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 University Avenue businesses
need you now
With light rail construction being slated to begin on University Avenue in March 2011 from Hamline Avenue to the Minneapolis border, the time is now to support businesses on that part of the Avenue. Introduce neighbors, friends, and family to your favorite businesses, and let the business know that you will keep coming back throughout construction. If you have lunch meetings, have them on the Avenue.Also, the Discover Central Corridor initiative is developing a Loyalty Program where patrons will get discounts and a percentage back of what they spend at participating University Avenue businesses. Find out more here, or track it on Facebook.I would be interested to hear about your experiences patronizing University Avenue businesses.
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 Ranked-Choice Voting
I will be introducing an ordinance (click reports tab, then "legislation text") for first reading on December 15 that establishes rules for ranked-choice voting (RCV). RCV will be used for the first time in 2011 for Saint Paul City elections. Once the rules are passed by the Council, we can begin educating voters on how the system will work. I have been working through the Council's 2011 budgeting process to dedicate funds for the purpose of voter education around this new elections system that was approved by the voters in 2009.
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 The value of bringing streetcars back to Saint Paul
In October, I tried the Portland, Oregon, transit system on for size while attending a conference on rail transportation and economic development. I came back with great information that is refining my thinking not only about the Central Corridor light rail project, but also about the need to further build out our transit system in a way that will benefit all of Saint Paul.For a community of its size, Portland has an impressive transit system that includes an array of transportation modes. Each mode plays a different role in the system, but what's unique about Portland is the relatively seamless integration of light rail with streetcars, buses, bikeways, and even an aerial tram (like a gondola). I was particularly impressed with how Portland has used the streetcar to revitalize economically depressed areas of the City and attract new housing and jobs back into the urban core.Streetcars are smaller than light rail cars like the ones that will run on University Avenue, and carry fewer people. On the other hand, their smaller stature makes streetcars more nimble at making turns and sharing traffic lanes with motor vehicles. Because the cars are lighter and cheaper, the accompanying tracks and infrastructure are significantly less expensive to construct than those needed for light rail - less than 1/2 of the cost per mile - as well as faster to build. . . keep readingHave ideas about possible streetcar routes that you'd like to share? Reply to this email and we will post some of your ideas in the next Ward 4 e-news.
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 Snow, activism, and being good neighbors
I'm happy to report that the snow-shoveling reminder doorhangers are available again this year, in a partnership between the City and Saint Paul Smart Trips. Check out the video on Smart Trips' sidewalks page to learn about Linda, a constituent I met riding the bus, and her quest to provide better sidewalk access for residents.Along with the video, you can find out where to pick up the doorhangers, or, if you'd prefer, you can download and print them. And if you need to register a formal complaint with the City about an unshoveled residential or business sidewalk, call 651-266-8989.If you're looking for a way to get around with more secure footing, try Yak Trax or a similar product. For local retailers that sell Yak Trax, visit this site.**Post December 11 snowstorm update**Over the past few days, we have heard from a number of constituents frustrated with the pace of snow plowing. Our crews have had the daunting task of moving the equivalent to one million cement trucks full of snow. I understand the frustration, and know that we will resume normal operations soon. Thank you for your patience. For updates on the status of snow removal, visit this site. If you need help, or are looking for opportunities to help others, please visit this interactive map. |
 Saving energy and money this winter
Looking ahead to a long Minnesota winter, there are a number of easy ways to save money and energy. A new program, Microsoft Hohm, allows you to track your energy use, compare to what your neighbors use, and gives you personalized tips for energy savings.Home Performance Rebates from Xcel Energy provide homeowners up to $1,200 in cash rebates.Citywide, Home Energy Squads are visiting homes to do quick fixes that make a big impact for a little buck. In Saint Anthony Park, the Community Council is looking for 150 more people to attend home energy workshops and receive additional incentives. Please help spread the word!
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