Reading the Highland Villager #221

[A Villager tries to navigate the TJ's parking lot.]

[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: Council to hear arguments over $15 minimum wage mandate
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: The City Council will [did] deliberate over whether and/or how to raise the city's minimum wage.  [Note: this passed. The long long phase-in really waters it down IMO. In eight years $15 an hour will mean much less than it does today.] Article includes a chart.


Headline: City staff question changes to Ford master plan; Ryan Cos.' amendments to original master plan face some opposition
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: The developer who is developing the Ford site want to change some of the zoning. The city staff working with them like some of the proposed changes, but do not like others. The plan changes will go to the Planning Commission next. [The public hearing will be on January 25th, a long time from now.]


Headline: Council OKs Nelson's amended plan for Marshall rezoning; Approved plan raises maximum height and density along avenue
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: The City Council voted to re-zone some homes on Marshall Avenue. Some people liked it, others did not. Neighbors are concerned about the character of the neighborhood. CM Prince voted against the change, quoted "it isn't wise nor healthy [to allow so much density in one area]." [Density is not healthy? Physically, mentally, or morally? This is an old argument with lots of problematic baggage attached.] Article includes lots of detail about specific zoning changes.


Headline: Cafe and spa on tap for renovated Schmidt office building
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: An old building part of the Schmidt brewery complex is [finally] being used for something. In this case, a café that will serve pastries and coffee and lunch and soup and also a spa for people to get beauty things done. The Keg and Case building is very near there.


Headline: Carter wants new office to help city's poor find financial success
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: The mayor has a plan to help poor people be better with handling their finances.  [That seems rather brilliant. I hope it works. They should open up offices next to every payday loan place.] CM Noecker is quoted saying that they should have specific goals for the office. The budget is very tight, also.


Headline: St. Paul approves annex sale, plans for smaller Pedro Park
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: The City Council approved improvements for the "flower field" park area and will have a developer remodel the building next door instead of tearing it down, which was a plan in past years. People who thought the park would be larger are upset. Article includes history of the park proposals over the years. There is a lawsuit in the works.


Headline: St. Paul pedestrian plan to be released, discussed on Nov. 14
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: Saint Paul will have a plan for improving walking soon, if it is approved. There is a draft available for people to see.


Headline: Summit-University dog park request runs into opposition
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: Neighbors are concerned about plans to build a dog park on Grotto Street. One woman is upset about dog waste found on the fields.


Headline: Merriam Park house used by Catholic order sold for $2.4M
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: A mansion on the river used by "Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate" [what? that is the most Catholic sounding thing I have ever seen] was sold.


Headline: Mount Curve residents finally have water service restored
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: The city has fixed a water man on a street. A cleaning device called a "pig" was used. The repairs took longer than originally intended.


Headline: Electric-powered street bench approved for Ford-Cleveland
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: A bench was put on Ford Parkway. It has lights on it. Quote: "The Village has been a n above-standard street lighting district for more than 25 years, so the bench lighting will be added to the cost of operating that district." [OK.]


Headline: Little Grocery becomes a tobacco shop
Author:

Short short version: A corner store is becoming a tobacco shop, part of the consequences of the recently-passed menthol ban. [This is probably happening in lots of places. Corner stores are an under-rated part of the urban landscape.]


Headline: Seven-story apartment building eyed for site of Kelly's Depot Bar
Author:

Short short version: An old bar and parking lot by the train station might become an apartment building. [Home of a good coney dog.]