Reading the Highland Villager #78

[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.]


Headline: Debate heats up over plans for new bar and restaurant at Snelling-Ashland
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: [As sure as a snowfall in Minnesota March...] Report on a neighborhood meeting  about the new Buffalo Wild Wings going in at the old Cheapo site on Snelling Avenue. Neighbors are frustrated by "noise and traffic," "lack of notice," and "excessive alcohol consumption." Best quote: "I feel this kind of business should be in a mall somewhere and not in our neighborhood," said one neighbor before calling the "black and yellow design of Buffalo Wild Wings' storefront 'terrible.'" [It's not that I disagree, its just that it's all so predictable.] The new plan involves closing a curb cut, some fencing around the parking lot. Article also mentions the Snelling and Selby development, which is still a ways away from selecting a final site plan because of height and setback negotiations. [This seems like slightly lazy reportage. Surely the Villager could have split these out into two separate NIMBY pieces?]


Headline: St. Paul Camera Club has kept its focus for 120 years; Members share finer points of photography
Author: Frank Jossi

Short short version: Human interest piece on the St Paul Camera Club, all of whom seem very old.


Headline: BZA grants massive sign variance for St. Paul Athletic Club building
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: The newly remodeled Saint Paul Athletic Club downtown will be allowed to put  large "illuminated but not digital" signs on their building, almost 50 times the allowed size, as long as they fenestrate their walls within two years. Article includes the following quote from a BZA member: "I think St. Paul could use a few audacious gestures every once in a while." [What, so a huge sign for a gorgeous historic posh club is OK, but a protruding bit of signage for a rinky-dink sex shop isn't? Is that how it works, St Paul? Oh the audacity. -Ed.]


Headline: Federation looks to speed up work on former brewery office building
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: Local neighborhood group is trying to get a city grant to market the office building where the "rathskeller" is in the currently remodeling Schmidt brewery.


Headline: St. Thomas plans new turf, building on south campus
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: The catholic University is going to put new fake sod on its ballfields, while expanding the gym.


Headline: Magnolia Blossom agrees to five more years at Watergate
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: A cruise ship will keep running out of St Paul at least until 2017.


Headline: Cosmic's Coffee is fined and has its license suspended
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: The run-down coffee shop on Snelling and Selby hasn't paid its bills. It's closed, and doesn't look good. [That place was always creepy.]


Headline: St Paul may allow brewery tap rooms in business zones
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: The City Council kicked off a plan to change the regulations for breweries [tap rooms]. The Planning Commission will look at changing the rules so they can be located in commercial, not just industrial, areas. [I immediately volunteered to work on this. I think it will involve a lot of careful study, some research trips across the river. For research purposes.]


Headline: City Council to consider Rondo Avenue memorial
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: There may be "street signs" commemorating Rondo Avenue along St Anthony avenue in the future.


Headline: Effort to save College of Visual Arts continues with fundraiser
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: This Friday at the Amsterdam.


Headline: Commission to hear changes to Highland Village sign regs
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: There will be more rules about what kind of signs you can and can't have in "Highland Village." [Nothing digital or literally flashy.]


Headline: Public Works appeals rejection of wider Lowertown sidewalk
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: Article om the current state of play in the [much discussed on this blog] lowertown sidewalk issue. The Heritage Preservation Commission rejected the expansion, but the City Council will decide on an appeal next Wednesday. Article includes summary, some of the public works changes to the project. The current plan is to only remove six parking spots. Best quote comes from a building owner: "Lowertown had wider sidewalks more than a century ago 'and that's the way it should be.'" [Snap! Stay tuned...]


Headline: Madison-Benson paving approved
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: Streets will be repaved somewhere in Highland Park.


Headline: St. Paul considers TIF district for Ford site
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: The City Council may vote to "preserve TIF as an option" for redeveloping the Ford site in Highland.


Headline: Lilydale Park roadwork OK'd
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: They are definitely going to build the new roads, trails, and parking lot in Lilydale Park.