Reading the Highland Villager #245

[A Villager on a hot tin roof.]

[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: Court says city must honor trash contract; But opponents contend that a 'no' vote in referendum will give St. Paul more leverage in seeking a better contract
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: The state Supreme Court explicitly ruled that a "no" vote on the upcoming trash referendum will not [I repeat NOT] void the five-year city garbage contract. Article explains the ruling and goes over the [so-called, and seemingly increasingly one-sided] debate. Article explains the amount of the potential property tax increase, which is $27.1 million. Article includes some quotes from the [so-called and increasingly unhinged] anti-trash people. Many paragraphs go into detail on outlining this perspective. CM is quoted saying that "we should have been working with the consortium to find a better price and trash hauling service." [Unfortunately] the article includes the words "force majeure," stated that it "did not address [it] in its ruling." [I am under the impression that the County did dismiss this idea in a footnote. Anyway, please remember to vote YES.] 


Headline: Society strives to honor earlier history of fort site; Fort Snelling renaming would recognize site's significance to indians
Author: Roger Barr

Short short version: The Historical Society might [finally] tweak the name of the Dakota sacred site where the US Military built a fort. Article has some history of the name debate.


Headline: St. Paul raises tobacco age to 21; Dangers cited with rise in youths vaping
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: You have to be older to buy smokes now.


Headline: Proposed parks for Ford site gain support
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: The development at the site of the old factory might have 10 acres of park land, plus other land that is not public but will have grass or water or something.


Headline: Plans re brewing for Starbucks drive-thru at redone Sibley Plaza; Planet Fitness now open in center, Aldi's to follow soon.
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: A strip mall is being remodeled, complete with all the car-centric stuff. [This strip mall was slated to be rezoned to Traditional Neighborhood zoning years ago but the owner promised the Planning Commission that he was going to redevelop the parking lot and build housing, but that he would only do this if we did not rezone the site. Instead, he sat on it, and is just upgrading the mall with a new facade, keeping the giant parking lot in place. Very dishonest, IMO.] Article Neighbors are concerned about traffic and #carbucks, and sidewalk curb cuts.


Headline: St. Paul to lower speeds on city streets
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: Using its new found legislative power, the city will lower speed limits in some places by some amount. Quote from engineer: "We're looking at the system as a whole." [See also my article on this topic.]


Headline: Expo School rallies for funds to replace treasured playground
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: A school is raising money to build a new playground.


Headline: Breugger's on Grand allowed to operate without leased parking
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: A bagel shop had been selling bagels without having enough asphalt pavement in place to store ten cars. It will keep doing so. Neighbors are concerned about traffic and parking. Quote from pro-bagel neighbor: "I fail to see how enforcing compliance with an old condition -- enacted when the neighborhood was quite different -- serves the good of the current community."


Headline: BZA allows additional signage for Victoria Crossing West Mall
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: An historic building with a lot of shops can have more signs. There is a "special sign district" on Grand Avenue [for some reason]. Neighbors are concerned about excessive signage.


Headline: Mac-Grove resident allowed to build addition to his home
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: A person who has a house can make an addition to it that is two feet taller than allowed. CM Tolbert lobbied for the allowance.


Headline: Homeless shelter to remain operating on Kellogg Blvd.
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: A zoning change allows a space in a County building to continue to provide a roof for people without one. There will be 60 beds. CM Noecker pushed for the change. Neighbors are concerned about too many shelters.


Headline: St. Paul residents could save a buck or more on trash collection in 2020; But fees for other city services would increase
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: Most things will get more expensive next year, but not trash, which will get cheaper. [Prediction: as the city trash system continues to evolve, it will become more efficient and affordable.]