 2 stories and will present a heightened view from the rear. Materials seem to be first class and we can hope for the best, from these drawings.

The plans will be reviewed by the Historic Preservation Commission on Dec. 19 at City Hall at 7:30PM, in a room to be determined.

The Commission may do the following:
          1. approve the application
            2. approve with conditions
                        a. demonstration of financial ability to complete the project
                        b. completion bond or escrow requirement
                        c. any other conditions the commission wants
            3. reject application as incomplete
            4. reject the application and order demolition
            5. delay the decision for further consultation
The Historic Preservation Commission earlier requested that the owners provide financial information. It was apparently never received. One might wonder how this application is different. We do not know.

Paul and Judy's position is that if the conditions in 2a and 2b are invoked, this could be a good plan.

You are encouraged to attend the meeting if you wish. We are of mixed opinion about whether or not it is of value for the neighbors to be there. Make your own decision about putting forth a neighborhood presence at this meeting about this ongoing saga of near-mythic proportions.

Luminaria is NEXT SUNDAY!
The 2006 Luminaria and Progressive Dinner is next Sunday, December 17th! We still need a few more homes to host courses – please call Mary at 725.3300 or Jane at 726-1250 if you can host a course or if would like to attend! It’s a fun family event and we hope to see you there.

12/6/06
Note from a Neighbor
The weather is cold & icy. The sidewalks aren't cleared & I am very aware that families & individuals like to get out and walk our lovely neighborhood. My biggest concern is the fact that people in this weather walk in the streets with dogs & children in strollers, two abreast or more! Please realize that cars do not anticipate anyone being in the street in this kind of weather & they may not be able to stop to avoid someone in the street. This even happened to me when I was going out of the subdivision at Cornell & Harvard at night this summer. Two couples with a child in a stroller were partially in the street talking & I came around the curve & had to swerve to miss them & I was going the speed limit! This time of the year we all need to be more careful as we go out & about in our neighborhood. As often as possible stay on the sidewalks or keep a very careful eye out for cars. And when you are the one in the car remember our speed limit in the Heights is 25MPR everywhere and even slower when the weather is bad. Let’s all look out for each other and have safe and happy holidays.
Pat Patterson, Cornell

Storm clean-up info
Due to the storm damage, the trustees have hired a chipper and crew to come through the subdivision on Monday or Tuesday (Dec 4,5), weather permitting, to chip whatever branches have come down. Please bring whatever you have to the curb and we will take it away. We can't tell you exactly when this will happen, but there will be no second pick-up.

Also, because several streets did not get their leaves picked up before the storm, we have had a large number of street drains back up and form lakes. If you live near one of these, please help us out by clearing the clog with a rake or stick, so the melting water can get off our streets. We appreciate the help.

Remember that, except for the streets that did not get their leaf pick-up, we can not rake leaves into the streets any more this year. You should compost or bag them. The city picks up bags free (without stickers) between Oct. 15 and Dec. 31.

When a snow or ice storm approaches, park in your driveways if possible. This allows our snowplow to do a better job of clearing the streets.

9/17/06
New Neighbor Welcome Packet
We have added a new page to www.fencetalk.org for New Neighbors. This page includes a downloadable Welcome Packet filled with useful information compiled by the Neighborhood Association.

Where:
Parade starts at the corner of Princeton and Trinity. Picnic will be at Lewis Park, by the playground.

Annual Neighborhood
Parade and Picnic
This is a chance for the entire neighborhood to get together. This is not just for kids, and not just for families. Everyone is welcome.

Parade
Bring your instruments. Decorate your bike or vehicle. A fire truck and police car will lead the parade.

Picnic
The University Heights Neighborhood Association will provide a huge hot grill, ice cold beer, plenty of soda, and other amenities. You just need to bring a potluck dish to share and your own main dish in addition to plates and utensils. Please remember that glass bottles are not allowed in the park.

Added an online poll to get a take on what you think the priorities of the Trustees should be. Please vote on the main page (vote carefully, as you are only allowed one vote).

Lamppost Down
An unidentified vehicle did some conciderable damage to the lamppost at the intersection of Yale and Princeton. It is in the process of being repaired. There is a rumor that a license plate number was taken before they fled the neighborhood. Stay tuned...

