We reached out to Dutchtown resident Josh Burbridge, owner of the St. Louis-isms Instagram account. to see if he could share some of his wonderful photos of Dutchtown. Josh has an eye for great compositions and mundane details that might go unnoticed by most.

Josh shared a ton of photos, some background on his style and approach to photography, and a lot of great things to say about Dutchtown. Take a look!

I moved to Dutchtown with my wife and daughter in May 2018. We had lived in Chicago for about eight years before moving back to the St. Louis area in 2015, with an apartment in Tower Grove East. It was on the second floor of two-flat, but with the baby we hoped for a space all our own. We looked at probably 100 houses, and offered (and lost) on a few, but each one had some sort of issue that kept us from moving forward.

We were about to give up until we visited an open house on 37th Street by St. Mary’s High School. We didn’t expect much, having been disappointed a lot before, but instead we were blown away. This was the house. And it was the right price, too. The place was packed with viewers, so we moved quickly to snag it. To this day, I am still so grateful we found this place. It was built in 1933 and everything about it is perfect. Almost a dream house, inside and out. We have wonderful, friendly, helpful neighbors in every direction. The Friday night football games light up the neighborhood in the fall. I can see staying here for the rest of my life.

St. Louis-isms grew out of a few things. The main one was the move to Dutchtown. Dutchtown always existed in the back of mind (accurately or not) as a “quintessential” St. Louis neighborhood (whatever that is), but I didn’t really know much about it, and it was really hard to find information about it. DutchtownSTL.org, thankfully, was there, and it was fantastic. It’s exactly what the neighborhood needs.

Read on to find out how you can win gift cards to Dutchtown businesses while helping to improve your neighborhood! Round Two ends on Sunday, April 26th.

March 2020 was the longest month in recorded human history. It seemed to start like any other month, but somewhere in the middle we entered a wormhole we haven’t yet emerged from. With most normal work, play, and societal function as we know it shut down, many of us are rediscovering the great urban outdoors.

Seeing neighbors outside has been a small pleasure during these uncertain times. Dutchtownies are out walking with their families, dogs, and with beers in hand. Unfortunately, as is always the case, some of our pedestrian foot traffic is also carrying trash, and too often that trash ends up landing on our sidewalks instead of the proper receptacle.

Living in a dense urban neighborhood around heavily trafficked streets and bus routes is a recipe for litter. Psychologists that have studied littering suggest that dropping trash is often a product of social and behavioral expectations. That is to say, folks that see litter in an area already are more likely to litter in that same area.

Over the past year, the installation of new trash cans, more trash pick up, and street porter clean-up services from St. Patrick Center courtesy of the Dutchtown Community Improvement District has curbed the pile up. The tulip bulbs around the district have also been a wonderful touch that guide the eyes toward the flowers and away from any wind blown debris.

Some studies suggest that when individuals witness disapproval from someone else regarding littering simply in the form of someone else picking up litter, those same individuals are more likely to refrain from throwing their own trash on the ground. If we assume this to be true, then our collective action to beautify Dutchtown not only creates an immediate positive change in our neighborhood environment, but also shows potential litterbugs that this is a neighborhood that doesn’t tolerate trash.

Of course, there’s an even greater benefit to a good old fashioned urban clean up. When our public spaces are clean, it encourages neighbors to get out and spend time in those spaces together, which encourages us to look after one another, and ultimately promotes more citizen awareness and safety on our blocks.

While we may not be able to work directly next to one another during COVID-19, that doesn’t mean we can’t still be participating in our normal spring cleanups. In order to gain that extra social benefit, DutchtownSTL will be hosting #CleanDutch Facebook events.

The Rules

• Clean up the neighborhood
• Take a before and after photo
• Upload your photo to social media (or email it to us)
• Tag your photo #CleanDutch
• Be entered to win prizes!

We are encouraging neighbors in Dutchtown, Gravois Park, Mount Pleasant, and Marine Villa to take on a public facing project — cleaning, painting, planting, or anything else that makes Dutchtown more beautiful. Dutchtownies can post photos of their project to Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or via email. Each post tagged with #CleanDutch is eligible for a chance to win some sweet Dutchtown prizes.

