Your Chamber testified before the Saint Paul City Council in favor of adopting the Central Corridor interim University Avenue overlay zoning ordinance. The interim overlay ordinance represents a reasonable compromise to balance the interests of stakeholders along University Avenue. Although the ordinance does not completely satisfy business interests, it is something we can live with as we move toward the development of a permanent overlay zoning ordinance. Your Chamber continues to urge the City to consider the following when developing such an ordinance: Light Rail Transit (LRT) is not expected to be in operation until 2014; therefore, it seems reasonable to phase-in transit-oriented zoning requirements. The Central Corridor Development Strategy’s vision for a revitalized University Avenue will not be achieved through a promulgation of governmental regulations or the completion of land use plans.
Your Chamber testified before the Saint Paul Planning Commission’s Zoning Committee in support of the Bridges of Saint Paul development proposed by JLT Group. In a 4-4 vote, the proposed plan moves to the Planning Commission, who will vote on the proposal next Friday.
After more than four hours of presentations and public testimony, the Vadnais Heights City Council set another meeting to continue discussions and make a decision on the Village at Vadnais Heights. The proposal for redevelopment of the southwest corner of County Road E and Arcade Street is for 11 retail and restaurant buildings totaling about 311,000 square feet. About 118,000 of that would be a Wal-Mart Supercenter. The application was tabled to the August 21 council meeting. The council will take more public comment at that time.
Your Chamber encourages participation in Grow Minnesota!, a business-led program designed to strengthen and grow the Saint Paul/East Metro area economy by encouraging companies to remain and expand in Minnesota, establishing stronger ties between private sector companies and their business advocates, and recommending community and public-sector responses to trends affecting development of the state's economy. For more information on how your business can participate right now in the Grow Minnesota! interview process, contact Michael Belaen at 651.265.2773 or michael@saintpaulchamber.com.
Oakdale merchants, with the help of Oakdale city staff, are taking steps to help draw customers back in to their businesses after experiencing a decrease in sales during the closure of Highway 36 from White Bear Avenue to Highway 120. The city plans to place extra signs on private property, alerting commuters that stores on Highway 120 are open during construction. Highway 36 will re-open with one lane in each direction in September, but isn't expected to be finished until November of 2008.
Join the City of Vadnais Heights in celebrating its 50th Anniversary on Monday, July 23, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at City Hall and the South Fire Station Plaza. A sculpture garden will be unveiled, birthday cake will be served and music will be provided by Shoreview Northern Lights Variety Band. For more information, visit www.ci.vadnais-heights.mn.us.
Enjoy a Minnesota Wild hockey game in style! Small and medium-sized businesses are invited to lease your Chamber’s suite at Xcel Energy Center for 2007-08 season games. Up to 23 seats are available for each game in the suite. Participating companies will choose their game dates at a reception on August 9. Only a few openings remain! Contact Stephanie Moore at 651.265.2786.
Individual tickets are available for the following concerts: Josh Groban, August 10, $95; Marilyn Manson & Slayer, August 14, $49.50; and Velvet Revolver, August 29, $47.