City Looking for Brd of Zoning Appeals Members

The Mayor's Office is looking to appoint members to the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA); one member left earlier this year, the terms of two members and the alternate are up, and there is an opening for another alternate. The membership requirements are listed below. These folks help decide when a variance is awarded, and also deal with appeals of administrative decisions about zoning, etc. If you are interested, please ask fill out the application form on the City's website here: http://www.stpaul.gov/index.aspx?NID=560

The member requirements are:

Sec. 61.203. - Board of zoning appeals.

(a)        Creation and membership. There is hereby established a board of zoning appeals, which shall perform its duties and exercise its powers as provided by law in such a way that the objectives of this zoning code shall be observed, public safety secured, and substantial justice done. The board shall consist of seven (7) regular members and two (2) alternate members appointed by the mayor with the consent of the council. Of the regular members, one (1) member so appointed shall be a member of the planning commission with appointment coinciding with planning commission term. The appointments of the remaining six (6) of the members shall be for the following period: two (2) members for one (1) year, two (2) members for two (2) years, two (2) members for three (3) years. Following the original appointments, each member shall be appointed to hold office for the full three-year term. The regular members of the board of zoning appeals shall annually elect its own chairman, vice-chairman and secretary. Alternate members shall serve a term of three (3) years and may vote on matters before the board only in the absence of a regular member(s). The compensation of the appointed members of the board of zoning appeals shall be fixed by the council by resolution.

All members of the board of zoning appeals shall be qualified electors of the city and no member shall be an official or employee of the city.

The current BZA members are:

FIRST                                                                                                     DATE

APPOINTED         MEMBER                                                               TERM EXPIRES

04/87               MADDOX, JOYCE                          11/01/12

03/04               BOGEN, GLORIA                           12/31/14

03/00               COURTNEY, VINCENT                12/31/14

08/06               WARD, DANIEL                             12/31/14

                        Planning Commissioner

01/09               MORTON, GLADYS                       12/31/2013

01/95               WILSON, BUZZ                               11/01/2012

                        ALTERNATE

02/04               PORTER, MARILYN                     11/01/2012

If anyone wants more information about the BZA and what they do, they can contact Wendy Lane or the BZA staff person, Yaya Diatta (651-266-9080).

Status of the Conway Rec Talks

After our meeting with Parks on November 26, we have been lining up task force members for the Conway Community Advisory Group (CAG), and setting an initial schedule for our meetings. On Dec. 3, District 1 staff met with City Council President Kathy Lantry, Parks Director Mike Hahm, Deputy Director Kathy Korum, and Recreation Services Manager Gwen Peterson, to finalize the process by which the discussions will take place.

The Conway CAG will consist of 7 community members drawn from the varied interested parties and 3 parks officials (Hahm, Korum and Peterson). In addition, District 1 staff and Council President Lantry's office will attend to act as scribes and resources for the group. This group will begin meeting in early January, meet twice monthly for a while and then monthly, with the expectation that their work will be completed by the end of June. Minutes of those meetings will be posted here.

In between the CAG meetings, there will be several meetings of the community where everyone will be given the chance to provide input. The January and February District 1 board meetings will be largely devoted to gathering this input. The March Annual Meeting will be a series of open houses where the community can speak face-to-face with officials about this topic (among others). In addition, any group or any individual who would like to speak to someone about their ideas or concerns can contact the District 1 office and we will be happy to take your information back to the task force. (651.578.7600 or district1council@aol.com)

Information and updates will be periodically posted here, on our Facebook page and announced via our Twitter account. If you are on the E-democracy listserv, an announcement will also appear there, directing you to this blog. The District 1 News will also contain articles about the work that is being done.

We want this process to be as open and productive as possible so that Conway Rec remains the vital community center that it is and has been.

Thanks to every community member who attended the community meeting, who spoke up, emailed, called, wrote, or signed petitions. Your voices are powerful!

News from the Council

As you may have noticed, construction is well underway at the old Suburban Avenue carlot. Folks from Pawn America have told us that the pawn shop will be ready to open in January, and that Exchange Street, also in the same building, will open sometime in February. Testing and construction work is beginning on the other buildings and on the landscaping for the rain gardens, etc.

At Conway Rec Center, and unrelated to our recent community actions there, the totlot is open and in use, and the kids' mural is finally installed on the east wall of the center. This latter work was mysteriously delayed in installation since it was finished this summer. We are happy to see both projects completed.

