Board Meets for Annual Retreat/Orientation

The District 1 Board of Directors, with its two new directors, met at Culvers Restaurant on April 25 to discuss their roles and talk about their visions of our neighborhoods. This meeting is an opportunity to clarify responsibilities, learn about the structure and processes of the organization, and to have time to get to know fellow board members a bit better.

This year, we also had a presentation from a group of UMN Humphrey Institute students who have been researching the impact of immigrant populations on the neighborhood. With all the vacancies within our business district, we are interested to understand better how we can attract small business owners who may also be members of our immigrant communities. One thing we recognize, and that we have heard repeatedly from residents is that our business district lacks all kinds of diversity - too many fast food restaurants (or restaurants generally), and not enough retail or destination businesses. We have a very ethnically diverse neighborhood, but we lack a similar diversity in our businesses.

But how do we attract such business diversity when we are a neighborhood organization rather than a business association? Laura, Liz and Darrinn are developing some recommendations for us. And we need to look at the new census data to see if we can discern trends in our population - understanding these can help us do our job better.

When the final report is finished, we will post it on our website.

Next month, it is back to business and a regular community-oriented board meeting. We will be hearing from representatives of the Gateway Corridor and listening to YOU. Mark your calendars now - May 23 at 6:30p (location TBD shortly...).

Thanks to Doug and the crew at Culvers for their hospitality this month!

District 1 Residents Win Sustainability Awards

On April 20, the City of Saint Paul held its Sustainability Awards for 2011. The Mayor and City Council sponsor and recognize residents and organizations that are doing work that helps our city become "greener" and operate in a more sustainable way. Our corner of the city was well-represented at the ceremony.

Pete Emeott, who died last month after a long battle with cancer, was posthumously awarded the Exceptional Environmental Steward Award. His family - wife, Judy; sons Brian and Joe and their families - accepted in Pete's honor. Pete organized the "Senior Pick Up" at District 1's annual Community Clean Up for 25 years. In the past couple of years he doubled the number of seniors we were able to help out in hauling their materials to the collection site. We serve more seniors in this program than any other district council. Also, as Pete knew his illness was terminal, he made sure that the next generation of volunteers were prepared to take his place. In addition to this work, Pete had been a driver for seniors through the Red Cross (while they still did this!) and he was also deeply involved in the Minnesota Street Rod Association. If it had to do with cars, driving, and helping people out - Pete was there.

In addition to Pete's award, the District 1 Come Clean Initiative won a beautification award. Resident Sue Moyer, also known for her work with the Battle Creek Park Clean Up, helped organize the Come Clean group, which includes Byerly's, Sonic and Taco Bell (Border Foods), Creek Point Apartments, and Boys Totem Town, as well as District 1. This initiative was done in cooperation with St. Paul Public Works and Kathy Lantry's office and has expanded city-wide. Our group picks up litter on the I-94 overpasses at White Bear and Ruth Street, and along Suburban Avenue. We are always looking for more partners!!

It is nice to see the city recognizing the hard work that residents and businesses on this far eastside of St. Paul are doing!!

Congratulations everyone! Now... what is the next thing we need to do??

Eastside Facility to be Converted

Another eastside community asset for District 1 is being removed - Merrick Community Center at the Eastside Community Center, attached to Harding High School, will leave as a result of the trade of the Center from the City to the School System.

Check out this article at the Pioneer Press about it.

What social service agencies are going to be located in District 1 when Merrick leaves? We'll have the St. Paul Youth Services and the Conway-Battle Creek Living-at-Home/Block Nurse Program, and that's it...

Native Plant Expo and Market

On Saturday, June 4 from 9a to 3p there will be a chance to learn more about how native plants can benefit your property. And there will be a chance to buy native plants from a variety of local growers. This will take place at the Community Pavilion at Rainbow Foods, 1201 Larpenteur Avenue West in Roseville.

Everyone is welcome to this free event, so bring your friends and neighbors to a celebration and sale of plants that are native to our area. The only charge will be for the plants you purchase.

(Editor's note: and maybe this will help the sediment problem in the Mississippi River, too!!)


