Reading the Highland Villager #26 (November 10 - 23 Edition)

[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: 8
Total # of articles about sidewalks written by Jane McClure*: 5

Headline: Neighbors speak loudly against UST tennis courts
Reporter: Frank Jossi

Short short version: [For the third consecutive fortnight,] Big story on University of St Thomas' desire to build tennis courts in an area considered [wrongly] by neighbors to be a park. [Nothing new here. -Ed.] There was a meeting on 11/2 and people were angry.


Headline: Union Depot renovation right on track; $40M federal grant paves way for new transit hub
Reporter: Jane McClure

Short short version: St Paul's Union Depot renovation rec'd a $40M grant from the Feds, . However, there's still a $60M gap in funding for the renovation. Article includes some history of the building.


Headline: Hearing set on Central Corridor rezoning
Reporter: Jane McClure

Short short version: There will be two public "hearings" about zoning changes along University, most of which involve more density and mixed-use, and only for expansions or new construction.


Headline: City awards tax credits for building and rehabbing affordable housing
Reporter: Jane McClure

Short short version: The City Council gave some tax credits to two affordable housing projects, one in Summit-University and one in Highland Park. Includes quote from Councilmember Helgen, whose ward didn't get the grants because, as he says, the process funds new construction rather than rehabilitation.


Headline: City has no business in market-rate housing
Reporter: Stuart Nolan and Norm Bjornnes

Short short version: Op-ed about the city's involvement in loft and condo projects downtown, criticizing the lack of 'public purpose' and unnecessary expense. [Both writers are big time real estate developers. -Ed.]


Headline: Open space demands could drive future plans for Ford site
Reporter: Jane McClure

Short short version: Article on the use of the future Ford plant along the river in Highland Park. Claims need for more parks and fields, suggests this could affect the land use of large property. Ratios suggested: 22% "passive open space", 10% "active open space". [Passive = grass; active = tennis, etc. -Ed.]


Headline: Snelling-Selby shop owners huddle over recent rash in crime
Reporter: Kevin Driscoll

Short short version: [Scary] stories about muggers near the Snelling-Selby area, including at [my favorite vintage store] Lula Vintage [Shop there! -Ed.], the SweatShop, and near the SuperAmerica on Snelling. Includes quote from SweatShop owner attributing spurt in crime to "growing pains" due to new business in the area.


Headline: Corner property owners twice bitten by 2010 increase in street assessments; City officials are eyeing no increase in rates for most utility services in 2011
Reporter: Jane McClure

Short short version: Apparently street maintenance rates went up almost 7% last year, which is particularly bad for people who own businesses on corner lots. includes complaints from owner of Traditions Antiques on Grand, two apartment building owners, and the Greater St Paul Building owners and Managers Association (BOMA).

* Jane the hardest working woman in St Paul journalism, is on vacation, it seems! No front page stories. This is a 'Reading the Highland Villager' first.