Reading the Highland Villager #5 (August 19 - September 1 Edition)

[[Again, this one is late. -Ed.] Basically, the problem is that the best source of local streets & sidewalks news in Saint Paul is the Highland Villager. This wouldn't be a problem, except that its not available online. I'm reading the Highland Villager so that you don't have to. Until this newspaper goes online, sidewalk information must be set free.]

Total # of articles about sidewalks: 8
Total # of articles about sidewalks written by Jane McClure: 7


Title: Snelling median finally gets hearing
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: There is a vote today (September 2nd) for the long-debated Snelling Avenue median [A tiny, tiny step toward making Snelling Avenue pedestrian friendly that, despite its tiny size, may fall victim to status quo mongers and sidewalk ignorance on the behalf of StP Councilmember Pat Harris. -Ed.] Article mentions Councilmember Harris' desire to not have one parking lot (Kinko's, Coastal Sea Foods) lose any auto access. [As if this tiny issue, obviously brought by one wealthy constituent, outweighs the need for pedestrian safety for the thousands of people, young and old, that cross this street regularly. -Ed.]


Title: Mayor would raise taxes, cut services in 2010
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: StP Mayor Coleman, stuck in a budget pickle, is going to raise property taxes and city fees by 6-7 % in order to add police and firefighters, but cutting other city jobs.


Title: Planning Commission frowns on Grand Avenue rezoning
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: The long-debated issue of a residential/commercial converted house property on Grand Avenue will not be re-zoned for more dense and commercial uses, after a 8-7-1 Planning Comission vote on August 7th.


Title: Central Corridor add-ons could ruel out University Avenue infill station
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: This article is now completely out of date, but points out some of the high costs of mitigation for the U of MN and MPR (about $30M combined), on either side of the Central Corridor LRT line.


Title: Loans to offset loss of corridor parking
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: There will be $1.1M for loans to build off-street parking for businesses along University Avenue. The money comes from a half-percent sales tax, and some TIF dollars. Story also mentions that there $350K to pave alleys along University. [This isn't much money, but is a good start. There should also be some sort of program to encourage businesses that already have parking lots to share their lots with their neighbors, and to maximize the use of empty asphalt along the street if possible. -Ed.]


Title: Permit allows coffee to keep flowing at J&S Bean Factory
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: A neighborhood coffee shop has apparently been in violation of zoning codes b/c it had too many seats, but the Planning Commission gave the shop owner a permit for the added seats. Some neighbors have complained about the smell of roasting coffee beans.


Title: West 7th Federation supports plans for Jefferson Bikeway
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: West 7th/Ft. Road federation (neighborhood group) voted unamiously to support the Jefferson Ave bikeway [Unlike some of the other NIMBY neighbors in Highland Park. -Ed.]


Title: Building for the future: Economy hasn't kep developer from pursuing his vision of optimal living
Author: Bob Gilbert

Short short version: Profile of a developer who has built all the dense housing along the West End of University Avenue in StP. The dude, who runs Wellington Companies, used to be an urban planner and has been able to sell his condos in the old industrial neighborhoods along the route.