Reading the Highland Villager #225

[Villagers stacked up at Cooper's.]

[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: City sets hearing on 20430 comprehensive plan
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: There will be a public hearing about the comp plan on Friday. You can send in comments via email. Article mentions “neighborhood nodes,” lists the different chapters.


Headline: Marshall landlord requests rezoning to bring his 10 units into compliance
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: A guy who owns an old apartment building on Marshall Avenue wants to have it rezoned so that all 10 of the apartments inside would be allowed under the zoning code. Neighbors seemed fine with it.


Headline: City Council amends organized trash contract to resolve late-fee problems
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: The Council is demanding that the haulers change the dates they send out bills and how they handle late fees. Neighbors are concerned about billing and getting unwarranted fines. There is an effort to get petitions to have a referendum to get rid of organized garbage. Lots of the original haulers have sold their routes to other haulers, and now there are only eight companies left from the original 15. [Probably a good thing. I'm going to guess that it continues to consolidate as companies develop the skills of collection garbage and dealing with the public on a more efficient scale. Another example of the growing pains of the system, which will be largely forgotten within a year. PS. A pretty thin Villager this time around. Maybe the local news is on its holiday break. If so, well deserved!]