NEWS
Exciting News from the English Cave
This March, for the first time in 100 years, contact was made with the English Cave, one of the most mysterious caves in St. Louis history.
For Bill Kranz and the English Cave Steering Committee, it’s been an exciting couple of months and a long time coming. After researching the historic cave for years and gaining the support of the neighborhood, Kranz and his team drafted a proposal and raised the funds to drill two holes in the English Cave Community Garden in hopes of hitting the cave. This March, for the first time in 100 years, contact was made with the English Cave, one of the most mysterious caves in St. Louis history.
To learn more about the cave’s history and the recovery process, read Chris Naffziger’s story in St. Louis Magazine, or watch the video below produced by Eric Wilkinson and the Missouri Historical Society. Keep an eye out for the beautiful drone footage of Benton Park!
Find or Provide Help for Benton Parkers in Need During the COVID-19 Outbreak
As St. Louisans take the necessary precautions during the COVID-19 outbreak, we want to do our part to help the most vulnerable people in our community.
As St. Louisans take the necessary precautions during the COVID-19 outbreak, we want to do our part to help the most vulnerable people in our community. Below, explore opportunities to give or receive aid in Benton Park.
Temporary Assistance with Groceries & Supplies
Business closures have been particularly difficult for employees in the service industry, many of whom have lost their jobs or experienced cutbacks in hours.
Benton Park Neighborhood Association (BPNA) has purchased gift cards in $25 increments to Vincent's 12th Street Market and dog food from Four Muddy Paws to be distributed to the neighbors who need them most.
You are eligible to apply if:
You are a resident or employee of a business in Benton Park.
You have experienced a financial burden due to the coronavirus pandemic.
To apply for this aid, please fill out this form and a member of our board will be in touch. Responses are confidential and will only reviewed by members of the BPNA board. Unfortunately, resources are limited. Gift cards will be distributed based on need. Questions? Email covidrelief@bentonpark.org.
Grocery Delivery for Vulnerable Neighbors
In the last week, many neighbors have reached out offering to deliver groceries, prescriptions, etc. to neighbors who are immunocompromised, elderly, or otherwise unable to obtain necessary supplies.
If you or someone you know needs help with a delivery to the Benton Park area, please fill out this form. A member of the BPNA board will be in touch.
If you are interested in assisting with pickup and delivery of groceries and supplies, please fill out this form. A member of the BPNA board will be in touch.
Rental & Mortgage Assistance
Applications are now being accepted for City residents needing rental and mortgage assistance as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. In total, $5.4 million in federal CARES Act funding is being made available through a new program called “St. Louis City CARES.”
The Department of Human Services (DHS) and the Affordable Housing Commission will work in coordination with various housing organizations and service providers to distribute available funding to qualified applicants. Assistance is limited to $3,500 per household.
Utility & Rent Assistance
The Emergency Assistance Program from Guardian Angel Settlement House provides direct assistance to families, seniors and individuals who are at risk for eviction, foreclosure and/or utility shut-off. For more information, contact Guardian Angel by phone at 314-773-9027 or in-person at 3300 S Jefferson.
Small Business Grants & Resources
See COVID Small Business Grants & Resources for a regularly updated list of small business grants and resources for COVID relief.
Donate to the Benton Park COVID Relief Fund
You can contribute to the Benton Park COVID Relief Fund by donating online. To designate your donation for COVID-19 relief efforts, please check the corresponding box within the donation form. For questions or to request a donation letter for tax purposes, email treasurer@bentonpark.org.
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For questions or recommendations on how to best help the neighborhood in this difficult time, please email covidrelief@bentonpark.org.
Benton Park Window Walks
Display images from the list below in your windows each week. Join the “scavenger hunt” around your neighborhood as you walk the dog, spend time with the kids, or just get out of the house. Put a smile on someone’s face!
Display images from the list below in your windows each week. Join the “scavenger hunt” around your neighborhood as you walk the dog, spend time with the kids, or just get out of the house. Put a smile on someone’s face! #DistancednotDisconnected
March 23 – March 29: Rainbows
March 30 – April 5: Bunnies
April 6 – April 12: Easter Eggs
April 13 – April 19: Flowers
April 20 – April 26: Butterflies
April 27 – May 2: Bees
To help spread the word with your neighbors, share the image below and photos of your own window drawings #bpwindowwalks.
