Progress is visible on the filtration building for Como Harbor, the new exhibit and amphitheater space for Como Park Zoo's seals and sea lions. The $20 million project is scheduled to open in 2020.
Commission Supports Historic Designation
The intricate roof tiles and brickwork are among design elements that architects praise about the former St. Andrew's church building.
Saint Paul's Heritage Preservation Commission voted 8-1 on Monday to recommend adding the former St. Andrew's church building to the city's historic registry. The recommendation comes over the objection of Twin Cities German Immersion School, which owns the building and wants to demolish it to make room for a new wing that meets the needs of its growing enrollment.

The Heritage Commission voted after a 3-1/2-hour public hearing that drew a standing-room-only crowd of more than 100. Three dozen of them spoke about why or why not the 1927 church building should be saved. 

The commission's recommendation next goes to the city's Planning Commission and, eventually, City Council. Both of those bodies can consider economic and other broader considerations, rather than the architectural and historical factors on which the Heritage Commission relied. The Heritage Commission is also sending its recommendation to the state's Historic Preservation Office, which will evaluate whether the building might qualify for national historical status.
Yes, You Can Send Us Money 
You already know from scanning your inbox that it's Give to the Max Day in Minnesota this Thursday, Nov. 15. As you consider all the organizations and causes that deserve your support, we'd appreciate if you'd consider us, too.  In these fractious times, an organization that can pull people together and get things done is more important than ever. That's what we do every day at the Como Community Council.

You can donate here (and you don't have to wait till Thursday). Thanks in advance.
Pedestrian Plan Takes its First Step 
An open house to talk about Saint Paul's first-ever Pedestrian Plan is this Wednesday, Nov. 14. The free event is 5-7 p.m. in Room 272 of the Wellstone Center, 179 E. Robie St. A presentation about ideas for making walking safer begins at 5:15, followed by formal discussion. You can read a draft of the plan in advance.
Better than a Thanksgiving Dinner? 
Ward 1 Councilmember Dai Thao is organizing a free Community Meal this Thursday, Nov. 15. The meal is designed to unite neighbors in the ward across cultural, social, and economic barriers by sharing food and conversation. The event runs from 5-8 p.m. at the Canteen Room of the Hallie Q. Brown Community Center, 270 N. Kent. 
Route 84 Takes a Big Turn 
Beginning Dec. 1, Metro Transit is realigning part of Snelling Ave.'s Route 84.
  • The change will eliminate Route 84 service north of Como Ave. Passengers traveling farther north on Snelling will need to use the A Line.
  • With the change, Route 84 will turn east on Como Ave. to Pascal, turn north on Pascal to Midway Parkway (so it can serve Lyngblomsten), then turn west on Midway and loop back to southbound Snelling. The change also will affect Route 84 schedules, especially for southbound trips.
Also on Dec. 1, Metro Transit is adding a few daily trips on Routes 3 and 61. Get details
Spread the Praise Around 
District 10 is accepting nominations of local individuals or organizations to add to Saint Paul's Neighborhood Honor Roll. The annual, citywide award recognizes members of our community who make a sustained and lasting impact on the quality of life in Como and the city.

To nominate someone:  Email us . Give us a short list of reasons they should be honored for making Como a better place to live, work, or play. Send us your nomination no later than Tuesday Dec. 11. The District 10 Board will evaluate nominees at its Dec. 18 meeting. 
Land Use Pencils in an Extra Meeting 
District 10's Land Use Committee is tentatively scheduling a special meeting for Monday Nov. 19. The meeting, if necessary, will deal exclusively with site review issues involving Twin Cities German Immersion School, 1031 Como Ave., and Higher Ground Academy, which intends to purchase and expand the Metro Deaf School property, 1471 Brewster. 

At this point, the meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. in the Como Park Streetcar Station. Check the District 10 calendar at our website for the most up-to-date information. 
Community Yoga Returns Dec. 2 
District 10's next Community Yoga is Sunday Dec. 2 from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the Como Park Streetcar Station. The session will be suitable for all levels of skill and experience. Bring a yoga mat or blanket and wear comfortable clothes. The class is limited to 25 participants. Registration is $5, which benefits the Como Community Council. Reserve your spot
The Future is Now 
Saint Paul has released the official draft of " Saint Paul for All," its 2040 comprehensive plan. The plan establishes the principles (and in some cases, the specifics) that will guide city development for the next 20 years.

You can share your opinion on the plan in general, or on specific topics or focus areas, which include aging, health, economic development, racial and social equity, resiliency, and urban design.
Let the Raking Continue 
The city is almost done sweeping streets, but leaves are not done falling. So the folks at Como Curb Cleanup encourage us all to continue raking leaves out of the gutter; that will keep phosphorus and other nutrients from leeching into storm sewers and degrading the water quality of Como Lake and the Mississippi River. It also prevents leaves from clogging storm drains and causing flooding from late rains or early snowfall.

