Reading the Highland Villager #184

[Villagers chillin' by the fireplace in Mendota Heights.]

[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. Until this newspaper goes online, sidewalk information must be set free. See also: Three Reasons Why I Re-Blog the Highland Villager.]

Headline: Changes sought in Snelling rezoning; Lower building heights urged at St. Clair corner

Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: There is a plan to rezone much of the land facing Senlling Avenue using newer, more old fashioned, “traditional neighborhood” zoning that allows more mixed-use walkable land uses. A developer wants to build a building on the corner of Snelling and St. Clair. Some people want some of the building site to be TN3 and the rest of it to be TN2 while others want it all to be TN3.Also there is a church that might be either TN2 or TN1. Neighbors are concerned about “negative impacts.”

Headline: Redevelopment in works for last bit of old brewery; Cohen agrees to purchase office, building, rathskeller

Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: A developer is going to buy part of the old brewery and make offices and a restaurant there. Nearby another building by the same developer is going to become a “festival marketplace” and will open in in the fall. CM Noecker is quoted saying “I’m beyond thrilled.” People who have worked at the neighborhood group plan to retire soon. The neighborhood group currently owns the building. Germanfest will be on Summit Avenue this year. [That’ll be fun, but probably also different than if it had been at the brewery.]

Headline: St. Paul neighbors, B&Bs seek to regulate short-term rentals; Licensing, zoning and taxation proposed for Airbnb-type offerings

Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: Saint Paul has never had any regulations for online “bnb” type things but they are going to start soon. City staff have studied the issue, and wants to add signage, parking, and other standards. [Let’s keep parking minimums to a minimum, shall we?] Large buildings will be allowed up to four rentals, but can get permits for more. Article includes brief description of the internet. Quote from resident:” If I rented my triplex to conventional long-term residents, there could be si cars on the street; typically now there are only two on any given day.” The Planning Commission will look at this soon.

Headline: Vision becomes clearer to replacing busy Dale Street bridge over freeway

Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: There was a meeting to discuss how to improve the bridge over the freeway when it gets replaced soon. [The bridge is an unforgivable sidewalk hell.] The County is going to expand the bridge, build 16’ sidewalks, and create a public space. There are hills near there that pose problems. There will also be bike lanes. [Kind of silly/meaningless because Dale Street is one of the worst for bicycling in the entire city. Still anything would be an improvement over the horrific status quo.]

Headline: Ramsey, Hennepin approve new transit tax

Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: [The sales tax to pay for transit will be doubled and counties will not have to compromise as much with their plans.]

Headline: Midway stadium project gets underway on south end of site

Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: Construction of the soccer stadium has finally begun. Existing [strip mall] businesses will remain for now.

Headline: St. Paul’s city parks are facing $57M backlog in maintenance

Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: A lot of park infrastructure needs money, according to a new report by a consultant.

Headline: County Board gives itself 2.6 percent raise for 2018

Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: Commissioners make $92K a year now. [Nice work if you can get it!] CM Rettman voted against the raise. [Cantankerous pro-parking gadfly] Bill Hosko is quoted.

Headline: Fewer complaints reported despite extended Grand Old Day

Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: Not as many people complained this year, only five, and two were for noise. There were pedicabs and Uber and more cops. Not enough people went to the Italian Pie Shoppe, though.

 

Headline: Committee advises city on how to prepare for aging population

Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: Old people are getting older. Also Saint Paul is more “ethnically diverse.” Many older people need more housing. Quote from neighbor, “too many of our elders are becoming isolated.” [Seems like we need better sidewalks to me.]