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COLUMN \| FEDERATION UPDATE Info: 651-298-5599 • Website: fortroadfederation.org • E-mail: fortroadfed@fortroadfederation.org
April 2012 March 2012 January 2012 December 2011 November 2011 October 2011 August 2011 July 2011 June 2011 May 2011 March 2011 February 2011	December 2010 November 2010 October 2010 September 2010
April 2012 The Fort Road Federation board meeting was held on March 12 at 974 West Seventh. Information: 651-298-5599 or fortroadfederation.org. The next meeting is the Annual Meeting Thursday, April 12, at Summit Brewery, with keynote speaker Former Mayor George Latimer. Rapid Bus Corridor West Seventh is being considered for a major upgrade in bus service on the 54 Express bus by 2014. This plan will serve two purposes — decrease boarding delay as well as make bus stops more attractive and interesting. It will include real-time information on signs, better branding, better on-time performance, heated shelters, ticket machines at the stops for faster boarding, and the best new low-floor buses. Signal delays will also be employed on the buses to reduce down time at traffic lights. Christine Morrison of Planning and Economic Development spoke to the Board on the plan and how it might change West Seventh. There should be no loss of parking on the street, but there could be new “bump outs” at bus stops to accommodate the improved shelters. This may be done along with a pilot program called Complete Streets that looks at everything along the street — including pedestrian signals, lighting, and other street furniture. More details will be presented at the annual meeting. Great River Passage Plan The Board discussed at length the plan that was presented at the previous meeting. Many things important to the community are missing in the plan as it stands now. There is no mention of phasing, or any other plan to get this implemented in any time frame. One major component that is missing is what happens to the Shepard Road section, particularly at Randolph, which was discussed at length but does not appear in any detail in the plan. They put a lot of emphasis on things that are physically there, but Fountain Cave is something that would have to be put back in. In the end, the Board felt that the plan as we have it now is very much incomplete, and passed a resolution that we wait until the next revision to take a stand of any kind. Federation Board Redistricting Due to changes in the population of the West End, the Board felt it was important to change the size of the Areas that make up Board representation ahead of the Annual Meeting. They have not been changed since the Federation was set up in the 1970s, and the population of Area III in particular is rather small. The area represented by the Federation includes 11,600 people in total, or 3,860 for each of the three Areas. Some major changes have occurred since the boundaries were set, mostly on the Upper Landing. Proposed boundary for Area I would be St. Clair, moved north from Grace St. The proposed boundary between Area II and Area III will be at Armstrong. This gives us 4,200 in Area I, 3,800 in Area II, and 3,600 in Area III moving North to South. These changes would have to be accepted as a change in bylaws by the Annual Meeting in April. Annual Meeting The Annual Meeting will be on Thursday, April 12, 7 p.m., at the Summit Brewery, located at Montreal Circle in the Crosby Lake Business Park. There will be presentations on the status of the Schmidt Brewery in addition to the issues mentioned above. See you then! back to top
March 2012 The Fort Road Federation board meeting was held on February 13 at 974 West Seventh. Next meeting: March 12. Info: 651-298-5599 or fortroadfederation.org. Great River Passage A packed house greeted a presentation by Don Ganje, project manager for the Great River Passage Master Plan, which dominated the Federation meeting. This plan is expected to govern the next two generations of city efforts along the entire 26 miles of Mississippi shoreline and 3,500 acres of parks through St. Paul. The audience listened intently through the formal part of the presentation, which included a video depicting what the Mississippi could look like when the plan is fully implemented. The website greatriverpassage.org contains much more information, including the entire Master Plan for everyone to read. Reactions are being collected by the Federation for inclusion in this public comment period, and should be directed to Betty@FortRoadFederation.org. The theme for this plan is “More Natural, More Urban, and More Connected.” Main goals include restoring natural habitat wherever possible. Daylighting of buried streams is also important, especially Hidden Falls Creek. “More Urban” means more social gathering places along the Mississippi — namely as an environmental learning center in the Watergate Marina area, and the river opened up to fishing and small boats. River Balconies at bluff level are planned from the Science Museum to Union Depot, connecting from there to Trout Brook trail. “More Connected” refers to neighborhood connections, including a number of trails and bridges. This also includes downgrading of Shepard Road to a four lane parkway-like road, narrowed and more heavily planted to bring down speeds, with