The outdoor film series continues this Friday, 9/8 with the instant classic, The Incredibles. The following Friday, 9/15, there will NOT be a film due to the Balloon Glow at Forest Park being the same night. However Friday, 9/22, the films should continue with Raiders of the Lost Ark.

Don't forget to mark you calendar for the University Heights Annual Parade and Picnic on Sunday, 9/17. Watch for signs...parade around 4:30 and picnic following at Lewis Park. There will be a hot grill, beer, soda, tables and benches. Bring your own food to grill and a dish to share.

If you click at the calendar section of www.fencetalk.org, you will find a nifty new online calendar that is easy to maintain. Check it out for big trash days, neighborhood events and street cleanings. If there is something else you would like to see on there, please let us know.

9/2/06
#15 Princeton Update
Taken from the U. City City Manager's weekly update:

The property owners at #15 Princeton submitted their plan for rehabilitation this week on August 31st. The plan will be reviewed by the Historic Preservation Commission on Sept. 19th. The HPC recommendation will be forwarded to staff and the next step will be the submittal of a building plan/permit.

With the success of last week's movie night, there will be a follow-up with the showing of The Sound of Music at the vacant lot at 7:00pm on Friday September 1st. Bring blankets and enjoy under the stars.

Thanks to all of the families who participated in the 2006 Summer Kickball League. Special Thanks to Ed Renner for CHEFfing up the hot dogs on the hot grill every Thursday

Movie Night at the vacant lot planned for Friday August 25th at 7:30pm. Bring your family and some blankets. Films will not necessarily "kiddie" movies but defininitely classics.

6/14/06

Kickball Season Begins

All ages kickball games will start again this Thursday and every Thursday during the summer. Games begin at 6pm at the empty lot. Come one, come all.

4/29/06

Lightpost Down

This morning, a Famous Barr delivery truck backed into the decorative lamppost at the intersection of Yale, Princeton and Cornell. The trustees are aware of the accident and will repair ASAP.

4/7/06

#15 Princeton Update

The deadline set by the City was 4/4/06. The Trustees have asked the City for a 60 day extension in order to review the owner's plans. Although, as of 4pm on 4/4/06, the City had not received proof of financial ability. So it appears that this will delay potential demolition. Trustee Paul Schoomer has indicated that if the owner cannot fix it to their standard, that the Trustees will the sue the City and force the sale with the threat of eminant domain (anyone want to buy it and fix it ups?)

4/2/06
City Election Location Update
Historically, for city, state and federal elections, Heights residents have voted at 630 Trinity. This year, that has changed so please be aware that come April 4, you will need to vote at 560 Trinity (Webster University Community Music School).

3/16/06

Finding us just got easier. In addition to universityheightsonline.org, we have added the domain name of www.fencetalk.org to direct you here. Easier to spell, easier to remember.

3/14/06

Heights Annual Meeting Date & Location Set

Tuesday, April 18

6:45pm Refreshments

7:00pm Meeting commences
at Delmar-Harvard large gym

First-ever elections for Trustee may be held in addition to Association Board elections.

#15 Princeton Demolition

Click here to see the official Order of Demolition document, or simply read below:

ORDER OF THE BUILDING COMMISSIONER

CITY OF UNIVERSITY CITY

Based on the evidence presented at the February 27, 2006 Demolition Hearing

Re: 15 Princeton Place

University City, MO

I find that the structure located at 15 Princeton Place in the City of University City, Missouri is in violation of Ordinance #6540 of the ordinances of The City of University City and detrimental to the health, safety and welfare of the residents of the City of University City because:

Part of the structure is likely to buckle, fall or collapse and injure the occupants or members of the public
The structure has become so damaged by fire so as to become dangerous to the occupants and members of the public
The structure is in such condition that it is hazardous to the health or safety of the occupants and members of the public because of the extent to where it does not meet University City building and property maintenance codes and does not provide shelter from the elements.

I find, as Building Commissioner, I have the authority under the University City Property Maintenance Code as adopted by Ordinance No. 6540 of the ordinances of the City of University City and under the general enabling act of the Missouri Statutes concerning demolition of unsafe properties to order the demolition of property.

Further, I find that all parties who would be interested in the property have been notified according to the law and ordinances. Based on the foregoing, I order that the structure located at 15 Princeton Avenue in the City of University City, Missouri be demolished and removed from the premises no later than May 15, 2006.

