Reading the Highland Villager #243

[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: Proposal to reduce Ayd Mill Road to two lanes raises doubts; Council memebers cite lack of public input on mayor's plan
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: The city is planning to remove [unneeded] lanes from a marginal city-owned freeway when they repave it. Neighbors are concerned about traffic. CM Tolbert is quoted asking for more "public process." PW Director Lantry has stated that this road has had a lot of public process over the years. [See their full statements.] Article has some history of the plan and the road. CM Thao "has voiced the most skepticism. [See his statement here.] [Fun fact: The road will be reduced to two lanes for a year anyway because of a bridge project, so what's the difference really?] 


Headline: Rash of gun violence enters debate over 2020 city budget; Chief Axtell argues against Mayor Carter's proposal to cut St. Paul's force by five
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: A lot of people in St. Paul have guns and are using them to shoot each other. [I am told it is a gang war, not that that makes it any better.] Mayor Carter does not think hiring more cops is a good solution to this problem. [Worth noting that the SPPD union did try very hard to screw him over during the election.]


Headline: Problems created by destructive ash borer aren't going away
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: A bug is killing ash trees. It costs a lot to simply remove the stumps, let along plant new trees. The city removes about 2,500 per year.


Headline: Midway soccer stadium advisory on traffic and parking formed
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: This is the first year of the soccer stadium being in the Midway. Neighbors are concerned about traffic and parking. So much so that there is an official "advisory committee now. Article cites "angst" in the neighborhood about soccer fans.


Headline: HDC questions adequacy of Ford development impact study
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: An old truck factory is going to become housing and offices. Neighbors are concerned about traffic and parking. There is a study that tries to predict what will happen about traffic twenty years from now, but it has not alleviated the concerns. Some are also concerned about pollution at an old dump by the river called "Area C."


Headline: Room for small dogs to run eyed in Snell-Ham [Note: OMG! SNELL-HAM sighting!!!] 
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: Some park land that once had some playground equipment might become an off-leash dog park. Neighbors are concerned about dog size and parking.


Headline: Property tax outlook coming into focus for 2020
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: Taxes are going up.


Headline: Council resolves daycare parking issue
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: A daycare received a variance for a larger building. Neighbors are concerned about traffic and parking.

[Editor's note: This issue of the Highland Villager was especially tiresome, predictable, and repetitive, even by their own standards. When will the city's traffic and parking issues be resolved? he asked. 

At least it was short though.]