Finally, a heads up that our office will be minimally staffed from Dec 17 until after the first of the new year. If you need a recycling bin before the new year, you must call no later than Tuesday Dec. 11. Otherwise, you can try calling ahead to see if someone will be there to hand them out, or just wait until after the first of the year.

Historic Black College Tour

Recently, 84 Minnesota students returned from a five day trip- touring colleges and universities in the South. The 8^th annual HBCU college tour, sponsored by the Education Ministry at Progressive Baptist Church (on Burns Avenue) in St. Paul, exposed students to campus life at various HBCUs in Oklahoma and Texas including: Langston University, Texas College, Wiley College, Prairie View A&M University, and Texas Southern University.

Every October, the Education Ministry takes students, who otherwise would not have an opportunity, on tours of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).  These tours have proven to be great successes as 95% of the students who have participated in these tours have gone on to pursue higher education.

It is the vision of Rev. Dr. Earl F. Miller; Senior Pastor, and JoAnn Clark; Education Ministry Chair, that every child be exposed to higher education.

“We are just living our mission of providing our youth with the tools and support necessary for educational and lifelong success.”  This is Mrs. JoAnn Clark’s passion; providing youth with an opportunity to succeed.  She is doing that through the Education Ministry at Progressive Baptist Church. (JoAnn is also a long-standing board member of the District 1 Community Council.)

Driven and motivated by her love for youth, JoAnn has orchestrated numerous programs which include mentor matching, tutoring, outreach and others. This ministry provides an atmosphere that is conducive to learning and allows individual intellectual growth. Progressive’s Education Ministry does not just stop at home.  It thrives on reaching all youth in the community, regardless of religious affiliation.

As stated by Rev. Dr. Earl F. Miller; “We want to expose young people to post high school educational opportunities and sometimes you have to go to those opportunities.”

Next fall, students will be headed to North Carolina. To find out more about the tour, to donate, or to inquire about participating in next year’s tour, email pbccollegetour@gmail.com or visit the website at www.wix.com/pbccollegetour/progressive

Summary of Conway Discussion: November 26, 2012

Thank you to EVERYONE who attended or supported this meeting, and to everyone who made the meeting possible.

About 150 people attended this meeting. From the City, Michael Hahm – Director of Parks and Recreation, Kathy Korum – Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation, Gwen Peterson – Manager of Recreation Services, and Kathy Lantry – City Council President and Ward 7 Councilmember. Other officials in attendance: State Representative – Sheldon Johnson; State Senator-Elect – Foung Hawj; representing County Commissioner Jim McDonough – John Cotroneo

Questions asked by Community members:

What is the mission and purpose of Parks and Recreation?

How does the mission of a rec center change with privatization?

What is the end goal of privatization?

Why is Parks and Rec the first place to cut when budget problems hit?

How and why did privatization come up?

What evidence is there that privatization increases participation?

What evidence is there that privatization increases or at least maintains access for the full demographics of an area?

Does privatization shift costs from all property owners to paying participants?

Who benefits from privatization?

How does privatization work?

How do you define users of a recreation center? Paying participants or simply those who make use of the facilities?

What is the vision for Conway Rec Center? (what will be effect on current programs?)

How do we maintain facilities and security at facilities?

How do we hold Parks and Recreation accountable?

How do we address the money/budget issue?

Where does the money go that is saved by privatization?

What will be the effect on Conway (and other rec centers) of new transportation opportunities that are coming (e.g. Gateway Corridor)?

What services does this community need?

Why is a joint rec center and library complex what Payne-Phalen needs, but not this neighborhood?

What costs will there be for neighbors?

Comments by Community Members:

Recognize that the Eastside is a special place – and recreation centers help create that. Neighborhood rec centers are part of what makes Saint Paul special - livable.

Recreation centers are neighborhood assets – they increase property values of surrounding properties and are an attraction to bring renters to local apartment complexes (along with library). The look of an area matters.

Recreation centers need to provide positive alternatives for youth; they are fundamentally a crime prevention asset, provide leadership development for youth, as well as emphasizing healthy behaviors.

Recreation centers are community gathering spaces, provide meeting space, and build community for an area. They foster people of all ages and backgrounds.

Recreation centers provide openness and opportunity for all, both in formal and informal ways.

Recreation centers provide a place for every one regardless of age, income or home type.

There is a shift in the demographics for this area – more kids, not everyone is middle class, not everyone can drive across town (or across the eastside) to a rec center.

Walkability is important for safety, sense of community, look and feel of a neighborhood (and for economic well-being).

