Forest Park DDA approves lot clearings, sign removal and other contracts; several motions passed

The City of Forest Park Downtown Development Authority on May 28 approved several contracts to address property maintenance and remove blight on authority‑owned lots, and authorized the removal and sale of a vintage neon sign from a DDA property.

The board voted to clear the lot at 4523 Ernest Drive, accepting a quote of $2,250 to remove vegetation and debris and to apply a chemical treatment to limit regrowth. Rochelle Dennis, the DDA director, described the lot as overgrown after demolition of structures and recommended the work to prevent encroachment on adjacent properties. Jay Evans moved and Dr. Bambi Hayes Brown seconded the motion, which passed.

The board also approved a larger clearing contract for 890 Connley Road, a 6.2‑acre former apartment site that staff said had become occupied by vehicles, campers and tents and posed safety concerns. Dennis said the grand total to clear the site, remove debris and make it accessible for subsequent fencing and remediation work was $16,500. The board moved and seconded the action and approved the contract; staff indicated they will follow procurement rules as required for higher-dollar follow-on work to secure and fence the property.

Separately, an individual offered $500 to remove and restore the vintage neon sign at 954 Main Street (the former Carter’s Cleaners). Dennis said the artist would cover removal costs and any required permits; the board approved moving forward with a removal agreement and further due diligence.

All three actions were recorded as approved in the meeting minutes. The transcript does not include a roll‑call count for each voice vote; motions list movers and seconders and are recorded as passed in the minutes.

Staff said the approved work will be scheduled promptly to address safety and neighborhood concerns and that procurement and permitting steps will follow the clearings.