Reading the Highland Villager #218

[A cat enjoying the Highland Villager.]

[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: Master plan in works for Hidden Falls, Crosby parks
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: The park department is accepting comments about planning to improve or change these two parks along the river. Invasive plants and more density nearby are both things they might think about. Article includes some history and description of the parks. [TRUE STORY I once looked for the falls in Hidden Falls park but could not find them.]


Headline: Ford site's new street grid, traffic impacts discussed
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: Neighbors are concerned about traffic and parking.


Headline: Wage debate seems to favor adjustment for tipped workers
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: The city will raise the minimum wage for maybe not for everyone. [I wonder how they will enforce this to make sure that businesses like Cossetta's don't get big loopholes?]


Headline: Council sets conditions on reuse of St. Paul's Church as arts venue
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: A guy who bought an old church will probably be able use it for concerts ad events, but only during certain times. Neighbors are concerned about noise, traffic and parking.


Headline: St. Paul may spend $8.5M on arterial, downtown streets in '19
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: The city is putting money in the budget to repave a bunch of streets especially downtown. Some of the streets are in very rough shape. [Reminder that reconstructing streets is very expensive.] Article discusses the pros and cons of "pesky pavers."


Headline: Commission grants permit for reuse of former Fire State 10 on Randolph; But mayor's office puts sale on hold
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: An old fire station got a permit to reuse the building for a brewery, coffee shop, and event hall. But the Mayor pulled the permit from the Council anode to look at the project.There is some question about how expensive it will be to bring the building up to code. Article includes some history of the building.


Headline: $1M for new Fire Station 20 is reallocated
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: A fire station on University Avenue will not be replaced right away. The money was removed out of the Capital Improvement budget. [The name of the fire chief is "Butch Inks." A previous SPFD chief was named "Rocco Forte." I don't know how you become fire chief but clearly having an awesome name is a requirement.] The WestRock industrial facility does not have a "fire station on site." [It does have a LOT of paper.]


Headline: JCC holds grant reopening of expanded center Sept. 30
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: The Jewish Community Center was remodeled.


Headline: Wellington seeking more land for building near new stadium
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: A developer wants to buy some land from MnDOT by Snelling Avenue. Neighbors are concerned about traffic.


Headline: City again denies variance requests for Dayton duplex
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: The owner of a property on Dayton Avenue will not be allowed to turn it into a duplex. Neighbors are concerned about "character of the neighborhood."


Headline: Federation drops debate over renaming of Linwood Monroe
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: The name of an arts school might or might not be changed. President James Monroe owned slaves.