Further, if demolition is not carried out as ordered, I will take such action as required for such structures to be demolished. I will certify the cost of the action including all administrative costs to the Department of Finance who will cause a special tax bill to be prepared, filed, and collected. Such tax bill shall be a lien against the property, and such lien shall bear the legal rate of interest until paid.

This order is stayed pending:

A. Submission of a plan for rebuilding the structure to the satisfaction of the Building Commissioner.

B. Submission of evidence of financial resources to rebuild the structure to the satisfaction of the Building Commissioner.

C. Submission of a timetable to rebuild the structure and ensure that the structure and property is restored properly and promptly to the satisfaction of the Building Commissioner. Submission of this referenced material is required in writing no later than April 4, 2006.

[signature]

Lehman Walker, Building Commissioner Date: March 14/06

City of University City

3/9/06

Leaf pick up

U. City has scheduled a leaf pickup for the week of 3/20/06. Please rake all leaves into the street. NOTE: Please push the leaves at least a foot away from the curb to allow for rain water to flow and to prevent the sewer drains from clogging.

3/8/06

#15 Princeton Demolition Hearing

Click here to read the transcript from the 2/27/06 hearing. The City Planner has committed to the date of 3/15/06 to declare it's recommendation.

Lighting Update

I've been in contact with AmerenUE Superintendant Stacy Jones at 314-992-9805 and been told by a Project Manager, Brian, that the lights should be repaired in the next 3 weeks. Unfortunately, I've been told this several times now, so if anyone wants to call him directly, please do so. Light #'s: MU3579 MU3580 MU3592 MU3593 MU3594.

U. City Election

Don't forget there is an election in U. City on April 4. Current elections are for Mayor, City Council and School Board. Some say that local politics is more important that National Politics since it affects you everyday, so please register if you aren't already and VOTE!

2/24/06

#15 Princeton Meeting Notes

U. City City Manager Frank Ollendorff presented an overiew and fielded questions from residents concerning the possible demolition of 15 Princeton. While Mr. Ollendorff did acknowledge that the city had possibly not done enough in the last 4 years to prevent its demise, he stated that the city is committed to seeing that the property is renovated and not torn down.

#15 is currently condemned for and scheduled for a demolition hearing on Feb. 27. The condemnation is an official threat to the owners requiring that they come to the hearing with a comprehensive plan to repair/restore the house to the point to accept occupancy, or the city will demolish it . This is where it gets tricky and confusing, since prior to demolition, it would need to go before the University City Historic Preservation Commission for a recommendation. This commission does NOT make decisions, it merely makes a recommendation. It was stated by Mr. Ollendorff stated that the commission would NOT recommend demolition of the house.

When asked what other options the neighborhood had, Ollendorff went into detail describing how the process of eminent domain could be used. It would start with some sort of petition asking the city to take on the case of eminent domain. The city would only consider doing so if there was a investor/developer secured who would rehab the property. Then it would have to go to the courts and a jury would have to agree that the city did have the right to take property for public good. The city would then buy the property at a price determined by the courts/jury and then turn around and sell to the developer. This process is long, laborious and far from a sure thing.

The issue of dangerous, not to mention ugly, debris that surrounds the house was brought up and Mr. Ollendorf f committed to cleaning up as much debris as the city is legally allowed to within two weeks from the Feb. 27th hearing date, and he also committed that the new city manager would be informed of the full history of the house leading up to the hearing.

There were a few questions that Mr. Ollendorff couldn�t answer at the meeting. While the Building Commissioner wasn�t available today, Mr. Ollendorff was able get these answers for us today:

Q. Do the Trustees need to sign off on a permit for demolition?

A. Ollendorff advised that we check our indenture for any language that would require a sign off. While the indenture doesn�t have any reference to demolition, it is my [the editor] understanding that since the city currently requires a sign off by the trustees on many types of building permits, it could be presumed that they would for demolition.

Q. How many citations has the city issued to the owners?

A. The city prosecuting attorney was able to verify that there are 4-5 pending citations on the docket. There wasn�t any reference to how many citations paid/not paid that have been issued in the last 4 years.