What needs to remain (specific comments about Conway programming):

openness to all ages and incomes

Community garden

the 2^nd largest football program in the city

totlot

after school programs – Rec Check, Summer Blast

joint programming with the library

senior/elder programs

tax assistance through AARP

community gathering space – place to meet neighbors

a safe place; supervision of outdoor areas

activities for girls as well as boys

tennis

basketball

summer free lunches/meals

What could be added (some suggestions about programming):

seniors and youth supporting each other

volunteer opportunities

meals for seniors

Other suggestions:

think creatively

can we involve colleges and universities?

The community is the partner that can make this center successful.

Ask ourselves, why is there a divestment of public funds? And who is actually invested in the city – its residents or a private entity?

____

For a summary of next steps and how to stay informed about this issue, see our November 26, 2012 blog post.

We will begin planning Conway's future in early January (to run through June, 2013). If you are interested in committing to frequent planning meetings to create this future, contact the District 1 Community Council office at 651.578.7600 or district1council@aol.com. There will be a small group of diverse community members appointed to this important group, and then frequent opportunities for two-way communication among the task force representatives and all community members throughout the process.

Contact Information from the Conway Rec Center Meeting

We'd like to thank the local State and City of St. Paul representatives who attended tonight's meeting to help clarify details about the future of Conway Recreation Center.  Also, those who attended this evening's meeting should thank one another for taking the time to participate.  Such participation will make District 1 a more vibrant Community within St. Paul.

Below are some links at which you can contact District 1, engage in discussions with your neighbors, and find out more about events in your community:

E-Democracy St. Paul District 1 Neighbors: Click Here

District 1 Community Council Facebook group: Click Here

District 1 Community Council Website: Click Here

District 1 Community Council on Twitter: Click Here

Please note that we recently posted a blog article featuring some updates from the office of Kathy Lantry, including news as follows:

"In order to facilitate this conversation, the Parks and Recreation Department has agreed to maintain all of its current programming at the recreation center for the next 6 months. During this period, we would like to engage the broader community in planning for the future of the recreation center and how best to maintain the programs and services that neighbors feel are important."

 For a link to the full blog article, please click here.  Thanks again to everyone who attended the meeting, and please stay in touch.

Experience Red and Blue Cares Event!!

Check out the city's YouTube video of the Red and Blue Cares shopping extravaganza that took place at Target on November 17. This was the second year of this Thanksgiving event.

http://www.youtube.com/stpaulgov

This was a partnership between Saint Paul Police and Fire Departments, Target, Eastern Heights Elementary and Highwood Hills Elementary schools, and District 1.

Thanks to all our partners for a chance to share the feeling of the Thanksgiving holiday!

Conway Announcement - Planning Process to Come

Folks, there is news from Kathy Lantry's office about Conway. The city is putting the privatization on hold for six months while we get a public process together to decide what the future looks like at the Rec Center.

Here is the main part of the letter she sent:

"I want to let you know that the City and the Parks and Recreation Department have heard the concerns expressed by a number of people in the neighborhood and we understand the apprehension that people feel about major changes taking place at the recreation center. We have heard about the importance of recreation programming to the area and in this location in particular.

"It is important that we all take some time to clarify what this change means and give the community a chance to evaluate and articulate what they feel are the most important programs and services that need to be maintained at this location going forward.

"In order to facilitate this conversation, the Parks and Recreation Department has agreed to maintain all of its current programming at the recreation center for the next 6 months. During this period, we would like to engage the broader community in planning for the future of the recreation center and how best to maintain the programs and services that neighbors feel are important."

Let's be clear that the city is NOT saying that the center will remain public, but that they will take time to engage the community in deciding what is there.

So we still want people to come to the rally next Monday, November 26 at 6:30p, and be prepared to talk about what they want to see as the future of this recreation center. Is it a center that focuses on organized sports? Or unstructured playtime? Or both? Does it provide opportunities for all age groups - infant to elder? If so, what does that look like? Are there things happening there now that must remain? Are there things NOT happening there that need to be added?

What does this center mean for the community?

Have a good, safe Thanksgiving, and please join us next Monday at Conway Rec at 6:30p.

Public Meeting/Rally for Conway

We will be holding a public meeting/rally so that residents can voice their concerns about the plans to privatize Conway Rec Center. The meeting will be Monday, November 26 at 6:30p at the Conway Rec Center, 2090 Conway St.

Parks officials will be there and we have invited our elected representatives, too.

Please join us to let the City know what this rec center means to our neighborhood.

