Reading the Highland Villager #17 (May 26 - June 8 Edition)

[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: 9
Total # of articles about sidewalks written by Jane McClure: 8



Title: City Council recommends financing for Carondelet Village; New senior housing awaits HRA approval of bonds, TIF district
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: Nuns got the go ahead to replace their convent with a "home for retired nuns" on the corner of Fairview and Randolph. Planning commissioners are debating whether or not there needs to be a sidewalk from the facility to the corner of Randolph and Fairview, and whether or not there needs to be a sidewalk running along the Fairview side of the property. The project will be funded partially by $25M in TIF bonds from the city, and the sidewalk will cost $20K.

Title: Commission lays over request to reopen W. 7th tire ship
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: The planning commission is haggling with a company that wants to open up a spruced up tire shop (to replace the old one) on West 7th St near the corner with Smith Avenue. The Planning Commission is prohibiting outdoor car work. The land use seems to annoy many of the commissioners and nearby residents, and doesn't fit with the "compact commercial" [i.e. not car-centric] comprehensive plan in the area. The Planning Commission will vote on it later, probably at the next meeting


Title: Historic designation for former Schmidt Brewery to be studied
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: After prompting from [dogged] Council Member Dave Thune, the St Paul Heritage Preservation Commission is looking at getting historic designation. The request troubles some of the local neighborhood group board, who think that a historic designation will make it more difficult to develop the old brewery buildings. The brewery property has received $2.4M in grants for cleaning up the site, provided they can get a development plan in place "by this summer".


Title: Committee recommends that test of Marshall parking ban continue
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: The Union Park district council voted to keep a test of a "once-a-week overnight parking ban" on Marshall Avenue. The ban was intended to make sure that bike lanes along the street remain clear in the winter, after the street went through a traffic-calming treatment that added a median and reduced the number of lanes from 4 to 2. The article also mentions that Marshall will soon have its speed limit reduced from 35 to 30 mph because of the bike lanes on the street.


Title: Land-use plans come into focus for LRT infill stations
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: There was an open house this month to review drafts of land use plans for Hamline, Victoria, and Western light rail stations along University Avenue in Saint Paul. There will be public hearings in the fall look at the plans, which "call for small-scale neighborhood redevleopment4 and the preservation of most of the existing commercial and residential buildings." Also, they look to improve "connections for pedestrian and bicyclists". The plan includes a proposal to tear down the Old Home foods buildings [yogurt factory?] and build a "green space" there. The draft plans and minutes are on the city website.


Title: Council speeds up Geordies' bid to serve liquor on patio
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: The city council unanimously waved a requirement for the extension of liquor service on the patio of Geordie's Bistro near Snelling and Randolph.


Title: City calls for vacant University Ave. building to com down
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: The burned-out building at 1559 University must be "removed or repaired" in 15 days.


Title: Stark seeks moratorium, new zoning regs for tobacco shops
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: Council Member Russ Stark wants stricter regulations for "tobacco shops, especially businesses where hookahs or water pipes can be smoked".


Title: June is busting out in Highland with new farmers' market; Business association lines up eight vendors of fresh mean, produce
Author:Larry Englund

Short short version: The new farmers market behind the Starbucks on Ford Parkway will officially open up on June 5th. There will be a lot of local vendors to sell meat, produce, herbs, flowers, and freshly packaged hummus.