Monica Beeman, Public Works Engineering, reported that the “major” project is to move forward, but at an unspecified time. To improve the situation much sooner, Public Works plans some easy and inexpensive adjustments, including some lane realignment, “skip lines” painted to provide some guidance for turning vehicles, turn signage adjusted for visibility, and some parking removed.

Pat McMahon, a former Federation board member, discussed the lack of action on the part of the County and City Attorneys over “riots” last summer involving residents of neighborhood rentals. Investigative reports that recommended laying charges were rejected on the grounds that there were “no victims.” Pat pointed out that in these situations the neighborhood itself and its residents are the victims, and submitted a letter for board endorsement to be sent to the County and City Attorneys, Mayor and Council Members and St. Paul Police Department calling for a meeting with community members about this lack of action. Federation board endorsed the letter. 

Marit Brock provided the board a “year in review” report for 2009 that demonstrated impressive progress by this group of neighbors. At year’s end, thirty households and businesses and others interested in the initiative totaled 58 on their Facebook site. Problem properties had declined from “numerous” to just three. The Federation, operating under the Invest St. Paul Program, had acquired 16 properties and counting, and seven others had been sold to responsible community members. 

The Smith Neighborhood Exterior Grant Program proposal is moving through HRA and PED for approval, and the board passed a resolution supporting this program to be communicated to the city. Matching grants of up to $4,999 per home are for exterior improvements and correcting code deficiencies, and sweat equity can count against the matching requirement (at $15 per hour). Information and application forms are available from the Federation.

The opening continues to be pushed back with new issues emerging. The State Department of Health has insisted on another set of tests for water quality, and roof leakage led to the installation of a new roof.

With the papers signed between the City and ExxonMobil, 36 acres of the 56 acre Victoria Park property have been transferred to the city along with $5 million for cleanup, site preparation and redevelopment. Mike Hahm, Director of Parks and Rec, is on record as wanting to start planning discussions early in the year, and board member Tonya Nicholie has agreed to lead the Federation’s participation. Meetings are being planned for late January. This process is likely to reveal competing ideas and interests among governmental and neighborhood positions. The city is looking for recreational resources for the entire community along with trails and connections to Victoria Park and the river. The Federation is looking to highlight neighborhood needs and priorities. 

“This is a real opportunity to create an asset that benefits all of St. Paul,” said David Bredemus, Federation president. “This will give us the space to do some great things with trails and other recreational uses the community comes up with. This is going to be a real spectacular spot.”

This initiative of the West 7th Business Association is an expansion of the former Beautification Committee. They are exploring the idea of having a West 7th spring cleanup during Earth Week (April 19-25) as well as seeking grants for more large planters along the street.

A resolution supporting the bike trail proposal was passed with the specific idea of an ultimate connection to trails in Minneapolis.