Benton park General Assembly Meeting Tuesday June 2, 2026
June 2, 2026
Meeting Summary
June's Benton Park Neighborhood Association meeting covered just about everything that keeps a neighborhood running: police updates, safer streets, affordable housing, family events, and the ongoing miracle that volunteers continue showing up despite the fact that no one has figured out how to pay them.
Officer Rosa Rojas returned after a six-month medical leave with encouraging news: major crime continues to trend downward. Residents also had an honest conversation about emergency response times following a crash on McNair, pulling back the curtain on how 911 calls are prioritized when resources are stretched thin. The consensus wasn't to stop reporting problems—it was the opposite. Keep documenting issues, keep making the calls, and keep creating the paper trail that helps move solutions forward.
Neighbors also heard updates from Alderman Jami Cox-Antwi's office on Rams settlement funding, proposed water rate increases, the city's once-in-a-generation zoning overhaul, and ongoing efforts to make Gravois safer for people who have the audacity to walk across it. Residents were encouraged to participate in upcoming public meetings because if you don't help shape the future of your neighborhood, someone else eventually will.
The evening ended where Benton Park meetings usually do: with volunteers dreaming up new events, chasing grants, preserving neighborhood history, supporting local businesses, and helping older adults remain in the community they've called home for years. It's a good reminder that neighborhoods aren't maintained by magic. They're held together by people willing to give up a Tuesday night—and occasionally a Saturday morning—to make the place a little better than they found it.
Welcome & Introductions
Neighbors, first-time attendees, and guests were welcomed to the June meeting, including several new residents and community partners.
The meeting also marked the return of Neighborhood Improvement Officer Rosa Rojas, who was warmly welcomed back after spending six months recovering from a hand injury that required surgery. Officer Rojas shared that while she was grateful to return to patrol, she also appreciated the patience and support the neighborhood showed during her recovery.
City & Guest Speaker Updates
Public Safety Update
Officer Rojas opened the meeting with encouraging crime statistics for Benton Park.
Compared to the same period last year:
Crime is down 50% over the previous seven days.
Crime is down 9% over the previous 28 days.
She also encouraged residents to explore the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department's online crime mapping tools, which allow neighbors to:
View neighborhood crime statistics
Find police district information
Track recent incidents
Learn about new department initiatives
New Drone First Response Program
Officer Rojas introduced the department's new Aerial Response Unit, which will use drones to provide officers with real-time information before they arrive at emergency scenes.
The program is designed to:
Improve officer safety
Reduce response times
Help officers better understand rapidly changing situations
Provide additional information during high-priority calls
She noted that department policies governing drone use will be publicly available on the SLMPD website.
Derelict Vehicles
Residents were reminded that abandoned or neglected vehicles should continue to be reported directly to Officer Rojas.
While many vehicles cannot be removed immediately, she explained the city's process:
Vehicles receive citations over time.
Vehicles with multiple unpaid citations may eventually be towed.
Vehicles sitting on jacks or bricks can often be removed immediately because they present a safety hazard.
Residents were encouraged to email photographs and locations to begin the enforcement process.
Police Response Discussion
A significant discussion centered on a recent incident in which a suspected intoxicated driver struck multiple parked vehicles on McNair.
Several residents expressed frustration that police did not arrive until hours after the crash, despite multiple calls.
Officer Rojas explained that dispatch operates using a priority-based system. Once EMS transported the injured driver to the hospital, the incident was reclassified to a lower priority while officers responded to shootings, robberies, and other active emergencies.
While residents acknowledged the challenges facing the department, they also emphasized the importance of reviewing situations like this to identify opportunities for improvement.
Neighborhood leaders encouraged residents to:
Continue calling 911 when emergencies occur.
Follow up by email when appropriate.
Document incidents with photos or video when possible.
Reach out to neighborhood leadership if additional assistance is needed.
The discussion concluded with a reminder that while the system isn't perfect, consistent reporting creates the data needed to improve future responses.
Alderman Jami Cox-Antwi's Office
Representatives from Alderman Jami Cox-Antwi's office shared updates on several major initiatives affecting Benton Park and the city as a whole.