Help Out Benton Park Businesses During COVID-19 Closures
Throughout the neighborhood, restaurants, bars, and coffee shops are limiting service to carryout and delivery or closing their doors temporarily. In an effort to support our beloved local establishments in this difficult time, we’ve compiled a list of local businesses and how you can help.
Efforts to limit the spread of COVID-19 are taking a toll on businesses around the world, including those right here in Benton Park. Throughout the neighborhood, restaurants, bars, and coffee shops are limiting service to carryout and delivery or closing their doors temporarily. In an effort to support our beloved local establishments in this difficult time, we’ve compiled a list of Benton Park businesses and how you can help.
This list is a work in progress. For additions or edits, email marketing@bentonpark.org. Updated Friday, March 20 at 4pm.
In addition to what’s listed below, you can find your favorite bar and restaurant staff on STL Virtual Tip Jar, “an opportunity for social-distancing St. Louis residents to keep supporting the staff at our local restaurants, coffee shops, bars, and other establishments who are out of work at this time.”
Benton Park Cafe
Open for carryout and delivery. Call 314-771-7200; menu at bentonparkcafe.com/house-menu. Also offering alcohol deliveries including $4 blood marys and mimosas.
BLUES CITY DELI
Curbside service available, but closed Monday, 3/23 and Tuesday 3/24 to regroup. To place an order, call 314-773-8225 and 314-833-4489. Menu at bluescitydeli.com. Card only; no cash.
Bluewood Brewing
Visit Bluewood’s online store (bluewoodbrewing.com/shop) for beer, wine, merch, gift cards, and more for curbside pickup. Cans for select beers now available.
Cafe Piazza
Order online at slicelife.com/restaurants/mo/st-louis/63118/cafe-piazza/menu or call 314-343-0294.
Egg Restaurant
For delivery call 314-202-8244 or order online at my-site-eggatmidtown.square.site/s/order. Gift cards available online.
Elaine's Classic American Sandwiches
Temporarily closed.
Ernesto's Winebar
Temporarily closed. Check Facebook for updates.
Frazer's Restaurant & Bar
Now offering curbside and delivery to Benton Park/Soulard area. Call 314-773-8646; menu at frazersgoodeats.com. Packaged beer and wine also available for carryout or delivery.
Gus' Pretzels
Curbside pickup available. Call 314-664-4010. Frozen pretzels also available.
Hodak's Restaurant & Bar
Order online for pickup or Doordash delivery: hodaks.com. New menu and hours below.
Kalbi Taco Shack
Available for curbside pickup (314-240-5544) or delivery via Postmates: kalbitacoshack.com/delivery. Menu at kalbitacoshack.com/menu.
Lefty's Fried Rice
Available for carryout. Call 314-899-0169; menu at leftysfriedrice.com/menu.
Lemp Mansion
Serving a curbside version of their famous Chicken dinner for $11.70 plus tax. Call 314-664-8024 to place your order.
Melo's Pizzeria
Curbside available Thursday and Friday evening. Call 314-833-4489; menu at melospizzeria.com. Cards only; no cash.
Mud House
Temporarily closed; gift cards and merch available at themudhousestl.com/merch
Peacemaker Lobster & Crab Co.
Curbside service available. Call 314-772-8858; menu at peacemakerlobstercrab.com/st-louis — and don’t forget to add a 4- or 6-pack of beer or a bottle of wine. Gift cards available for purchase online at giftcards.peacemakerlobstercrab.com/Order.
Pop’s Louisiana Fish and Chicken
Carryout available. Call 314-680-0000; menu at louisiana-fish-and-chicken.business.site.
Shameless Grounds
Temporarily closed. Gift cards and t-shirts available for online purchase at squareup.com/store/shamelessgrounds.
Sidney Street Cafe
Effective immediately, we will be offering affordable, family-style meals and a la carte options from Sidney Street for carry out. Sidney street hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 4pm-7pm. Don’t forget to add a 4- or 6-pack of beer or a bottle of wine. Call 314-771-5777 or order online at sidneystreetcafestl.com/online-order.
Gift cards available at sidneystreetcafestl.com/online-order (scroll to bottom of menu).
Small Change
Temporarily closed with some curbside beer sales; check Facebook for updates.
Trueman’s
Available for carryout and delivery on all major apps, or call 314-865-5900. Menu at truemansinsoulard.com/menu.
Utah Station
Fully closed until further notice, but check Facebook for chef updates and possible drive through options.
Venice Cafe
Temporarily closed.