BRT Service Recommended for St. Paul

The Gateway Corridor’s Alternatives Analysis study is nearly complete and a preferred transit option has been recommended. The Gateway Corridor Commission has identified a new dedicated Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line along Hudson Road from St. Paul to Woodbury as the best option for the region. The BRT option will have buses running all day on dedicated lanes with station stops every mile to half mile.

The line will provide a fast, reliable and convenient trip for travelers into downtown St. Paul and on to Minneapolis and other regional destinations.  The Hudson Road route will include 10 transit stations, including five Park and Ride stations and five walk-up stations.

The Gateway Corridor Commission also released a draft of the Alternatives Analysis Final Report for public comment. The public is encouraged to provide additional comments on the narrowing of alternatives by visiting the Gateway Corridor website at www.thegatewaycorridor.com.  Once all comments are received the report will be revised as necessary.  The Commission is scheduled to approve the final report at its January 10 meeting.

The next phase of the study, preparation of a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS), is expected to start in early 2013. The Commission advanced the BRT Option along Hudson Road as well as LRT (Light Rail Transit) along Hudson Road, the second highest ranked option.  Both options have the same route, station stops and similar service plans.

For more information on the Gateway Corridor, please visit http://www.thegatewaycorridor.com or the Gateway Corridor Facebook page.

Last Chance for Gateway Corridor Feedback...

The Gateway Corridor transit study is close to being complete, but you still have a chance to provide input. Your feedback has been crucial to the transit study process. The Commission encourages all community members to provide additional comments on the Draft Final Alternatives Analysis Report.

The Draft Final Alternatives Analysis Report is now available. The report includes the extensive transit analysis, community engagement and decision making process that led to the Gateway Corridor Commission’s identification of a preferred transit route; a dedicated Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line along Hudson Road from St. Paul to Woodbury.

Comments can be submitted by email or mail by Dec. 3.

Email: GatewayCorridor@co.washington.mn.us

Mail: Gateway Corridor, Washington County Regional Railroad Authority, 11660 Myeron Road North, Stillwater, MN 55082

All public comments will be included in the Final Report and the Commission anticipates approving the report at its December 13 meeting. The contents of the Final Report will help guide the next phase of the transitway development process, which is the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS). It is anticipated that the DEIS will begin in early 2013. Visit www.thegatewaycorridor.com for more details on the transit study.

Winterizing Homes with Loans

Winter weather is here. It’s time to insulate your home and replace that old boiler or furnace before the cold winds snap your energy budget.

Thanks to a grant from the Saint Paul STAR program, the Neighborhood Energy Connection now offers the Energy Smart Homes deferred loan program for Saint Paul homeowners and landlords. The loan helps pay for efficient energy improvements. There is no minimum or maximum income requirement to participate.

Energy Smart Homes is a zero interest deferred loan. No payments are ever made and no interest is added to the principal. The original principal comes due in 15 years, or when the borrower sells their home or refinances their mortgage and takes cash back. 

Borrowers can cover from 50% to the entire cost of their energy projects using an Energy Smart Homes loan, but they must match the financing 1:1. The match can be covered with cash, with other financing (the NEC has several safe and flexible financing options or can refer you to other programs), or with payment toward other qualified home improvements.

Energy Smart Homes loans can be used to purchase and install attic and wall insulation, air sealing, and for furnace/boiler replacement. Minimum efficiency standards apply.

Get started today. The nonprofit Neighborhood Energy Connection looks forward to helping you with your project and ensuring that you receive all applicable utility rebates and other incentives. Step one is to call LeAnne at the NEC: 651.221.4462 x132, or email leannek@thenec.org. Program details available at the Neighborhood Energy Connection website: www.TheNEC.org.

Energy Smart Homes is made possible with funds from the Saint Paul STAR program.

Tax Reform Town Hall Nov. 12

YOU ARE INVITED to a Tax Reform Town Hall in St. Paul!  More tax reform events may be scheduled in St. Paul but we wanted to be sure you know about this event.  Please SPREAD THE WORD to your network so others know about the town hall and empowered to give their feedback.  We want to hear from as many Minnesotans as possible.

 Metropolitan State University in partnership with Representatives Sheldon Johnson and Tim Mahoney will be hosting Minnesota Department of Revenue Commissioner Myron Frans at a tax reform town hall meeting on Monday, November 12^th at 7 PM in the Ecolab Community Room on the campus of Metro State University (St. Paul Campus, 700 E 7th St, St. Paul, MN 55106). 

The town hall conversation will feature a short presentation about Minnesota’s tax system, followed by questions and discussion with area residents, business leaders, local officials and legislators. 

