Community Design Center and Suburban Avenue

Here are some photos of the work the Community Design Center did to bring a fresh look to Suburban Avenue this summer. We had some questions from residents early in the summer as to why it took so long to get the planters done - their program involves getting kids involved in this important community work, and those kids don't start until after school is out. But look at the results!! These photos show it from start to finish.

Thanks to the young people and the staff of the Community Design Center for their efforts! And to Kathy Lantry's office for the funding to make it happen...

Ash and Oak Resources

The City of St. Paul has a plan for removing ash trees on the public right of way, but perhaps you have questions about when this might happen in your area, or what to do about the ash trees in your own yard. Here is the link to the resources the city has for you... Ash borers in Saint Paul

There are maps by ward of the planned removal. Our ward is Ward 7.

We also have numerous oaks in our district. It is important NOT TO PRUNE OAKS UNTIL FALL!! The fungus responsible for oak wilt is easily transmitted when trees are pruned. Wait until after frost for trimming oaks. Here is a link to city resources regarding oaks... Oak wilt in Saint Paul.

Tutor at Battle Creek Middle School

Hello, my name is Kristina Mandell and I am an Americorps VISTA member working at Battle Creek Middle School in cooperation with the St. Paul Public Schools Foundation. As the Tutoring Coordinator, I am charged with staffing and evaluating the school's tutoring program. Through tutoring the school and I hope to not only work together to close the achievement gap and give these children the skills necessary to succeed, but also to provide them with role models and mentors that they can look up to. Volunteers may provide the support needed to overcome some of the problems facing our students today!

Battle Creek Middle School is a very diverse school and has many children who need help. 86% of the student body is eligible for free or reduced lunches (the district's measure of children living near of below the poverty line) and 49% of them are English Language Learners. These are factors that can lead a child to remain in a cycle of generational poverty unless we do something to reach out to them at this tender age.

We need your help and the help of the caring and compassionate individuals in the neighborhood. We ask for at least one hour of service a week between the hours of 9am and 3:40pm. I am available for any questions you may have about this opportunity. Phone 651.293.8960 or by email at kristina.mandell@spps.org

(Editorial note: Remember, Battle Creek Middle School is going through some changes this year, too, with its merger with Hazel Park Middle School... there will be even more students at the school who can use a tutor! Can you step up to this challenge?? Battle Creek Middle School is located at 2121 North Park Drive.)

Bike Rodeo a Big Success!

We had a lively crowd of young people join us and the Police Department for a Bike Safety Rodeo on Saturday, July 24. It was a beautiful day to learn about the rules of the road!! There were 23 young people who received new helmets, safety vests and other gifts for participating as well as the information they need to be safe while riding their bicycles.

We would like to thank Councilwoman Kathy Lantry's office for the grant that funded the helmets, vests, and other give-aways, the Police Bike Patrol and Reserves, SunRay Shopping Center and Bruegger's Bagels for their donations making this event possible. Our Safety Task Force and the Valeri family, in particular, were also vital to this event.

Look what we can do when we work together!! Safety FIRST!!

Local Yard and Garden Sale in August

Progressive Baptist Church, 1505 Burns Ave., will be holding its first annual Yard and Garden Sale in their parking lot on August 21 from 8a to 4p. Proceeds from the sale go to support a new Day Care Center they will be starting at the Church.

Please come out to support their efforts to improve the lives of local children - and beautify your yard at the same time!!

Critical Area Rules Update

Here is a link to the information about the process underway to update the Mississippi River Critical area rules. The Friends of the Mississippi River are tracking the public responses to the proposed changes.

These rule changes will affect areas of Highwood Hills and Battle Creek, and the industrial area along the river and at Pigs Eye Lake. We have a stake in this, folks!!

Block Nurse Program has a Fundraiser

The Conway Battle Creek Block Nurse Living at Home Program is holding a fundraising sale on Saturday and Sunday July 24 and 25 from 9a to 2p. THIS DATE IS WRONG IN THE DISTRICT 1 NEWS. Our apologies for the misprint in the paper, but we encourage everyone to get out and support this worthy program that serves elders in our neighborhood.

The sale will be held at Grace Lutheran Church, 1730 Old Hudson Rd.

