Reading the Highland Villager #229

[A predator using a Villager as camoflauge.]

[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: City committee takes issue with several or Ryan's amendments to Ford master plan
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: The amendments proposed by the possible developer of the Ford site were discussed in a Planning Commission committee meeting. The committee wants to change or reject some of the amendments, specifically the ones involving commercial parking, and single-family and row house housing proposals. Quote from commissioner: "I think what's going to happen is that 35 mansions are going to go there." Parking maximums is also an issue, and the developer wants to almost double this number. The proposal will go to the full Commission and then to the City Council.


Headline: Campaigns for City Council, School Boar begin here; St. Paul kicks off its election year with caucuses Mar. 10
Author: Kevin Driscoll

Short short version: DFL conventions are this weekend.


Headline: UST on fast track to get more students living on campus; March 6 forum set to review details of two new residence halls
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: The University of St. Thomas is planning on building new dorms on campus. They will "not tower over the nearby chapel." Neighbors are not concerned.


Headline: Plans reviewed for six-story apartment buildings on Snelling
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: Two different developers want to build six-story buildings by Snelling and University. They will be mixed use: housing, plus either a bank or a pharmacy. There might be a drive thru. There is some discussion about whether to "vacate" the alley. People at the nearby church are concerned, but not sure about what, probably gentrification.


Headline: City offers tax break, grants to landlords who keep rents affordable
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: There's a city program where landlords who don't raise the rent get a tax break. [Seems great!] 


Headline: HPC criticizes design of proposed apartments at Marshall-Western; Commission asks Exeter to modify architecture it considers too suburban for Ramsey Hill location
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: A five-story building that is being built in Cathedral Hill at the site of the former boy Scouts HQ might not be fancy-looking enough for the Preservationists. One member quoted saying: "It could be in Richfield." [Woah, harsh burn bro!] Another says: "I was surprised at the massing along the street edge." [Massive attack 😹.] There are old buildings near this building but it is not in an historic district. [BTW one of the old buildings is a legit secretive religious cult that keeps its members, many of whom are women, in seclusion. But at least they have the right massing along the street edge.] Neighbors are concerned about traffic and parking. Article includes lots of architecture terminology. Quote from preservationist: "Urban renewal was awful, but it now can be considered historic in its own right." [No.]  


Headline:  Concordia University cancels request or bonds to buy Central Midway Bldg.
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: A school that wanted to use city-backed bonds to buy a building will not longer try to use those bonds.


Headline: Paster buys three commercial properties in Highland Village
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: A developer is buying buildings near Cleveland and Ford. [BTW this is the same developer that owns the Sibley Plaza strip mall, and years ago promised to develop it into a mixed-use pedestrian friendly project, and has not done so. I'm still mad about that.] They are planning "no changes."


Headline: $7M awarded for new rapid transit bus stations on Marshall-Lake route
Author: Jane McClure

Short short version: The Met Council is going to spend lots of money to create an aBRT line down Marshall and Lake. [Thus the need for more housing there. I still think they should take the 21 bus and get rid of the University Avenue jog, make it go straight down the street east-west like it used to.]