Water Rate Advocacy
Residents were encouraged to participate in upcoming Public Infrastructure and Utilities Committee meetings regarding proposed water rate increases.
Neighbors were invited to:
Submit written public comments.
Attend meetings in person.
Participate virtually.
Association leaders also thanked neighborhood advocate Cheryl for helping organize information and encouraging residents to make their voices heard.
Rams Settlement
The Board of Aldermen continues considering legislation directing Rams settlement funds.
The current proposal would divide funding among:
North St. Louis investments
Downtown improvements
Citywide infrastructure, including the water system
Residents also learned that the city recently prevailed in litigation regarding an effort to redirect a portion of those funds.
Zoning Update (ZOUP)
The city continues its comprehensive zoning modernization effort—the first major update since the 1950s.
Residents were strongly encouraged to review draft zoning maps when they are released later this summer and participate in the public engagement process.
Board members emphasized that zoning decisions influence how neighborhoods develop for decades, making resident participation especially important.
Gravois Redesign
An upcoming public meeting was announced for the ongoing Reshaping Gravois project.
The discussion came just days after another pedestrian fatality on Gravois, reinforcing the urgency of improving one of the city's most dangerous corridors.
Residents were encouraged to advocate for ambitious traffic calming measures and safer street designs.
Questions also focused on:
State versus city responsibility for Gravois.
Potential street closures.
Coordination with MoDOT.
Highway Patrol enforcement.
Alderman Shane Cohn joined the discussion to explain the complex relationship between city streets, state highways, and enforcement responsibilities while emphasizing his continued support for stronger traffic safety measures.
Police Shooting Range
Residents also learned that funding has been identified to rebuild the sound barrier at the police shooting range, a long-standing concern for nearby neighborhoods.
Board Updates
Board members thanked volunteers across every committee for an incredibly active spring.
Several ongoing projects continue to gain momentum, including:
Community events
Neighborhood communications
Safety initiatives
Park improvements
Committee recruitment
The Board also highlighted the neighborhood GroupMe, describing it as one of Benton Park's most successful communication tools.
Unlike many neighborhood social platforms, GroupMe has become a place where neighbors share recommendations, celebrate community wins, lend a helping hand, and occasionally remind everyone that someone has once again left free flowers on the sidewalk for complete strangers to enjoy—which feels like a very Benton Park thing to do.
Committee Reports
Friends of Benton Park
Although there was no formal committee report, the Board recognized Christina for her continued leadership and announced that work is underway on grant applications to improve the park's tennis courts.
Board members thanked Christina for the countless volunteer hours she has invested in keeping Benton Park beautiful and pursuing new funding opportunities.
Safety Committee
Work continues on the proposed Community Improvement District (CID), with additional updates expected in the coming months.
Residents were also encouraged to join the neighborhood GroupMe if they have not already done so.
The platform continues to grow as a hyper-local communication tool for:
Neighborhood updates
Lost pets
Recommendations
Volunteer requests
Community celebrations
Rather than simply reporting problems, organizers hope it continues reflecting the best parts of neighborhood life.
Events Committee
The newly formed Events Committee is off to a strong start, with a full calendar of activities designed to bring neighbors together while making Benton Park an even more welcoming place to live.
Family Fun Day
The committee is preparing for Family Fun Day on June 13, building on the success of last year's inaugural event.
Returning favorites include:
Face painting
Live music
Foam pit
Giant bubbles
Family activities
This year's event will also introduce a community bike parade, encouraging kids and families to decorate their bicycles before taking a lap through the park. Awards will be given for the best-decorated bikes, with the emphasis squarely on creativity and fun rather than competition.
The committee emphasized one recurring theme throughout the evening: great neighborhood events don't require hundreds of volunteers—but they do require more than one.
Neighbors were encouraged to volunteer for setup and cleanup, noting that a task taking one person hours can often be finished in minutes when several people pitch in.
