The Planning Commission and HPC will hold a public hearing on the Historic Preservation Chapter of the Comprehensive Plan
Thursday, November 6, 2008, 5:45 p.m.
City Hall.
You can obtain more information by calling Sonja Butler (651-266-6573) or Larry Soderholm (651-266-6575.)
Monday, October 27, 2008
Friday, October 24, 2008
UST Expansion
The Oct. 22nd Villager had two articles about the University of St Thomas' expansion plans.
(Click to enlarge)
Highlights: As a one-time agreement, WSNAC recommended that the City allow UST to perform one EAW (Environmental Assessment Worksheet) for both projects. An EAW is a shorter study than an EIS (Environmental Impact Study). The combined EAW will save the University time and money, as the University pays for the worksheet. The St Paul Planning Department reserves the right to require an EIS, if it is determined to be necessary.
Sitzmann Hall:
(Click to enlarge)
Highlights: WSNAC supported UST's plans to expand Sitzmann Hall in exchange for a binding agreement that limits UST expansion elsewhere. For more information, check out WSNAC's website.
UST Student Center:
(Click to enlarge)
(Click to enlarge)Highlights: WSNAC supported UST's plans to expand Sitzmann Hall in exchange for a binding agreement that limits UST expansion elsewhere. For more information, check out WSNAC's website.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Summit Tragedy
One of the many reasons that Summit was recognized as a Great American Street by the American Planning Association, was its park-like quality. On a daily basis, hundreds if not thousands of walkers, runners, bladers and bicyclists make their way up and down Summit Avenue.
Most days this is pleasant journey for all involved; Summit is shared by people in cars and people not in cars. On rare occasions, however, this is not the case. Two weeks ago a woman riding her bicycle was killed by an SUV that failed to observe a stop sign. It was a tragic accident. We extend our condolences to the friends and family of Virginia Heuer.
Article from the Pioneer Press:
Working toward more life — and less death — on city streets
By Russ Stark
Article Last Updated: 10/16/2008 06:13:34 PM CDT
When it comes right down to it, why do we live in cities? For me and many constituents I have spoken to, a primary motivator is proximity — the ability to be able to walk or bicycle to places easily.
Two weeks ago, a St. Paul resident lost her life and a family lost a loved one when Virginia Heuer was killed in a crash while riding her bicycle down Summit Avenue. Earlier this year, a woman who lives on my block was crossing University Avenue on foot when she was struck and killed. It turned out the driver lived just down the street, but the driver and victim did not know one another.
Everyone agrees these deaths are tragic, but still it's disturbing how complacent we have become in accepting that traffic "accidents" are just a part of life, that people die all the time just trying to get from here to there. Something about the deaths being unintentional, and we just shrug our shoulders and express regret.
We have to reduce injuries and deaths of cyclists and pedestrians in St. Paul, and we can.
Driving a car is very deceptive. The more we do it, the more we feel comfortable doing it. The deceptive part is that the passenger compartment of a modern automobile makes us forget that we are operating 1-ton to 2-ton vehicles at relatively high speeds. In vehicle-vs.-vehicle crashes, seat belts and air bags have made drivers and passengers much safer than in years past. But in vehicle-vs.-pedestrian and vehicle-vs.-bicycle crashes, the pedestrian and the cyclist are generally going to be hurt or even killed. In St. Paul in the past year, there have been 261 cyclists and pedestrians involved in crashes with automobiles.
As recent articles in this and other local papers have described, more and more people are bicycling. The cost of gas, growing concern about global climate change, improved facilities for bicycling — whatever the causes, the reality is more bikes on our streets.
More people riding bikes and walking benefits all of us, in the form of reduced traffic congestion, reduced air pollution, and reduced wear and tear on our streets. While there have been a number of cyclist deaths in the past couple of months, the experience nearly everywhere is that there is safety in numbers for both cyclists and pedestrians. The more of them there are, the more motorists look out for them, and the less likely crashes become. Each one of us has a stake in making it safer to bike and walk in our community.
We cannot solve the problem of pedestrian and bicycle deaths and injuries by pointing fingers at motorists. As the saying goes, we have met the enemy of safe streets, and that enemy is us. Most of us who walk and ride bikes also drive cars, and few of us follow or even know all the rules of the road. Many times as motorists, even if we are paying close attention and trying to be safe, the unpredictability of pedestrians, cyclists and other motorists can make it difficult to behave safely.
We can solve this problem by raising awareness about the rules of the road, by following those rules, and by using common sense. And this goes for everyone — motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists. And all of us, no matter by what mode we are traveling, can make a point of slowing down and paying more attention to everyone else. And yes, when we are motorists, we have a higher level of responsibility to ensure the safety of others because we are operating large machines that can easily cause harm to people.
