Reading the Highland Villager #115

[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. Until this newspaper goes online, sidewalk information must be set free.]


Headline: MPCA asks for examination of old Ford dump on Mississippi
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: The old automobile factory is probably very dirty.


Headline: Paster unveils fresh start for Sibley Plaza; $50M mixed-use project would feature retails, residential spaces
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: The owner of the strip mall wants to build a five-story apartment/retail building on part of the land, but the plan is [weirdly] contingent on NOT being rezoned from B2 to TN zoning. [I say weirdly because TN zoning is meant precisely to support mixed-use development.] Apparently the redevelopment plan is contingent on the city NOT rezoning the property to TN. [Very strange, that.] The mall owners' big objection is that TN zoning would restrict sidewalk-fronting parking and drive thrus. [This seems almost like zoning blackmail.]


Headline: Proposed rezoning would affect plaza project
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: The rezoning of the strip mall is part of a larger land use study in the area, "almost two years in the making." The neighborhood group seems conflicted about what to do.


Headline: Summit hotel, W. 7th storage challenged; Neighbors appeal two redevelopment plans
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: The approval for the self-storage facility by the Schmidt brewery and the boutique [B&B-style] hotel on Summit Avenue [see last fortnight's recap] are both being appealed and fought by their respective neighborhood groups/preservation associations. The City council will have the final say.


Headline: Restoration of historic sign on W. 7th gets STAR grant
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: The sign for the liquor barrel store will be restored thanks to money from the city.


Headline: High bid postpones work on new Marshall median
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: A [watered-down] median on Marshall Avenue intended to make it easier to cross the street is more expensive than people thought [making it all the more dumb that the city decided to change the plan, thus losing the dedicated grant from Macalester College].


Headline: Council overturns ruling on Summit Ave. windows
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: The owner of a house in Merriam Park can install the windows they want to despite complaints from the Heritage Preservation Commission that they won't be historic.