Hawkins Inc. makes changes

There is a proposal by Hawkins (at 1425 Red Rock Rd.) to redo their parking lot and driveways and improve security at their industrial site with a guard house. We have copies of the plan in our office if you are interested. Hawkins provides services and products to 98% of the water treatment plants at municipalities in Minnesota. The changes they are making are required by homeland security...

The meeting at the city about the site plan will be Tuesday, October 5.

Great River Road Signage

Come visit our office to see the new historical sign that will go into Battle Creek Park. We have a mock-up of the sign that talks about the history of the park. This is part of a project to bring information to residents and visitors about the river and how to find your way along it in St. Paul.

The signs are at the office for a while and the city is looking for feedback. They will also be posted at the city's website. (Look under Scenic Byway Signage) Construction will begin next spring.

Tree Damage from Storms

The City wants you to know how to deal with tree damage and debris from storms. They send this message:

"The City of Saint Paul Parks and Recreation Department does not manage and/or remove private tree debris as a result of storms. All public debris is managed by the Forestry section, however. Tree debris on private property is the responsibility of the homeowner.

FAQs about this issue can be found at this link and provide homeowners with answers to common questions as well as a link to the Ramsey County free compost/brush sites."

It is important to know where the public space is in some of our neighborhoods where there isn't a clearly defined boulevard with a sidewalk...

Streets for People

Here are some examples of sidewalk and street designs that are meant to encourage walking and a lively business district. These are from Curitiba, Brazil - a city that is considered the Sustainability Capital of that country. They tried some very innovative ways to encourage people to be out on the streets and to find their way to the large pedestrian mall in that city.

See what you think about these! And notice how they indicate where to walk, park or drive by the different pavement colors...

Fitness Class at BC Middle School Needs Participants

If you are looking for a fitness class, this one is starting next week and needs more participants to avoid being canceled...

Cardio Resistance Combo - Learn how to get in shape and stay fit using exercises you can do at home. We will use steps, flex bands, fee weights and our own bodies for resistance. Come ready to sweat and have some fun. Bring a resistance band and a pair of 2-5 lb weights to class.

Cost is $58, Wednesdays beginning September 29 5:45-6:45p at Battle Creek Middle School for 8 sessions. Call 651.293.8733 to register.

Candidate Forums

The League of Women Voters is holding several candidate forums in our area:

Oct 4 - Merrick Community Center, 1526 E. 6th St - 6-7:30p - candidates for state Senate district 67 - Dino Guerin, John Harrington and Krysia Weidell

Oct 12 - Merrick Community Center, 1526 E. 6th St. - 6-7:30p - candidates for state House district 67B - Sheldon Johnson and Cheryl Golden-Beck

These are your chances to hear from the candidates for offices that represent this area in the Minnesota State Legislature.

Remember, the general election is Tuesday November 2, 2010.

Critical Area Zoning

On Wednesday, September 29 from 4-7p there will be an open house to present the proposed new rules to govern the Mississippi River Critical Area. The open house is at Schaar's Bluff Gathering Center (in Spring Lake Park Reserve) at 8395 127th St. East, Hastings, MN.

Visitors will be able to provide feedback on the draft districts and standards. Parties wanting to enter comments on the public record will need to submit them during the public hearing if the DNR proposes the rule for adoption. But this open house can give you a chance to start formulating a response for the public hearing.

You can get more information at this website.

Update on Zoning Issues in D1

We have been busy lately with some zoning issues...

The proposal for a pawn shop that was originally turned down MAY be resubmitted. We heard again from local businesses and some neighbors about this proposal - they have not been supportive.

Also there is a request for a parking variance at 1499 Pacific. This home has a converted garage and therefore no off-street parking spot.

At the CP Rail hump-yard, the city is trying to get equipment to monitor the noise levels all day long.

Zoning for Parks

Soon there will be a special zoning category for parks in Saint Paul. All areas of the city are identified according to their use - residential, commercial, industrial. These zoning categories make it clear where single family homes, shops, commercial endeavors and heavy industrial activity should be located.

Saint Paul has never had zoning protection for parks. Since there is no 'park zone', parks can be zoned residential or even industrial. The new Parks and Recreation Plan adopted by the City Council earlier this year requires that the zoning code be amended to include a new park zoning district. The City will begin working on these zoning code changes in early 2011. The zoning change will make park ownership more transparent and reinforce the no-net-loss policy for parkland in Saint Paul.

Pete Regnier, a representative of the Friends of the Parks and Trails, seved on the Parks and Recreation Task Force supporting this change. "This effort took over 20 years but it is a big victory for the Friends and the residents of the City. It will provide additional protection and help preserve parkland in our city," said Peggy Lynch, Executive Director of the Friends.

Reprinted from the Park Notes of the Friends of the Parks and Trails of St. Paul and Ramsey County.

How to Remove Buckthorn

Buckthorn remains a major threat to the diversity of the urban forest and removal of this invasive small tree is critical. Learn how to identify and remove this pest. Adults and teens are invited to a free class at Maplewood Nature Center, 2659 7th St. E. Maplewood, 55119. Registration is required by September 14 by calling 651.249.2170. This is a perfect class for a leader who plans to work with community members on a buckthorn removal project.

reprinted from the Park Notes, newsletter of the Friends of the St. Paul and Ramsey County Parks