Reading the Highland Villager #212

[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 Cox. Revs up for redevelopment of old Ford Plant
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: A developer was chosen by Ford Mo. Co. to redevelop the site of the old factory. They are the same people that developed other buildings in the area. Article includes details about zoning and planning for the site. Article includes quotes from CM Tolbert and Mayor Carter. [Having a developer with local experience seems like a good thing.]


Headline: Candidates for Ward 4 lay out priorities
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: Different people are running for the City Council seat vacated by Russ Stark. Article has some quotes from them. [Stay tuned for more on this race on this blog.]


Headline: Rezoning recommended for 5-story Selby-Snelling project
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: The Planning Commission approved rezoning the O’Gara’s building and parking lot to TN3 zoning. The owner of the building wants to build a five-story building there instead of the two-story bar and one-story parking lot. [Charles Shultz’s Schulz's dad’s barber shop was located in this building. There are car doors on the walls now. The community big band used to play here in a small room.] Neighbors are concerned about traffic, parking, and privacy. Some of the apartments would be affordable at an unknown percentage of area median income.


Headline: Wellington planning mixed-use building at Snelling and Shields
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: 175 apartments might be built where a one-story drive through bank is located. It would be mixed use and keep room fo rate bank. The developer is are concerned about drive thrus and parking.


Headline: Council denies appeal of 6-story building at St. Clair-Snelling
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: The City Council rejected an appeal of a Planning Commission by concerned neighbors about a new apartment building where a one-story dumpy strip mall is located. CM Tolbert is quoted. CM Prince was the lone vote in opposition to the building approval. Neighbors are concerned about privacy.


Headline: County Board OKs plan for new Riverview corridor streetcar line
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: The plans for a streetcar were approved in a vote. It would be almost two billion dollars and might be done by 2028. The county is now going to seek federal funds.


Headline: Discussion continues on rerouting Lexington through Riverside site
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: There was a meeting about the plan to re-route a street at a dangerous intersection. Neighbors are concerned about getting in and out of their neighborhood with a new traffic signal.


Headline: After 96 years in business, it’s lights out for Brinkman Service [pun alert!]
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: A lampshade and lamp restoration business closed.


Headline: Celebration set for opening of Rondo Commemorative Plaza
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: July 14th, they will have an event for the plaza.


Headline: St. Paul imposes license cap to restrict new tobacco shops
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: The total number of smoke shops in the city will be 242.


Headline: Centennial Showboat to get new home at Winona museum
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: The big empty boat on the river will go downstream.


Headline: Discussion set on space plans for Snelling, Westgate stations
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: The Planning Commission will look at changes to some LRT station area plans to add some green spaces and plazas for some big projects.


Headline: Permit, variance approved for Morning Star Church project
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: A one-story church and parking lot is going to be replaced with a three-story 95-unit mixed-use apartment building.


Headline: After nine years and a ton of pizzas, DiNoko’s says goodbye
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: A pizza place in Minneapolis closed.


Headline: Comments sought on study of future use of Mpls. locks
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: The lock and dam by the Ford site might be changed someday. They are expensive to operate but not needed for transportation purposes.


Headline: Blending into the neighborhood; award honors new construction with historic appeal
Author: Roger Barr

Short short version: The Mac-Grove neighborhood is going to have an award for new houses that don’t look new. This was done previously in Minneapolis. Article mentions the debate over having a conservation district in the area as well. [This is nice but will not likely do much to solve the problems people have with tear downs.]


Headline: MnDOT will pay for the replanting of I-94 berm
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: The utility company cut down and bulldozed $10K worth of vegetation that was planted along the freeway, but MnDOT is going to replant it after they had approved the clearance permit. Xcel thinks the bushes were too close to the power lines but neighbors do not think so.


Headline: Council upholds variances for Laurel-Dale row house project
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: The City Council will let a company build six-units of a row house after neighbors appealed. Neighbors are concerned about traffic and parking.