All Board Seats are Filled - Welcome to New Members!

At our Annual Meeting(s) in March, we elected new board member Timothy Turner along with several incumbent members and formalizing last fall's appointments of Christopher Melendez and Paul Sawyer. Even with the March election, we were still left with three open seats. At last night's board meeting those seats were filled by appointment of residents Rose McDonough, Daniel Yang, and Jay Xiong. These three will hold their seats until next year's election, when they can run during the regularly scheduled election. This process of appointment (codified in our bylaws) allows us to assure that our organization has the oversight, community representation, and creative energy it needs to remain a vital part of our neighborhoods. Their need to run in the next election assures that the community continues to have a say in who oversees the organization for the long run.

The three newest board members represent the Eastview, Highwood Hills, and Battle Creek neighborhoods, respectively. They bring with them skills in communications, community organizing and development, and understanding the political process. New insights into the way our community works - and how it should work - and new energy around getting things done are what an influx of new board members can do for an organization like ours.

This influx of new board members (both from this spring and last fall) is coming at a time when we are updating our community plan - the blueprint for how we - and the City - envision this area's future. Our discussion last night, discussing what the key issues are that face us, was another step. But now it is time for you, our neighbors, to have your say.

In the coming months, we will be facing many issues - we always do. We will be meeting with people in our office, out in the community at gatherings and events, via social media and our hard copy newspaper, and by both chance and design. Please take the opportunity to tell us what is on your mind. Everyone on the board and on staff is committed to listening to your joys and concerns, and dedicated to working with you to build a more vibrant and welcoming community, here in the southeast corner of Saint Paul.

Consultant Chosen for Gateway Corridor DEIS

The Gateway Corridor Commission at their May 9 meeting recommended contracting with Kimley Horn to prepare a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS). The DEIS is the next step in the Federal Transit Administration process for developing a proposed transit line between St. Paul's Union Depot and Woodbury with connections to Hudson, WI and Minneapolis.

Kimley Horn, a national design consulting firm with offices in St. Paul, was one of two companies reviewed by an eleven-member panel of city, county, and metropolitan council representatives. Depth of experience and plans to engage communities in the process were among the deciding factors for selecting Kimley Horn.

The commission recommended Washington County Regional Railroad Authority, the commission's fiscal agent, enter into a contract on behalf of the commission for an amount not to exceed $3 million.

The purpose of the DEIS is to inform decision-makers and the public of the social, economic and environmental impact of the proposed transit line. Examples of impacts include those on wetlands, protected species of animals and plants, as well as impacts to people, such as minority populations and cultures.

Following the assessment, refinements will be made to the plans in order to ensure the proposed transitway provides the most benefit to the people that live and work in the corridor, with the least possible impact.

The environmental impact work will take approximately two years. During that time, a transit mode will be selected, either light rail or bus rapid transit in a dedicated lane.

Depending on study results and funding, the project could be complete by 2022. The public will have many opportunities to have input throughout the process.

The project seeks to provide 11 stations with all-day transit service, while providing a focal point for more concentrated development as the region grows. The work is led by the Gateway Corridor Commission, which is comprised of local elected officials, business and community leaders. More information is available at www.TheGatewayCorridor.com.

Submitted by the Gateway Corridor Commission.

Nia Classes offered in District 1

Discover the joy of movement through Nia classes at St. Pascal’s this summer. Join in to increase flexibility, mobility and agility, strengthen muscles and improve cardio fitness. Created for people of all body types and fitness levels – Nia is moving barefoot to eclectic music to become healthy and fit. You will get a cardio workout that is gentle on the joints. Visit Nianow.com to see a video of Nia in action. Classes are led by certified Nia instructor Daniela Bell.

 

The class will be offered two times a week, six sessions each. You can register for one or both days:

Day	Date	No class	Time	Location	Sessions	Fee
Tuesdays	6/4-7/16	7/2	5 p.m.	Old church space	6	$30
Thursdays	6/6-7/18	7/4	9:30 a.m.	Old church space	6	$30

 

St. Pascal’s is located just four blocks north of Interstate 94 on White Bear Ave. (entrance at 1757 Conway Street). To register email Daniela Bell atdanielania@hotmail.com or call 763-656-3365. Deadline to register is May 28.