Yemanja
Food and drinks available curbside. To order, text 314-497-7457 or call 314-771-7457; menu at yemanjastl.com/menu/yemanjatogo. Weekly hours: Thursday 4-8, Friday-Sunday 4-9pm.
A Summary of Proposed Changes to BPNA Bylaws
The Benton Park Neighborhood Association board has approved a set of proposed changes to the BPNA Bylaws to come before the full voting membership of the Association.
The Benton Park Neighborhood Association board has approved a set of proposed changes to the BPNA Bylaws to come before the full voting membership of the Association. Members will vote on these proposed bylaw changes at the BPNA meeting on Tuesday, February 4, 2020 at 7pm.
As a preliminary matter, it is worth noting that these bylaws are amended and restated – that is, we are not completely starting over with respect to the BPNA bylaws. Rather, this draft incorporates some of the existing provisions, modifies others and adds new provisions. It should also be noted, however, that the format of the bylaws has been updated, so certain section and article numbers may have changed.
The full amended bylaws can be viewed via PDF download, with specific changes highlighted below. Existing BPNA bylaws can be found here.
Article I
No significant changes here. Section 1.1 notes that the corporation currently does business as “Benton Park Neighborhood Association,” though that name has not been officially adopted or registered with the Missouri Secretary of State as a fictitious name.
Section 1.3 has been added, as the principal address of the corporation does not have to be the same as the address of the corporation’s registered office. For example, if the registered agent is the corporate secretary, the registered office of the corporation could be changed to the secretary’s home address so that notices from the Missouri Secretary of State and other official mailings are sent directly to the secretary instead of the corporation’s mailing address. Currently, however, both the principal office and registered office are the same.
Article II
This Article has been restated in part to make more explicit references to sections of the Internal Revenue Code and Missouri Nonprofit Corporation Act that apply directly to BPNA. Section 2.1 also includes a specific definition of “Benton Park Neighborhood” so it is clear where individuals and businesses must be located in order to become a voting member of BPNA. Exhibit A to the draft bylaws defines “Benton Park Neighborhood” using detailed street and address descriptions.
Sections have also been added to Article II to more expressly define BPNA’s purpose and clarify how its activities must be restricted in order to maintain exemption from federal and state income tax. These provisions are commonly found in bylaws of not for profit corporations today and are intended to bring BPNA in line with modern practices.
Article III
Article III has been updated to more clearly define what constitutes a “Member” of BPNA and which Members are entitled to vote.
Article Three of the current BPNA bylaws is somewhat ambiguous with respect to the notion that “one individual represents one vote,” so the last paragraph of Section 3.1 was added in an effort to clarify that point.
With respect to voting eligibility, Section 3.3 clarifies what it means to be a Member in good standing. The amount of dues remains the same.
Article III has also been expanded to include sections concerning the rights of Members, generally, and how they fit into BPNA’s operations. Essentially, Article III combines Articles Three and Five from the current BPNA bylaws and adds some modern elements, including voting by proxy (Section 3.12), a listing of specific actions which require a vote of the members and the threshold for a decision (Section 3.14). Section 3.5 also sets the “Annual Meeting of the Members” at which elections will be held for the first Tuesday in February, which coincides with BPNA’s regular monthly meeting.
Article IV
Article IV updates the manner in which BPNA’s bylaws discusses the duties, authority and manner of acting for the Board of Directors, which is made up of (1) the BPNA officers and (2) one or more at-large directors.
Article Six of the current BPNA bylaws has been absorbed into Article IV of these draft bylaws because committees should properly operate under the oversight of the Board of Directors. Section 4.16 discusses how committees will be established and operated, while Section 4.17 identifies the standing (that is, permanent) committees.
Sections 4.18-4.21 specifically address the duties of the Board of Directors and the liability of Directors. Section 4.18 ties in with the prohibited transactions provisions in Article X and the conflict of interest policy in Article XII to ensure that the Board of Directors is acting with proper transparency and is free from actual or perceived conflicts of interest. Sections 4.20 and 4.21 offer protection for those volunteering to serve as Directors, provided they act within the requirements of the bylaws.
Since the actions requiring approval of the Members are outlined in Article III, it is presumed that all other functions may be handled by the Board of Directors and Officers, though Article VI references various rights and obligations of the Board of Directors and Officers.
Article V
In large part, Article V incorporates the terms of Article Four in BPNA’s current bylaws, which details the number and duties of the BPNA Officers.