My office partnered with St. Paul-Ramsey County Public Health and many other community partners to kick off a pedestrian safety awareness campaign focused on North Snelling Avenue this week. The idea has been to educate pedestrians and motorists about their responsibilities and rights.
The St. Paul Police Department was assisting in this effort by stepping up enforcement of pedestrian safety laws. This is intended to be a pilot project that can and will be repeated in other parts of our great city. MnDOT and the Minnesota Department of Health are also engaged in the discussion with an eye toward more comprehensive statewide education.
To be a truly livable city, St. Paul needs to be a place where we feel safe walking, riding our bicycles and driving on our streets. If we're the problem, we can also be the solution.
Russ Stark represents Ward 4 on the St. Paul City Council. Send him e-mail at ward4@ci.stpaul.mn.us.
Also, he recommends the following Web sites for more information on the subjects addressed in this column: http://www.sharetheroadmn.org/ and http://www.bikewalktwincities.org/
Most days this is pleasant journey for all involved; Summit is shared by people in cars and people not in cars. On rare occasions, however, this is not the case. Two weeks ago a woman riding her bicycle was killed by an SUV that failed to observe a stop sign. It was a tragic accident. We extend our condolences to the friends and family of Virginia Heuer.
Article from the Pioneer Press:
Working toward more life — and less death — on city streets
By Russ Stark
Article Last Updated: 10/16/2008 06:13:34 PM CDT
When it comes right down to it, why do we live in cities? For me and many constituents I have spoken to, a primary motivator is proximity — the ability to be able to walk or bicycle to places easily.
Two weeks ago, a St. Paul resident lost her life and a family lost a loved one when Virginia Heuer was killed in a crash while riding her bicycle down Summit Avenue. Earlier this year, a woman who lives on my block was crossing University Avenue on foot when she was struck and killed. It turned out the driver lived just down the street, but the driver and victim did not know one another.
Everyone agrees these deaths are tragic, but still it's disturbing how complacent we have become in accepting that traffic "accidents" are just a part of life, that people die all the time just trying to get from here to there. Something about the deaths being unintentional, and we just shrug our shoulders and express regret.
We have to reduce injuries and deaths of cyclists and pedestrians in St. Paul, and we can.
Driving a car is very deceptive. The more we do it, the more we feel comfortable doing it. The deceptive part is that the passenger compartment of a modern automobile makes us forget that we are operating 1-ton to 2-ton vehicles at relatively high speeds. In vehicle-vs.-vehicle crashes, seat belts and air bags have made drivers and passengers much safer than in years past. But in vehicle-vs.-pedestrian and vehicle-vs.-bicycle crashes, the pedestrian and the cyclist are generally going to be hurt or even killed. In St. Paul in the past year, there have been 261 cyclists and pedestrians involved in crashes with automobiles.
As recent articles in this and other local papers have described, more and more people are bicycling. The cost of gas, growing concern about global climate change, improved facilities for bicycling — whatever the causes, the reality is more bikes on our streets.
More people riding bikes and walking benefits all of us, in the form of reduced traffic congestion, reduced air pollution, and reduced wear and tear on our streets. While there have been a number of cyclist deaths in the past couple of months, the experience nearly everywhere is that there is safety in numbers for both cyclists and pedestrians. The more of them there are, the more motorists look out for them, and the less likely crashes become. Each one of us has a stake in making it safer to bike and walk in our community.
We cannot solve the problem of pedestrian and bicycle deaths and injuries by pointing fingers at motorists. As the saying goes, we have met the enemy of safe streets, and that enemy is us. Most of us who walk and ride bikes also drive cars, and few of us follow or even know all the rules of the road. Many times as motorists, even if we are paying close attention and trying to be safe, the unpredictability of pedestrians, cyclists and other motorists can make it difficult to behave safely.
We can solve this problem by raising awareness about the rules of the road, by following those rules, and by using common sense. And this goes for everyone — motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists. And all of us, no matter by what mode we are traveling, can make a point of slowing down and paying more attention to everyone else. And yes, when we are motorists, we have a higher level of responsibility to ensure the safety of others because we are operating large machines that can easily cause harm to people.
My office partnered with St. Paul-Ramsey County Public Health and many other community partners to kick off a pedestrian safety awareness campaign focused on North Snelling Avenue this week. The idea has been to educate pedestrians and motorists about their responsibilities and rights.
The St. Paul Police Department was assisting in this effort by stepping up enforcement of pedestrian safety laws. This is intended to be a pilot project that can and will be repeated in other parts of our great city. MnDOT and the Minnesota Department of Health are also engaged in the discussion with an eye toward more comprehensive statewide education.
