Soulard Star Directory 2025

✯ SOULARD STAR DIRECTORY | 2025 16 contnued from page 14 SOULARD GARDEN CO-OP  The mission of the Soulard Garden Co-op is to improve the quality of life in the neighborhood by creating a visually engaging garden and to provide space for neighbors to grow their own food.The result is an enjoyable showcase garden. In 1992 neighbors began to improve the appearance of the weed- and trash-filled vacant lot on 9th Street between Lami and Barton streets. Formerly the lot was a block of homes that were demolished in 1974 after a fire.The demolition debris was bull-dozed into the basements. For a long time, the lot grew thistles, chicory, other weeds and collected debris until the city’s Forestry crew would come along with a brush hog to knock down the weeds. Along with Alderman PhyllisYoung, neighbors approached Gateway Greening for assistance.After formulating a garden plan, the neighbors obtained lumber, soil, volunteers and advice from Gateway Greening and built raised beds for planting. Later they constructed bins for compost and mulch, which are provided by the city for use in both the garden and the neighborhood. Each year since its establishment, members of the garden have added enhancements. It is a cooperative effort for those who like to garden. Each member/family pays to participate and is assigned a bed to grow whatever they choose.That bed is for the sole use of that member/family. Other beds are planted for the gardeners to share the crop with other garden members. Soulard Garden Co-op delivers fresh vegetables on a weekly basis to Soulard community pantries as an outreach to the broader neighborhood. To become a member of the Soulard Garden Co-op and share the benefits of the labor and the crop, call 314-865- 1980. There is a wait list when beds aren’t available. SOULARD SPECIAL BUSINESS DISTRICT  Approved by a vote of residents of what was then the 7thWard, the Soulard Special Business District was set up to levy a property tax to provide additional security for the neighborhood. (District boundaries are Interstate 55, Park Avenue, Mississippi River, Barton to 7th toVictor to 11th to Sidney streets.) The approximate cost is $0.50 per $100,000 assessed valuation.This additional tax is clearly identified on each property owners’ year-end tax bill from the city of St. Louis.Tax revenue is collected by the city of St. Louis and then disbursed to the district.The voters approved increases up to a maximum of $0.85. The funds are administered by a volunteer Board of Commissioners appointed by the mayor of the city of St. Louis and selected at the request of the 8thWard Alderman and current Board.The funds are primarily used to hire off-duty police and security through a private company to patrol the district.The hours and the number of officers patrolling fluctuate to meet the needs and budget of the district. To report any emergency, crime or suspicious activity or person, call 9-1-1. The officers working security carry police radios and will respond to calls dispatched within the district and will assist 3rd District officers. The SSBD sponsors the 3rd District Substation at 11th and Barton streets, and additional safety- related projects are sponsored or co-sponsored as the need arises such as providing car clubs to residents and employees in the district and providing light bulbs for porch lights. Additional information can be found at the SSBD website soulard-sbd.org, and questions may be directed to the SSBD Board by email at info@soulard-sbd.org or by phone at 314-737-7988. Be advised that neither the phone nor email is for emergency use, as they are not monitored on a regular basis. All emergency or urgent matters should be reported by calling 9-1-1. SOULARD COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT (CID)  A Community Improvement District (CID) is a legal entity recognized by the state of Missouri, with the singular purpose of improving and promoting a specific neighborhood or community. Revenue from the Soulard CID is collected from a sales tax on food, beverages and other retail items sold within the district.These funds are spent on improvements and services within the designated boundaries of the Soulard CID that are not currently available or budgeted by the city or neighborhood entities. Services and projects could include infrastructure, clean up and maintenance, marketing and branding, community development, and transportation and parking solutions.A seven- member board of directors appointed by the mayor manages and oversees all functions of the Soulard CID. For more information, visit soulardcid.org or email info@soulardcid.org.