MARQUIS MAY 2024

MARQUIS • Serving St. Louis’ Near Southside Neighborhoods 2 MAY 2024 My Prunus triloba is out of control this year. For those of you worried about my health, don’t be: That’s the “proper” name for a double-flowering plum tree. The one in front of my house is spectacular. That tree heralds springtime for me. Spring is when Lafayette Square comes alive. Everything starts blooming, Linda Weiner and her team swarm the medians, people emerge from their houses for fresh air, and it’s time to shop the annualAntique Fair in Lafayette Park. I encourage you to get out, meet your neighbors, attend all the neighborhood events and volunteer for all the important work the LSNA is doing.  See you around! Beth E. Concepción Editor, The Marquis A Publication for Lafayette Square marquis@lafayettesquare.org Greetings neighbors, and happy spring! While our winter was not terrible, I think we are all happy to see the new greenery and warmer temperatures. I know that even the return of yard maintenance chores cannot dampen my enthusiasm (at least not yet). All of us in the neighborhood owe a special thanks to Linda Weiner. Linda is the head of Beautification and has been leading our spring clean-ups for years. She is responsible for putting together our volunteer crews to weed, mulch and clean our medians and plazas. Every year Linda devotes an immense amount of time to ensuring that Lafayette Square looks its best. Please ensure that you take some time to thank one of our neighborhood heroes when you see her. The Lafayette Square Neighborhood Association recently sent a letter to our Alderwoman, Cara Spencer. The letter asked the Board of Aldermen to address the issue of substandard street and side- walk repairs by utility contractors. I am sure that everyone in the neighborhood can point out multiple instances of shoddy workmanship and improper materials that have been left by utility installers or repair teams. This substandard work leads our streets to deteriorate and become hazardous to drivers and pedestrians. We have asked that the city properly inspect the repair work of these contrac- tors. City ordinances require that the pavement be left in as good shape and condition as it was before the excavations were made. We are encouraging the city to better enforce those ordinances, including the requirement to use qualified contrac- tors. We hope that this will help prevent the deterioration of our streets. With spring in full swing, there are many great events coming up: Cocktails on the Plaza, Springtime in the Park, as well as the Arts Council kicking off the summer concert series. I hope that you can take advantage of the opportunities to get out, meet your neighbors, and have some fun. See you there! This double-flowering plum tree puts on a show. Photo by Megan Archer Publisher: Jeff Fister Sales Director: Tammy Brownfield Editor: Beth Concepción Production Director/Design: Ben Pierce The Marquis is published four times a year by STL Programs LLC on behalf of the Lafayette Square Neighborhood Association. Originally founded by Lafayette Square Restoration Committee as a small newsletter, the paper has grown into the voice of St. Louis’ strong near southside neighborhood groups. Submissions, including articles, photos and story ideas, are highly encouraged, but the editor reserves the right to edit for grammar, space, clarity and appropriateness. Deadline for submissions is the 18th of the prior month. Contact the neighborhood liaison at newsdesk@lafayettesqr.com . For advertising info, contact tammyb@ stlprograms.com or call 314-644-2501. 5974 Columbia Ave. St. Louis MO 63139-2919 Editor’s Note It is the goal of the Lafayette Square Neighborhood Association and those who support it to bring you the news about our neighborhood. This is our news, and we want to do our best to bring it to you in the most accurate and professional manner possible. We’re always happy to receive article submis- sions, photos, press releases or story ideas from anywhere in our coverage area, and we’ll do our best to include them. Editorial deadlines and delivery dates can be found on the calendar. As your neighborhood newspaper, we want your contributions and input. Feel free to contact me at any time. — Beth Concepción Neighborhood liaison marquis@lafayettesquare.org Letter from the LSNA President B y C hris B udde Letter from the Editor B y B eth E. C oncepción