Columbus Square Improvement Committee
Efforts are currently underway to establish a neighborhood organization for Columbus Square. Too soon to declare as a "neighborhood association," the name Columbus Square Improvement Committee (CSIC) is being utilized for current neighborhood efforts.
The purpose of CSIC is to establish a sense of community in a neighborhood where private, secured residences are common. Columbus Square is surrounded by an intense energy of revitalization in Old North St. Louis and nationwide interest in the rebirth of downtown St. Louis. Now is a great time to capitalize on this energy and help connect these wonderful St. Louis neighborhoods.
In the fall of 2007, a group of residents met with other local stakeholders and the decision was made to pursue a grant that would enable a neighborhood garden. The project has been approved and Columbus Square will have its first neighborhood garden at the corner of 10th and O'Fallon Streets at the entrance to Filipiac Park. This specific location was selected for a number of reasons: great visibility from 10th Street, excellent opportunity to enhance the entrance to Filipiac Park and the potential for use by Patrick Henry Downtown Academy to maintain and learn about the native plantings. The maintenance of the garden will provide a basic setting for community participation. Future plans include coordinating an outdoor movie night and either incorporating as an association or seeking a fiscal agent in order to pursue other grant opportunities. Also, building relationships with established neighboring organizations DSLRA and ONSL will help in strengthening our goals and resources.
Want to get involved and help compose for the newsletter or assist with a block clean-up? Comments about the website? Any other questions? Please e-mail us!
Join our newly-created Columbus Square Yahoo! Group and post with any questions or comments!