Let's see how long this lasts: The first skim coat of ice took hold on Como Lake this week. Photo: Nile Fellows
What Matters Most to You?
What do you think about Como -- the good, the not-so-good, what you'd keep, what you'd change. A new survey gives you the chance to let us know. The Como Community Council is researching  your perspectives and ideas about neighborhood trends, amenities, issues, and possibilities. The goal: Give board and staff members at  District 10 a better understanding of how, why, and where to prioritize (or re-prioritize) goals and work for 2019 and beyond. Take the survey
Pedestrian Plan Gets the Spotlight 
Fay Simer, Saint Paul's pedestrian safety advocate, gives a public presentation on the city's first-ever pedestrian plan this week at District 10's November board meeting. The draft pedestrian plan focuses on:
  • improving pedestrian safety across four-lane roads and other busy streets (we know about that)
  • adding sidewalks to streets that now lack them (we know about that)
  • improving snow and ice removal on sidewalks and at intersections (we know about that, too)
The plan also identifies high-, medium-, and low-priority areas for investments (most of District 10 is in the medium-priority category), and creates data-driven guidelines for deciding how crosswalks get paint, warning lights, medians, bump-outs, or other improvements.

Details: Simer's presentation is this Tuesday, Nov. 20, shortly after 7 p.m. at the Como Park Streetcar Station, which is at the northeast corner of Lexington and Horton. All renters, homeowners, and other community members are welcome at the D10 meeting. Read the preliminary agenda
Tentative Land Use Meeting Cancelled 
District 10's Land Use Committee has cancelled the special meeting it previously scheduled for this Monday, Nov. 19. The committee saved the date in case it had to deal with variance requests involving expansion plans for Twin Cities German Immersion School and Higher Ground Academy. At this point, city staff have not finished their variance reviews, so there is nothing specific for the committee to consider. Issues will be taken up at the regular Dec. 5 meeting if necessary. 
Of Course You Still Can 
If you wanted to make a donation to the Como Community Council on Give to the Max Day, but didn't get around to it, you haven't missed your chance. You can donate online any of the other 364 days of the year. Or, simply mail a donation to our office: 1224 Lexington Parkway N, Saint Paul, MN 55103.

If you want to be part of something bigger: After Thanksgiving, Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday, remember it's Giving Tuesday on Nov. 27.
Thanksgiving Delays Trash, Recycling Pickup  
 
Recycling pickup in District 10 will not take place next Friday, Nov. 23. Neither will trash pickup in the parts of the neighborhood that normally have Friday service. Because of Thanksgiving, trucks instead will run routes in District 10 on Saturday Nov. 24. (Monday trash routes in the western part of the neighborhood will not change.)
Flags and paint are as far as the project is getting this year.
Good Things Come to Those Who Wait? 
As you might have guessed, the long-delayed new crossing on Lexington Parkway (between the lake side of the Como Park and the golf course/ski center side) is delayed again. Parks and Recreation tells us that, even with the past few days of nice weather, the contractor would have been able to finish only part of the project. So work is now postponed "until first thing" in spring 2019. The project is supposed to include a new crosswalk and median on Lexington, pedestrian-activated warning beacons at the marked crosswalk, and connecting paths on each side of Lexington.
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, then turn west on Midway and loop back to southbound Snelling. The change also will affect Route 84 schedules, especially for southbound trips.
  • The new loop has stops on the northbound Snelling exit ramp south of Como Ave., on northbound Pascal near Almond (to service Lyngblomsten), and on the southbound Snelling entrance ramp south of Como Ave. There are no other stops in the loop.  
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 select nominees at its Dec. 18 meeting. 
Multiple Ways to Stay Upright
 
Registration is open for winter activities at the Como Park Ski Center. The center (which takes over the golf course and clubhouse) offers group and private lessons for adults and children of all ages and skill in snowboarding, downhill skiing, and cross-country skiing. Classes begin as early as Dec. 15.

For those who prefer a level surface: Registration is also open for adult broomball leagues for male, female, or mixed teams at McMurray Field. Leagues run from Dec. 17 to sometime in February, weather permitting.
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
Ski-U-Mah and Giddy'up 
 
The next events at the Fairgrounds:
  • Football parking and shuttle: This Saturday, Nov. 17, Robin lot south and east of Randall. Gophers play the Big Ten West champs, Northwestern, at 11 a.m.
  • Horse Crazy Market: Friday-Saturday Nov. 30-Dec. 1, Warner Coliseum. Hours: Friday noon-8 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. $5
Despite Shorter Days... 
  • Today, Friday Nov. 16: Deadline to nominate individuals and organizations for a Capitol Region Watershed District Watershed Steward Award. Download a nomination form
  • This Saturday, Nov. 17: Community Solar in Saint Paul, 10:15 a.m.-noon. Neighborhood House, 179 Robie St. E
  • This Sunday, Nov. 18: "Voices of our Community" session: Safe Housing, noon-2 p.m., Wellstone Center, 179 E. Robie
  • Wednesday Nov. 28: District 10 Environment Committee, 7 p.m., Como Park Streetcar Station, which is at the northeast corner of Lexington and Horton. All renters, homeowners, and other community members are welcome to attend and participate. A preliminary agenda will be posted a few days before the meeting.
  • Thursday Dec. 6: Como Lake Public Advisory Group , 6-8 p.m., Como Lakeside Pavilion, 3rd floor. Organized by Capitol Region Watershed District.
Meet Who's in Charge 
The Western District's monthly community meetings take place this Tuesday, Nov. 20, at 9:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. at district headquarters, 389 N. Hamline. If you go, you'll meet command staff, hear about the latest crime trends in the city and district, be able to raise your individual concerns, and be able to grab all the crime prevention fliers you can use.   
Start Your Home Composting Habit Now 
Food is always a focus of holidays. So, this time of year is a great time to start recycling your food scraps and other household organic waste. In partnership with Ramsey County, District 10 has a new supply of kitchen kits to get you started. The kits include a plastic bucket, compostable bags, information about what you can and cannot put in the bucket, and details on using the community organics recycling site in Como Park.  Email us and we'll set a free kit aside for you.
We'll Be in Tryptophan Recovery
 
 
District 10 will not publish an email newsletter next Friday, Nov. 23. We expect to be back in your inbox on Nov. 30. If anything major happens, we'll update our website and post on our Facebook page. 
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.