Reading the Highland Villager #20 (July 21 - August 3 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: 10
Total # of articles about sidewalks written by Jane McClure: 8


Title: Graffiti vandalism gives way to art along Midtown Greenway; former taggers put their talents to good use along Minneapolis trail
Author: Chas Jensen

Short short version: Piece about former graffiti taggers doing a mural on the backside of one of the old industrial factory buildings along the Eastern edge of the Minneapolis greenway. Includes some history about the former "free wall" policy, where Mpls Police allowed tagging only in certain spots in the city. The policy was abandoned before Rybak took office.


Title: Work to begin on controversial Snelling median
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: [At long last] a pedestrian median will be built along the six blocks of Snelling near Macalester College. [Amazingly, this obvious traffic calming & pedestrian safety amenity was 'controversial' in the St Paul's car-culture political blender. -Ed.] Work will be done by the time classes kick off in the fall.


Title: Public art unveiled for 15 stations on Central corridor light-rail line
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: LRT officials have seen a preview of some of the designs for art at the LRT stations along University. Some of the art "features large birds in flight", "incorporates scientific equations", draws on parts of a railroad locomotive, or "reflects that area's past as a manufacturing center".


Title: Light-rail disruptions previewed
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: LRT officials are letting businesses know how long and when construction will affect driveways and access to buildings during the construction season. Lots of details! [It sounds really complicated! -Ed.]


Title: BZA denies variances for creation of duplex near SPA
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: Someone living on Randolph Avenue wanted to convert her home into a duplex, but the board of Zoning Appeals said no.


Title: Commission favors rezoning of Merriam Park bakery site
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: An old gluten-free bakery on Marshall Avenue will be zoned "traditional neighborhoods", which allows the new [falafel?] business to sell more of its products off-site.


Title: Owner appeals BZA decision to deny triplex in Lex-Ham
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version:Someone living on Laurel Avenue wants to convert his home into a triplex. The Board of Zoning Appeals said no. The person is appealing. [Presumably to the BZAA, the Board of Zoning Appeals Appeals? -Ed.]


Title: Dayton Ave warehouse owner gets interim use permit for auto storage
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: The aforementioned man who bought the old warehouses under the end of Ayd Mill Road will, after all, be allowed to place cars and car parts inside it.


Title: West End pet grooming biz told to sit
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: An extremely pun-laden article on the layover of a nonconforming use permit for a pet groomer on Clifton Street. The pet groomer is not conforming to code because it lacks off-street parking, among other things.


Title: Lowertown rising; Downtown St Paul's once bustling center of commerce is experiencing another boom
Author: Lisa Heinrich

Short short version: Trend piece on all the restaurants moving into the area around Mears Park. Features lots of history of lowertown, facts about the density, commercial activity, etc., including how "in 1875, 70 percent of saint Paul's residents lived within a mile of downtown". Also a few tidbits about the old warehouse buildings down in there.