The porchlite
News from the Summit University Neighborhood
The porchlite
 Homeless Day on the Hill is a day of advocacy. Together, hundreds of Minnesotans gather and talk with their lawmakers about the need for more safe and affordable housing across the state. After you register (click here: https://conta.cc/2O7iSgm to register) MCH will schedule your lawmaker visits.
Schedule of Homeless Day on the Hill 8:00 am | Registration Opens 9:00 am | Program and Training Location: Central Presbyterian Church – 500 Cedar St, St Paul, MN 55101 10:00 am – 3:00 pm | Advocacy Location: State Capitol – 75 Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard., St Paul, MN 55155 Registration is free but recommended -- register here: https://conta.cc/2O7iSgm https://www.mnhomelesscoalition.org/advocate/doth2020/  Over 60% of the residents in Summit-University are renters, and over 50% in Saint Paul as a whole.
Last week, five ordinances were proposed that would put protections in place for renters in the City of Saint Paul. This was the result of years of hard work by community organizations such as the Community Stabilization Project (CSP) and the Frogtown Neighborhood Association (FNA). Some of the protections that are proposed will limit the amount landlords are able to charge for a security deposit to just one month's rent and require them to give more notice to tenants when a property has been sold and they will be displaced. For the City to adopt these ordinances, public hearings will be held before City Council votes to officially adopt them. We'll be sure to share the details of these as soon as we know them. Read more about this issue here: https://minnesotareformer.com/2020/03/05/st-paul-proposes-5-new-ordinances-to-protect-renters/?fbclid=IwAR3VdsfF4GEHi1yv40MZrcRk9akWcbNK_kqqNtFtSEXOPBj4m9oeYFRlSTo  Note:
The information below was provided to us by Metro Transit's community engagement coordinator for the project, Cody Olson. You can reach him directly with your questions at bline@metrotransit.org. The Summit-University Planning Council will be hosting community forums to discuss these proposed plans beginning this Month. Please watch our community calendar or Facebook page for more specific details. Help us raise some questions by reaching out now to let us know what you think about this project and what you would like to know more about. By this summer, the draft corridor plan will go to Met Council for approval. From Cody Olson, B Line Community Engagement Coordinator: The METRO B Line is a planned bus rapid transit (BRT) line that will provide faster and more reliable transit service in the Route 21 (Selby-Lake) corridor. Based on initial planning work, Metro Transit has developed preliminary recommendations for the METRO B Line bus rapid transit corridor: 1. The B Line is now recommended to extend to downtown St. Paul, serving Lake Street, Marshall Avenue, and Selby Avenue.
2. In order to provide a faster and more reliable experience, the METRO B Line is planned to follow a more direct route than the Route 21 does today and will connect with the METRO A Line at Snelling & Dayton Station. West of the Summit-University neighborhood, this recommendation means that the METRO B Line would follow a different route than the Route 21 does today and would stay south of I-94, running on Marshall Avenue west of Snelling Avenue and running on Selby Avenue east of Snelling Avenue. 3. In addition to B Line service, Route 21 is recommended to continue running on Lake Street in Minneapolis between Hennepin Avenue and Minnehaha Avenue every 30 minutes.
For more information on the B Line project, please visit the project website or sign up for B Line updates. Ramsey County public works will begin construction on the Dale Street Bridge towards the end of March 2020. They are hosting a community meeting before this begins to discuss project plans and answer questions. Community Meeting (Hosted by Ramsey County) March 26, 2020 4:30-6:30 Benjamin E. Mays/ World School Cafeteria 560 Concordia Ave What we know about this phase of the project: The first phase of construction will involve closing the ramps from 94 to Dale at Concordia and St. Anthony. These will remain closed for the entire period of construction. These ramps should close sometime in the next few weeks, but they have not shared an exact date yet. You will not be able to cross Dale Street on Concordia or St. Anthony. The Dale Street bridge will remain open to traffic during 2020. This traffic will be slow moving, so please plan accordingly. Traffic will be diverted to Lexington Ave. This could cause increased congestion, and may pose a safety risk to pedestrians. We have reached out to see what precautions are in place to make sure that everyone stays safe, they should be giving us exact details soon. Ramsey County is working with Metro Transit to finalize what (if any) bus stops will be impacted by this construction, and if there will be route detours. We will share this information as soon as a decision is reached. Vibration monitors will be used to ensure that nearby properties are not being damaged. Please reach out if you are concerned or if you have questions. Ramsey County has hired TKDA to manage the project, and they have hired a community member to work with their communications team. This person has been able to identify needs within their communications plan, and is working hard to make sure you are well connected during construction. You are invited to visit the project website or reach out to their staff if you have any questions:https://www.ramseycounty.us/residents/roads-transit/future-road-construction-projects/dale-street-reconstruction    Wednesday, 3/18 from 8:30am-1pm, we need your help visiting our representatives to thank them and encourage their continued support of the Victoria Theater Arts Center (VTAC). This is will be a fun and exciting way to meet other VTAC supporters, and let your voice be heard.
The governor, the House, and the Senate, all have bills in supporting our project. Now, we need to ensure that legislators know just how passionate we are about creating a home for community and arts in Frogtown & Rondo. So, on Wednesday, 4/18, we're going to gather and take the Capitol by storm, so our elected officials get the chance to meet their neighbors. Visit their website for more information!  Know Your Rights: Information Session on St. Paul’s New Housing
Hosted by African American Leadership Forum https://www.facebook.com/events/167861337807695/ Saturday, March 14, 2020 10 AM – 1 PM Hallie Q. Brown Community Center 270 Kent St, Saint Paul African Americans throughout the state of Minnesota often face affordable housing challenges, such as access to quality housing and stable housing. The African American Leadership Forum (AALF) wants to make sure you know your rights when it comes to the City of Saint Paul’s housing ordinances, which have changed. Join us for this community information session and discussion about housing and how these ordinance changes may impact you and your family. There will be FREE food from Smokin J’s and childcare will be provided for those that need it. Location: Hallie Q. Brown Community Center. 270 Kent St, Saint Paul, MN 55102. Date/Time: March 14th. 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. ABOUT OUR MONTHLY CONNECT EVENTS AALF’s monthly CONNECT events provide spaces where we can socialize, get to know each other better, and discuss the issues that most impact our daily lives. We hope to see you there! Are you interested in working alongside your neighbors to help Summit-University stay strong and vibrant? We want you to join our team! Visit our "Joining the Board" page HERE to learn more about what it means to be an SUPC Board Member, and how you can join. We currently have openings in Sub-districts D, B, And F. Call 651-228-1855 for more information.   Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity's A Brush with Kindness Paint and Home Repair Program partners with homeowners to affordably maintain their homes.
The next application period opens May 4, 2020. Habitat for Humanity is not currently taking applications, and will not until the application period opens. It's important to start planning ahead! If you know a community member who could benefit from this program, but won't see this post give them a call or a visit! What they can help with: Exterior Painting Carpentry repairs on roofing, siding, flooring, doors, windows Mechanical system repairs to plumbing, electrical, heating Tree trimming and removal Safety and accessibility modifications (ramps, grab bars, ADA toilets, lever-handles for doors and faucets) What they don't help with: Emergency repairs Driveway Paving Cosmetic repairs (Remodel) Large Structural repairs (Foundations, waterproofing, etc.) Building additions (Rebuild garage, finish basements or attics) |
about usThe Porchlite is a monthly newsletter and blog that is developed by the SUPC Communications Committee. Archives
March 2020
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