To be a truly livable city, St. Paul needs to be a place where we feel safe walking, riding our bicycles and driving on our streets. If we're the problem, we can also be the solution.
Russ Stark represents Ward 4 on the St. Paul City Council. Send him e-mail at ward4@ci.stpaul.mn.us.
Also, he recommends the following Web sites for more information on the subjects addressed in this column: http://www.sharetheroadmn.org/ and http://www.bikewalktwincities.org/
Friday, October 10, 2008
Summit Avenue: A "Great Street"
The American Planning Association in 2007 started an award program called (APA) "Great Places in America."
APA's flagship program celebrates places of exemplary character, quality, and planning. Places are selected annually and represent the gold standard in terms of having a true sense of place, cultural and historical interest, community involvement, and a vision for tomorrow.
APA Great Places offer better choices for where and how people work and live. They are enjoyable, safe, and desirable. They are places where people want to be — not only to visit, but to live and work every day. America's truly great streets, neighborhoods and public spaces are defined by many criteria, including architectural features, accessibility, functionality, and community involvement. The 2008 designees are not ranked, but listed alphabetically. They are located in 21 states and the District of Columbia. (link)
Saint Paul's Summit Avenue was selected as one of ten "Great Streets" in America for 2008.
What makes a Great Street?
From the APA's "Characteristics and Guidelines of Great Streets"
A street comprises the entire three-dimensional visual corridor, including the public realm and how it relates to the adjacent land uses. Submissions should document the street's character across this realm.
Streets of different types are eligible, ranging from pedestrian realms through arterial roadways, but each should have a definable beginning and end.
Special emphasis is placed on streets that are complete, that is, streets that service and take into account all users — not just motor vehicles.
Description of Street
It is important to identify the start and end points of the street and describe the setting in which it is located, whether it's in a downtown, suburban, or exurban area, small village, or small town.
Street Form and Composition
How does the street ...
* Accommodate multiple users and connect to the broader street network?
* Accommodate social interaction, encourage pedestrian activity, or serve as a social network?
* Use hardscaping, landscaping, street furniture, or other physical elements to create a unique personality and capture a sense of public space?
* Capitalize on building design, scale, architecture, and proportionality?
Street Character and Personality
How does the street ...
* Benefit from community involvement and participation (festivals, parades, open-air markets, etc.)?
* Reflect the local culture or history?
* Provide interesting visual experiences, vistas, natural features, or other qualities?
Street Environment and Sustainable Practices
How does the street ...
* Utilize green infrastructure or other sustainable strategies
Great Streets — Characteristics and Guidelines for Designation
A street comprises the entire three-dimensional visual corridor, including the public realm and how it relates to the adjacent land uses. Submissions should document the street's character across this realm. Streets of different types are eligible, ranging from pedestrian realms through arterial roadways, but each should have a definable beginning and end. Special emphasis is placed on streets that are complete, that is, streets that service and take into account all users — not just motor vehicles.
Characteristics of a Great Street include:
1. Provides orientation to its users, and connects well to the larger pattern of ways.
2. Balances the competing needs of the street — driving, transit, walking, cycling, servicing, parking, drop-offs, etc.
3. Fits the topography and capitalizes on natural features.
4. Is lined with a variety of interesting activities and uses that create a varied streetscape.
5. Has urban design or architectural features that are exemplary in design.
6. Relates well to its bordering uses — allows for continuous activity, doesn't displace pedestrians to provide access to bordering uses.
7. Encourages human contact and social activities.
8. Employs hardscape and/or landscape to great effect.
9. Promotes safety of pedestrians and vehicles and promotes use over the 24-hour day.
10. Promotes sustainability through minimizing runoff, reusing water, ensuring groundwater quality, minimizing heat islands, and responding to climatic demands.
11. Is well maintained, and capable of being maintained without excessive costs.
12. Has a memorable character.
Description of Street
1. How are you identifying this street (number of blocks, start and end points)?
2. Where is the street located: in a downtown, urban area, suburb, exurban area (i.e., on the fringes of a metropolitan area), village, or small town?
Guidelines for Great Streets
1.0 Street Form and Composition
1.1 Describe its accessibility and connection to the broader street network?
1.2 To what extent is the street well maintained? How is safety addressed? Is there a big disparity (i.e. activities, usage, etc.) between night and day?
1.3 How does it accommodate multiple users and activities (i.e. continuous and unobstructed travel lanes, road-sharing measures, traffic calming measures, wide sidewalks, median strips, bike lanes, etc.)?
1.4 How is parking handled?
1.5 Describe how the hardscape or landscape, street furniture, or other physical elements (i.e. signage, public art) create a unique personality?
1.6 How do the physical features create or capture a sense of public space?
1.7 How does the street accommodate or encourage social interaction, or serve as a social network? Is there regular pedestrian activity?