Commissioner Frans is seeking input on:

·            What fair taxation means to Minnesotans

·            What we should look for in a good tax system

·            How we can simplify Minnesota’s tax system

This town hall is just one of the many conversations Revenue officials are having with Minnesotans to gather tax reform ideas for Gov. Mark Dayton.

The meetings are open to the public and area residents are encouraged to participate. And again please SPREAD THE WORD to your network so others know about the town hall and are empowered to give their feedback. 

St. Paul Tax Reform Town Hall

Monday, November 12^th at 7 PM

Ecolab Community Room

Metro State University (St. Paul campus)

700 E 7th St, St. Paul, MN 55106

Or for more information about our tax reform outreach go to www.revenue.state.mn.us/tax_reform and www.twitter.com/mnrevenue.

Community Thanksgiving Meal

Once again this year, Our Saviour Lutheran Church, 674 Johnson Parkway, is holding its East Side Community Thanksgiving Day Meal.  This meal is for families in need, is free, and space can be reserved by calling 651.774.2396. Of  course, it is held this year on Thursday, November 22 and will be from noon to 1p.

This is the sixth year this event has been going on, allowing us all to be thankful that we have institutions in our area committed to building community among ALL our residents!!

Fall Street Sweeping

Saint Paul Public Works will sweep all 871 miles of city streets. Watch for the NO PARKING signs and be sure to move your car. It is NOT okay to rake your leaves into the street. More info at 651 266-9700. Visit stpaul.gov/sweep to find out when your street will be swept. Click here to sign up to receive notifications about new videos and other city updates:https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/STPAUL/subscriber/new?

Here is a link to a video explaining the process...

Street Sweep video


Every year we have people sweeping their leaves into the street -- this INCREASES YOUR TAXES because it requires more trips to the dump for city workers, and it takes longer to get the sweeping done.

In addition, it is BAD for the environment to have those leaves getting into the sewer and that way to the river...

Clean Up Follow-up

Not all the news is bad... (Please continue to contact the Mayor and Kathy Lantry about Conway, though...)

Mary and Joe help out from the cmty gardens

TVs need to be recycled

Last weekend we had 189 loads of stuff come through the Grace Lutheran Church parking lot as families disposed of things they no longer needed. We served 30 seniors who needed help bringing their stuff to the site. Bridging was there again to collect reusable items for women and families in transition, the Center for Victims of Torture was there collecting bikes for their clients - and they collected kids' bikes to donate to the "Bikes for Kids" event that Allina was holding that day, and representatives from Totem Town Community Garden and the Garden of Feed'em were there to collect reusable garden equipment. At the end of the (gray and rainy) day, reusable items were also taken to Goodwill.

Youth help out their community

We had help from youth from Boys Totem Town, who always do a great job unloading cars. And we had many wonderful volunteers from the community, including several young people working with their folks.

We don't have totals on the amount of stuff that was collected, but we had a dumpster+ full of metals, a dumpster+ full of mattresses, a dumpster of electronics plus a carload of computers, several mowers, 16 baby carseats, a dumpster full of cardboard, lots of appliances and tires, and a partial load of clean wood. All of this stuff is recycled.

There was also plenty of garbage.

Remember that next year District 1 residents will be able to attend TWO clean ups, one in early June, and another in September. We hope that this increases participation and decreases the amount of stuff you have to put up with, cluttering your life and home.



Thanks to all our wonderful volunteers! And thanks to Grace Lutheran Church for hosting!!

Decision to Privatize Conway

We have heard, and it has been confirmed that the Mayor plans to privatize Conway Rec Center. In his budget there are two rec centers that are scheduled to be handed over to private entities - they are Conway and McDonough... This means that there would be no city staff at the rec center. The fields would still be used for sports, but the plans are for a private soccer group to take over the building - who knows what that means for access to the fields. The group being courted for this takeover is the Tony Sanneh Soccer Foundation. The senior activities would continue... 

We find this privatization absolutely unacceptable. We have already had two rec centers in our area privatized - we have made our sacrifice. We should not be asked to do so again. We have already experienced the problems that come when there is no one supervising the grounds around these centers. With the new splash pad going in at Conway, this means additional people coming to this site and it will need someone monitoring activities. Although we understand that the city is facing yet another budget crisis, it is time for another part of the city to take on some of the sacrifice. How many staffed rec centers does Saint Anthony Park have with its 9000 residents? How many staffed centers does Hamline Midway have with its 11,500 residents? We have over 20,000 residents in District 1 and will be left with one staffed rec center - Battle Creek - which, despite its relatively recent construction, is not capable of meeting the needs of over 20,000 people - it just isn't that big. 