new signage and interpretation all along the corridor. The neighbors gathered had many questions and immediate reactions to the detailed proposals. John Yust had particular concerns for the connection at and along Randolph Avenue. “Lack of a strong visualization leaves this plan lacking and harder to implement,” he stated. Don Ganje responded by suggesting that this should be fleshed out with a more focused group to provide the details necessary. “I would encourage you to put these ideas down and give input to this process.” Concern was also raised about the lack of interest in Fountain Cave, original home of Pierre “Pig’s Eye” Parrant and the founding of the city. Don Ganje was sympathetic, saying, “The only study we have on this says that opening up Fountain Cave is impractical, but perhaps we should look more closely at that.” No plan of action was endorsed. Kent Petterson, who has been the Federation’s main representative on the committee that drafted the plan, had many comments to help guide the audience towards an understanding of the process. The area around Victoria Park was highlighted in his remarks. “We have great overlook at Otto which is now slated for development, but not shown as such in the maps — why can’t the City retain at least an easement at the bluff?” Don Ganje agreed completely, saying, “We are trying to preserve this overlook with an easement right now with Planning and Economic Development (PED).” There was much more discussion of possible uses of this area and the potential soccer fields, which continued after the plan presentation. In general, the audience was attentive and curious, more interested in learning about the city’s effort and generally supportive. Soccer Fields at Victoria Park Potential soccer fields at Victoria Park have been an issue for three years, and have had strong opposition in the neighborhood. The City wants to restart a new process through the Parks Commission in the form of a carefully crafted task force. Negotiations with Parks as to how it will be structured have produced some changes: a fifth slot for resident representation, four to five meetings in total, selection through an application process with the Fort Road Federation and Parks, and slots for various self-identified people and many of the other immediate interests right around it such as Nova Classical Academy, Sholom, Mississippi Market and the like. Dave Bredemus, who along with Tonya Nicholie-Johnson has headed up the Federation’s effort, was not sure if there was any alternative to participating, but remained hopeful. “If people are committed and the bodies show up we will make it work,” he said. The group will make a design level master plan for the park, totally separate from the Great River Passage timeline. The Federation’s role is to co-chair the Task Force and relay information and support from the community as needed. The process was approved through a motion by the board on the condition that it is designed to seek consensus, not force items through on a majority vote. Those interested in participating in the Task Force should contact the Federation at 651-298-5599 or e-mail to Betty@FortRoadFederation.org. Participation should be considered a major commitment, and those who miss meetings may not be allowed to participate in final decisions. back to top
January 2012 The Fort Road Federation board meeting was held on December 12 at 974 West Seventh. January meeting date to be announced.Info: 651-298-5599 or fortroadfederation.org. Saint Paul Winter Carnival Grand Day Parade This year, the Saint Paul Winter Carnival will open with the King Boreas Grand Day Parade down West Seventh Street, running from Smith Avenue to Rice Park. The “stands” will be at Walnut. This exciting event on January 28th at 2 p.m. requires extensive closings throughout the neighborhood all day, and will keep West Seventh closed for more than three hours. Staging will take place along Cliff Street, with the parade assembled on Smith. The High Bridge will be closed for the duration as well. Winter Carnival organizers met with the Federation Board and several neighbors to make sure that we have all the details coming together and a process for people to make sure that their access and safety concerns are addressed. There will be Police Reserves directing both car and foot traffic throughout the Cliff Street neighborhood, and temporary parking permits will be issued to identify residents and prevent issues. If you have any questions about this event please call Betty at 651-298-5599. Victoria Park Mike Hahm from St Paul Parks & Rec came to kick off the next phase of this issue, which is moving from concept to design. Little has changed through this process, with the city still interested in developing four soccer fields on the bluff side of this park. Many people were present to talk to the need for more soccer fields in the City and the importance of this being not just for kids but also for our growing communities of immigrants who play the sport. Neighbors never questioned the need for athletic facilities, but many did lament the site for the fields. This was seen by many of them as a critical Mississippi overlook location, one of the few on the bluff with breathtaking views of the whole valley. For some the question is in the details, preferring to not have artificial turf or lights but generally not opposed to the fields themselves. This is to be hashed out through a task force made up of all the people who have a stake in either the site or soccer in St. Paul. They will be charged with developing the final design for Victoria Park that meets everyone’s needs. Parks & Rec is confident that they have all the information they need to proceed to this stage and are eager to get this process moving forward. back to top