2.0 Street Character and Personality
2.1 What makes the street stand out? What makes it extraordinary or memorable? What elements, features, and details set the street apart from other streets?
2.2 How is the community involved in adding vitality to the street (festivals, parades, open-air markets, etc.)?
2.3 How does the street reflect the local culture or history?
2.4 Does the street provide interesting visual experiences, vistas, natural features, or other qualities? How does the architecture of the buildings add to the street's visual experience and public realm?
2.5 Is there consistency of scale between buildings (i.e. are buildings proportional to one another), and are the buildings designed and scaled for pedestrians?
3.0 Street Environment and Sustainable Practices
3.1 How does the street promote or protect air and water quality and minimize or manage stormwater runoff? For example, how much tree cover is provided? Are there other forms of "green infrastructure"?
APA's flagship program celebrates places of exemplary character, quality, and planning. Places are selected annually and represent the gold standard in terms of having a true sense of place, cultural and historical interest, community involvement, and a vision for tomorrow.
APA Great Places offer better choices for where and how people work and live. They are enjoyable, safe, and desirable. They are places where people want to be — not only to visit, but to live and work every day. America's truly great streets, neighborhoods and public spaces are defined by many criteria, including architectural features, accessibility, functionality, and community involvement. The 2008 designees are not ranked, but listed alphabetically. They are located in 21 states and the District of Columbia. (link)
Saint Paul's Summit Avenue was selected as one of ten "Great Streets" in America for 2008.
What makes a Great Street?
From the APA's "Characteristics and Guidelines of Great Streets"
A street comprises the entire three-dimensional visual corridor, including the public realm and how it relates to the adjacent land uses. Submissions should document the street's character across this realm.
Streets of different types are eligible, ranging from pedestrian realms through arterial roadways, but each should have a definable beginning and end.
Special emphasis is placed on streets that are complete, that is, streets that service and take into account all users — not just motor vehicles.
Description of Street
It is important to identify the start and end points of the street and describe the setting in which it is located, whether it's in a downtown, suburban, or exurban area, small village, or small town.
Street Form and Composition
How does the street ...
* Accommodate multiple users and connect to the broader street network?
* Accommodate social interaction, encourage pedestrian activity, or serve as a social network?
* Use hardscaping, landscaping, street furniture, or other physical elements to create a unique personality and capture a sense of public space?
* Capitalize on building design, scale, architecture, and proportionality?
Street Character and Personality
How does the street ...
* Benefit from community involvement and participation (festivals, parades, open-air markets, etc.)?
* Reflect the local culture or history?
* Provide interesting visual experiences, vistas, natural features, or other qualities?
Street Environment and Sustainable Practices
How does the street ...
* Utilize green infrastructure or other sustainable strategies
Great Streets — Characteristics and Guidelines for Designation
A street comprises the entire three-dimensional visual corridor, including the public realm and how it relates to the adjacent land uses. Submissions should document the street's character across this realm. Streets of different types are eligible, ranging from pedestrian realms through arterial roadways, but each should have a definable beginning and end. Special emphasis is placed on streets that are complete, that is, streets that service and take into account all users — not just motor vehicles.
Characteristics of a Great Street include:
1. Provides orientation to its users, and connects well to the larger pattern of ways.
2. Balances the competing needs of the street — driving, transit, walking, cycling, servicing, parking, drop-offs, etc.
3. Fits the topography and capitalizes on natural features.
4. Is lined with a variety of interesting activities and uses that create a varied streetscape.
5. Has urban design or architectural features that are exemplary in design.
6. Relates well to its bordering uses — allows for continuous activity, doesn't displace pedestrians to provide access to bordering uses.
7. Encourages human contact and social activities.
8. Employs hardscape and/or landscape to great effect.
9. Promotes safety of pedestrians and vehicles and promotes use over the 24-hour day.
10. Promotes sustainability through minimizing runoff, reusing water, ensuring groundwater quality, minimizing heat islands, and responding to climatic demands.
11. Is well maintained, and capable of being maintained without excessive costs.
12. Has a memorable character.
Description of Street
1. How are you identifying this street (number of blocks, start and end points)?
2. Where is the street located: in a downtown, urban area, suburb, exurban area (i.e., on the fringes of a metropolitan area), village, or small town?
Guidelines for Great Streets
1.0 Street Form and Composition
1.1 Describe its accessibility and connection to the broader street network?
1.2 To what extent is the street well maintained? How is safety addressed? Is there a big disparity (i.e. activities, usage, etc.) between night and day?
1.3 How does it accommodate multiple users and activities (i.e. continuous and unobstructed travel lanes, road-sharing measures, traffic calming measures, wide sidewalks, median strips, bike lanes, etc.)?
