Reading the Highland Villager #58

[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: 13
Total # of articles about sidewalks written by Jane McClure: 12


Headline: Neighbors learn that moratorium can't stop all new student rentals
Reporter: Jane McClure



Short short version: Apparently reports of the moratorium on student rentals near the St Thomas neighborhood were overblown. The only example given here is a "teardown" of a pre-existing conforming non-conforming use of a duplex that has been used as a triplex. Includes quote of property owner: "This will be a quality building." Also includes quotes from neighbors who are concerned about parking, traffic, and late night noise. Apparently, the zoning code states that legal non-conforming uses can be torn down and rebuilt as they were as long as they aren't vacant for a year and don't involve an expansion of the building size, as this example does.




Headline: Ethio Market to expand at Sibley Manor
Reporter: Jane McClure



Short short version: A small East African grocery store located in an affordable housing complex on West 7th Street will expand into a second apartment in order to sell goat and lamb meat as long as he has no exterior signs on his store.



Headline: Industries along Mississippi seek a place in riverfront plan; Great River Passage omits barge terminal and other existing industrial uses
Reporter: Jane McClure



Short short version: The [aforementioned] new plan for the Mississippi Riverfront through the city, currently under discussion, has raised the ire of those who work on and for industrial activities. There was a public meeting that pointed to how the current play could eliminate many barge "fleeting" areas. [Assumedly, that's where barges park. Though "fleeting" does suggest that these spaces may be temporary, vanishing more rapidly than we can imagine! -Ed.] Article includes quotes from people who enjoy having jobs nearby.  Article also mentions concerns over a proposal for Shepard Road that would be open to trucks but have a lower speed limit. Includes quote from someone who thinks current alignment is dangerous and prevents people from accessing the river. [Yes, yes, that is very true. Please lower the speed limit and make it so its easy to cross Shepard Road! -Ed.]



Headline: Summit eyes $6 million expansion
Reporter: Frank Jossi

Short short version: The Summit brewery may expand in order to make smaller "test batches" of beer.



Headline: Central Corridor bus service studied
Reporter: Jane McClure



Short short version: Metro Transit is going to think about how buses will be affected by the new train. This is particularly important because there is a big gap in north-south routes between Dale and Snelling.



Headline: Demolition of the Ford Plant in Highland will begin in May
Reporter: Jane McClure



Short short version: [Self explanatory.] There will be dust and noise.



Headline: Selby parking lot continues to divide Union Park council
Reporter: Jane McClure



Short short version: The Pizza Lucé parking lot has "erupted into a bitter dispute" after a [really heated, really really heated] community meeting. Article includes the following verbs: "accusing", "scolded", "undermining", "rescinded," "expecting", "dismayed". Article implies that things may be getting better, somehow.



Headline: St Paul OKs late-night noise variances for light-rail work
Reporter: Jane McClure



Short short version: The City Council said that the LRT crew can work late at night on through the end of the year, but only if they do some sort of study thing about noise created thus far.



Headline: Council to hear comments on planned Prior Avenue bikeway
Reporter: Jane McClure



Short short version: On March 21 the City Council will hear comments on a bike facility on Prior. It's only sharrows along much of it, though, because the street isn't wide enough for full bike lanes without removing parking. [Inconceivable! -Ed.]



Headline: Changes to parking district near UST gain momentum
Reporter: Jane McClure



Short short version: The City Council will vote on approving permit parking restrictions around St Thomas. [They approved it.]



Headline: East Metro prosecutors form coalition for fighting crime
Reporter: Jane McClure



Short short version: [Oh how I wish this was a superhero headline, like from the Daily Planet.]



Headline: Unity Church outlines its plans for building addition, upgraded entry
Reporter: Jane McClure



Short short version: The church on Holly Avenue is going to expand, if all goes well.



Headline: New use planned for old Church Home
Reporter: Jane McClure



Short short version: Someone wants to try and turn the old church home on Ashland Avenue  into a senior housing complex by tearing down some old 60s and 80s buildings and building a new building. It'll have 90 units, in theory.