Life in Minnesota: Sharon Shinomiya immortalizes this scene on Como Lake. Now that's something you don't see very often.
New Lexington Ave Crosswalk Postponed
No crosswalk until spring
The new, marked crosswalk the Parks Department scheduled for Lexington Parkway this fall is being postponed until
spring 2018.
The crosswalk, originally scheduled for construction in September, initially could not get a bid that came in under budget, according to Alice Messer, manager of design and construction for Saint Paul Parks and Recreation. Then, as the construction season wound down, there no longer was time to work the project in. She told District 10, "We plan to include the work in the spring 2018 citywide concrete work, as we feel bidding with citywide projects will result in a more competitive bid price."
You can read more about the crosswalk, and what's gone into its planning, on the D10 website.
Business in Como Could Be Better, Studies Say
A
ccording to a market analysis performed for the District 10 Como Community Council and the District 6 Planning Council, Dale St. needs a destination or anchor business to improve its retail environment and draw more customers.
Meanwhile, a companion study says the rest of Como has enough discretionary income to support additional specialty businesses (like small restaurants and coffee shops with a local focus, or a taproom), even though there aren't a lot of places to put them.
The studies are part of an ongoing effort by the Como Community Council to build a foundation for additional business investment and amenities in the neighborhood.
Can't Wait? Vote Now!
Saint Paul residents can vote early in the elections for mayor and school board today, Saturday, and Monday (Nov. 3, 4 and 6). Early voting is available at:
The Ramsey County Elections Office, 90 W. Plato Blvd. The office is open today until 4:30 p.m.; Saturday from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; and Monday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Five additional locations; the closest location to District 10 is the Martin Luther King Recreation Center, 271 Mackubin St. (that's a few blocks east of Dale). Hours at these satellite locations are until 2 p.m. today; 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday; and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday.
Election Day itself is Tuesday Nov. 7; polls will be open that day from 7 a.m.-8 p.m. You can find out where your polling place is on the Minnesota Secretary of State's website.
There are 10 candidates for mayor and six candidates for three school board seats. You can see who the candidates are online by entering your address. The election for mayor will be done through ranked voting; the city has online videos explaining how that works.
Throw an Earth-friendly dinner party with these compostable products
Watching our Waste: Act Now
This Thursday, Nov. 9, is the deadline to place orders through Eureka Recycling's Zero Waste Buying Co-op. The BPI-certified compostable products include plates, bowls, napkins, hot and cold cups, utensils - even lids and straws. One of the best options is a roll of 25 kitchen-size compostable bags for only $2. This is a perfect option for those of you who use our community organics recycling site, but never seem to be there when bags are available.
Free Fun for the Wee Ones
Lil' Explorer Thursdays are underway at Como Park Zoo. The free activities for 1- to 3-year-olds run from 10 a.m.-noon at the Visitor Center.
Youngsters get face to face with animals and plants, play games, and take part in story times. Because we all know how short attention spans are (for children and their adults!), there's a different theme each week.
Hunting Will Close Ramsey Co. Parks
Controlled deer hunts resume this weekend and early this week in Ramsey County Parks, including around Snail Lake Marsh and Vadnais Lake. The hunts, being done by the Metro Bowhunters Resource Base, last three days; follow-up hunts are scheduled for November. Signs will be posted at common entry points where hunts are being conducted. During the hunts, large portions of a park may be closed, though most major paved hiking and biking trails will remain open.
Construction Season is Winding Down
With winter around the corner, crews are working to finish up these projects:
Como Avenue: With new pavement and striping down it's smooth sailing on Como Ave. west of Raymond.
Wheelock Parkway: The cross streets from Grotto to Danforth are closed to through traffic and lane reductions continue on Dale, but this week saw the completion of sidewalks and the bike path throughout the project. Next week (weather permitting) new sod will be laid down, driveways and alleys will be patched, and striping and signs will be installed.
Energy Park Drive: Lanes restrictions should wrap up today west of the Lexington intersection after crews finish installing fiber optic cable.
Highway 280: After being shut down all week, MnDOT officials say the ramp from southbound 280 to eastbound I-94 is scheduled to reopen sometime this Saturday, Nov. 4.
Interstate 35E: The third time is the charm? After canceling twice, MnDOT still seems determined to shut down all southbound lanes from the split with 35W in Columbus south to Interstate 694. The lanes could be off limits from 10 o'clock tonight, Friday Nov. 3, until 5 a.m. Monday, Nov. 6.
Mississippi River Parkway: The bicycle and pedestrian paths under the Ford Parkway Bridge now are open, though work on the bridge itself continues for much of this month.
Catch the NRR Trio Saturday
Down at Dockside This Weekend
This Saturday the NRR Trio, three members of the New Riverside Ramblers, will pep up your weekend with some free music starting at noon.
And at the Fairgrounds this weekend ...
Gameday Crossfit Competition: A two day fitness competition for crossfitters and performance athletes. Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 4 and 5, 8 a.m.-5:30 pm, in Warner Coliseum. Spectator tickets are $20 per day, age 18 and under get in free.
Set Your Clocks, Mark Your Calendar
Sunday, Nov. 5: Set your clocks back one hour for the end of daylight saving time.
Tuesday, Nov. 7: District 10 Neighborhood Relations and Safety Committee, 7 p.m. Como Park Streetcar Station, which is at the northeast corner of Lexington and Horton. Community members are always welcome to attend and participate. View the agenda
Thursday and Friday, Nov. 9-10: Como Park High School puts a modern spin on a classic tale with "Monte Cristo" at 7pm in the school's auditorium. Tickets are $7 for adults, $5 for students, and can be purchased at the door.
Thursday, Nov. 9: Deadline to order compostable dinnerware and organics recycling bags through Eureka Recycling's Zero Waste Buying Co-op.
Thursday, Nov. 9: Public Works holds an information session on Wheelock Parkway construction, 6-7:30 p.m. Como Park Streetcar Station. The focus is on 2018 work from east of Dale to Western/Arlington.
Thursday, Nov 9: Community meeting (the last of three) regarding the playground renovation at Marydale Park. 6:30-8pm, Rice Recreation Center.
Stay Alert, Stay Safe
Personal safety, Saint Paul Police advise, is about using common-sense preventative measures, not physical resistance. They offer three core rules to reduce your chance of victimization:
Stay alert: Be aware of your surroundings and the situation you are in. In public, that includes tucking your headphones and cell phones away so you can pay attention to what's going on around you.
Avoid risky situations: Don't take chances; don't be a hero.
Trust your instincts: If a situation does not feel safe, avoid it
District 10's offices will be closed this week, Nov. 6-10. Staff and board members will monitor emails and voice mails (651-644-3889) as much as possible. However, to see someone in person, you will have to visit this Sunday, Nov. 5, when the Streetcar Station is open as usual on the first Sunday of the month from noon-4 p.m.
Spread the Word
District 10 is one of Saint Paul's 17 citizen participation districts. The District 10 Como Community Council is a nonprofit organization, governed by a Board of Directors who are elected by members of the community. The Council's mission is to inform, educate, and connect the neighborhood to increase community pride and confidence.
You are receiving this email because you expressed interest in District 10 activities.