The next drawing will be April 26th, 2020. Keep up with the cleaning, hashtagging, and of course safely social distancing!

Experts studying COVID-19 have already come to the conclusion that the disease is particularly dangerous for individuals with pre-existing conditions. In America, this means the existing health inequalities affecting minorities and our poorer neighbors puts them at a greatest risk for the worst of COVID-19. This holds true in St. Louis, where as of last Friday all those who had died from COVID-19 in the city were Black residents. These same effects will likely hold true in Dutchtown, which is predominantly Black, densely populated, and has high childhood poverty rates which function as a determinant for adverse health effects.

Recently, the heads of Downtown Dutchtown, the Dutchtown Community Improvement District, and Dutchtown South Community Corporation gathered with other community stakeholders to discuss the unique challenges Dutchtown faces during this pandemic. A letter was sent to Mayor Lyda Krewson, Department of Health Director Dr. Fredrick Echols, and the Missouri Foundation for Health to ask about the plan for providing assistance targeted to Dutchtown’s vulnerable populations.

We hope to update our neighbors here on DutchtownSTL.org when city leaders provide a response. Until then we encourage everyone in Dutchtown, whether they are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 or simply looking out for the best interest of their neighbors, to reach out to the City and Department of Health with questions about the resources being brought to our community.  

The text of the letter is below. A PDF version is also available.

April 8th, 2020

Responding to COVID-19 in Dutchtown

Mayor Krewson, Dr. Echols and Missouri Foundation for Health,

Members of the Dutchtown community, in particular those working on community building through various local organizations, have raised concerns regarding the city’s targeted response to COVID-19.  As of early April, case counts suggest that portions of Dutchtown including 63116 and 63118 are seeing higher than average instances of the disease compared to other zip codes in the southern half of the city.

While these numbers are likely directly related to population and density, we also know that the demographics of this portion of southeast city demonstrate higher than average percentages of impoverished and minority residents. Further, this city’s racial health disparities are well documented and affect these Dutchtown populations daily. Consequently, there is no question that our past and current inequalities in Dutchtown will magnify the health and economic effects COVID-19 has on our most vulnerable neighbors.

With what data is available nationwide, analysis and reporting is making clear that there is an obvious trend showing the virus hits predominantly black communities particularly hard.  With this in mind, Downtown Dutchtown, Dutchtown South Community Corporation, and the Dutchtown Community Improvement District are requesting a response from the city to outline how COVID-19 will be addressed in Dutchtown specifically.

Further, we are requesting immediate assistance to help flatten the curve of COVID-19 in our neighborhood in the form of hand sanitizing and/or handwashing stations at major public transportation intersections and inclusion in the city’s current health outreach effort, coordinated by the Health Department and funded in part by the Missouri Foundation for Health in our community.

We look forward to working with these partners to communicate your response to Dutchtown neighbors via www.DutchtownSTL.org and to help implement strategies to mitigate the oversized effect of COVID-19 on our neighbors.

Sincerely,

Nate Lindsey, DT2, President
Amanda Colón-Smith, DSCC, Executive Director
Ashley Raineri, Dutchtown CID, Chair

The 2020 Census is happening now, and your response is more important than ever. You can respond online, by telephone, or through the mail, all in a variety of languages. Complete your census today!

Tax dollars are allocated to states, cities, neighborhoods, and communities based on population and census figures. Having our Dutchtown neighbors properly counted can help bring more resources to our schools, infrastructure, health and social programs, and more. Additionally, congressional seats at the state and federal level are determined by the census.

Thomas Dunn Learning Center and Cross Grand produced a video featuring Dutchtown neighbors explaining why it’s important that we all be counted. Find out why in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Nepali, Bosnian, Arabic, and Somali:

Thomas Dunn is also offering assistance for those who need help completing their census. Email tdlc@tdunn.org for more information.

