Reading the Highland Villager #68

[The Villager loiters.]

[Basically the problem is that the best source of Saint Paul streets & sidewalks news is the Highland Villager, a very fine and historical newspaper. This wouldn't be a problem, except that its not available online. You basically have to live in or frequent Saint Paul to read it. That's why I'm reading the Highland Villager so that you don't have to. Until this newspaper goes online, sidewalk information must be set free.]

Headline: Park in progress sheds new light on Coldwater spring
Reporter: Kevin Driscoll

Short short version: The "coldwater spring" which is a American Indian site and former property of the US Bureau of Mines, is almost a park now.


Headline: Support grows for development ban on Grand Avenue
Reporter: Jane McClure

Short short version: The proposed moratorium [a reaction to the apartment building on Grand which is a reaction to the neighbors' student housing ordinance which is a reaction to students who themselves react to the presence of limitless alcohol, liberty, and members of the opposite sex] on Grand Avenue received a hearing in front of the city council, and "most of those in attendance were in support." Quote: There was some concern over "whether the study will have a predetermined outcome." [PROTIP: yes.] Article includes description of the development ban, zoning along the street, quote from CM Stark and the developer in question.


Headline: Saints be praised! Lowertown may get its stadium; $25M state grand boosts city's plan for 7,000-seat minor league ballpark [This fortnight's cheesy headline award winner, by a landslide]
Reporter: Jane McClure

Short short version: Report on the receipt of the money from the governor for the Saints stadium in Lowertown. [I was chatting with a colleague the other day who speculated that this pot of money, and the parking lot money in Duluth, were gubernatorial pay-back for the core cities' support of the Vikings stadium efforts. -Ed.] Article references the remaining $2M shortfall describes the complex sources for the stadium funding.  Article includes full- color map of the stadium site, laudatory quotes from the Lowertown wine shop owner, CM Thune.


Headline: Discussion continues on design of new Hamline Ave. bridge
Reporter: Jane McClure

Short short version: Story about a public meeting to discuss the bridge over Ayd Mill Road at Hamline Avenue. The meeting was supposed to be about public art, but turned into a conversation about a possible 4-3 conversion for the bridge. TLC director Barb Thoman is one of the people mentioned asking for the 3-lane configuration [which really makes a huge difference to quality of life for people on foot and on bicycle, IMO; 4-3 conversions should be standard practice for city public works departments in many many places]. The story implies [but doesn't explicitly say] that St Paul Public Works doesn't seem that fond of the idea. The bridge is scheduled for replacement in November. 2013. 


Headline: Property values may slide but tax bills expected to rise
Reporter: Jane McClure

Short short version: Self-explanatory. Article includes lots of numbers.


Headline: Better locks, vigilance can help block break-ins
Reporter: Larry Englund

Short short version: In other news, cigarettes may cause cancer.