We just held a community event at Conway that drew over 500 people. These are folks that come from the immediate vicinity - many from the apartments, many of whom have limited access to transportation (or funds for private sports clubs...). The City will argue that Battle Creek is close by, and that there are two private fitness centers nearby - Blast and Anytime FItness. 1) Not everyone can afford to belong to these; 2) they are oriented to adults; and 3) Blast seems to be struggling for membership. Closing rec centers is done primarily to decrease the number of employees the city has... most of the City's cost comes through its people on staff. The little bit of rent and utilities that the private entities pay won't even cover maintenance costs... Penny-wise, pound-foolish. Not to mention what is lost by having a community center go away - we have so few community gathering places in District 1 as it is.

We need you to start contacting both the Mayor and Kathy Lantry to say this privatization is unacceptable. You can reach them via email at mayor@ci.stpaul.mn.us and Kathy.Lantry@ci.stpaul.mn.us. Step up, people, and do the right thing by your neighborhood. If you want to write to them, they are both on the third floor of City Hall - 15 W. Kellogg Blvd, St. Paul, MN 55102

I will also note that in the 6 1/2 years I have been on this job, there have been six different directors at Conway - Dave, Luke, Jody, Bill, Randy and Mike. Mike was moved in as he prepares to retire - I suspect because they had no plans to replace him when he did (He is doing a fabulous job, by the way...). We had two Parks staff people at our August meeting and they did not mention this decision. In June, a decision was made to add a mural to Conway - something we had been pushing for and seeking funding for for several years. Parks did not inform us they were proposing to do this mural through a summer youth activity based out of HAZEL PARK REC CENTER. They only met with us when we were informed by Conway staff that this was happening. Despite assurances that they would keep us informed and a part of the process, we have heard nothing from them since that initial meeting. We have no idea where the mural project stands at this point.

All of this shows a lack of transparency on the part of Parks, an unwillingness to communicate with the community, and what appears to be a cynical, if not deceitful, practice of planning and decision-making on their part. We need this to stop. We need the community to be involved FROM THE BEGINNING when something as drastic as closing community centers is proposed.

Betsy Leach, Executive Director

Gateway Corridor has a Chosen Alternative

After reviewing numerous options to improve transit connectivity of the east metro to downtowns St. Paul and Minneapolis, the Gateway Corridor Commission identified a dedicated Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line along Hudson Road from St Paul to Woodbury as the best option for the region. The Hudson road decision was the best option after extensive analysis and public involvement campaign spanning nearly two years.

BRT along Hudson Road was determined to best meets the Commission’s established goals of improving mobility, providing a cost-effective economically viable solution that promotes economic development, protects the natural environment, and preserves community quality of life and overall safety.

“The commission’s charge was to determine if the east metro could build a cost-effective, economically viable transit option that improved mobility and supports future economic development,” said Washington County Commissioner Lisa Weik, chair of the Gateway Corridor Commission. “The corridor’s population is projected to grow by 30 percent by 2030, creating a dedicated transit line along Hudson Road allows for the greatest access to the increasing population and job base in the east metro.”

The line will provide a fast, reliable and convenient trip for travelers into downtown St. Paul and on to Minneapolis and other regional destinations.  The 10 proposed station stops will provide connections to key destinations throughout the Corridor including Union Depot, Metro State University, SunRay Shopping Center, 3M and multiple commercial and job centers in the eastern suburbs.

“The decision to recommend the Hudson Road route was a result of numerous community meetings,” said Ramsey County Commissioner Rafael Ortega. “Residents and business owners wanted a transit line that met the goals of mobility, economic development and preserving the quality of life. Hudson Road is that option the community can rally around and support.”

 “Connecting the east metro to downtown St. Paul and the region’s transit system is great for business,” said Matt Kramer, president of the St. Paul Area Chamber of Commerce.  “Transit in the Gateway Corridor will provide new opportunities for economic development and a critical link for employees commuting to their workplace.”  

The public is encouraged to provide additional comments on the narrowing of alternatives by visiting the Gateway Corridor website at www.thegatewaycorridor.com.  The Gateway Corridor Commission will also be releasing a draft of the Alternatives Analysis Final Report for public comment by the end of October.  Once all comments are received the report will be revised as necessary.  The Commission is scheduled to approve the final report at its December 13 meeting.

