Crosswalk Clarification

Some crosswalk clarifications, since Summit is so heavily used by walkers and runners:

Motorists are supposed to stop for pedestrians at all intersections, whether crosswalks are painted or not painted. 

The Minnesota Crosswalk Law: Key Elements

Where traffic control signals are not in place or in operation, a driver must stop for a pedestrian crossing within a marked crosswalk or at an intersection with no marked crosswalk. A vehicle that is stopped at a crosswalk can proceed once the pedestrian has completely crossed the lane in front of the stopped vehicle.

A pedestrian must not enter a crosswalk if a vehicle is approaching. There is no defined distance that a pedestrian must abide by before entering the crosswalk, but common sense should prevail. The law states: "No pedestrian shall suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle which is so close that it is impossible for the driver to yield."

When a vehicle is stopped at an intersection to allow pedestrians to cross the roadway, drivers of other vehicles approaching from the rear must not pass the other vehicle.

It's unlawful for the driver of a motor vehicle to proceed through a group of school children crossing a street or highway, or past a member of a school safety patrol or adult crossing guard who is directing children across the roadway and who is holding an official signal in the stop position.

Failure to obey the law is a misdemeanor. A second violation within one year is a gross misdemeanor. 

Cities can designate crosswalks for longer illumination of "Walk" "Don't Walk" signal lights. Intersections where there is a high concentration of pedestrians, senior citizens, school children, etc., qualify for such designation. District councils, community clubs, or other organizations can petition their city councils to designate these crosswalks.

Minnesota Statutes 1999, Chapter 169.21 - Pedestrian Law

Motions from Tonight's Board Meeting

Two motions unanimously passed at tonight's board meeting:

1)  SARPA strongly supports the Grand Avenue zoning study and its accompanying moratorium.

Though this study only affects Grand Avenue between Cretin and Fairview, we feel that the repercussions are strong for Summit. Current development proposals call for at least one, perhaps several, 50' buildings on that section of Grand (for comparison, UST buildings are limited to 40', and most properties in the area are no more than 30'. Such high density development also brings into question the ideas of parking, density, and city services.

There will be public testimony on the issue at the City Council meeting at 5:30pm on September 19.

2)  SARPA supports a task force that addresses the issues of vacant properties in historic districts.

Currently, there are over 65 registered vacant buildings in Saint Paul's historic districts. Many of them are Category 3, which, by the "Bostrom amendment"cannot be sold without attaining full code compliance. The potential loss of contributing historic assets due to vacancy and neglect is a burgeoning issue in Saint Paul, and we support the work of a citizen-led task force to address the issues and come up with solutions.

SPCO Concerts on Summit

(sorry to just cut and paste from the press release, just wanted to make it easier).... SAINT PAUL'S SUMMIT HILL SERIES BEGINS SOON!Ameriprise Financial Neighborhood Series

Join us for our concert series on Saturday evenings at St. Paul's United Church of Christ on Summit Avenue in Saint Paul and experience world-class music right in your own neighborhood. It's close, it's convenient, and at only $10 or $25 per concert—only $5 for kids—you can't beat the price! Highlights of our 2012-13 season in Summit Hill include Barber's beloved Adagio for Strings, Bach's Cantata No. 199 and Well-Tempered Clavier, and Schumann's Cello Concerto, performed by celebrated cellist Steven Isserlis. CONCERTS BEGIN SEPTEMBER 29 - ORDER TODAY! Visit thespco.org/cyo to create your own package online or call our Ticket Office at 651.291.1144. MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR SPCO EXPERIENCE  SPCO Mobile App - With our free app for iPhone and iPad, you can hear SPCO performances anytime, anywhere. Listen to more than 250 complete works, enjoy quick access to a calendar of upcoming performances and turn back tickets to concerts you can't attend, right on your mobile device. The SPCO app is a free download. We’ve also created a mobile version of our website for Android users featuring quick access to our performance calendar and a convenient ticket turn back form. Visit thespco.org/app to learn more. SPCO iCalendar - Looking for a convenient way to keep track of SPCO events? Now you can view our full concert calendar on several popular software programs and mobile devices, including Microsoft Outlook 2007, Apple iCal (on Macintosh computers), Google Calendar, Yahoo Calendar, iPhone, iPad and other mobile devices. Subscribe now and set your software to update daily or weekly to ensure you'll always see the latest events and programs. Follow the SPCO on Facebook and Twitter - If you’re on Facebook, be sure to follow the SPCO. You’ll get the latest news, photos and more. Plus, your friends will know that you’re a fan of the SPCO! Visitfacebook.com/thespco and click “Like” to become a fan. We’re also on Twitter at twitter.com/thespco. SPCO Listening Library - With the support of our broadcast partner Classical MPR, we’ve created an extensive and expanding collection of recordings of past SPCO concerts. Visit thespco.org/music to listen to SPCO recordings for FREE anytime. Fanfare - Join us each Friday morning and each Friday and Saturday evening one hour before the concert to learn about the music you will hear on the program. Look for Fanfare signs at your location and visitthespco.org/fanfare for a schedule of Fanfare speakers. (Excludes performances at SPCO Center)