Submitted by the St. Paul Audubon Society

Mississippi River Clean Up Plan Open House

The National Park Service and Friends of the Mississippi River are co-hosting an open house to give members of the public a chance to learn about a clean up plan to decrease the sediment load, and to provide comments on the plan.

The open house will be held Wednesday, May 4 from 3:30-7:30p at the Merriam Park Library in Saint Paul (1831 Marshall Ave. at Fairview).

Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend, and pre-registration is not required. 

There will be educational displays with agency staff on-hand throughout the event to answer questions and explain the project in detail. 

Light refreshments will be available.

The clean-up plan should be released any day now, and will be posted with other project 

background info at http://goo.gl/KEYxn. Also see the Friends of the Mississippi River's 

website for additional information: 

http://www.fmr.org/participate/events/clean_up_open_house-2011-05-04.

Submitted by the National Park Service

Planning Commission approves the Suburban lot Site Plan/CUPs

This morning (4/15/11), the St. Paul Planning Commission approved the 4 conditional use permits (CUPs) that derived from the site plan for the 1891 Suburban Avenue car lot. The 3 CUPs for the auto specialty store and two drive-through fast food restaurants were approved unanimously on voice votes. The pawn shop CUP was more contentious.

At the core of the discussion was a brand new ordinance restricting the clustering of businesses that have the reputation/image of preying on the poor as they conduct banking-like transactions. This new ordinance is intended to keep payday (and other) check-cashing businesses, pawn shops and other institutions that have high transaction fees from coming to neighborhoods and locating within 1/4 mile of each other. The fear or experience is that a clustering of these types of enterprises lower property values and discourage other businesses from locating in the same area. The problem has been that neighborhoods with a large number of people living in poverty, who may not have banking accounts, have a concentration of businesses that charge high interest rates on loans, or large fees to cash checks.

In this case, the proposed pawn shop would be located less than 1/4 mile from The Piggy Bank - a money transfer/check cashing enterprise in Scenic Hills Center. The distance between them would be about 250 feet less than the required 1/4 mile. It is legal to MODIFY the distance requirement if certain circumstances warrant it. However, in this case, the proposal was coming just after the new ordinance took effect and several commissioners feared that approval of this CUP was setting a dangerous precedent.

District 1 had argued that the criteria allowing a modification were met, and that the proposal, with its $15 million in private investment, estimated 200 new jobs, and enhancements of the overall site plan - including a plan to deal with stormwater, was needed to help revitalize our business area. We had worked with the developer to outline restrictions that we felt would protect the neighborhood from some of the negative effects of the proposed development. The Zoning Committee, however, had recommended denial of the CUP, saying, essentially, that there was no testimony to say why the pawn shop couldn't be moved to the other side of the development, thus not needing the modification.

When the discussion of the motion to deny the CUP for the pawn shop began, one of the Commissioners, Bob Spaulding, offered an alternative to the restrictions that had been negotiated (it included all previous conditions, but added some more). Commissioners Spaulding, Oliver and Fernandez led the effort to produce the alternative and to urge its adoption. It was this alternative that was finally approved on a 12-4 vote with one abstention.

What is included in these conditions on the pawn shop? They can't buy, sell or deal in firearms at the location, the hours of operation are restricted, there is a restriction on the size the pawn shop can reach, there will be no outdoor sales, the presented site plan is what will be constructed, they will participate in a city-wide litter collection program (Come Clean!), the signage has to strictly comply with restrictions in our small area plan and in city code, and the CUP sunsets if the site is not developed in the manner presented within two years of the pawn shop starting operation.

The District 1 Community Council recognizes that not everyone in our neighborhoods is happy that this development will happen. We promise to be vigilant about the conditions imposed on the pawn shop. But we also feel that this is a major investment that will help us bring our Small Area Plan vision to fruition. The developer has listened to neighborhood concerns and has modified his plans repeatedly to deal with those concerns. We are hopeful that he will continue to be a good community member, and a good example to our other businesses. We are also hopeful that this influx of new jobs will help local residents find and maintain economic stability.

