We can only guess what this Coopers Hawk was eying up at the Como Park picnic grounds. Photo: Niles Fellow
Sholom Home Has New Owner, New Plans
A rough sketch of a potential floor layout in the west building of the former Sholom Home.
A new owner intends to turn the former Sholom Home buildings at 1554 Midway Parkway into rental apartments. Preliminary plans call for roughly 150 apartments -- mostly studio and 1-bedroom units -- a representative told District 10's Land Use Committee on Sept. 4. There is no definitive timetable on renovation.

Premier Holdings I LLC acquired the property this summer after purchasing the mortgage last year, then foreclosing on the previous owner, Charter Midway LLC. Premier Holdings' principal owner is Jeffrey Laux, a long-time developer from Minneapolis who has been involved in high-visibility projects such as the Minneapolis Grain Exchange, Calhoun Beach Club, and Ivy Tower.

The former nursing home has been vacant since 2009. Charter Midway purchased the property in 2015, but failed to secure enough financing to support its plan for an assisted-living and memory-care facility.
Special Election Will Fill Board Vacancy
This Tuesday, Sept. 10, is the deadline to get on the ballot for the special election to fill the vice-chair vacancy on the Como Community Council Board. Candidates interested in the position can fill out the online application. (Applicants who miss Tuesday's deadline can run as write-in candidates.) You can find details on the position's responsibilities on our website.

The special election will be Tuesday Sept. 17 at 7 p.m. at the Como Park Streetcar Station. All renters, homeowners, and other residents age 16 or older who live in District 10 are eligible to vote and run for office. So are authorized representatives from a business or nonprofit organization located in District 10. Community members must vote in person; there is no absentee or proxy voting.
Community Yoga is This Sunday
District 10's next Community Yoga is this Sunday, Sept. 8, 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.
Immerse Yourself in Como Lake Issues
Experts from the Capitol Region Watershed District will lead a free walking tour of Como Lake this Monday, Sept. 9. The tour will cover Como Lake's history, water quality and monitoring issues, aquatic plant and fish communities, shoreline restoration, watershed projects, community efforts, and the long-term implementation of the Como Lake Management Plan.

Details: The tour leaves promptly at 6 p.m. from the south side of the Lakeside Pavilion. It will end approximately 7:30 p.m. at the fishing pier. The tour will take place rain or shine; please wear clothing and shoes appropriate for walking and the weather. (The tour will repeat on Wednesday Sept. 25, same times and locations.)
Recycling, Trash Delayed Until Saturday
This was a holiday week. That means recycling pick-up is delayed one day; Eureka will empty the blue bins on Saturday, Sept. 7 -- not today, Friday Sept. 6. Same goes for those parts of the neighborhood that have Friday trash pick-up: Your hauler will empty carts on Saturday.
One vision of converting Ayd Mill Road to a "complete street."
Environment Committee To Meet
Recommendations by District 10's Pathways work group to improve bicycle and pedestrian paths and wayfinding in Como Regional Park, plus a discussion about the city's plans for Ayd Mill Road, highlight this week's Environment Committee meeting.

