Reading the Highland Villager #223

[A Villager at a chow mein joint.]

[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: St. Paul presents new concepts for Highland 9-Hole
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: There was a meeting about what to do with an old golf course. Only "visioning" was occurring. There are four concepts, to shrink the golf, get rid of golf and add a dog park, to add a bunch of new fields, and/or have a skate park, or a whole bunch of fields. There will be new parking lots. [FREE IDEA: Pay for it by adding some housing along the edge.] People who like golf but not too much golf want it to stay golf. [There is a larger golf course next door. Go big or go home, I say.] "You can't ski through a dog park." [I would like to!] Before 1970 there was an archery range there.


Headline: Developer proposes four new towers on city's riverfront; Bold design includes land bridge from bluff to river
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: A vacant lot right on the river bluff downtown might get developed, maybe. There is one plan vaguely proposed, and it might include a way to get to and from the bluff to the river, over the railroad tracks. [That would be a great addition to downtown. Currently there are only two ways to get to the river, both of them bad and out of the way.] There would be at least 1,500 parking spaces. Nobody knows how much public subsidy it would need. Quote from guy a the county, that owns the land: "a site like this calls for something different, something robust."

Headline: Highland disc golf course expands to 18 holes
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: The disc golf course is getting bigger. Neighbors are concerned about petty crime. [Petty, certainly.] There will be improved golf holes. Article includes expansion of what disc golf is.


Headline: Stadium neighbors discuss use of community benefits fund
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: There was a meeting to see how a benefits agreement might work with the construction of the new stadium. People who live near the stadium would like a few things such as a access, events, markets. etc. Neighbors are concerned about gentrification.


Headline: BZA grants parking variances for Firebox Deli in Merriam Park
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: A restaurant moving into an old flower shop will be allowed to have one fewer parking space.


Headline: Proposed pedestrian plan aims to make St. Paul even more walkable
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: The city is trying to pass a plan to help walking. It includes a map of where investments are most needed. The Mayor's new budget proposes to double the sidewalk funds.


Headline: Mac-Grove neighbors want to nix new walks
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: People who live in a part of the city without sidewalks do not want new sidewalks built in their neighborhood even though it is a public right-of-way and the city is constructing new streets there. "We don't see a lot of people walking along Woodlawn as it is." [Well then, case closed.] The city gets to decide. Quote from CM Tolbert: "sidewalks are important and we need to fill the gaps in the system." Quote from homeowner guy: "But sidewalks would take away from our neighborhood's historical character." [Perhaps modern sanitation would also take away from the historic character?] Quote at the end "A flier titled 'save our historic stonebridge neighborhood' maintains that the streets were deliberately laid out without sidewalks to set it apart from the surrounding area. However, city staff said there is no proof of that." [Yikes. IMO if the city is going to pay to reconstruct these streets, they should have sidewalks. Otherwise, they should have the "historic character" of dirt roads.]

Headline: County gets an earful from property owners on the hook for higher taxes 
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: There was a meeting about how taxes are going up.


Headline: HDC reviews Ford site plan changes
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: The developer of the Ford site wants to make changes and the neighborhood group is looking at them.


Headline: BZA approves sign variance for Highland Park McDonald's
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: A McDonalds's can have a flashier drive-thru sign. Neighbors are concerned about light spilling over.


Headline: Council considers replacing outdated murals in chambers
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: The paintings in the city hall chamber are racist and the Council might switch them out for something. There are some ideas about temporary replacements. The County Historical Society is involved. 


Headline: Town and Country will remain open for public use this winter
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: People can sled on the old golf course hill again this year. Quote from golf manager guy: "we're being a good neighbor." People do not always pick up after their dog.


Headline: Moon Palace sheds more literary light in Longfellow
Author: Iric Nathanson

Short short version: [There's an awesome bookstore over in Minneapolis.]

Headline: Microapartments eyed for West End; Five-story building planned near Labor Center
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: A developer might build a five story building by Smith and Grand in a former auto-shop. Neighbors are concerned about traffic and parking.