June 27, 2025

June 30: The proposal for the Transportation Development District will appear on the ballot in August 2025. This initiative will introduce a tax on all retail sales within the area, aimed at funding street repairs in our community. It is projected to generate approximately $1.3 million annually within the 24:1 footprint. For further details on this proposal, Beyond Housing is hosting a Town Hall on Monday, June 30th from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. The event will take place at Beyond Housing’s Headquarters, located at 6506 Wright Way, 63121.

July 4: Bel-Nor City Hall will be closed for the holiday.

July 8: The Bel-Nor Beautification and Engagement Committee will meet at 5:45 pm at City Hall

July 8: Bel-Nor Neighborhood Watch will meet at 7 pm at City Hall.

July 21: Bel-Nor Board Of Alderpersons will meet at 7:30 pm at City Hall.

St. Louis County Emergency Alerts: St. Louis County contracts with RAVE, a Community Information Service dedicated to helping people stay connected to the information that matters most to them, depending on their physical location. Information is immediately available over cell phone by text message, by email, and over the web.

STL County uses RAVE to send out severe weather alerts, watches and warnings as well as information in reference to the monthly Outdoor Warning Siren System test. Rave alerts will also be posted on STL County social media pages.

Signing up is easy. To sign up, text SLCOEM to 78015.

Annual Tree Evaluation: Beyond Housing’s Department of Forestry will continue to be evaluating city trees for trim and removal. An initial survey has been completed and as the list is finalized, trees will be marked with a ribbon or spray paint if they will be scheduled to be removed this winter.

Pin Oak Decline: We are observing a significant decline of pin oaks in Bel-Nor. It is estimated that half of the pin oaks will gone in the next 10 years. While most pin oaks only survive 80-100 years, the annual tree evaluation showed a rapid decline in these trees from the 2024 evaluation. Beyond Housing’s Dept. of Forestry will be out to take samples to investigate more to see if this decline and be diagnosed and a plan can be set in place.

As noted earlier, the pin oaks in the area are nearing the end of their life cycle. If you have a pin oak located in your easement, we strongly encourage you to sign-up for a tree planting opportunity before the tree canopy diminishes. This will allow the new tree ample time to grow before the pin oaks have to be taken down. Residents can pick from a variety of trees to plant. The tree will be planted free of charge in the fall.

Please reach out to belnortreeboard@gmail.com to sign-up for a tree.

Water your trees: Friendly reminder if you have new tree on your property that is less than three years old, be sure to to water it. The recommendation is 5 gallons every week.

Join the STL Summer Adventure: Now through August 10, kids and families are invited to go exploring with the STL Summer Adventure through the St. Louis County Library! Enjoy a variety of fun and engaging activities designed to keep young minds active all summer long. Everyone who signs up receives a free book, and those who complete 10 activities will earn a special prize!Get started today at stlsummeradventure.org

The Mosquito Bucket Challenge: This is a simple, effective alternative to fogging-protecting pollinators, pets, and people by safely targeting mosquito larvae without toxic sprays. It’s affordable and it’s better for biodiversity.

Check out more information on the mosquito bucket from Homegrown National Park:

Mosquito Bucket

Neighborhood Preservation: The electric bills are rising as we suffer in the summer heat. Here are some options to help cool your house without lowering the thermostat:

• Use fans: Ceiling fans help circulate air, making a room feel cooler

• Close blinds and curtains: This helps block out sunlight and reduce heat gain, especially on south and west-facing windows.

• Manage heat-generating appliances: Avoid using the oven or stove during the hottest parts of the day

• Create shade: Plant trees or use awnings to shade your home, reducing the amount of direct sunlight that enters.

Neighborhood Safety: Friendly reminder that fireworks are illegal in St. Louis County. Fireworks can be dangerous and cause injuries, fires, and property damage.

The next newsletter will be on July 11, 2024. Have a safe and happy 4th!