1.4 How is parking handled?
1.5 Describe how the hardscape or landscape, street furniture, or other physical elements (i.e. signage, public art) create a unique personality?
1.6 How do the physical features create or capture a sense of public space?
1.7 How does the street accommodate or encourage social interaction, or serve as a social network? Is there regular pedestrian activity?
2.0 Street Character and Personality
2.1 What makes the street stand out? What makes it extraordinary or memorable? What elements, features, and details set the street apart from other streets?
2.2 How is the community involved in adding vitality to the street (festivals, parades, open-air markets, etc.)?
2.3 How does the street reflect the local culture or history?
2.4 Does the street provide interesting visual experiences, vistas, natural features, or other qualities? How does the architecture of the buildings add to the street's visual experience and public realm?
2.5 Is there consistency of scale between buildings (i.e. are buildings proportional to one another), and are the buildings designed and scaled for pedestrians?
3.0 Street Environment and Sustainable Practices
3.1 How does the street promote or protect air and water quality and minimize or manage stormwater runoff? For example, how much tree cover is provided? Are there other forms of "green infrastructure"?
"Great Street," in the press
Here is the Star Tribune article, by Chris Havens (link)
Summit Avenue called the pinnacle of U.S. streets
Summit Avenue in St. Paul has been named one of 10 great streets in the United States in 2008 by the American Planning Association.
The avenue was singled out because of its "breathtaking vistas, park-like qualities and decades-long history of planning measures, civic participation and private stewardship," according to the association.
The honor is part of the association's Great Places program, which highlights places of exceptional character, quality and planning.
Summit stretches nearly 5 miles in the western part of the city, ending at the Mississippi River. Victorian-era mansions sit along the tree-lined street. It's popular with cyclists, joggers and walkers.
"We take great pride in our historic neighborhoods, and Summit Avenue epitomizes that pride," Mayor Chris Coleman said in a statement.
The nine other Great Streets are in Tempe, Ariz.; Tampa, Fla.; Louisville, Ky.; Portland, Maine; Boston; Annapolis, Md.; Philadelphia; El Paso, Texas, and Arlington, Va.
Summit Avenue called the pinnacle of U.S. streets
Summit Avenue in St. Paul has been named one of 10 great streets in the United States in 2008 by the American Planning Association.
The avenue was singled out because of its "breathtaking vistas, park-like qualities and decades-long history of planning measures, civic participation and private stewardship," according to the association.
The honor is part of the association's Great Places program, which highlights places of exceptional character, quality and planning.
Summit stretches nearly 5 miles in the western part of the city, ending at the Mississippi River. Victorian-era mansions sit along the tree-lined street. It's popular with cyclists, joggers and walkers.
"We take great pride in our historic neighborhoods, and Summit Avenue epitomizes that pride," Mayor Chris Coleman said in a statement.
The nine other Great Streets are in Tempe, Ariz.; Tampa, Fla.; Louisville, Ky.; Portland, Maine; Boston; Annapolis, Md.; Philadelphia; El Paso, Texas, and Arlington, Va.
"American Great Street," in the press (2)
This is the text from the Pioneer Press article. (Link)
National planning group taps Summit Avenue as a 'great street'
Summit Avenue in St. Paul has been named one of 10 "Great Streets for 2008" by a national planning group.
The American Planning Association singled out Summit Avenue for its "breathtaking vistas, park-like qualities and decades-long history of planning measures, civic participation and private stewardship."
Those qualities have kept the avenue's "unique character" intact, the APA said.
America's great streets are defined by such criteria as architectural features, accessibility, functionality and community involvement.
Summit Avenue's first house was built in 1855 and was followed by a surge of house building in the 1880s.
In the early 1900s, construction of apartments prompted residents to petition the city to create a single- and double-family residential zoning district along Summit in 1916.
There are more than 370 mansions and other notable buildings on the street, the APA said. Several notable St. Paul citizens, including railroad magnate James J. Hill and F. Scott Fitzgerald, called Summit Avenue home.
The other 2008 Great Streets are: Mill Avenue, Tempe, Ariz.; Seventh Avenue, Tampa, Fla.; West Main Street, Louisville, Ky.; Commercial Street, Portland, Maine; Washington Street, Boston, Mass.; Main Street, Annapolis, Md.; South Broad Street, Philadelphia, Pa.; South El Paso Street, El Paso, Texas; and Clarendon & Wilson Boulevards, Arlington, Va.
National planning group taps Summit Avenue as a 'great street'
Summit Avenue in St. Paul has been named one of 10 "Great Streets for 2008" by a national planning group.
The American Planning Association singled out Summit Avenue for its "breathtaking vistas, park-like qualities and decades-long history of planning measures, civic participation and private stewardship."