Summer Events
The committee also previewed several upcoming events:
July 11: Movie in the Park
August: Picnic in the Park featuring a George Harrison and Beatles tribute band
October: Tunes on Tap
The new Picnic in the Park event is designed to recreate the tradition of neighbors gathering around Benton Park Lake with blankets, lawn chairs, live music, and picnic dinners. Organizers hope it becomes another annual tradition that celebrates both the park and the community that surrounds it.
Board members praised the Events Committee for not only organizing successful events but continuing to create entirely new traditions that reflect Benton Park's family-friendly character.
Social Committee
Kimber shared an update on the neighborhood's monthly social gatherings, which continue providing casual opportunities for residents to meet one another outside of formal meetings.
The next neighborhood social will take place on June 18 at Everybody Eats (1956 Utah Street), formerly Station No. 3.
Neighbors are invited to stop by between 5:00 and 7:00 p.m. to enjoy dinner, meet new people, and support a local business.
The association also encouraged residents to follow the neighborhood calendar and social media channels for future events and announcements.
Garden & Cave Committees
Both committees recently held their first meetings of the year and are already developing several creative projects.
Garden Committee
The Garden Committee is exploring ways to participate in this year's Tunes on Tap event while continuing efforts to improve and activate neighborhood green spaces.
Additional details will be shared as planning progresses.
Cave Committee
The Cave Committee continues expanding its efforts to celebrate one of Benton Park's most unique historic resources.
Several fundraising ideas are currently under development, including:
A limited-edition art book celebrating St. Louis' historic cave system, featuring custom artist-designed covers and signed copies.
A long-term "adopt-a-plot" concept that would allow supporters to sponsor portions of the garden through an interactive digital map.
Although both ideas are still in the planning stages, they reflect the committee's continued focus on finding creative ways to preserve neighborhood history while supporting future improvements.
The committee also welcomed new volunteers with experience in LiDAR scanning, data visualization, and digital mapping.
Those efforts are already helping document English Cave and other neighborhood resources while opening new opportunities for education and preservation. Sometimes preserving history requires dusty archives. Sometimes it requires lasers. Benton Park is fortunate to have neighbors willing to bring both.
Neighborhood Stabilization Update
Dr. Katasha Harris, Neighborhood Stabilization Specialist, shared several reminders about common summertime concerns.
Noise Complaints
As outdoor gatherings increase during the summer months, residents are encouraged to work toward neighbor-to-neighbor solutions whenever possible.
For daytime concerns, Dr. Harris is available to help mediate conversations between neighbors.
Residents may also use the Conflict Resolution Center, a free service available to St. Louis City residents that provides neutral mediation for disputes involving neighbors, landlords, and tenants.
For after-hours issues or situations involving immediate safety concerns, residents should continue contacting the Police Department.
Problem Properties
Dr. Harris emphasized that documentation is essential when addressing nuisance properties.
To help the city intervene, residents should:
Continue reporting issues through the appropriate channels.
Call police when criminal activity occurs.
Save photos and video when appropriate.
Build a record of ongoing issues.
Without documented calls for service, the city has limited ability to refer properties to the Problem Properties Division.
As she noted, the city needs evidence—not just frustration—to take formal enforcement action.
Homeless Outreach
Dr. Harris also provided updates on several recent homeless encampments.
Working with city departments and outreach providers, recent encampments in Cherokee Park and near I-55 have been addressed, and cleanup efforts are underway.
Additional outreach is continuing at locations near the Cherokee Recreation Center.
Residents were encouraged to continue reporting concerns so outreach teams can connect unhoused individuals with available services while also addressing neighborhood impacts.
Building Review & Community Development
The evening concluded with a presentation from Becky, Executive Director of DeSales Community Development, who shared long-awaited news about the future of the vacant southwest corner of Jefferson and Arsenal.
For nearly a decade, the site has been the subject of various redevelopment proposals. After multiple funding applications over several years, DeSales has finally secured financing through the Missouri Housing Development Commission, allowing the project to move forward.
Benton Park Place
The new development, Benton Park Place, will provide 49 apartments for adults age 65 and older.