Updated April 14th at 6am.

What do recent legislative bills and non-profit action mean for residents of Dutchtown and small businesses in our neighborhood? We try our best to break down what we know about the various bills and how they may affect our neighbors and local small businesses.

For Our Dutchtown Neighbors

Payments to Individuals and Families

The CARES Act (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act) will provide individuals with direct relief in the form of cash in hand for families while also expanding unemployment benefits to help those who have lost their job in the wake of COVID-19.

Individuals who earn less than $75,000 a year should receive a one-time cash payment of $1,200. If you are married, each spouse will receive that amount. If you have children, each child will be an additional $500. Consequently, if you are in a married family with two kids making less than $150,000, you can expect to receive $3,400 total. If your family earns more money than that, the amount you receive decreases and families making more than $198,000 will not receive any cash support.

Checks will go out by mail or be direct deposited depending on what information an individual has on file with the Internal Revenue Service or Social Security Administration. The money is structured as an advance tax credit.

Tax Deadlines Extended

Speaking of taxes, deadlines for federal income taxes, Missouri state income taxes, and City of St. Louis earnings taxes have been extended to July 15th, 2020. However, some types of forms and reporting are still due, so consult a tax professional if you have questions.

Other Relief For Families

The CARES Act provisions include emergency funds for food and nutrition programs assuming the state of Missouri moves quickly to take advantage of the changes. This includes the possibility for increased SNAP benefits and expanding SNAP eligibility to families with school children who are now at home. Visit the Missouri Department of Social Services to check for updates.

Relief for Child Care Providers

The CARES Act will allow self-employed individuals, including child care providers, to qualify for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance.

Relief for the Unemployed

Unemployment insurance payments are being increased by an additional $600 per week. File for Missouri unemployment benefits here.

For Our Dutchtown Small Businesses

Small Business Administration Disaster Loans

Missouri was designated as a disaster zone by the federal government which freed up the opportunity for small businesses to apply for disaster relief loans normally reserved for things like fire, floods, or other weather events. The amount of money available was also increased through the CARES Act.

Eligibility for Economic Injury Disaster Loans is based on the financial impact of COVID-19. The interest rate is 3.75 percent for small businesses. The interest rate for private non-profit organizations is 2.75 percent. SBA offers loans with long-term repayments in order to keep payments affordable, up to a maximum of 30 years and are available to entities without the financial ability to offset the adverse impact without hardship.

The loans can be used for a variety of things including debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills accrued due to COVID-19. To get more details and apply, visit the online portal, but be aware the demand has caused the website to slow down and crash at times.

Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information and download applications at the SBA’s website. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing may call 800-877-8339.

While it is still recommended that applicants keep trying to apply through the SBA Disaster loan portal, this may not be possible for some due to the high volume of traffic. You can also print the paper forms and mail them in or upload them electronically. Completed applications should be mailed to U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, Tx., 76155 or emailed to disasterloans@sba.gov.

Other Small Business Resources

COVID-19 Regional Business Information Center

The St. Louis Regional Chamber is keeping the most up-to-date website to provide information on COVID-19, with information on business resources, regional resources, travel, and event updates. Please check back often to see the latest information.

Regional Impact Survey

Please fill out the Regional Impact Survey conducted by the St. Louis Regional Chamber so that they can learn more about the needs of local businesses and how to serve them better.

Small Business Resource Fund

The St. Louis Economic Development Partnership, and the St. Louis Development Corporation are offering a zero interest loan of up to $5,000 for small businesses in the City of St. Louis and St. Louis County that have sustained economic damage due to the COVID-19 crisis. Loan details can be found here.

Apply for a loan here. For questions about the program, please email bizhelp@stlpartnership.com.

St. Louis Community Foundation Regional Response Fund

The St. Louis Community Foundation has established two funds to help small businesses and nonprofits.

The Gateway Resilience Fund will help provide short-term monetary relief to small locally-owned businesses and their employees.

The Regional Response Fund was established to direct aid to local non-profit organizations delivering services to people affected by the virus including children, the elderly, and the isolated.