The next phase of the study, preparation of a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS), is expected to start in early 2013. The Commission advanced the BRT Option along Hudson Road as well as the second highest ranked option, LRT (Light Rail Transit) along Hudson Road.  LRT ranked second due to its higher capital costs for generating the same amount of riders as BRT.  Both options have the same route, station stops and similar service plans.  Advancing an LRT option forward as well provides an opportunity for a more detailed side-by-side comparison of the two transit technologies.

Multicultural Celebration - Oct 26

Our neighbors at the Somali Adult Literacy Tutoring group (SALT) on McKnight are joining with other organizations to hold a celebration of the Feast of the Sacrifice (Eid al Ahab) that will include a festival at Harriet Island. After prayer services, groups from the Somali, Hmong, Spanish and Karen cultures will be showcasing crafts and dancing starting at 2:30p.

For a $10 fee per family, folks can enjoy the cultural displays and also participate in face painting, games, sports, bounce castles, rock climbing, drawing, sack races, and much more. There will be snacks available, too.

The Feast of the Sacrifice celebrates the story of Abraham and Isaac - a story of faith shared among Muslims, Christians and Jews.

What a perfect chance to celebrate both our commonalities and our distinctiveness!

Join the festivities, Friday, October 26 starting at 2:30p at Harriet Island.

Fire Safety Week

The Saint Paul Fire Department will host educational and fun-filled open houses at three of its fire stations on Saturday, October 13 from noon until 3p as part of our Fire Prevention Week program. The open houses will include tours of the fire station and fire trucks, meet the real firefighters and paramedics that serve you and sign up for our popular Project Safe Haven.  There will be live-fire demonstrations of kitchen fire safety (weather permitting) and how to prevent the leading cause of building fires in Minnesota.  You’ll really feel the heat!

Project Safe Haven is a voluntary self-inspection of your home that includes a visit from your nearby fire station to go over your inspection and provide you with FREE smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, and stovetop fire extinguishers.  We’ve visited over 600 homes so far.

WHAT:            Fire Station Open Houses for National Fire Prevention Week

WHERE:            -   Station #1, 1000 W. 7^th St.  (cooking safety demonstration at 12:30)

-   Station #4, 505 Payne Ave.  (cooking safety demonstration at 1:30)

                        -   Station #22, 225 Front Ave.  (cooking safety demonstration at 2:30)

WHEN:            12:00 noon until 3:00p

WHY:                        National Fire Prevention Week theme:  “Have 2 Ways Out”

This year’s Fire Prevention Week theme of “Have 2 Ways Out” points out the need to have at least two ways out of each room in case of a fire, especially rooms used for sleeping.  One way out is the door; the other way out can be a window, if it’s large enough and you can open it.  In the past three years, seven people have been able to escape or be rescued by the fire department from fires in their Saint Paul homes or apartments.  These seven people would all have died if not for having 2 ways out.  The most important thing to do when there’s a fire is to get out of the building and then call 9-1-1.

Come and join the proud members of the Saint Paul Fire Department during National Fire Week.

Health Info - Herniated Discs

In an on-going effort to provide neighbors with information to help them maintain their health, the following article has been submitted by Dr. Joshua Kary of HealthSource Chiropractic on Old Hudson Rd. (near White Bear Ave.)

What is a Herniated disc?

A Herniated disc: Rupturing of the tissue that separates the vertebral bones of the spinal column.

Symptoms Can include: Pain with Lifting, Coughing, Sneezing, radiating pain or numbness down the leg or arms

Common causes for Herniation: Spinal Misaliagnment, improper lifting, Muscle weakness, Repetitive motion, increase in Body Weight

Forms of Treatment: Chiropractic Adjustments to decrease pressure on the disc and nerves, Physical Rehabitation to strengthen the muscles and ligaments around the disc,  Spinal Decompression which targets the affected disc and releases pressure on the disc, and proper nutrition all aid in the recovery of Disc Herniations.

Chances of recurrence/Prognosis: If following a care plan of the above listed treatments, chances of recurrence are very low. As in all health related concerns, a great deal depends on what you are able and willing to do outside of the office as well. With bad habits of diet and improper exercise and poor spinal health, your chances of recurrence may increase.

 To your health and happiness,

Dr. Joshua Kary

HealthSource Chiropractic of St. Paul

651-731-1880

Healthsourceofstpaulsuburban.com

Open House for Street Repair Art Projects

Please join Marcus Young, City Artist in Residence, and his team of artists, Lisa Elias and Brad Kaspari, as they unveil their designs for the City’s Residential Street Vitality Program (RSVP) projects. The project neighborhoods include South East District 1 (Battle Creek/Upper Afton), District 3 West Side (Page/Woodbury), District 11 Hamline Midway (Hewitt/Tatum and Blair/Griggs) and District 14 Macalester Groveland (Davern/Jefferson I and II, and Prior/Goodrich).