League of Women Voters holds District Council Presentation

On Wednesday, April 13, at 6-7:30p, the League of Women Voters will be holding a forum on St. Paul's District Councils. The gathering will be at 320 Griggs, the Edgecombe Recreation Center and is open to the public.

Several of the prominent LWV leadership team were involved in the development of the district council system back in the 1970s, and the League has expressed concern about the system in recent years.

At this gathering, Tait Danielson-Castillo, executive director of the Frogtown District Council, and Diane Wanner, the City's District Council Coordinator, will be presenting their perspectives on how the councils work.

Should be an interesting discussion...

Fitness Question and Answers

Question: Is it beneficial to get my body fat percentage checked and, if so, what method provides the best result?

Answer:  Whether or not you get your body fat checked depends on how meticulous you are when it comes to your own health and wellness. Some people are perfectly content to just workout and watch what happens. Others want to track and analyze everything and, as a result, like to have a starting point for body fat, amongst other things. If you’re in this latter group, then go ahead and get a test done. There are numerous ways to analyze your body fat percentage, from the very expensive to the ridiculously inexpensive, and the very accurate to the incredibly inaccurate. Some of the best methods include getting a DEXA scan, a Bod Pod measurement, or getting underwater weighed. However, these are the more expensive options, and require sophisticated equipment and skilled technicians. You could also try stepping on a Tanita scale, which uses something called bioelectrical impedance to determine your body fat percentage. Unfortunately, the accuracy is somewhat questionable with this method. When it comes to cost, accuracy, and practicality, you really can’t go wrong with a skinfold caliper test. It takes about 5 minutes, it might cost you $10-$50 (depending on whether a consult is included or not), and it’s reasonably accurate. Our personal trainers have done hundreds or even thousands of tests. And remember, the initial number isn’t necessarily all that important anyway. You just need a starting point—then, as long as that number trends down over time, that’s all that really matters, right?

Question: I’m a recreational basketball player and someone recently recommended plyometrics to me to enhance my performance on the court. Good idea?

Answer:  Plyometrics involves training the neuromuscular system in order to enhance your ability to perform explosive movements. In other words, plyometric exercises are used to increase the speed and force of muscular contractions, so if you’re serious about improving all facets of your game, they would be a nice addition to your current training regimen. You just need to make sure you’re in good enough shape first. A good, solid fitness base is required, meaning you should be relatively strong, flexible, coordinated, and agile. The exercises tend to generate large forces thanks to the intense, repetitive movements, so the risk of injury can be high. It’s best to do plyometrics on a soft surface, and with supervision, since proper technique is of prime importance. You also want to be careful about what exercises you select if you’re over 250 pounds. Lastly, it’s ideal if you’re well-rested and injury-free before engaging in these types of workouts. Try to find a qualified trainer that can help you incorporate plyometrics into your training and, as always, make sure they have experience in this particular area.

Question: Being of college age, I’m curious about the latest guidelines when it comes to alcohol intake. Can you help me out with benefits (if there are some) and risks?

Answer:  Absolutely! If you decide to consume alcohol (and I assume you have since you’re asking the question), the current recommendations would be no more than 2 drinks per day for men and 1 drink per day for women. This is defined as “moderate consumption,” though this certainly isn’t the norm for college-aged folks. As you’re probably aware, excessive alcohol intake can lead to a whole heap of problems including alcoholism, high blood pressure, elevated triglycerides (blood fats), obesity, stroke, heart failure, and even some cancers. But here’s the good news. Moderate alcohol consumption does have its health benefits as well, though this list isn’t nearly as long. The potential benefits include a slight increase in HDL (good cholesterol) and some anti-clotting properties as well, which may have an effect on heart attack and stroke risk. In fact, several studies have linked alcohol to reduced mortality from heart disease, though we can’t be sure that other lifestyle factors weren’t the primary cause. Bottom line—only you can decide how much of a role alcohol plays in your life. Just be responsible, drink moderately (if at all), and don’t drink and drive!

Submitted by David Tenner  the  club manager at Anytime Fitness in St.Paul on Suburban Ave. 