Disposing of your leaves: If you are not mulching or composting leaves at home, the easiest way to dispose of them (legally) is to take them to a Ramsey County yard waste site. Sites are open through the end of November on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; on Saturdays from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; and on Sundays from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. The sites also take pumpkins, garden leftovers and, in some cases, trees and shrubs.

Street sweeping continues: The city wraps up f all street sweeping in our neighborhood this Tuesday-Wednesday, Nov. 13-14. Remember:
  • It is illegal in St. Paul to sweep leaves into the street from your property or the boulevard.
  • Watch for the "no parking" signs, which typically get pounded into the boulevard about 24 hours in advance. On sweeping days, parking is prohibited on designated streets from midnight-7 a.m. or from 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
Photo: NASA
Exercise Your Starry Eyes 
Saint Paul Public Library has three star parties lined up over the next 10 days. Meteorologist Mike Lynch will begin with an indoor orientation on astronomy, then lead everyone outside to view planets, star clusters, nebulae, galaxies and other wonders of the night skies. Dress for the weather! Party details:
  • This Wednesday, Nov. 14, 6:30-8 p.m. St. Anthony Park branch, 2245 Como Ave.
  • This Thursday, Nov. 15, 6:30-8 p.m. Hamline-Midway branch, 1558 W. Minnehaha
  • Monday Nov. 19, 6-8 p.m. Metro State Science Education Center, 664 E. 7th.
Lace 'em Up for Free
  
Ramsey County offers free open skating every Sunday from 2-4 p.m. at the Highland Arena, 800 S. Snelling, and Vadnais Sports Center, 1490 E. County Road E. Vadnais also offers free open hockey for adults on Fridays from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. See their website for additional open skating times.
Eureka logo
Staying in Touch with Eureka
 
Eureka Recycling, which provides home recycling pickup in Saint Paul, is conducting a survey on the best ways for them to get information to you, and for you to get information from them. Plus, if you complete the survey, you  can qualify for a $50 gift card.
A Good Chance to Get Yourself Heard
Saint Paul wraps up its series of " Voices of our Community" feedback sessions this week. The sessions, each focused on a specific topic, are intended to shape city staff equity work. The long-term goal is to shift the culture of city processes and policies, eliminate structural inequities, and ensure timely and relevant access to services, resources, support, and opportunity for every person in the city.  The last two topics:
  • Safe housing: This Thursday, Nov. 15, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Fire Station #9, 1624 E. Maryland
  • Building our city: Next Sunday, Nov. 18, noon-2 p.m., Wellstone Center, 179 E. Robie
It's New Year's in November 
 
Events this weekend at the Fairgrounds:
  • Hmong American New Year: This Saturday-Sunday, Warner Coliseum. Hours: Saturday 8 a.m.-10 p.m., Sunday 8 a.m.-11 p.m. Admission: $8, free for seniors age 65 or older and children 37 inches or shorter.
  • Football parking and shuttle: This Saturday, Nov. 10, Robin lot south and east of Randall. Gophers play Purdue at 2:30 p.m.
Also in the Week Ahead 
  • This Saturday, Nov. 10: "Waldsee Fest," 2-5 p.m., Twin Cities German Immersion School, 1031 Como Ave. The Waldsee German Language Village (part of Concordia Language Villages in Bemidji) presents an afternoon of German songs, dances, games, crafts, food, conversation, and more.
  • This Thursday, Nov. 15: Board Representation Leadership Training for People of Color, 6-8:30 p.m. Humphrey School of Public Affairs, 301 19th Ave. S, Minneapolis (Freeman Commons Room 205). Call 612-791-7734.
  • Next Friday, Nov. 16: Deadline to nominate individuals and organizations for a Capitol Region Watershed District Watershed Steward Award. Download a nomination form
  • Next Saturday, Nov. 17: Community Solar in Saint Paul, 10:15 a.m.-noon. Neighborhood House, 179 Robie St. E
A Crash Course on the FBI 
Saint Paul Police host a short "citizens academy" that focuses on the FBI next Saturday, Nov. 17, from 9 a.m.-noon at Western District headquarters, 389 N. Hamline. The session gives an overview of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with emphasis on the agency's work in cyber crime, human trafficking, and human rights.  The session is free but registration is required. Call 651-266-5455 or register by email.
Kitchen Compost Kits are Back 
We have a new supply of kitchen starter kits to get you in the habit of recycling organic waste at home. The kits have a plastic bucket, bags, refrigerator magnets of information, and more. Email us and we'll set one aside for you.
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.