December 2011 The Fort Road Federation board meeting was held on November 14. December meeting TBA. 974 West Seventh. Information: 651-298-5599 or fortroadfederation.org. Grand Smith Mobil The request for a license to re-open the Mobil station at Grand and Smith is going to a legislative hearing because of a request for denial by a resident. Over the last month a review of the request has been done by many of the neighbors and there was a great deal of concern that it would continue as it has before. Neighbors were concerned by the lack of general upkeep of the store, including trash on the site and lack of policing in the general area. The new ownership is not clearly distinct from the operation of the past. Based on these concerns, the Federation passed a resolution asking that the license be denied, but that if it was permitted that there is some protections for the neighborhood and that all the back taxes are paid. Traffic A review of traffic speed along West Seventh between Canton and Otto was done by the City at the request of the Federation. This was done to create a baseline before the upgrade of parks and a new school in the area to make sure that there would be safe places for kids to cross. The City found that speeds are around 35 MPH, less than the posted 40 MPH, so no action is needed. A lack of safe crosswalks in the area was noted, however, so crossing is still perilous. It was suggested that some upgrades might be necessary to make the area safe, but that a full study can’t be done until the improvements are in place. The Board was concerned that there are other places along West Seventh that should be upgraded to improve pedestrian crossings as well, so a general task force is likely to be created to identify intersections and perhaps submit a Capital Improvement Board proposal. Buses Metro Transit is planning some upgrades to bus service along West Seventh, but at this time these are substantially less than the stand-alone busway that was proposed in the past. Proposed changes include stops where riders can pay before boarding and devices to change the lights to favor buses so that they are not stuck in traffic. The Board is wary of changes, given the controversy in the past over much larger improvements, but supportive of what has been proposed here. It was also noted that regular local service does not exist west of Randolph, with the 54 bus being a limited stop service only — in the eyes of the Board, a request to improve access to buses should be part of any proposal. Schmidt Brewery Since the Rathskeller itself is not registered as a historic building in its own right, it is not eligible for Legacy Funds. The Board considered some other options for fundraising so that we can put a lot more money and attention into this important structure, especially after the great reception given to it at the October opening. A capital campaign with some new ideas is being considered. back to top
November 2011 Board meeting was held Oct 10. Next meeting Nov 14, 7pm, 974 West Seventh. 651-298-5599 or fortroadfederation.org. Victoria Park The neighborhood continues to react to the latest proposal for apartments on the site. The biggest concerns are with parking and how the latest plan relates to the plans for parks in the area. Parking concerns include the possible need to widen Otto St. to accommodate on-street parking, should that become necessary. However, the neighbors in the area do recognize that having a passive park without a neighborhood around it could become a magnet for trouble, so they are not completely opposed to the idea. The developer, Wally Johnson, has been very open and willing to discuss his plans even as they are in the earliest stages, which has pleased residents greatly. At this time, the Federation has not taken a position on this development. Schmidt Brewery The big event is the party planned for Dominium’s formal takeover of their share of the site on October 26, which we all feel has been a long time coming. Listing on the National Register of Historic Places is now complete. A general cleanup of the entire site is proceeding, as metal and other debris are being removed. Plans for the Rathskeller will now begin in earnest with the roof done and the rest of the site secured. Grand Smith Gas Station A proposal was floated for the gas station at Grand and Smith, which has not operated since it was taken in foreclosure last June. The new owner is Bill Egan, who would like to develop the site as intensively as possible. In the meantime, however, the first phase includes getting the gas pumps open and taking out the service bays to expand the convenience store section. That could happen as early as October 28 if the application for a permit is not challenged. The longer-term plans are much more in flux. Proposals for a two-story building on the site of the current service bays and a car wash in the back each seemed to be a bit much for the immediate residents. Concerns were voiced on whether the lot was big enough to accommodate that much parking and how a car wash would necessarily encroach on a shared alley. There was also concern about the possibility of selling 3.2 beer at the store, but that proposal has been withdrawn. Immediate residents in Little Bohemia generally were in favor of the first phase of the station, reopening with a larger convenience store, and expressed that it was better for everyone than an empty building. The longer-range plans can be discussed later. Neighbors in Uppertown and Irvine Park have not met to consider their opinions on the plans. back to top