The artists will display their designs and talk with neighborhood residents at an informal Open House, Thursday, November 1, 2012 from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm at The Wellstone Center at Neighborhood House in the Ecolab Fireside Room just off the lobby. 

Neighborhood House is located at 179 Robie Street East, Saint Paul, MN 55107.

The artists set the goal to re-imagine streetscape elements in residential neighborhoods – to give them a visual purpose without losing their important function – and to reveal a place for beauty. The Open House follows up on a series of listening sessions the artists held with neighborhood residents earlier this year to gather inspiration for their work. All residents are encouraged to participate in this public open house, even if they did not attend the listening sessions. Please share this invitation with your neighbors.

The RSVP program’s art is made possible through the City of Saint Paul’s 2009 Public Art Ordinance which dedicates one percent of the cost of eligible projects on City property to public art. The Ordinance embraces the belief that aesthetic and social values should be given equal weight with a project’s functional and economic values, and that public art strengthens public places and promotes Saint Paul’s identity as a livable and creative city and a desirable place to live, work and visit.

Marcus Young, City Artist in Residence, and Regina Flanagan, Public Art Ordinance Administrator, are funded by Public Art Saint Paul, a private non-profit organization.

Envisioning the Metro Region

Join Metropolitan Council members and staff for an opportunity to help create the vision for the Twin Cities metropolitan region over the next 30 years. Two Listening Sessions are planned in October for local officials, community leaders and the general public to provide their feedback on what our region needs to thrive. Attend whichever meeting is convenient to your schedule and encourage other members of the community to attend, as well. 

Please RSVP to Council public information if you’re planning to attend: 651-602-1140 or public.info@metc.state.mn.us. 

For more information about the Thrive MSP 2040 effort, visit thrivemsp.org.

Minneapolis

Monday, Oct. 8, 6 to 8 p.m.

University of Minnesota, Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center (UROC)

2001 Plymouth Ave. N., Room 105

St. Paul

Tuesday, Oct. 9, 6 to 8 p.m.

Metropolitan Council Offices

390 N. Robert St., Lower Level, Room LLA

Public Hearing on Street Assessments

A public hearing to consider proposed assessment rates and service levels for the 2013 Right-of-Way Maintenance Program and the 2013 Above-Standard Lighting Operation and Maintenance Program is scheduled for Wednesday, November 7, 2012. The Hearing will be held in the City Council Chambers, 3rd Floor City Hall-Court House, at 5:30 p.m.

If you have any questions regarding the assessment, please contact Real Estate/Assessments at 651-266-8858.

Food Waste Prevention Tools - Save food and $$

According to the US EPA, 33 million tons of food waste was discarded in 2010 in this country, making it the single largest component of solid waste reaching landfills and incinerators. The waste of food has economic and social impacts as well as environmental ones. Among other consequences is the generation of methane, a significant green house gas, which occurs when food decomposes in landfills.

A new report by the Natural Resources Defense Council titled “Wasted: How America is Losing Up to 40 Percent of Its Food from Farm” asserts that the equivalent of 20 lbs. per person per month of uneaten food is discarded in the US. In addition to the food loss itself, there are huge amounts of chemicals, energy, water, land, and money ($165 billion/year) used in the production, processing, and distribution of this food that are consequently lost if the food is not consumed. And while composting helps to reduce the final waste stream, it does not decrease these “upstream” resource inputs.

With the help of an MPCA Environmental Assistance grant, Eureka Recycling has developed informative new online tools to help consumers minimize or prevent food waste. The resources, available at www.makedirtnotwaste.org/prevent-wasted-food, include food storage tips for a wide variety of food types (including produce, meat, oils, herbs, and nuts, among others). Practical and instructional meal planning information specifically designed to counteract food wastage (and indirectly save time and money!) is included as well.

Another tool developed by the West Coast Climate and Materials Management Forum, an EPA-led partnership of western cities and states, serves as a resource for state and local governments and/or community groups and is currently undergoing nationwide piloting. Designed as a community-based social marketing campaign, the Food: Too Good to Waste pilot toolkit includes an implementation guide, behavior change tools (including a workshop presentation, shopping template, and poster), measurement tools, and a research report. Plans are to revise the toolkit based on pilot results.

Local governments and community organizations in Minnesota with an interest in participating in the pilot phase of the toolkit can contact Madalyn Cioci, MPCA, Madalyn.Cioci@state.mn.us, for more information.