Those qualities have kept the avenue's "unique character" intact, the APA said.
America's great streets are defined by such criteria as architectural features, accessibility, functionality and community involvement.
Summit Avenue's first house was built in 1855 and was followed by a surge of house building in the 1880s.
In the early 1900s, construction of apartments prompted residents to petition the city to create a single- and double-family residential zoning district along Summit in 1916.
There are more than 370 mansions and other notable buildings on the street, the APA said. Several notable St. Paul citizens, including railroad magnate James J. Hill and F. Scott Fitzgerald, called Summit Avenue home.
The other 2008 Great Streets are: Mill Avenue, Tempe, Ariz.; Seventh Avenue, Tampa, Fla.; West Main Street, Louisville, Ky.; Commercial Street, Portland, Maine; Washington Street, Boston, Mass.; Main Street, Annapolis, Md.; South Broad Street, Philadelphia, Pa.; South El Paso Street, El Paso, Texas; and Clarendon & Wilson Boulevards, Arlington, Va.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Sitzman Hall expansion--Compromise Reached
An agreement has been reached with St. Thomas concerning Sitzman Hall. A great deal of discussion went into the final plan but what we ended up with was basically what WSNAC proposed at the outset. We arrived at a plan for Sitzman Hall that leaves the appearance basically intact.The construction does not deviate from the current footprint and conforms to the height requirements of the CUP. Sitzman Hall will look very much the same as it does now. UST will agree that there will be only one home for the Chancellor no matter how many Chancellors there are. The properties that UST now owns on the east side of Cleveland will not be expanded. One property may be removed and replaced with a building of the same footprint and will conform to the style of the single-family homes presently in the neighborhood.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Sitzman Hall... again
I have received the October 9 agenda for the HPC. The remodel of Sitzman Hall is being presented by UST for pre-application review. Amy Spong is the staff person. The meeting will commence at 5:00 PM at Room 40, Lower Level of the City Hall/ Courthouse, 15 West Kellog Boulevard.
It is the first order of new business (fourth item in all) so it should be the first item for open discussion (if any).
It is the first order of new business (fourth item in all) so it should be the first item for open discussion (if any).
Monday, September 8, 2008
Primary Election Tomorrow: Tuesday 9/9/08
SARPA is not endorsing any candidates at this time, but we always encourage citizens to get involved in your local politics.
One aspect that is often overlooked, especially in a year in which senatorial and presidential candidates are on the ballot, is judicial elections. On tomorrow's ballot you will be asked to vote for three judges. Here are some relevant links to help you make an informed choice.
Get a sample ballot
Supreme Court Judge Who's Running:
Paul H Andersen (incumbent)
Alan Lawrence Nelson
Tim Tinglestad
Supreme Court Associate Who's running:
Jill Clark
F. Richard Gallo, Jr.
Lorie Skerjven Gildea
Deborah Hedlund
District Judges will vary by district, so all of Summit Avenue will NOT have the same candidates on their ballots. You can get more info on these candidates (and more) from:
Ramsey County Bar Association
Minnlawyer
Judgepedia
One aspect that is often overlooked, especially in a year in which senatorial and presidential candidates are on the ballot, is judicial elections. On tomorrow's ballot you will be asked to vote for three judges. Here are some relevant links to help you make an informed choice.
Get a sample ballot
Supreme Court Judge Who's Running:
Paul H Andersen (incumbent)
Alan Lawrence Nelson
Tim Tinglestad
Supreme Court Associate Who's running:
Jill Clark
F. Richard Gallo, Jr.
Lorie Skerjven Gildea
Deborah Hedlund
District Judges will vary by district, so all of Summit Avenue will NOT have the same candidates on their ballots. You can get more info on these candidates (and more) from:
Ramsey County Bar Association
Minnlawyer
Judgepedia
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Lookout Park Celebration Aug 13th, 2008
Has anyone been by lookout park lately? It looks great.
Organizers are hosting a celebration in honor of its completion. For more info, check out http://www.ramseyhill.org/events.php
Mark your calendars: August 13, 2008 at 5:30 PM.
HPC Agenda for 8/14/08
226 Summit is on the agenda for "a building permit to install aluminum framed windows into recessed window openings." A scan of the agenda is below (click to enlarge): 
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Garden Stroll... Not 'til Next Year
We have received several inquiries over the course of the summer about our Summit Avenue Garden Stroll. The Garden Stroll is hosted by SARPA every other year, so the next stroll will be June, 2009. Thanks for your interest and we hope to see you next Spring!
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Annual Meeting Was Held 6/2/04
The Annual Meeting was held Monday, June 2, at the Hill House, 240 Summit.