The project will include:
One- and two-bedroom apartments
Affordable housing for households earning up to 60% of Area Median Income
Several market-rate apartments
A limited number of deeply affordable units for the lowest-income seniors
On-site property management
Connections to supportive services
Programming in partnership with Five Star Senior Center
Becky explained that the goal is to help older adults remain in the communities they already call home rather than feeling forced to leave the city as they age.
Every apartment will feature universal design elements, with accessible layouts, elevator service, and ADA-compliant units to support aging in place.
Construction Timeline
Construction is expected to begin later this year following final financing approvals.
The anticipated schedule includes:
Financing closing later this summer
Construction beginning in the fall
Approximately 18 months of construction
Residents were shown architectural renderings of the building, community spaces, and site layout, including parking, outdoor gathering areas, and the relocation of the existing community garden to an improved location with water access.
Retail Space Opportunity
One feature that generated significant interest was the inclusion of a small ground-floor commercial space.
DeSales hopes to attract a neighborhood-serving business such as:
Coffee shop
Sandwich shop
Small café
Other community-oriented retail
Because the retail space is not essential to the financial success of the project, Becky noted that rent can remain relatively affordable, creating an opportunity for a small local business to establish itself in Benton Park West.
Residents with potential tenants or business ideas were encouraged to connect with DeSales.
Public Art
Plans also include commissioning a significant public art installation at the corner of Jefferson and Arsenal.
The artwork will serve several purposes:
Create a neighborhood landmark.
Celebrate the surrounding community.
Enhance the streetscape.
Provide a protective barrier between traffic and the building.
A future call for artists is expected as the project moves forward.
Questions from Residents
Residents asked several questions about affordability, accessibility, and long-term demand for senior housing.
Becky explained that the development is funded through the federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program, which permanently restricts rents to levels affordable for qualifying households. Unlike traditional public housing, residents are not required to receive Section 8 assistance, although housing vouchers will be accepted.
She also shared that extensive market research indicates strong demand for affordable senior housing within the neighborhood, with many prospective residents expected to come from Benton Park and surrounding communities.
The presentation was met with enthusiasm, with several neighbors expressing appreciation that a long-vacant corner is finally moving toward becoming a permanent neighborhood asset.
Key Follow-Ups
Public Safety
Continue reporting suspicious activity and nuisance issues through 911 and follow up with Officer Rojas when appropriate.
Use email and documentation to help build records for ongoing neighborhood concerns.
Explore the new SLMPD online crime maps and public safety tools.
Water Rate Advocacy
Submit public comments regarding proposed water rate increases before the Public Infrastructure and Utilities Committee deadline.
Attend future committee meetings if interested in advocating for rate affordability.
Gravois Improvements
Participate in upcoming Reshaping Gravois public engagement meetings.
Continue advocating for ambitious traffic calming and pedestrian safety improvements.
Community Improvement District
Continue development of the proposed Community Improvement District (CID) and share additional information with residents as planning progresses.
Family Fun Day
Volunteer for setup and cleanup on June 13.
Help spread the word about the new community bike parade.
Neighborhood Events
Attend Movie in the Park in July.
Join the new Picnic in the Park concert in August.
Watch for additional Tunes on Tap announcements later this year.
Attend the June 18 neighborhood social at Everybody Eats.
Garden & Cave Committees
Continue developing fundraising initiatives for the Cave Committee.
Recruit volunteers with mapping, LiDAR, and technology experience to assist with cave documentation and preservation.
Neighborhood Stabilization
Continue documenting nuisance properties and recurring issues.
Report concerns to Dr. Harris and appropriate city departments.
Utilize the Conflict Resolution Center when mediation may resolve neighbor disputes.
Benton Park Place
Follow construction updates as the senior housing project moves toward groundbreaking.
Share potential leads for the future neighborhood retail tenant.
Watch for opportunities to participate in the public art process.
The June meeting reflected something we've always known to be true: a neighborhood is only as strong as the people who choose to care for it. Whether advocating for safer streets, creating welcoming public spaces, supporting local businesses, or helping neighbors age with dignity in the community they love, each act of service moves Benton Park forward. Lasting change is rarely the result of a single meeting or a single project. It grows from neighbors who keep showing up, keep listening, and keep believing that together they can build something better.