Benton Park Neighborhood Association General Assembly Meeting Minutes - August 5th, 2025 Benton Park Neighborhood Association

Written By Derrick Kilgore

Benton Park Neighborhood General Assembly Meeting

Date: Tuesday, August 5, 2025
Time Called to Order: 7:01 PM
Total Attendance: 43

Welcome New Members

  • Kathleen – Moved in last fall, lives nearby

  • Billy & Mallory – Moved this summer

  • Elizabeth – New resident north of the park

  • Andre – Resident for a couple of years

Alderman Report – Jami Antwi Cox (8th Ward)

  • Email: coxantwi@stlouis-mo.gov (CC legislative assistant AJ Hesberg - hessburga@stlouis-mo.gov)

  • Recent legislation: BB44 & BB45 passed, relating to neighborhood organizations

  • Tornado relief legislation underway, including FEMA coordination and emergency funding

  • Trash & recycling services currently non-operational; infrastructure meeting next week (open to public, Zoom or in-person at City Hall)

  • Benton Park Lake: Engineers are aware of odor complaints and working on a solution

  • Parks Initiative: Community input session on August 24th, 2–4 PM, topic: Parks

  • Additional initiatives: Downtown revitalization, strengthening neighborhood associations, addressing commuter traffic, and riverfront engagement

Resident Questions:

  • Trash around the lake not being picked up

  • Interest in other initiatives beyond parks

  • Complaint raised about an individual named Jefferson

SLMPD Report – Officer Rosa Rojas

  • Crime Report (Past 28 Days):

    • 15 total incidents: 2 assaults, 1 burglary, 2 thefts, 3 auto thefts

    • Crime down 47% from last year

    • For more details: SLMPD Crime Stats

Property Issues & Follow-Up:

  • 3245 Missouri: No illegal paraphernalia found; monitored by Problem Property Unit

  • Trash/dumping issues tied to house occupants under review

  • Abandoned vehicles: Space issue at tow yard slowing removal, auctions ongoing

  • Tow yard location: 7410 Hall Street, St. Louis, MO

  • Water Utility Assistance Program available

  • Alley recycling bins can now be used for regular waste

  • Seeking neighborhood input for a centralized recycling center

  • National Night Out: October 7th

Resident Questions:

  • Where to vote for recycling center site: Forms will be created

  • Site criteria: Central, accessible locations (e.g., lots, vacant schools)

  • Will this replace firehouse drop-offs? Likely not

  • Was there a recycling tax? Unknown – direct all questions to Ketosha Harris

Community Updates

Mark Bates

  • Historic Home Plaques:

    • 25 pre-orders arrived

    • Cost: $259, 25% supports the neighborhood

    • Pickup details will be emailed

  • Financial Seminar in September by Edward Jones and JP Morgan

Friends of Benton Park – Christina Cousins

  • Applying for $1,500 garden grant (deadline: Friday)

  • Upcoming October planting day

  • Tree grant in process ($25K renewable)

  • Wildlife support ongoing during lake drainage

  • Tool Library: Update given

Safety Committee

  • Updates on GroupMe chat and neighborhood camera program

  • National Night Out: October 7, 4–9 PM

  • Problem Property Portal update

Social Media – Kimber

  • Next casual social event: Thursday at Cherokee Beach

  • Will be posted on social media soon

Events Committee

  • Christina praised for managing events and park cleanups

  • Presented with a cement goose gift

  • Event Recap:

    • July concert drew ~100 people despite heat

    • September 13: Movie Night

    • September 14: Concert in the Park

    • October 4: Tunes on Tap (musical garden tour / backyard concerts)

    • Volunteers needed – contact Amanda

  • Event calendar available (Lori created a shareable version)

Kat

  • Promoting a reading and idea-sharing event (flyers provided)

Hecker Obelisk Rededication

  • September 9, 2025 – 11:00 AM in Benton Park

  • Event includes a German delegation, Hecker descendants, Civil War reenactors

  • Lunch at Forest Park Boat House afterward

  • Summary: Celebration of restoration and heritage honoring Friedrich Hecker

Garden/Cave Committee

  • Drilling bid received – 80% funding needed by April 2026

  • Two pledges received ($2K total)

  • Seeking more exploration and fundraising support

  • Contact Bill to assist

Guest Speaker – Chris Loss

  • Founder of Profiled Reserve on Cherokee Street

  • Evolving into a People, Art & Recreation Center

  • Offers free tennis clinics, youth engagement programs, fitness meetups, and more

  • Seeking a letter of recommendation from the association for conditional use approval

  • Mission: Reconnect youth with creativity, movement, and opportunity

Meeting Adjourned.
8:03pm

Derrick Kilgore
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Benton Park Neighborhood Association General Assembly Meeting Minutes - July 1st, 2025