America’s SBDC—Missouri

To help business owners prepare for the changing circumstances associated with COVID-19, the Missouri Small Business Development Center (SBDC) has some suggestions for businesses that have been financially impacted.

Families First Coronavirus Response Act, Small Businesses, and Employee Leave

If you have employees, there are also some changes to Family Medical Leave Act. This usually only applies to covered employers who have 50 or more employees. The Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act (EPSLA) temporarily mandates full-time workers be paid their full wages for up to 2 weeks when they are unable to report to work for coronavirus-related reasons. This applies to any business with fewer than 500 employees.

Moreover, a brand new law, The Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act, requires any individual employed by an employer for at least 30 days (before the first day of leave) may take up to 12 weeks of job-protected leave to allow an employee, who is unable to work or telework, to care for the employee’s child (under 18 years of age) if the child’s school or place of care is closed or the childcare provider is unavailable due to a public health emergency. This act applies regardless of whether the employee is full-time or part-time.

The first 10 days of EFML may be unpaid. During this 10-day period, an employee may elect to substitute any accrued paid leave (like vacation or sick leave) to cover some or all of the 10-day unpaid period, however, the employer cannot require the employee to substitute paid leave. After the 10-day period, the employer is required to pay full-time employees at two-thirds the employee’s regular rate for the number of hours the employee would otherwise be normally scheduled. The new Act limits this pay entitlement to $200 per day and $10,000 in the aggregate per employee.

Employers will be repaid in the form of certain dollar for dollar tax credits. The legislation allows for refundable tax credits in “an amount equal to 100% of the qualified” sick leave paid by the employer for each calendar quarter. The credit can be taken against the employer’s portion of the Social Security taxes. However, there are some caps and limits. Specifically, the refund for sick leave is capped at between $200 and $511 per day depending on the qualifying event. There will effectively be a two week cap on the credit for sick leave.

However, the Act also includes language allowing the Secretary of Labor to exclude healthcare providers and emergency responders from the definition of employees who can take such leave, and to exempt small businesses with fewer than 50 employees if the required leave would jeopardize the viability of their business. This exemption has obviously caused some confusion about who does and doesn’t have to pay the two weeks leave.

Because these changes to the law are complicated and any small business should consult further resources or a legal professional before making their business decisions.

Additional Information

Education and Discussion

Treasurer Tishaura Jones and Don Calloway have an in-depth discussion on financial relief for individuals, small businesses, and non-profits in this video.

Small Business Impact Survey and Mornings on Main

Missouri Main Street Connection is taking a survey of small businesses in Missouri to help understand the issues and challenges local small businesses are currently facing.

MMSC is also offering weekly webinars and discussions, Mornings on Main, every Wednesday morning at 8:30am. Learn how other small businesses and neighborhoods are adapting to deal with the COVID-19 crisis.

MMSC has recently partnered with DT2 for the UrbanMain Initiative to revitalize Downtown Dutchtown.

InvestSTL Neighborhood Solidarity Fund

InvestSTL has created their Neighborhood Solidarity Fund to help neighborhood organizations, community development programs, and local small businesses weather the COVID-19 crisis by bolstering human, organizational, and economic infrastructure at the neighborhood level.

The Neighborhood Innovations in Connectivity grant is available for formal and informal neighborhood associations and similar organizations. The CDC Stability grant is available for neighborhood-focused community development organizations to maintain core operations, staff and healthy work environments. And the Neighborhood Small Business Lift grant is available for neighborhood-serving small businesses to maintain staff, facilities and other essential costs.

Fundraisers

The Cherokee Street Community Improvement District and Cherokee-Lemp Special Business District have created a GoFundMe, Show Up 4 Cherokee Street, to assist the more than 150 local businesses and their employees on Cherokee Street. Businesses and employees must complete an application to receive assistance.

If you know of additional resources for individuals or small businesses, please let us know so we can add them.

You can also read our other post containing a list of small businesses that you can support during this crisis.