[Basically the problem is that the best source of Saint Paul streets & sidewalks news is the Highland Villager, a very fine and historical newspaper. This wouldn't be a problem, except that its not available online. You basically have to live in or frequent Saint Paul to read it. That's why 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: 6
Total # of articles about sidewalks written by Jane McClure*: 6
Headline: Victoria Park soccer fields still kicking up debate in West End
Reporter: Jane McClure
Short short version: Basic NIMBY bit where folks don't want to see soccer fields built along the bluff overlooking Shepard Road in the new neighborhood development of Victoria Park, near West 7th Street. The article claims the concerns about "noise and traffic", but the only quote from a "neighbor" expresses concerns about the sheer soccer-centricity, citing the lack of playgrounds. Includes quote from Councilmember Thune suggesting that local neighborhood groups will likely get their way.
Headline: City makes loans available to Lowertown shops on LRT line
Reporter: Jane McClure
Short short version: [In a desperately needed move,] Lowertown businesses can get a $10K loan from the city because of the really invasive and persistent construction all along 4th St and near the Farmer's Market. [Which doesn't seem like it will end for years. Seriously epic. -Ed.]
Headline: Public Works airs plan for Fairview Ave. reconstruction
Reporter: Jane McClure
Short short version: Saint Paul will "reconstruct" Fairview Avenue: new curbs, sewers, driveway aprons, streetlights, etc., The ash trees are goners. Apparently, the city will not be changing lane and sidewalk width at all. [Should they? It's worth asking the question. -Ed.]
Headline: St. Paul plows through street maintenance, snow removal plans
Reporter: Jane McClure
Short short version: Apparently it costs $158 / year / homeowner to plow all the streets in Saint Paul.
Headline: BZA approves lot variance for new Uppertown home; Debate over developing small Goodrich Avenue site has gone on for years
Reporter: Jane McClure
Short short version: Finally, whoever owns 194 Goodrich Avenue will get to build their house. This was difficult, apparently, because their lot was 491 sq. ft. smaller than the zoning code allows for single family homes.
Headline: Complaints are down at UST, but off-campus behavior problems persist
Reporter: Jane McClure
Short short version: [In one of my favorite recurring Highland Villager stories,] apparently there are still [young people? d-bags?] "problem students" attending the University of Saint Thomas. Complaints include: "underage consumption", "loud party", and "inebriated student mistakenly thought he was at a friend's home ... broke a latch ... yelled at the occupants ... [and] banged on the door" before the cops took him to detox.
* The hardest working woman in local journalism.
2 comments:
Regarding the LRT construction in Lowertown, they're doing utility relocation work first, which is supposedly the most invasive phase of construction. The utility work in Lowertown is wrapping up, and they're working on repaving the street in its "final" configuration sans light rail stations and tracks. It's supposed to be done next month, but they'll return in about two years to lay track if I remember right.
Next month? Wow. I will be impressed if that is so.
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