FAQs

What is Hillcrest?

The Hillcrest subdivision comprises Aberdeen Place, Arundel Place, Dartford Avenue, the north end of De Mun Avenue, University Place, 6600 Wydown Blvd., and Wydown Middle School. The common areas (streets, sidewalks, islands and furnishings) within Clayton boundaries were deeded to the City of Clayton in 1996. The common areas in the City of St. Louis are private and jointly owned by all Hillcrest residents under our Indenture of Trust.

Who are the trustees?

The residents of Hillcrest are subject to an Indenture written at the time the subdivision was established in 1912. Under the Indenture, three Trustees have fiduciary responsibility for administration of the private needs of the area. The current trustees are Stan Mulvihill, Jane Klamer and Ian Hagemann. The Trustees serve until they resign or move out of Hillcrest. Vacancies are filled at the discretion of the remaining Trustees. They are volunteers who do not receive any salary or other compensation for their services. The Trustees do retain the services of a paid non-Trustee treasurer.

What do trustees do?

The major responsibilities of the Trustees are to:

  1. Provide for the maintenance of streets, curbs, trees, sidewalks, and street lights of the areas that remain private

  2. Provide for the maintenance of the monuments, lights, and gates at private subdivision entrances

  3. Open and close the gates at Skinker

  4. Approve home remodeling plans to ensure they conform to our Trust Indenture

  5. Pay for the electricity used in operating the alley and street lights

  6. Collect the required yearly Trustee assessment ($25 for most households)

  7. Obtain snow and leaf removal services for the private street areas

  8. Advocate for neighborhood interests and improvements on behalf of Hillcrest homeowners

Which home remodeling plans require trustee approval?

Any project requiring a construction permit or changing the external appearance or use of a home in Hillcrest requires Trustee approval. Decks, garages and landscaping changes also require approval. This is in addition to any approval that the City of St. Louis or Clayton may require. Please email site plan, elevation and description of materials to any of the Trustees. Approval normally takes only a few days. This process allows us to maintain compliance with the Indenture and ensure that Hillcrest remains a first-class residential neighborhood..

What is the Hillcrest Homeowners’ Association?

The Hillcrest Protective Association was formed in 1951 for the purpose of providing for a watchman service and to increase revenues for neighborhood maintenance, since the Trustees had no mechanism to raise their assessment under the Indenture. Over the years, the responsibilities and activities of the Association have increased. In April 1981 the Association was incorporated as the Hillcrest Homeowners Association, Inc. Officers and committee members are volunteers.

What is the mission of the HHA?

The mission of the Association is to support the work of the Trustees and to provide opportunities for residents to feel connected to and a part of the Hillcrest community.

What are the activities and responsibilities of the HHA?

  1. Sponsor a 4th of July parade, an annual party for all adult residents and/or a fall (Halloween) party

  2. Provide a telephone directory for each HHA member biennially

  3. Provide funds for the maintenance of the areas that remained private when Hillcrest became partially public in 1996

  4. Establish and maintain landscaping at the entrances at Skinker and other areas as needed

  5. Assist the residents in the needs of the neighborhood

How is the HHA organized?

Updated By-Laws were approved in 2022. Officers of HHA consist of a President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer who serve concurrently as the Board of Directors. Standing and ad hoc committees are described in the directory and on the website.

How do the dues work?

Dues statements for the Trustees and the HHA are emailed in January. Invoices and payments for the two entities are separate. The Indenture created a yearly Trustee assessment of $0.50 per front foot of property ($25 for most lots). The Trustee assessment is mandatory and failure to pay will result in filing of a lien. The annual dues for the HHA are $125 per household. Membership in HHA is voluntary, but it is hoped that every household will join, as everyone benefits from the Association. Without funds provided by HHA, the Trustees would be unable to fulfill their responsibilities to maintain the remaining subdivision-owned common areas, including streets, lights and entrances.

How can I connect with the HHA?

The Annual Meeting is held each April. To get involved with a committee, contact its chairperson or any Trustee or HHA Officer.