October 2011 Federation board meeting was held Sept 12. Next meeting Oct 10, 7pm, 974 West Seventh. Victoria Park This part of the West End has been getting a lot of attention lately, and the Federation meeting was full of proposals and updates from all corners. First up was Wally Johnson, who is interested in building approximately 150 rental units in three-story buildings along Otto. He is the developer of the Gateway project down West Seventh and has a lot of experience in the area. His main intention was to introduce himself to the board, explain what he does, and look for obvious red flags to his ideas. The board took no action but asked a number of questions before directing Johnson to follow-up with a general community meeting, which will be arranged shortly. A brief update from Nova Academy, just to the west of proposed rental site, was full of many details that are all moving forward. Their project has to move like clockwork in order to be open for next year, and they are still on schedule. Lastly, there was an update on the soccer fields proposed for the remainder of the site. There are no significant new details available at this time but the arrangements that are under consideration are now being put into writing. This was hailed as a good achievement on its own. A spokesman from the Parks Department will be invited to the next meeting to clarify this proposal and find out where it really stands. Schmidt Brewery A lot is happening in the brewery. The roof has been finished on the old office building and plans are being drawn up to begin shopping for potential restauranteurs to bring into the project. There are major issues with parking and access for Dominium Development as they work toward a closing on their share of the project, and the Scope of Work has been submitted for approval from historic management agencies. Staff from Landmark Center have generously provided expertise as to how to manage a historic site and schedule events and so on. The buildings have been cleaned out of old equipment such as filing cabinets and other debris. back to top
August 2011 By Erik Hare The Fort Road Federation board meeting was held Aug 8. Next meeting Sept 12, 7pm, 974 West Seventh. 651-298-5599 or fortroadfederation.org. Nova Classical Academy Miranda Morton, Lower School director, told the board the new school, at Victoria Park (West Seventh and Otto), is moving ahead with their aggressive schedule to open for the 2012-13 school year. The Planning Commission and City Council have approved their plans and final design is being developed. The biggest concern has come from Sholom Homes, which wanted to preserve their views of the Mississippi River. That apparently has been worked out by being careful about the building height in the final stages of design. Victoria Park Fill Several Adrian Street neighbors of Victoria Park were on hand to find a solution to their ongoing problems with the process of filling in the old tank farm with clean dirt, taken from the Central Corridor project. Complaints were filed about unlivable amounts of dust and even some damage from rocks as the trucks went by. Part of the issue includes using Thurston Street, which was supposed to be closed, as a shortcut. The Federation will continue working with these neighbors to assure that standards are met for watering down the dust and correct routing of traffic. Schmidt Brewery The roof on the office/Rathskeller was in far worse shape than originally hoped, but progress is being made on repairing it quickly. There was a lot of discussion on plans for the future from a financial perspective, given that this is the biggest project the Federation has taken on in a long time — and the income necessary to keep the organization moving forward. The board is continuing to stay actively involved in the process of getting the development started and getting anchor tenants for the larger buildings. Car Wash The car wash at West Seventh near Victoria is scheduled to re-open with its special conditional use permit on file. The new owner came to talk to the board and show that the concerns of neighbors have been met, most of which were held over from the previous operation and long period of the building being empty and unsupervised. Neighbors were eager to see an active business moving into the location and generally supported the proposed operation. Little Bohemia Three houses have been torn down and the rest are moving along. The immediate goals for the summer are being met and the larger project is moving forward after delays earlier this summer in getting contracts let out. back to top