Section 5.2 modifies existing procedures by establishing BPNA’s February meeting as the date for election of Officers and Directors.
Article VI
With only a few revisions and new cross references, Article VI incorporates nearly all of the terms from Article Seven of the current BPNA bylaws.
Article VII
Article VII correlates to Article Nine of the current BPNA bylaws but includes important additions concerning the right of Members of inspect corporate records and the filing of annual tax or information returns, as well as annual reports to maintain the corporation’s good standing with the State of Missouri.
Article VIII
Because several provisions within both the existing BPNA bylaws and these draft bylaws require the giving of notice – whether it concerns notice of a meeting or notice of a proposed action or amendment – Article VIII has been added to clarify that the notice requirements of the bylaws may be waived in certain circumstances.
Article IX
Article IX probably represents the most significant change from the current BPNA bylaws. This Article deals with indemnification for those serving on behalf of BPNA as agents, employees, Officers or Directors. Article IX offers a much more robust explanation of how and when indemnification is made available to those who are faced with litigation stemming from their involvement with BPNA.
Article IX lays out eligibility requirements for indemnification and the process for determining whether BPNA will actually indemnify someone.
Importantly, Section 9.7 retains language concerning the purchase and maintenance of liability insurance for BPNA, which will protect the corporation and serve as the first line of defense for its officials and representatives.
Article X
Article X is a new addition to the bylaws and was included for corporate governance purposes. This provision is intended to ensure that BPNA operates in a transparent manner and does not engage in activities that can lead to unnecessary litigation, threaten the corporation’s good standing or jeopardize the corporation’s tax exempt status.
Article X should be read in tandem with Article XII, which deals with conflicts of interest.
Article XI
Because BPNA is exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, it is required to have a provision in its governing documents like the one found in Article XI. The purpose of this paragraph is to ensure that if and when BPNA is ever dissolved, its leftover assets will be transferred to another tax-exempt organization.
Article XII
Like Article XI, Article XII has been added because, as an entity exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, BPNA must adhere to certain policies concerning conflicts of interest that arise in the course of ordinary activities and operations. Article XII lays out a thorough policy for both identifying and addressing conflicts of interest.
Article XIII
Article XIII essentially incorporates the entirety of Article Ten from the current BPNA bylaws.
2020 BPNA Meeting Schedule
Mark your calendars for BPNA membership meetings in 2020, held on Tuesdays at 2911 McNair.
Join us at our monthly membership meetings. Agenda items include updates from the board, neighborhood safety officer Jack Khoudian, and Alderman Dan Guenther.
Meetings are held at 7:00 p.m. at Epiphany United Church of Christ Fellowship Hall (2911 McNair Ave.). All are welcome to attend.
2020 Meeting Schedule:
January 7
February 4 - Annual Meeting of the Members
March 3
April 7
May 5
June 2
July - No meeting
August 4
September 1
October - No meeting; join us instead for National Night Out
November 10 - Note: meeting pushed to second Tuesday due to election
December - No meeting; join us instead at the holiday party
Photos: Neighborhood Appreciation Night at Miracle
December 29 was Neighborhood Appreciation Night at Miracle, a pop-up holiday party located in the Small Change space.
December 29 was Neighborhood Appreciation Night at Miracle, a pop-up holiday party located in the Small Change space at 2800 Indiana Avenue. Friends and neighbors came together to celebrate the end of the holiday season with a portion of proceeds benefitting Benton Park Neighborhood Association. Thanks to Miracle and the Small Change team for supporting the neighborhood.
Photos: BPNA 2019 Holiday Party
Neighbors came together to celebrate the year with Brazilian food and live music from Ben Stitzel.
Thanks to all who joined us for this year’s holiday party and membership drive at Yemanja Brasil! Neighbors came together to celebrate the year with Brazilian food and live music from Ben Stitzel. If you didn’t have the chance to renew your BPNA membership for 2020, you can renew online.
Benton Park House Plaques Back in Stock
Our National Register plaques are back! Order yours online today.
Benton Park neighborhood house plaques are back in stock! Purchase below for local delivery. Questions? Email Don Morgan, BPNA President at president@bentonpark.org.
Trunk or Treat 2019
Thanks to all who made it out for a fun afternoon in Fremont Park!
Thanks to all who made it out for a fun afternoon in Fremont Park! While the parade was rained out this, our rescheduled Trunk or Treat was a fun time for all.
