Benton Park Neighborhood Association (BPNA) General Assembly Meeting Minutes

Written By Derrick Kilgore

Benton Park Neighborhood Association (BPNA) General Assembly Meeting Minutes
Date: Tuesday, April 1, 2025
Meeting Called to Order: 7:04 PM
Attendance: 49

Welcome & Introductions

  • Welcome to new member Ben from Withnell, who has been in the neighborhood since 2020.

  • Thank you to Lori for running last month's meeting.

  • Approval of last month’s meeting minutes.

  • Financial quarterly report will be updated on the website. We are currently on track with the budget.

Events & Social Updates

  • Mighty Pines Concert: A concert committee is being assembled, with 10 members so far. More volunteers are welcome for fundraising, concert setup, beer sales, and other roles. A sign-up sheet was passed around.

  • BPNA Social Event: April 4 at Greenfinch in response to AB pulling sponsorship from STL Pride. It will be a dance party celebration and fundraiser.

  • Post-Meeting Gathering: Attendees are invited to Saturn Lounge for socializing after the meeting.

Crime & Safety Updates

Officer Rojas:

  • Benton Park had three incidents in the last 30 days: one property crime and two auto thefts.

  • Crime mapping and statistics are available at slmpd.org.

  • No questions from attendees.

Neighborhood Services & Concerns

Ketosha Harris, NSO:

  • Prefers calls to her cell phone (314-922-0946). Available in office only on Wednesdays and Fridays.

  • Addressing nuisance properties, including concerns on the 2100 block of Wyoming.

  • Homeless services have been notified about the ongoing situation in Benton Park.

  • Trash collection delays remain an issue. If you see trash or derelict vehicles, contact her.

  • Looking to proactively share grant opportunities on the BPNA website.

  • Residents should report issues to the police to build up a record of service calls.

Community Question: Can we post a QR code in the park for reporting issues?

  • Answer: Yes, send it to CSB. If there is no response within a week, follow up with Ketosha.

Committee Updates

Safety Committee:

  • Problem Property Portal is now live on the website. https://www.bpnastl.org/ppp

  • Thirsty Thursday’s begins this Thursday April 3rd at 6pm at the Comfort Station in Benton Park. BYOB, snacks, music, games, and hang with your neighbors.

  • GroupMe Chat Sign Up and Camera Map signup is available via QR code and the website. https://www.bpnastl.org/safety

  • CID Steering Committee is looking for people to help spread the word. We meet every 3rd Tuesday of the month at Killeen Studios at 7pm. More infomation here https://www.bpnastl.org/cid

Friends of Benton Park:

  • March 9: Trash clean-up event with over 30 neighbors participating.

  • March 23: Urban Lumberjack Society removed dead trees and logs in the park. Great community-building effort.

  • Volunteers welcome.

Building Review Committee:

  • Opposing a proposed ATM parking lot at Gravois & Jefferson. A hearing is scheduled for Thursday.

  • Updates expected regarding the UCC Epiphany Church property.

Garden Parks Committee:

  • Urban Lumberjacks assisted with garden maintenance.

  • Currently on a waiting list for garden plots.

Events Committee: No updates.

5K Event & Plaques

  • Home Plaques: Pre-orders are moving forward. Aluminum plaques ($259) with a deadline at next month’s meeting. A mockup and payment link will be available on the website.

  • 80s Themed 5K: Scheduled for March 21, 2026, at 9 AM.

    • Big River assisting with race timing.

    • Subcommittees forming for graphics, fundraising, event logistics, course management, race day coordination, and post-race party planning.

    • Looking for food trucks and a DeLorean (Back to the Future theme).

    • Contact Mark at 314-753-8748 for involvement.

Tool Library

  • Ian introduced a virtual tool-sharing list for BPNA members.

  • A spreadsheet will list available tools and participating neighbors.

Volunteer Coordination

  • Seeking 4-6 volunteers for stage and tent setup.

  • Planning an annual letter drop to reach 3,500 residents. Volunteers needed for printing, stuffing, and canvassing.

City & Legislative Updates

Dan Guenther (8th Ward Legislative Aide for Cara Spencer):

  • Speed Humps & Sidewalk Repairs: 7 new speed humps coming in the next two weeks. $450K allocated for sidewalk improvements.

  • Infrastructure Projects: Arsenal & Jefferson improvements underway.

  • Alderperson Vacancy: If the 8th Ward loses its Alderperson, a special election must be held within 75-90 days. No primary, one-time vote for a two-year term.

  • Contact: 314-304-6797.

Guest Speakers

Gilberto Pinela, Director of Office of New Americans, City of STL:

  • Office created to support the growing immigrant population.

  • Language Access: Ensuring city communications are multilingual, including airport announcements.

  • Festival of Nations: Efforts underway to save the event.

  • Welcoming City Certification: Aims to position St. Louis for national recognition, opening funding opportunities.

  • How to Help: Donate or volunteer with the International Institute (iistl.org).

Allora McCullough & Matthew (Artists & Scientists):

  • Proposal to convert a church building into a creative hub with event space and art installations.

  • Building Review Committee met with them. Supportive of their business model but zoning changes will be required.

  • Community input is welcomed. Plans will be available online.

Upcoming Art Shows

Phyllis Morgan – Artists Among Us

  • Location: Atelier 1879 (2210 Pestalozzi St)

  • Date: Saturday, April 26

  • Featuring multiple artists and collaborative works. Open studios available by request on April 27.

Berkshire Hathaway Art Show

  • Artist: Dana Smith

  • Location: Berkshire Hathaway (across from Benton Park Cafe)

  • Date: Friday, May 2, 5-8 PM

  • Wine, beer, and appetizers provided.

Meeting Adjourned.

Derrick Kilgore
Next

Benton Park Neighborhood Association (BPNA) General Assembly Meeting Minutes Date: Tuesday, March 4, 2025