We started at 6:30 pm with wine, water, appetizers and registration. Attendees were treated to a short tour of the Hill House.
The business meeting began at 7 pm with election of officers and the "kick-off" of our speakers' bureau.
After the meeting, everyone had a bit of dessert, coffee, and SHOW AND TELL.
A BIG THANK YOU TO MARY WHO IS BRINGING FOOD AND WINE; TO ALISON WHO HAS PUT TOGETHER THE MEETING MATERIALS; TO MARLA FOR THE INVITATIONS, REGISTRATION, AND LIST OF MEMBERS.
We started at 6:30 pm with wine, water, appetizers and registration. Attendees were treated to a short tour of the Hill House.
The business meeting began at 7 pm with election of officers and the "kick-off" of our speakers' bureau.
After the meeting, everyone had a bit of dessert, coffee, and SHOW AND TELL.
A BIG THANK YOU TO MARY WHO IS BRINGING FOOD AND WINE; TO ALISON WHO HAS PUT TOGETHER THE MEETING MATERIALS; TO MARLA FOR THE INVITATIONS, REGISTRATION, AND LIST OF MEMBERS.
Monday, April 14, 2008
HPC Public Meeting 3/20/08 Report
Garages, Garages, and Additions.
There were three Summit properties on the 3/20/08 HPC PERMIT REVIEW/PUBLIC HEARING Agenda:
A board member of SARPA attended the meeting and reported the following:
1034 Summit has a three car garage. The homeowner was requesting to tear down the three stall and build a four-stall. The present garage is not historic. HPC approved the plans.
1373 Summit: homeowner was requesting to remove a 3-car garage and replace it with a 4-car garage. The HPC opposed the destruction of the existing garage to be torn down, as it was determined to be historical. The HPC approved the plans for the construction of the additional 4-car garage (in addition to the 3-car garage). The homeowners expressed that the historical 3-car garage will be used to store play things, etc. SARPA voiced opposition to allowing 7 garages on one single-family home property--it is not in keeping with a historical neighborhood to have 7 garages behind a single family home in this city, and allowing it now sets a precedent. The new 4-car garage was approved unanimously.
This report is in advance of the official HPC minutes, which have not yet been made available on the City's website.
There were three Summit properties on the 3/20/08 HPC PERMIT REVIEW/PUBLIC HEARING Agenda:
- A. 1034 Summit Avenue, Hill Historic District, by MacDonald and Mack Architects, Ltd, for building permits to remove the existing three-stall garage and construct a four-stall garage (1225 sq. ft.) and to alter the openings on the sun porch at the southeast corner and construct masonry steps. File #08-024. (Barr, 266-9067)
- B. 1373 Summit Avenue, Summit West Historic District, by Tina Shaffer, owner, for a building permit to construct a four-stall garage (1040 sq. ft.) with access at the alley. File #08-025. (Spong, 266-9079)
- D. 1420 Summit Avenue, Summit West Historic District, by Tony Sonnen, owner, for a building permit to construct a two-story addition (~680 sq. ft. footprint) at the rear of the residence. File 0#08-027. (Spong, 266-9079)
A board member of SARPA attended the meeting and reported the following:
1034 Summit has a three car garage. The homeowner was requesting to tear down the three stall and build a four-stall. The present garage is not historic. HPC approved the plans.
1373 Summit: homeowner was requesting to remove a 3-car garage and replace it with a 4-car garage. The HPC opposed the destruction of the existing garage to be torn down, as it was determined to be historical. The HPC approved the plans for the construction of the additional 4-car garage (in addition to the 3-car garage). The homeowners expressed that the historical 3-car garage will be used to store play things, etc. SARPA voiced opposition to allowing 7 garages on one single-family home property--it is not in keeping with a historical neighborhood to have 7 garages behind a single family home in this city, and allowing it now sets a precedent. The new 4-car garage was approved unanimously.
This report is in advance of the official HPC minutes, which have not yet been made available on the City's website.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
UST in the news: New Sitzman Hall Expansion Plans
The April 9, 2008 Villager has a story about University of St Thomas (UST) unveiling new plans for Sitzman Hall. The University's new proposal is a scaled-down version of the 6,000 sf underground addition they originally proposed, which SARPA opposed. Here's a scanned version of Jane McClure's article (click on the image to see it larger):
For up-to-date info, check out WSNAC's website.
For up-to-date info, check out WSNAC's website.
Annual Meeting will be in June
The annual meeting will be held in June, 2008.
Back by popular demand: The annual meeting will feature an "antique road show" theme, as it did last year. More details to come as they are available.
