A New Plan for Our Neighborhhood-- What are the issues?

In Union Park, there is a primarily residential area on both sides of the Health East campus north of I-94 and south of University Avenue. As Snelling Avenue and University Avenue are so close, cut-through traffic is a big issue. Residents complain about commercial tractor-trailors speeding down Fry Avenue and breaking off the rear-view mirrors of parked cars and endangering children. Road detours, bad weather, congestion and light rail exacerbate this problem.

Another traffic issue is Snelling Avenue near Midway Center. The accident rate is highest in the state, and seemingly a concern of no one. The road is not designed for the amount of traffic.

Business encroachment is a third concern. HealthEast purchased then bulldozed several houses to expand their parking lot. The houses near Spruce Tree parking ramp are at risk now.

There is not enough on-street parking to handle residents and visitors. The rail line and higher density development makes the situation worse for both residents and businesses. Is there a plan to deal with this issue?

Is the plan to turn the area next to the rail into a zone for non-profits? If so, do we pay attention to the record of the non-profits that want to locate or expand here? Are we set up to police their activity to make sure their clients are treated professionally? Do neighborhoods want to be located next to large non-profit institutions or would they prefer shopping, services and residential areas instead?

Is affordable housing an issue in Union Park or is Union Park north of I-94 one of the few already affordable areas in Saint Paul?

The 16 bus service runs every ten minutes. With the rail, bus frequency is reduced and half of the stops are eliminated. Transit access has always been a strength of this neighborhood. Will transit improve with light rail? This is not an empty question.

Vested political interests and well represented non-profit groups had more influence than nearby business owners and nearby residents when the Met Council did Central Corridor planning. The anti-rail sentiment of the Rondo neighborhood is not so different from the sentiment of many of those most affected in Union Park. A majority on the Union Park District Council have supported rail and transit oriented development, but we typically respect neighborhood concerns.

The loss of business on University Avenue is counter to everyone's interests. Most people did not anticipate the construction impact-- 30% seems like a lowball estimate. Will University Avenue become business friendly? Or, will mixed use development and transit oriented design requirements keep locally owned business away, particularly smaller businesses? Per the Russian Tea House, fees for streetscaping could put them out of business. What is being done to promote locally owned business?

Businesses such as the fabric store, pet shop and Cambodian Restaurant are missed. Whether local or non-local, will there continue to be grocery stores and other business here or will the migration to Roseville continue?

Our job as a District Council is to make sure that those most affected by the plans we develop are given opportunities to voice their concerns. This is a civics exercise that we are capable of doing well.