Reading the Highland Villager #18 (June 9 - 22 Edition) asfd

[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: Path of most resistance; Town & Country sues city to stop sidewalk on Marshall Avenue
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: The historical [and Wealthy] Saint Paul private golf club sues to stop the city from building a sidewalk along a relatively busy pedestrian stretch of Marshall Avenue (right on the #21 bus line). The assessment is only $42K [too much for the private club whose initiation fees and annual dues are... well... if you have to ask, you can't afford it. -Ed.]. Includes a quote from Pat Harris, who "did not agree with assessing the Town and Country Club for a sidewalk its members will not use and do not want". [Maybe Harris would support the building of a moat, that would keep bus riders and non club members away from the club's fences? Though, to be fair, the Town & Country Club has long been the best place for wintertime sledding, and has allowed access to its wonderful hills and views for neighborhood sledders of all ages. -Ed.]


Title: Loss of lease bowls over owners of classic Ran-Ham
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: More on the tragic story of Steve and Sheri Steiner, owners of the [totally awesome] Ran-Ham bowling alley, who recently lost the lease to their obscure basement space across from Cretin-Derham Hall. The Steiners have contacted the Preservation Alliance and the Heritage Preservation Commission, and started a Facebook Group.


Title: Central Corridor light-rail line enters final design phase; Construction bids are coming in below the estimated project costs
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: Another bureaucratic hurdle jumped for the CCLRT, including the announcement of bids and the "final design stage" for the light rail train. Now CCLRT staff can "submit the documentation" to get final approval from the FTA for the project.


Title: Lower LRT bids may shift streetscape costs
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: The lower than expected bids for LRT constructions means that there is more money for streetscaping (lighting, trees, sidewalks, etc.) which means that the assessments to property owners may be smaller than initially thought.


Title: Union Park gives it blessing to parking ban on Marshall
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: A local neighborhood group agreed to prohibit parking on Marshall Avenue b/w Snelling and the Mississippi at certain times, in order to improve snowplowing under the new traffic calmed 2 lanes + bike lane + parking regime. [The street used to be 4 lanes + parking. -Ed.]


Title: Rooms to spare; City allows Summit mansion to be sold as is, but sets six-year window to reduce living units
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: The Planning Commissions has decided that the new owner of a Summit Ave mansion (The Griggs Mansion, 476 Summit) must change the number of apartments inside from 6 to 4 in order to maintain the required level of density [and property values -Ed.] along Saint Paul's fanciest street.