July 2011 by Erik Hare The Fort Road Federation board meeting was held on June 13, 7pm, at 974 West Seventh. Information: 651-298-5599 or fortroadfederation.org; e-mail: fortroadfed@fortroadfederation.org. The July meeting date has not been determined. Rezoning Lucy Thompson and Jessica Rosenfeld from the City have been working on a request from Councilmember Thune’s office to look at the zoning along West Seventh from Smith to St. Clair, as well as Victoria Park. The intent is to clean up decades of patchwork zoning and apply some of the new zones that are not as restrictive by use but instead specify height, form, and parking requirements. These new zones, called “TN” for “Traditional Neighborhood,” allow for mixed uses such as apartments over commercial structures like those that were built before zoning even existed. Using these categories takes many properties that were technically out of compliance and ratifies their uses. One study, presented by Rosenfeld, dealt with the residential properties throughout the community. She recommended that the designation TN2 be used, which allows for duplexes and single family homes with the density that already appears in the area. A full map of all the changes is available from the City Planning and Economic Development office (http: //bit.ly/D9zoning) or at the Federation. Lucy Thompson looked at some proposed changes to the commercial district, primarily in the triangle formed by West Seventh, Smith and Grand. She also recommended TN2 over most of this area for the same reasons. This is fully compliant with the uses that are there except in a few cases, which will continue to be grandfathered in. Victoria Park requires rezoning because of changes that have taken place since the City lost the court battle and cannot allow residential uses on most of the old tank farm. The main issue here is recognizing the new streets and incorporating them along with Nova Academy into the Master Plan. There will be a public hearing on all of these changes on July 22 at 6 p.m. at the Council Chamber. All affected property owners will be notified by mail in advance. The Board was generally supportive of the proposed changes and had no additions, welcoming how they fit with the existing uses and the master plan. Urgent Care Animal Clinic The after-hours animal clinic, now on University Avenue, is planning a new building at 1546 West Seventh, just west of the old Hostess store and the new Mississippi Market. They need a variance because the existing zoning requires a higher density on the site than they could build. They need a lot of parking because people bring in animals that need immediate attention. Hours of operation are weekends and 6 p.m. to 9 a.m. weekdays, which is when regular vets are closed. The clinic is owned and operated by a consortium of veterinarians that includes Dr. Mark Goodell of the Fort Road Animal Clinic, nearby on West Seventh. The Board passed a resolution supporting their variance and encouraging them to go ahead. It was noted that this will be an important new amenity for the neighborhood. Smith Avenue Traffic Calming For several months neighbors have been working to reduce traffic speeds on Smith just after the High Bridge. The speed limit of 40 on the bridge dropping down to 30 causes a number of problems, including a large number of accidents. Large decorative planters were hit by cars going out of control. A meeting was held with the City where some new lane narrowing and other efforts to make it visually much less appealing to drive fast and also make it much less dangerous to make a left turn at the end of the bridge were discussed. Tidbits Nova Classical Academy is moving ahead and should meet their aggressive schedule to start work this fall. Little Bohemia Neighborhood Association is waiting for the City to award the contracts for renovation and demolition that have already been approved, which will mark a critical phase of that new association’s efforts. The Board also considered ways to make their treasurer’s report easier to read and to get a better handle on what needs to be done to keep the Federation strong and stable for years to come, even through difficult times like these. back to top
June 2011 by Erik Hare The Fort Road Federation board meeting was held on May 9, 7pm, at 974 West Seventh. Information: 651-298-5599 or fortroadfederation.org; e-mail: fortroadfed@fortroadfederation.org. The next meeting is on June 13 at 7p.m. Schmidt Brewery The Schmidt Brewery was closed on by the Federation on April 29, so we own it now! The next step is to finish the Historic District designation and start some key predevelopment construction. This includes a new roof for the Rathskeller and a lot of utility work to separate the properties along the new boundaries. In coming months the details of how this development will proceed will be fleshed out, but the initial plan remains in effect. Great River Park The final Great River Park plan is still being drawn up, and a number of issues were raised by the Board related to the Federation’s status as the planning arm of the city. The main concern was the designation of a Busway on West Seventh, which is still listed by the Met Council as an active plan — this will be left off the