Reading the Highland Villager #219

[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: Era of organized trash collection begins in St. Paul; Only hitch in first week are petitions for repeal
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: Only one trash company is going to come to each neighborhood now. "Few problems were reported." There is a petition to try and stop this change. Neighbors are concerned about carts and costs. Quote from petition person: "I've talked to some older people on fixed incomes who are in tears about what their garbage disposal will cost."


Headline: Ryan gives Ford site traffic studies another look; Developer is hoping to address concerns of future traffic congestion
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: The developer for the Ford site has announced some initial plans. There was a meeting about it. Quote from developer: "we've heard a lot of comments about traffic and density." There are studies upcoming about traffic. Computers are involved.


Headline: Ideas about for future use of Highland 9
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: An old golf course is going to be used for something else maybe. People have different ideas about what it might be used for. Some people like soccer or baseball. Others like cross country skiing. Others want to keep the golf course. [IMO the correct answer here is soccer. And some housing, because we need some and why not.]


Headline: Ryan Cos. conduct its own tests of Ford site pollution levels
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: The Ford site developer is doing some pollution testing. Ford cleaned up the site itself. Apparently it is standard procedure. Article includes details about polluting chemicals.


Headline: Homeowners can expect a big property tax hike in 2019
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: City property taxes are going up.


Headline: City Council searching for ways to lower 11.5% levy increase
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: The City Council is trying to stop property taxes from going up so much. Some city staff are retiring, which might help cut costs. [In my experience, in general, most city departments are dramatically understaffed. When there are staffing shortages, employees have to do the jobs of two or three people and it is stressful, which leads to turnover and attrition, which is bad.]


Headline: A year later, St. Paul still looking to wrap up new regulations for to-go containers
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: The city might or might not ban styrofoam containers. This idea was floated a year ago but was shot down on a 2-5 vote. Some groups like it, but restaurants do not like it generally speaking.


Headline: Amendments would increase density of Marshall rezoning
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: The rezoning plan for Marshall Avenue between the river and Pacal has been tweaked by CM Nelson. Neighbors are concerned about historic preservation, community input, and teardowns. Quote from CM Nelson: "we need to maximize our opportunities along this very essential corridor."


Headline: Council awaits DSI's inspection of new accessory dwelling regs
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: The City Council is probably going to pass a city-wide ADU ordinance. [Note: they did on Wednesday.] Article includes lots of details about the ordinance. CM Bostrom is concerned about enforcement.


Headline: St. Paul plans smaller Pedro Park
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: The city (HRA) is going to vote on the sale of an old building to a developer that was slated to be torn down and made into a park at one point. Neighbors are upset about previous promises about the park, which will be smaller than originally proposed if the proposal passes.