Details: The meeting begins this Wednesday, Sept. 11, at 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 to attend and participate. See the preliminary agenda
Moving Toward Construction
Twin Cities German Immersion School has a fact sheet with updates about demolition, construction, and traffic flow during morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up. 
Public Works Opens Its Garage
Saint Paul Public Works holds its annual Open House at the Como facility this Thursday, Sept. 12, from 4-7 p.m. The free event includes tours, demonstrations, interactive exhibits, up-close experiences with big trucks, food trucks, music, and more. It all takes place at 891 N. Dale. 
Cyclists and Walkers Count
Saint Paul Public Works is looking for volunteers for the city's annual count of bicycle and pedestrian traffic. Counts take place this Tuesday-Thursday, Sept. 10-12, and the following Tuesday-Thursday, Sept. 17-19. Volunteers count at a designated intersection, path, or other location from 4-6 p.m. on one of those days. Find our more or sign up
The annual St. Paul Classic rolls through the neighborhood this Sunday.
In Como Park This Weekend
  • Zoo and Conservatory: It's Grandparents Day (times two) on Sept. 7-8. The safari-themed weekend offers passports at the Visitor Center, encouraging families to travel through the campus learning about the zoo's iconic species, get their passports stamped, and qualify for prizes.
  • Lakeside Pavilion: Tonight, Friday Sept. 6, is the last weeknight of free music at the Lakeside Pavilion; Honky Tonk Jump plays from 7-9 p.m. The only remaining events booked at this point are an album release show by The Jorgensens next Saturday night, Sept. 14; and a Beer Choir finale on Saturday Sept. 21.
Also in the park:
  • This Saturday, Sept. 7: Memorial Walk for Hope and Healing, 9 a.m. Beginning near East Como Blvd. and Lakeview Ave. Registration: $10 individuals, $20 family
  • This Sunday, Sept. 8: St. Paul Classic Bike Tour, 7:30 a.m.-1:15 p.m. The route includes a rest stop at the Lakeside Pavilion; bikes enter District 10 at Dale St., travel west on Wheelock Parkway, then cross to Como Lake Drive north of the lake, and use paths through the park until they head back onto the street at Como Ave. and Hamline.
Recycle Smart: Avoid Paper Plates, Cups
Just in time for football parties, a reminder: In general, you can't recycle paper cups and plates. Why? Because they often are lined with plastic or contaminated with food. But, you can get around this:
  • Choose reusable options instead.
  • Choose compostable products instead. Paper plates and cups (and even utensils) that have the BPI logo can be composted at community organics recycling sites, such as the District 10 site on Beulah Lane in Como Park. (The BPI logo certifies that they will break down completely in a commercial composting process). Napkins and paper towels also can be composted at community organics recycling sites. 
If you're unsure whether an item is compostable, check BPI's website or put the item in the trash.
Fair is Gone, Road Construction Is Back
  • Larpenteur Ave. (Snelling west to Highway 280): Concrete repair work once again has much of this stretch restricted to one lane in each direction. Repairs are expected to last through September; new striping will take longer than that.
  • Wheelock Parkway: The intersection with Western/Arlington is open, but most of the parkway is still under construction east to Rice St.
  • Interstate 494: The freeway will shut completely between Highway 5 and Highway 149/Dodd Road from 9:00 tonight, Sept. 6, through 5 a.m. this Monday, Sept. 9. Access ramps in the vicinity will begin closing at 7 p.m. Meanwhile, the ramps from eastbound 494 to northbound 35E and from southbound 35E to eastbound 494 are closed for good through September.
You Need a License for That
  • Café 99: The restaurant's beer and wine license is up for renewal on Oct. 1. Anyone who has concerns should contact the office of Ward 4 Councilmember Mitra Nelson.
  • The pallet recycling permit for the business at 1607 Breda is up for renewal on Nov. 28. Anyone who has concerns should contact the office of Ward 4 Councilmember Mitra Nelson.
  • Speedway: The gas station license and alcohol license for the convenience store at Lexington and Front are up for renewal on Dec. 1. Anyone who has concerns should contact the office of Ward 1 Councilmember Dai Thao.
  • Property owners at 1571 Chelsea and 1347 Arona have filed for short-term rental licenses (better known as AirBnB licenses).
  • The City Council on Aug. 28 approved a modified liquor license for Gabe's By The Park, allowing audio speakers on the patio under certain conditions.
  • Out of the Darkness: The walk scheduled for Sunday Sept. 15 in Como Park received a sound variance between the hours of 7 a.m. and 2 p.m.
  • Run Like a Girl: The 5K event scheduled for Sunday Sept. 29 in Como Park is seeking a sound variance between the hours of 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. A public hearing is scheduled before the City Council on Wednesday Sept. 18 at 3:30 p.m.
  • Vacant building: The City Council on Sept. 4 accepted an appeal allowing the property at 1011 Argyle to be listed as a Category 1 vacant building if certain conditions are met.
  • Variance request: The Board of Zoning Appeals denied a variance request on Aug. 26 by Mark Lentsch seeking to park cars on his lawn at 1563 Wynne without his neighbors' consent. The vote to deny was 6-0.
Candidates Tell Their Stories
The Saint Paul Public Library points out what has become a tradition: Before you run for president, you have to write a book. The library has most of the books from current candidates in its collection. Check them out

Get a Head Start on This Month
  • This Sunday, Sept. 8: Second Sunday Concert, featuring Iris Shiraishi and Alex Lubet, 2-3 p.m. Lyngblomsten's Newman-Benson Chapel, 1415 Almond Ave. Free
  • This Tuesday, Sept. 10: Public hearing on 2020 water rates, 5 p.m. Saint Paul Regional Water Services, 1900 Rice St.
  • This Wednesday, Sept. 11: Candidate forum for Saint Paul School Board, 6:30-8:30 p.m. University of St. Thomas, McNelly Hall Room 100 (southwest corner of Summit and Cleveland). Free, but seating is limited.
  • This Thursday, Sept. 12: Parks and Recreation Committee, 6:30-8 p.m. The Wellstone Center, 179 E. Robie. Among agenda items: Making Como Park Pool available to those attending the Hmong International Freedom Festival, and a report on a citywide regional park parking study.
  • Next Saturday, Sept. 14: Citywide Drop-Off, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Harding High School, 1540 E. 6th St. (Volunteers get to dispose of one load for free; to volunteer, call the District 1 Community Council at 651-578-7600.)
  • Wednesday Sept. 18: Roundtable discussion with candidates for Saint Paul School Board, 7-8:30 p.m. East Side Freedom Library, 1105 Greenbrier St. Free, but seating is limited.
  • Thursday Sept. 19: Seed Squad, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Como Woodland Outdoor Classroom. Free.
  • Friday Sept. 20: Public hearing on City of Saint Paul's Hotel Zoning Study and proposed zoning code amendments, 8:30 a.m. City Hall Room 40, 15 W. Kellogg Blvd.
  • Saturday, Sept. 28: Citywide Drop-Off, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Shepard Road near Davern. (Volunteers get to dispose of one load for free; to volunteer, call the Highland District Council at 651-695-4005.)
School Buses Deserve Extra Attention
School buses are back on the streets in force. A reminder: When school buses stop, other drivers need to stop, too. Here's what the bus' flashing lights mean:
  • Yellow: Slow down. The bus is about to stop. When it stops, it means children are getting on, getting off, or crossing from the bus.
  • Red: Stop. That applies if you are behind the bus, at an intersection perpendicular to the bus, or facing the bus headed in the opposite direction. It doesn't matter: You have to stop and wait at least 20 feet away. No pulling forward, no pulling around, no turning. Vehicles must remain stopped until the red lights stop flashing, the extended stop arm retracts, and the bus begins moving.

This Week's Como Neighborhood Crime Update: That's no way to start the month
Photo: T Boardman
Streetcar Station is Open Every Sunday
The Como Park Streetcar Station is open every Sunday in September from noon-4 p.m. It is a great chance to learn a little about the long-gone trolley system in the Twin Cities, about the history and visionaries behind Como and the city's overall park system, to pick up organics recycling bags or kitchen starter kits, or just to chat with a District 10 board member who is staffing the day. The Historic Streetcar Station is at the northeast corner of Lexington and Horton.
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.