Great River Park plan. The most significant concerns involved connections to the Mississippi from the bluff from a number of locations. Stairs leading down from the High Bridge, a bridge over the railroad from Walnut St., and other connections were discussed at length. Though there is not likely to be money to build any of these for some time, it is important to be on record that they will be built so that in future years the plans will be on file. Nova Academy Nova Academy is moving ahead with their plans for a completely new building in Victoria Park. The plans are still being finalized even as Piper Jaffrey is gearing up to sell bonds to make it happen. They still plan to begin construction by this fall to make a July 2012 opening, giving them the summer to move into it. Nova currently occupies two sites, one for their K-8 at the old St Francis building and the other in Highland. By combining operations into one building they plan to be able to offer more programs and increase enrollment by 26. The Federation Board pushed them to include more preference for West Seventh residents, which is being considered. This development will take place on the land that is not required by court order to be a park. back to top
May 2011 by Ken McCormick Annual meeting held April 18. Next meeting May 9, 7pm at 974 West 7th. Info: 651-298-5599 or fortroadfederation.org; e-mail: fortroadfed@fortroadfederation.org. 2011 Board members: Back row: Leonard Schwartz, Dave Bredemus, Erik Hare, Will Wilson, Dave Wickiser. Front row: Marit Brock, Gail Graham, Pat McGuiness, Tonya Nicholie, David Wietedki. Not pictured: Walt Wietzke. 2011 Board members: Back row: Leonard Schwartz, Dave Bredemus, Erik Hare, Will Wilson, Dave Wickiser. Front row: Marit Brock, Gail Graham, Pat McGuiness, Tonya Nicholie, David Wietedki. Not pictured: Walt Wietzke. Fort Road Federation Annual Meeting Current president Dave Bredemus opened the 2011 annual meeting. Gary Brueggemann, an area teacher and local historian, gave the feature presentation, a narrative on the West Seventh neighborhood from the perspective of the many breweries that were a significant part of the early growth in the area. Indeed Gary said the area could just as well be called “Brewtown” given the six or seven breweries that were operating here in the last half of the 1800s. This was evidently a result not only of the availability of excellent water but of the presence a large influx of Germans and especially Bavarians. Those immigrants lead to a number of the schools and churches that were key parts of the early neighborhood. (Gary’s full presentation is available on the Federation web site.) There were brief words from City Council Member Dave Thune and County Commissioner Manuel Ortega on the Federation’s 38 years of success. The agenda then included organization reports on various activities of interest to our neighborhood. Kent Petterson noted the annual West Seventh Neighbors Garden Tour is scheduled June 18. Nadja Berneche noted Community Gardens are now opened and all available plots are spoken for. The West End community garden, at Jefferson and Victoria adjacent to Tavern On The Avenue, is on the June Garden Tour. Everyone is encouraged to visit. Marit Brock made a brief presentation about the Smith/West Seventh Neighborhood Task Force redevelopment efforts. They will be working on five homes this coming year. Tonya Nicholie and Patrick McGuiness briefly discussed a City proposal to put in a number of lighted soccer fields as a key feature of a revitalized park in a large portion of Victoria Park. There are many reasons why the neighborhood doesn’t like this proposal, one is that Nova Academy is now interested in possibly relocating their campuses there if they can have access to combined recreation and park space. This issue was featured in a formal resolution later in the meeting. Leonard Schwartz reported on other activity in Victoria Park. Outgoing Federation President Dave Bredemus briefly outlined recent efforts underway to redevelop the Schmidt Brewery as well as Victoria Park and recently successful efforts to open the new combined firehouse and the United Family Health Clinic. He also mentioned efforts now underway to fund a redesigned and revitalized Palace Recreation Center. Resolutions were offered, including one that confirmed those in attendance were not in favor of soccer fields in the Victoria Park location. Election of Officers: The following individuals were elected to lead the Federation for the next year: President: Tonya Nicholie Vice-President: Patrick McGuiness 2nd Vice-President: Will Wilson Secretary: Eric Hare Treasurer: David Wickiser Area Coordinators elected were: Area I: Marit Brock and Walt Wietzke Area II: Gayle Graham and David Wietedki Area III: Leonard Schwartz. The other Area III seat is vacant. back to top
