TGNCDC Hosts Tower Grove South Substation Open House in newly renovated and long time nuisance property at 3600 Bamberger in "The Wedge"
Please join us to celebrate the opening of the NEW Tower Grove South Substation at 3600 Bamberger THIS Saturday, March 5 from 10am to 1pm. Also, if you would like to help us fund the substation (utilities, internet, supplies, etc) this year, please consider a donation at:
https://www.youcaring.com/substationfundraiser
Thank you!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kristan Nickels Phone: 314-865-5530
Email: Kristan@towergrovecdc.org
Website: TowerGroveCDC.org
What: Tower Grove South Police Substation Open House –Reducing Crime in Tower Grove South
TGS Substation Now Open in Previous Drug House
When: Saturday, March 5th, 2016 10am - 1pm
Where: 3600 Bamberger, St Louis Mo. 63116
Who: Open to the public
EVENT SUMMARY
On Saturday March 5th, 2016 from 10:00am to 1:00 p.m., Tower Grove Neighborhoods Community Development Corporation with the St Louis Metropolitan Police Department will host an Open House at the new Tower Grove South Substation at 3600 Bamberger in Tower Grove South.
Residents are encouraged to stop by, have a cup of coffee and tour the renovated TGS Substation, which was a former blight on the neighborhood. Meet your local police officers, representatives, and neighbors to build a stronger community!
THE HISTORY OF 3600 BAMBERGER
Less than a year ago, the apartment that now houses the Police Substation at 3600 Bamberger was known by all who lived and worked in the area as “that drug house on the corner”. The unit had 117 calls for police service over 3 years, ranging from drug sales and assaults to 4 calls for “shots fired” within 4 weeks, 3600 Bamberger had earned it place on the cities Problem Property list.
A search warrant was executed at 3600 Bamberger on May 19. A large quantity of Marijuana packaged in small bags and a clear bag with an unknown white substance were seized. Four individuals were arrested and multiple other suspects were also booked on outstanding warrants. The building was then condemned on May 31st.
One day before, on May 18th, Tower Grove Neighborhoods CDC (TGNCDC) purchased 3600 Bamberger to take the lead in redeveloping the “Wedge” in South Tower Grove South. Through the Tower Grove Neighborhoods Framework and Vision plan (www.towergrovecdc.org), which included community engagement and thorough neighborhood analysis, TGNCDC identified the area called the “Wedge,” located South of Gravois, North of Chippewa and West of South Grand, for increased efforts to promote public and private investment in this part of the neighborhood. 3600 Bamberger was an obvious target for acquisition given its high profile corner location and the impact that stabilizing the building would have on the community.
Soon after TGNCDC purchased the property, vandals entered and destroyed the property and a full renovation was completed on all 4 units with the goal of providing, not only a substation for the neighborhood, but safe, quality, affordable housing. The renovation was completed in October 2015 and the substation opened its doors in late November 2015. Since that time, calls for police service have disappeared from the surrounding buildings and neighbors have remarked on how quiet and safe they now feel on the block. From a nearby Tower Grove South resident and property owner, “We are SOOOO grateful that you all purchased 3600 Bamberger! I was so tired of calling that one in for 5 years! Since it's been vacant, we have not heard any gunshots or loud fighting! More importantly, my tenants feel safe now!”
TOWER GROVE NEIGHBORHOODS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION SUMMARY
The Tower Grove Neighborhoods Community Development Corporation is a consolidation of Grand Oak Hill Community Corporation, Southwest Garden Housing Corporation and Shaw Neighborhood Housing Corporation. The three organizations have served the community for over 30 years. Now, as a combined entity, Tower Grove Neighborhoods Community Development Corporation continues the tradition and supports the area’s growth by promoting responsible development, affordable housing and diverse character and vibrancy in the neighborhoods surrounding Tower Grove Park. Tower Grove Neighborhoods Community Development Corporation is a 501(c)3 not for profit corporation.
FUNDING STATEMENT:The Tower Grove Neighborhoods Community Development Corporation CDBG Neighborhood Improvement Program and related activities is financed wholly through a grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Community Development Administration under the provision of Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (Pub L, 93-383 42 USC 5301 et seq.) and/or HOME Title II of the National Affordable Housing Act of 1990, as amended (Public Law 101-625)