Back by popular demand: The annual meeting will feature an "antique road show" theme, as it did last year. More details to come as they are available.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Summit on the Internet
I came across a website called placeography that features a virtual tour of Summit Avenue. It's a "wiki" style website that can be edited by anyone (well, anyone with enough internet savvy to edit it). The tour features historical data about the houses on East Summit avenue, as well as photos. The also have a nice photo of the Nathan Hale sculpture at Summit and Portland avenues.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
sarpa.org is down
GoDaddy.com has "parked free" sarpa.org. We're working to get it unparked & back online soon.
Sunday, March 9, 2008
2008 Saint Paul Heritage Preservation Awards
The HPC in conjunction with the St. Paul Chapter of the AIA (American Institute of Architects) and the SHPO (State Heritage Preservation Office) are sponsoring the 18th Annual Saint Paul Saint Paul Heritage Preservation Awards.
Here's the Call for Nominations:
and the Nomination Form PAGE 1 and and PAGE 2.
Here's the Call for Nominations:
and the Nomination Form PAGE 1 and and PAGE 2.
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Home Review
SARPA's website received an email today from a homeowner who is looking to begin some renovation work. More detail to come.
Friday, February 29, 2008
HPC 2007 Annual Report
Some comments on the 2007 HPC annual reports.
The Commission awarded twelve Preservation Awards to properties in Saint Paul. A Restoration/Rehabilitation Award went to the William and Mary Dean House at 353 Summit Avenue. SARPA appreciates preservation efforts throughout the city, believing that good preservation makes good neighbors. SARPA would like to congratulate and to thank all the recipients for their efforts.
In the letter that accompanies the report, the Chair of the HPC Paul Clifford Larson noted that "Lot splits and new housing units in historic districts continue to provide a great challenge to our commitment to preservation." Several of the proposed lot splits during 2007 concerned Summit Avenue, and SARPA weighed in on them. It is truly a challenge to balance the growth of our neighborhoods with preserving the character of our neighborhoods. We will continue to watch for lot splits, and evaluate what kind of effect the split would have. As always, our mission is to advocate for the preservation of the residential and urban park character of the Avenue.
A final note of interest is that the City has been working on a updating the 1976 Preservation Ordinance and in 2008 will begin writing a Historic Preservation Plan for the City. Once completed, it will become art of the City's Comprehensive Plan. Potentially, this new plan could help preservation efforts outside of designated Historic Districts. One key change under the new Ordinance is that the HPC would issue "Certificates of Appropriateness" on designated projects. For more information, contact the HPC.
The Commission awarded twelve Preservation Awards to properties in Saint Paul. A Restoration/Rehabilitation Award went to the William and Mary Dean House at 353 Summit Avenue. SARPA appreciates preservation efforts throughout the city, believing that good preservation makes good neighbors. SARPA would like to congratulate and to thank all the recipients for their efforts.
In the letter that accompanies the report, the Chair of the HPC Paul Clifford Larson noted that "Lot splits and new housing units in historic districts continue to provide a great challenge to our commitment to preservation." Several of the proposed lot splits during 2007 concerned Summit Avenue, and SARPA weighed in on them. It is truly a challenge to balance the growth of our neighborhoods with preserving the character of our neighborhoods. We will continue to watch for lot splits, and evaluate what kind of effect the split would have. As always, our mission is to advocate for the preservation of the residential and urban park character of the Avenue.
A final note of interest is that the City has been working on a updating the 1976 Preservation Ordinance and in 2008 will begin writing a Historic Preservation Plan for the City. Once completed, it will become art of the City's Comprehensive Plan. Potentially, this new plan could help preservation efforts outside of designated Historic Districts. One key change under the new Ordinance is that the HPC would issue "Certificates of Appropriateness" on designated projects. For more information, contact the HPC.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
February 2008 HPC Stats
I received the 2008 HPC Permit Stats the other day. There were two Summit Avenue items that received staff approval: 370 Summit Ave and 880 Summit Avenue.
Friday, February 22, 2008
SARPA Express
Preservation meets technology. Welcome to the SARPA blog, SARPA Express!
Summit Avenue Residential Preservation Association's mission is to preserve the historic, residential, and urban park character of Summit Avenue through advocacy, communication, and education.
Last summer, we launched a new committee called the “Watch Dog Committee,” whose purpose is to keep track of development or neighborhood issues that are important to the preservation of Summit Avenue. This blog is a new tool for the Watch Dog Committee, in which we published content related to the preservation of Summit Avenue.
Summit Avenue Residential Preservation Association's mission is to preserve the historic, residential, and urban park character of Summit Avenue through advocacy, communication, and education.
Last summer, we launched a new committee called the “Watch Dog Committee,” whose purpose is to keep track of development or neighborhood issues that are important to the preservation of Summit Avenue. This blog is a new tool for the Watch Dog Committee, in which we published content related to the preservation of Summit Avenue.
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