March 2011 by JERRY ROTHSTEIN Monthly meeting held February 14. Next meeting March 14, 7pm, 974 West Seventh. Information: 651-298-5599 or fortroadfederation.org; e-mail: fortroadfed@fortroadfederation.org. Schmidt Brewery Historic District Amy Spong, Planning and Preservation Specialist with the City’s Planning and Economic Development department, presented a detailed overview of the process of creating the “Jacob Schmidt Brewing Company Historic District.” The local historic district allows for more protection of the historic site than would a national designation. As a local historic district, alterations to buildings and structures on the site are under the Heritage Preservation Commission’s jurisdiction. District designation for the brewery property is essential for the proposed redevelopment to proceed, as it opens the ways for both federal and state historic rehabilitation tax credits. The work involved in preparing the application includes identification and evaluation of the site, including a cultural resources survey and determination of which buildings and features of a proposed site actually contribute to its historical value. With the brewery site, for example, people may not realize that the Stahlmann stables on Webster and Toronto, and much of the underground cellars and tunnel system are “contributing,” and many of the more recent buildings on the site are “noncontributing.” Amy mentioned that Paul Clifford Larson was contracted to do the designation application in its entirety, including research and writing, boundaries, contributing-noncontributing properties, etc. The main factors in deciding a site’s status are significance and integrity. The brewery’s period of significance in between 1958 and 1955, and there is ample integrity in the historically significant structures and features. With all the documentation in place, City Council can approve the local designation, and can also certify the site as meeting criteria for the National Register without actually moving to have it listed at this time. Dominium Developments Owen Metz has been working on Dominium’s plans to develop 220 units of affordable rentals in the Bottling House and The Castle buildings, with some artist live/work spaces included in the plans. They also want to build 16 townhomes along Erie St., also as affordable family rentals. With the state and federal historic tax credits and available affordable housing credits, Dominium believes the project is financially feasible. When questioned on what amenities the project would include, Madison mentioned possible common artist studio spaces and main floor community meeting rooms. But it soon became clear that these features would be available only to residents, not to the West End community at large. Even the historic castle towers are not to be used as a public resource — even though they are the symbolic heart of the brewery’s historic value — because costs would be too great. There was some dissatisfaction in the room at these revelations, and future discussions should be interesting. Federation Portion of Brewery Development The Federation has an agreement with Xcel Energy’s Design Assistance Program to design the heating/cooling system for the Rathskeller at no charge. With Dominium, the Federation has received a $50,000 pollution investigation grant from the Metropolitan Council (via the City) to complete pollution remediation planning for the site, and then apply for funding in May to do the work. St. Paul Public Schools System Plan Superintendent Silva changed her original plan and agreed that the Four Seasons program can continue — in another location and not as a year-round offering. A strong neighborhood effort by the West Seventh/Smith Avenue Neighborhood Task Force is advocating that Four Seasons move to the Jefferson School building being vacated by Open World Learning Community. The Task Force points out that an occupied, functioning building at that site is essential for the neighborhood’s well-being. Another supportive factor comes from the partnership between Four Seasons and the West Seventh Community Center’s federally funded after school and summer programs, in which more than half of the students are from Four Seasons. It was agreed to form a delegation of Federation, Task Force and Community Center representatives to seek a meeting with the Superintendent to put these ideas forward. Dave Bredemus, Walt Wietzke and Betty Moran of the Federation, Diane Gerst of the Community Center and Marit Brock of the Task Force agreed to form the group. West Seventh/Smith Avenue Neighborhood Task Force The Task Force is now two years old! Marit reported that the Exterior Grant Program is nearly completed, having leveraged $80,000 in grants into $200,000 in work. Five rehab contracts have been let for $720,000 in work. Planning is also starting for moving the Kraus Anderson House on Smith to the corner of Douglas and Forbes. The Task Force continues to monitor new foreclosures in the neighborhood. West Seventh/St. Clair Task Force. See “New Teamwork” article by Mary Hansen. Victoria Park Public Information Meeting Set for February 22 at Sholom Homes, with presentations from developers, Nova Classical Academy and the Federation on the park development process. Capital Improvement Applications Approved for funding for final stages of planning and first stages of work on Palace Rec; and for planning on Victoria Park. Dave Wickiser commented, “As a neighborhood, we haven’t yet engaged in discussing what we do want on the site. We’ve been kept busy reacting to others’ plans.”
February 2011 Monthly meeting held January 10. Next meeting February 14, 7pm, 974 West Seventh.
December 2010 No monthly meeting held in December. Next meeting January 10, 7pm, 974 West Seventh.