The Suburban Carlot Development

You may have been reading in various media that the proposal to develop the Suburban Avenue carlot was turned down at last week's City Zoning Committee meeting.

the parking lot site of proposed development

Let's get the facts straight... there were 4 conditional use permits (CUP) requested as a part of the site plan for the development - 2 for fast-food restaurants with drive-thrus, 1 for an auto specialty store, and 1 for the pawn shop. The Zoning Committee voted unanimously to approve the first three of these permits, but voted 3-2 against the pawn shop CUP.

This is a recommendation that the Zoning Committee sends to the full Planning Commission, and the 4 permits will be voted on this Friday morning by the Commission. They may or may not abide by the Zoning Committee's recommendation. The Planning Commission meeting is NOT a public hearing, so, although people can go listen to the proceedings, they cannot speak at the meeting. Sometimes the developer is asked some questions.

Here is why the Zoning Committee voted against the pawn shop -- the City just recently passed a new ordinance that governs how close pawn shops can be to "alternative financial institutions" - such as payday check-cashing places. That distance is 1/4 mile. The proposed pawn shop is within that 1/4 mile distance by some 250 feet. The City put this ordinance in place to prevent a clustering of alternative financial institutions in particular neighborhoods - such organizations may charge exorbitant fees to cash checks, for example.

Because this proposal is coming so soon after the passage of this new ordinance, the Zoning Committee did not want to undo what had just been accomplished.

But every ordinance such as this allows for exceptions.

We will see if the whole Planning Commission thinks the way the 3 Zoning Committee members did. Even if they do, the developer could appeal the decision to the City Council.

New Video on Community Clean Ups...

Here is a link to a city-produced video that explains what community clean ups are and why we do them. It also clearly explains the benefit to participants.

Enjoy!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0e1ohuKF9JM&hd=1


Submitted by the City of Saint Paul's "Come Clean" program (a program that was piloted in District 1 at the urging of community member Sue Moyer!!)

Great Park and Ride Meeting!

Last night (4/5/11) we had a great meeting to talk about the Lower Afton Park and Ride. Metro Transit folks were there to explain their reasoning for proposing an expansion of the existing lot. D1 board members, Allen Lovejoy from the City of St. Paul, and Kathy Lantry's aide, Ellen Biales were also there to hear the community reaction.

The community reaction was unified in its objection to the proposal, stating very clearly why the proposal is a bad idea, and offering alternatives. In addition, members of the local Dakota community came to educate us all on the meaning of this area to their culture, and the impact the proposal would have on them.

The City has extended the 60-day period for reaching a decision on this proposal, with an expected hearing before the Planning Commission in May. All community members are invited to attend that hearing and speak their minds. The District Council will formalize its recommendation between now and the hearing, based on community input and our reading of the City Code.

We are hopeful that we can convince Metro Transit that their proposal is a bad idea AND against regulations. We are also hopeful that a true community process can make these types of decisions transparent, honest, and meeting the needs of everyone.

Look for more news here as we continue through the process. Thanks to everyone who participated - community members AND officials.

News from the Watershed District

The Best Management Practices Cost Share Program has changed in your favor! Landowners, businesses, schools and government projects that work for cleaner water now only need to cover 25% of the total cost (up to our cap) and the District will cover the remaining 75%. Contact Julie at 651.792.7959 or at julie.vigness@rwmwd.org.

Also ATTENTION RAMSEY COUNTY RESIDENTS!! Abandoned (unused) Well Sealing Cost Share Program - unused wells could potentially allow water just below the ground to contaminate the deeper aquifers used for drinking water, thus threatening health, safety, and the environment. Sealing is done by a MN licensed contractor who will clear an unused well of debris and fill it with grout. For more info on getting your unused well sealed, for questions on eligibility or the cost share, contact Michael Goodnature at 651.266.7274 or go to www.co.ramsey.mn.us/cd/cost_share_funding.htm.

Finally, WaterFest needs YOU on May 21 between 10a-2p to help with various tasks. Volunteers get a free t-shirt and $5 coupon for the catered food at the event. Sign up to volunteer at www.rwmwd.org. Click on WaterFest then on the volunteer sign-up.

Submitted by the Ramsey Washington Metro Watershed District