Reading the Highland Villager #227

[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: Ryan's revision of Ford site plan receives broad public support
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: The company that wants to develop the old Ford factory is asking for some changes to the zoning code the City put in place a little while ago. There was a public hearing and people testified and most, if not all, were positive. Article details the requests from the developer, which include single-family homes, more parking, and other things. The neighborhood group likes the plan changes too. Neighbors are concerned about traffic. 


Headline: Racial segregation hits close to home in new play
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: A theater company is doing a play about the history or racism in Saint Paul. [It seems interesting and a story that really needs to be told.] 


Headline: City drawing up design standards for Ford redevelopment
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: The city is looking at ways to control how buildings on the Ford site look. Things that will be on the list include materials, windows, driveways, etc. Some people want modern looking buildings, while others do not.


Headline: Funding lines up for Lexington Pkwy. reroute
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: The Met Council is going to give a grant to the city to realign Lexington where it meets W7th and Shepard Road to make it less dangerous. Neighbors are pleased. Article includes details of the new route that will be a useful connection for lots of different people. There are also new senior housing buildings going in at the site.


Headline: Event center planned for Dayton Ave. Church
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version:  An abandoned church could become an event center and a daycare.


Headline: Concordia's purchase of Central Medical hits snag
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: A school wants to use government bonding to buy a tall building by I-94. The City Council is worried about the loss of property tax revenue, which would be something like $50K per year. [IMO we don't need to subsidize schools or nonprofits buying buildings...]


Headline: Riverview streetcar debate persists; West End holds roundtable on transit January 30
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: The County wants to build a streetcar / light rail thing on West 7th and there was a meeting. Neighbors are concerned about high costs of the project, and how long it is taking to complete.


Headline: Ward 4 folks trash organized system
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: Some people who don't like having the city of Saint Paul "organize" trash collection had a meeting to complain. CM Jalali Nelson was there and listened. "The system isn't working for everyone," she said. Neighbors are concerned about not being able to share trash bins, not being forced to recycle, or having to pay too much. [In six months almost nobody will even notice the system because it will be working so well and much more convenient than the previous libertarian thing.] 


Headline: Comments sought on landscape plan for Historic Pilot Knob
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: A Dakota sacred site in Mendota Heights is going to be made nicer and more accessible. There are plan to add parking lot and better trails and entrances. People can send in comments. [This is a very special place and I kind of like it how it is, but it would be great if more people would know about it and go there.]