November 2010 Last meeting: Nov 8. Next meeting Dec 13, 7pm, 974 West 7th. Schmidt Brewery An agreement has been signed by Dominium Development, the Fort Road Federation and Bruce Hendry to redevelop the Schmidt Brewery property. The agreement in principle is to work toward a closing in spring of 2011. The most important work to be completed is the historic designation of several buildings on the site. This will make the property eligible for federal and state tax credits that are very important to making the development financially possible. At this stage, there are few details available on how the site will be used. Dominium has plans in hand to turn the Bottling House into a series of artists’ living and work space. They also will be developing the “Castle,” but that use is not clear. Bruce Hendry will retain ownership of the large warehouse between Duke and Erie Streets, located by the Canadian Pacific railroad. The rest of the land will go to the Fort Road Federation working with the City of Saint Paul. What is certain is that this large project will happen in stages, with the large parcel of cleared land at the southwest of the property (where the large tank used to be on West Seventh) saved for the very end. Look for a more thorough update in the January edition of the Community Reporter. Smith Neighborhood The neighborhood has survived roadwork and completed its process of identifying which houses are worth renovating. Those houses will likely be contracted out by the end of the year. Things are much quieter and looking much better at this end. The new park’s art project/fitness station has been christened “Pleasant Park” for its proximity to the old Pleasant Ave (now I-35E). It has been an exciting time for the whole neighborhood. The Federation would like to congratulate this neighborhood for its hard work and very visible improvements as we look ahead to another season of changes through this winter and into next year! back to top
	OCTOBER 2010 Last meeting: Oct. 11. Next meeting Nov 8, 7pm, 974 West 7th. Victoria Park Little change has come from the Parks Department in this project, which is still centered around the development of four soccer fields on the site. However, the Federation’s role is stepping up and working to arrange a meeting with all the affected neighbors to understand exactly how the community feels about this potential asset and how it balances against the increases in traffic and noise in the area. Diane Gerth, past Federation President, talked at length with the Board to clarify their role with the Capital Improvement Budget Process, a citizen involvement system for allocating increasingly scarce city money for big projects. We have to have a proposal in by January to allocate money for staff time so that Victoria Park planning can be done properly. Solar Energy Ralph Jacobson came to talk as part of his promotion of the Minnesota Renewable Energy Society. They hope to have 1,000 houses and businesses installing solar water heaters on their roofs across the city — enough that the purchase of these systems can be done in bulk, saving everyone up to 80% of the purchase cost after all the tax credits are included. It’s a unique opportunity to save money and energy without having to put in a lot of money up front. More information can be found at the Federation office or at mnrenewables.org. Schmidt Brewery A general agreement is continuing to come together to make the redevelopment of this landmark property possible. The partners include Dominium Development, Bruce Hendry, and the Federation. Dominium has a long track record developing properties like this both in the city and the suburbs, and their involvement centers on the tax credits that come from developing historic properties. Dominium would take the old Bottle House and the “castle” at the center, probably for residential development. Hendry, the current owner, would retain some of the property for his development. The Federation, acting mainly with city money, would take the Rathskeller and large warehouse on Seventh. Coordination of all these groups is critical, so the initial agreement will take some time to move forward. There is a general understanding in principle, but many details have to be worked out — especially parking. The current plan is to open up Webster Street through the site and to make Oneida a “private drive” with a lot of parking that would also more-or-less be open through the site. back to top
	SEPTEMBER 2010 Schmidt Brewery After many years of hard work and dedication, it looks as though a plan for action on the Schmidt Brewery is moving forward! Ed Johnson presented the framework of agreement between the parties who have agreed to split up the site. Dominium Development is planning to redevelop the Bottling House and “Castle”; the Federation would take the Rathskeller and Keg House; the Welsh Companies plan to redevelop the large (nonhistoric) warehouse; and current owner Bruce Hendry would keep what’s left in the proposed agreement being finalized. There is still a year left to hammer out details, have the site listed on the Register of Historic Places and apply for the very important tax credits for historical renovation at the state and federal level that are making this possible. There is a strong commitment and the finances are finally working out in everyone’s best interests. Victoria Park City plans for four soccer fields along the bluff are continuing forward, but there are many details that need to be worked out ahead of a deadline for funding from the Minnesota Amateur Sports Commission. Tonya Nicholie presented the latest drawings and details of the plan, which has not changed significantly since it was first proposed. Neighbors will have a chance to weigh in at a community meeting that the Board agreed to listen to before taking a stand on this issue. Great River Interpretive Signs Dan Varney from St. Paul Parks & Rec presented a plan for using a series of federal and state grants for interpretive signs and kiosks along Shepard Road. These will be part of its designation as the “Great River Road,” a scenic route that stretches the length of the Mississippi. St. Paul is determined to make this route part of what they hope to be a “Grand Round” of parks and trails encircling the city, ultimately taking dozens of parks and parkways in the city and making them into a city in a park. A great deal of care is being taken to make sure these new signs closely reflect the neighborhoods, and a small committee was formed to gather as information to make the new signs as informative as possible. back to top