Being a Good Neighbor

As the District 1 staff member, I usually try to avoid editorializing, but something happened in my own neighborhood that made me think about some things happening in this neighborhood. So I thought I would give my opinion and see what other people think...

What happened is that there was a party over the weekend in the backyard a few houses from me that went late into the night (only broken up by rain at about 1am). What is happening in District 1 is that the Cherry Pit is asking for a noise variance for bands to play in August, and residents along Point Douglas are living with screeching, squealing brakes by CPRail... So here is my take on being a good neighbor when it comes to noise:

When someone in the neighborhood has an outdoor party or other activity that generates noise, it is as if everyone in the neighborhood is invited - whether they want to be or not; attendance at the activity is compulsory - neighbors have no choice as to whether they join in; and these participants must stay until the "host" goes to bed, or decides to stop doing whatever they are doing. No choice is given to neighbors in any of this. One person/household/business

We tend to believe that residents at a location have the right to do whatever they want to do on their own property, or in their own homes. Of course, if we actually think about it, this isn't true at all. There are laws that govern certain kinds of activities that are illegal or that are a danger to the health and safety of people - including to those who want to participate in these activities... But there are also community rights. Our personal rights do not override someone else's personal rights. And there are things that are good for us collectively that may not be the best for any one of us individually. We have to define the common good...

There are restrictions in the city about when noise should be limited and the times are generally between 10p and 7a. There are restrictions about the level of noise and the type of noise. And there is a mechanism to be granted a variance of the rules. (To read about what is allowed, check out this site in the city code. Search on Noise...)

There are some neighbors in D1 who don't understand why the railroad doesn't have to abide by any rules, or try to be a good neighbor. And others in D1 who wonder if the Cherry Pit knows what makes a good neighbor.

So anyway, let me know what you think....

Request for Conditional Use Permit

The old Sinclair station at 373 N. Ruth (where the Disabled Veterans donation site has been recently) is being given a new life. Cash 'n Pawn is proposing to open a pawn shop at this site, an allowed use, if a conditional use permit is obtained...

The District Council has a call into the owner to request information on how the site would be developed. We do not want this corner to look as if the business is temporary.

For comments, contact Luis Pereira at 651.266.6591. The hearing at the Zoning Committee is set for July 22 at 3:30p, 3rd floor, City Hall Council Chambers.

Free Energy Efficiency Workshops Coming To District 1

Save Money and Energy through the District 1 Neighborhood Energy Program!

Thursday, July 22, 2010 &

Tuesday, July 27, 2010
6:30-8pm
Conway Rec Center
2090 Conway St.

Neighborhood organizations are teaming up to offer a residential energy efficiency program to Saint Paul residents.

The first step is to attend a FREE workshop on saving energy and money in your home. Next, you schedule a home visit where the Home Energy Squad will install energy-saving materials for only a $30 co-pay. Finally, we provide one year of personalized home energy reporting.

Improving your home’s energy efficiency can save you hundreds of dollars yearly. By attending our free workshop you’ll qualify to receive the home visit with up to $400 dollars worth of goods and services for only $30. At the workshop you’ll also receive a free “starter kit.” This incredible opportunity is only available through attending a neighborhood workshop.

This program is moving neighborhood to neighborhood throughout St. Paul, and you can participate! Please RSVP to Carl at 612-278-7123, or email csamuelson@greeninstitute.org. Plus, tell a friend because this deal is too good not to share!

For more information check out our Facebook Page at http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Free-Energy-Efficiency-Workshop/130694646968049 or our website at http://nes.mncerts.org.

Sound Variance Request at Cherry Pit

The Cherry Pit, 735 N. White Bear Avenue, has requested a sound variance for a live music event in their parking lot on August 14 from 7:30 to midnight. The City of St. Paul is recommending that the end time be 11:30p instead of midnight.

There is a public hearing at the City Council (15 W. Kellogg, 3rd floor) on July 21 at 5:30p. The public is welcome to come speak about this proposal OR to send written comments to:

City of Saint Paul, Department of Safety and Inspections

375 Jackson St., Suite 220

St. Paul, MN 55101-1806

If you have comments about this - send them on!!