Q. Has there ever been a property that was demolished even after the University City Historic Preservation Commission has recommended saving?

A. While Frank initially stated that he couldn�t recall an instance of that, he recanted and recalled that Hanley Junior High fit that criteria, although this comparing apples to apples.

Q. Will neighbors be allowed to speak at the hearing on 2/27/06?

A. Yes, in addition to it being a public hearing, the Building Commissioner will outline the procedure of the forum and allow for interested parties to speak.

So what now? Well, we have to wait until the hearing to hear what the owners� plans are. It may be they have a plan to restore the house, and assuming they actually complete the task, the neighborhood should be content. Anyone interested should attend the hearing on 2/27 at 10am at the library. Prepare any statement you would like to make.

If things go south, Trustee Paul Schoomer has other ideas of legal action, but this let us see if that is necessary.

2/15/06
Trustee Election Notice
Our current Trustee President, Ron Scott will be stepping down as of April, 2006. Ron served as Trustee for more than 20 years and we thank him for his service. One of the amendments that was added to the neighborhood indenture last year changed the way Trustees get in office. There is now an election that will be held at the April annual meeting. There will be the ability to vote by proxy prior to the meeting and there is only one vote per property. In order to appear on the ballot, either the current trustees or the Neighborhood Association Board must nominate a candidate. If anyone has a candidate to recommend, please contact a Trustee or Neighborhood Association Board Member.

Neighborhood Association Election
The Neighborhood Association Board Election will take place at the annual meeting in April. The neighborhood association is the the social organization that facilitates activities like the Picnic and Luminaria and publishes this website, Fencetalk and the directory. If you would like to get involved, you should contact Dan Martin @ 314-721-2907.

2/13/06
Meeting to discuss #15 Princeton, 2/23/06, 6pm
Linda and Ken King will be hosting an informational meeting at 6978 Cornell (directly behind #15 Princeton). U. City City Manager Frank Ollendorf will be there to explain what options are left for University Heights residents to save #15 Princeton.

2/7/06
Notice of Public Hearing RE: 6916 Amherst
Notice is hereby given that the Board of Adjustment of the City of University city will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, February 15, 2006, at 7:30p.m., at the Screenz Computing Center located at 6680 Delmar, to consider the applicatoin of Charles and Rebecca Helbling, who are requesting a variance of Section 34-30.5 of the Zoning Code in order to build a single-family detached dwelling on a lot that is 48 feet wide at the street (50 feet wide at the building line is required) and on a lot that is 5,160 square feet in lot area (6,000 square feet is required) at 6916 Amherst Ave.

Persons with disabilities who require special arrangements to attend the public hearing should contact Frank Hill at 862-0770 at least five days prior to the meeting. All interested parties are invited to attend.

2/6/06 [UPDATED]
#15 Princeton Update
In response to the 2/1 fire, today U. City Planning Dept. has posted a Notice of Condemnation on the property with a hearing date of 2.27.06 at 10am at the Library. It appears that the city may require a complete tear down of the house, unless the owner(s) give good enough plans to rebuild. Additional comments from the neighborhood may be of value. Keep reading here for updated info. (click here for pics)

2/2/06
Trinity Black Hole
There are a total of 7 street lights out on Trinity and its intersections. 5 of them are AmerenUE lights, which are on the same circuit as the 2 ornamental lamps. They have been out since November and have been reported to Ameren many times. As of today, the superintendent notified the Neighborhood Association that the cables need to be replaced and it has been put out for bids by private contractors and anticipates repairs within the next month. If you want to call Ameren, the reference numbers for the lamps are MU3579 MU3580 MU3592 MU3593 MU3594

Columbia and Radcliffe Black Hole
The ornamental lamp that was knocked over before the holidays by cement truck has been repaired and reinstalled. Unfortunately, the light and the adjacent treelawn lights are off. This issue has been reported to the Trustees and should be resolved soon.

Entrance Marker at Yale
The entrance marker at the top of Yale does now have working lights. We do have a dome for the top but it keeps blowing off so at this point it is the possession of the Edgertons until it can be affixed.

1/28/06
Vernon Walkthru
The walkway between the Dartmouth/Harvard intersection and Vernon has been cleared and gravel has been poured eliminating the mud issue. The light overlooking the bridge is out and has been reported to the trustees.