Battle Creek Park Clean Up Nets Ton+ Trash

Scott and Ryan Wood remove tires dumped along Pt. Douglas Road

In the 20 years of doing the Annual Battle Creek Park Earth Day Clean Up, this was the first year it had to be postponed. With six inches of snow on the ground the day the event was to take place, it was necessary to push it back a week. The weather was spectacular the morning of April 27 and all the snow had melted. Over 125 volunteers collected 1.6 tons of trash plus one cubic yard of recyclables from 11 different areas of the parkland.

Evan Moyer is joined by the McGruder family at Suburban Pond

Submitted by organizer, Sue Moyer, District 1 resident.

Fish Creek Wildflower Walk May 10

Join us for a hike along the creek with a naturalist from Maplewood Nature Center.   We’ll wander through the maple forest in search of blooming spring wildflowers.  If you’ve never visited the site, this is a great first trip.  This event was rescheduled from May 4^th due to the late spring.  Co-sponsored by The Friends of Maplewood Nature.

Date:  Friday, May 10, 2013

     Time:   6:30-8:00 PM
     Location:  Meet at Oakwood Church, 1388 Point Douglas Road South, St. Paul 55119

     FREE, Best for adults

               

Please register by May 8^th at 651-249-2170, or by email at info@maplewoodnaturecenter.com.  Wear sturdy shoes for this hike along primitive trails and uneven terrain.

Local Food Hubs - Low Cost seeds and seedlings!!

The snow is melted and the soil is ready… it’s gardening season once again! Registration is still open for Twin Cities residents who are interested in joining their local Hub, or neighborhood gardening network, where they can connect with other gardeners and get access to low-cost seeds and plants. The Local Food Resource Hubs will hold a Saint Paul seed and seedling distribution event on Saturday, May 18. The Saint Paul Hubs - THE EASTSIDE, Midway, and West 7th/Westside will hold their distribution from 9:30am-12:30pm at Gordon Parks High School (1212 University Ave W) (Griggs and University).

The Hubs are designed to provide household gardeners and community gardeners the tools and education they need to grow, preserve, cook and compost their own fresh produce by offering supplies, classes and connections. Hubs benefit neighborhoods by increasing community connectedness and increasing access to healthy food. Four Hubs have been established in Minneapolis: Northside, Southside, Phillips/Ventura Village, and Northeast/Southeast, and three Hubs will be active in St. Paul this year: Midway, East Side, and West 7^th/West Side.

Residents can join a Local Food Resource Hub and select one of three garden packages. Prices vary by size and scholarships are available. Memberships are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. To reserve a membership spot, residents can contact Gardening Matters at 612-821-2358, register at a seedling distribution on May 18, download the membership form (in English, Spanish, Hmong or Somali), or sign up online at www.gardeningmatters.org/hubs.

  

This is the third year of the Local Food Resource Hubs program. Last year the Local Food Resource Hubs Network included 600 members, distributed more than 14,000 packets of seeds and 15,000 seedlings, and measurably expanded residents’ food growing skills through classes and trainings. 

The Hubs are supported in part by the Minneapolis Department of Health and Family Support through the Statewide Health Improvement Program, Homegrown Minneapolis, Afro-Eco, CAPI, Waite House, the Northside Fresh Coalition, Ventura Village, Northeast Park, Colombia Park, Corcoran, and Powderhorn Park neighborhood associations, Southeast Como Neighborhood Improvement Association, Little Kitchen Foodshelf, East Side Food Co-op, Hamline-Midway Coalition, East Side Prosperity Campaign, Healthy West 7th Coalition, Growing the West Side, and many neighborhood partners. 

City's Tree Advisory Panel Has Vacancies from our area

The Tree Advisory Panel’s Mission:  To serve as a link between the Forestry section and the citizens of Saint Paul to preserve, promote and enhance the urban forest of Saint Paul.

TAP web link: http://www.ci.stpaul.mn.us/index.aspx?NID=3571

Monthly meetings are currently held on the third Wednesday of every month from 5:30-7 pm.

There is a vacancy for someone from Ward 7 (also Wards 5 and 6) and for a business representative.

This is a good opportunity for someone who has an interest in preserving the urban forest for environmental, economic, social, whatever reasons you may have.

The link above will take you to the place to get in touch with Rachel Coyle, a Saint Paul City Forester...