GRIFFIN November 24

12 • CWEA GRIFFIN • November 2024 The Flats at Forest Park, a resi- dential project proposed for the Reliance Automotive building site at Kingshighway Boulevard and McPherson Avenue, is still on track, if a little behind schedule. “We acquired the site in 2022,” said Michael Hamburg of Pier Property Group, “but have been dealing with a difficult financial climate since our plans were finalized.” The developer has now raised most of the capital needed, and construction is projected to begin in January, he said. Project comple- tion could be expected in summer or fall of 2026. The Flats at Forest Park is de- signed as a 144-unit building with 155 garage spaces. The five-story structure would be built atop the Reliance building’s singularly rect- angular shape with an extension on the east side. A single-story house next door at 4952 McPherson was demolished spring 2023 to make way for the project. Architect’s rendering courtesy of Pier Property Group and Arcturis. Project at Reliance site still on track A current crime trend is “porch pirates” stealing iPhones, said Neigh- borhood Safety Initiative Director JimWhyte. As more people order the new iPhone 16, he said, thieves are taking them right off porches within minutes of being delivered. Many thieves are posing as FedEx drivers. “You need to be on alert for this growing trend,” saidWhyte, who encourages buyers to pick up the phones from stores in person if pos- sible. “Or make sure you can be home when it is delivered and you have to sign for the package,” Whyte said. Avoid Porch Theft: 5 Tips to Protect Your Packages • Network with Neighbors • Have Packages Delivered to Work • Leave Specific Drop-off Instructions • Use a Smart Lock • Install Security Cameras If you think you did have a pack- age stolen, report it immediately to the USPS, UPS, FedEx, Amazon or other carrier listed on the com- pany’s website. Whyte said the NSI participating taxing districts do budget for more supplemental police patrols around the holiday season. He also advised keeping an eye out for NSI’s annual coat drive or con- sidering donating an item from NSI’s wish list. Visit www.cwensi.com. More Safety Tips from the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department • Park your vehicle in a well-lit lo- cation. NEVER park in dark alleys or areas without good visibility. • NEVER leave children unat- tended inside your vehicle for any reason at any place, including while shopping. • Remove all personal items from inside of your vehicle or store them in your trunk out of view. • Turn off the ignition, remove the key or key fob, and lock all doors when you get out of your vehicle at any location. • Consider using a Car Club to pre- vent thieves from taking your ve- hicle. Car clubs can be purchased from the City of St. Louis Citizens Service Bureau and Collector of Revenue Office. • NEVER leave your vehicle unat- tended to “warm” it up. • Be aware of your surroundings if you are out at night. • Ask a trusted neighbor to look after your home if you are away for an extended period of time. • Consider using a doorbell camera or cameras (the St. Louis Metro- politan Police Department is part of the Neighbors for Public Safety by Ring). Report suspicious activity or criminal incidents immediately by calling 911. For non-emergencies, call (314) 231-1212 to file a report. Tips for winter crime prevention Puzzle Solution (see Page 18)