Open House for proposed Hamline Ave. improvements slated May 26

News from District 11 Hamline Midway Community Council

By KYLE MIANULLI, HMC Communications Coordinator (Photos submitted)

The Hamline Midway community has an opportunity to help shape the future and safety of Hamline Ave. The City of St. Paul Department of Public Works will hold a public open house on Thur., May 26 from 6-7:30pm at Sejong Academy, 1330 Blair Ave., around proposed improvements to Hamline Ave.

The City plans to conduct a mill and overlay project in late 2016 on Hamline Ave. The work being proposed will involve removing and replacing the top layer of pavement and updating all non-ADA compliant pedestrian ramps. As this route is identified in the Citywide Bike Plan, the City is also proposing to install on-street bicycle lanes, which would require removal of on-street parking from one side of the street. A parking study recently completed by Public Works determined the remaining parking would be sufficient for demand, even at peak times.

Additionally, despite not being included in the original project, Public Works has presented the community with the opportunity to inform the decision of whether to install some form of bike infrastructure on Hamline Ave. from Minnehaha to Pierce Butler Rte.—another important bike route that serves the neighborhood. Some forms of bicycle infrastructure on this section of the route would also require removal of some or all on-street parking. This section of Hamline also serves the pedestrian bridge that crosses the train tracks North of Pierce Butler—the only dedicated railway crossing between Lexington Ave. and Snelling Ave.

This vital neighborhood route services four schools, public housing, and a vibrant business community. As the neighborhood continues to grow, many neighbors have raised concerns about safety for pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers alike, on Hamline Ave. This project offers the community an opportunity to create a safer, more vibrant route that serves all road users.

We recognize that Hamline Ave. as currently configured poses significant safety risks to many in our community, but are also sensitive to the fact that the loss of some on-street parking can be troubling to others. We hope that this open house will continue a productive community conversation about neighbors’ priorities for this important route and how best to balance the needs and safety of all road users.

In addition to attending the meeting, you can also share your priorities for the project by taking a community survey available at www.hamlinemidway.org/hamlineave. The results of this survey will be used to inform the recommendation made by the Hamline Midway Transportation Committee to the City of St. Paul regarding the proposed project on Hamline Ave.

The Transportation Committee of the Hamline Midway Coalition is doing direct outreach to businesses along Hamline Ave. and plans to also engage residents of Hamline Hi-Rise directly..

In addition to the mailing that will be sent by Public Works to all addresses along the project area, the transportation committee will also be flyering the area to advertise the upcoming meeting. If you know someone you think should be involved in this discussion, please, don’t hesitate to reach out to them directly and invite them to participate. You can find downloadable information to share with friends and neighbors at www.hamlinemidway.org/hamlin­eave. Feel free to contact Kyle Mianulli at kyle@hamlinemidway.org or 651-494-7683 with any questions or to learn more.

Spring Festival postponed; A-Line Launch June 11

After initial plans were announced last month to combine the annual Spring Festival with the launch of the A-Line Bus Rapid Transit route, it has become clear that there is simply too much to celebrate in the Hamline Midway area to fit on the limited site at the southeast corner of University and Snelling. Rather than have to tell many of our terrific community groups, businesses, and valued partners that there would not be room to include them in the annual festival this year, we have decided to postpone the festival until this fall.

There will still be all manners of festivities at the A-Line Launch on June 11, from 10am to 2pm, including music, food trucks, vendors and exhibitors, kids activities and more. If you’re interested in being an exhibitor, performer, or otherwise participating in the launch event, please contact Kyle Mianulli at kyle@hamlinemidway.org or 651-494-7683.

The celebration at Snelling and University will be one of four throughout the route running from 46th St. in Minneapolis to Rosedale. Come out and join the fun and ride the line to explore all the great communities, businesses, and destinations it will connect.

The A-Line is a new kind of bus service for the Twin Cities’ busiest urban streets. This rapid bus line has a package of transit enhancements that adds up to a faster trip and improved experience. Visit www.metrotransit.org/a-line-project to learn more.

Neighborhood Garage Sale

Registration is now open for the annual Hamline Midway Neighborhood Garage Sale on Sat., June 4, from 8am to 3pm. Visit www.hamlinemidway.org/garagesale to register your sale now. Garage sales are a great way to meet new neighbors, reduce waste, and support the community economy. With more than 50 participating sales across the neighborhood in 2015, we’re looking to have an even bigger impact this year.

There will be a $10 fee for participating sales to help with the expense of printing flyers, sale maps, and signs, as well as advertising in local newspapers and Craigslist. If you live within the Hamline Midway boundaries, start clearing out your closets and collecting your items for this year’s sale! Want an even better turnout for your sale? Invite your neighbors to organize sales alongside yours to make an attractive cluster on the sale map. Visit our website for helpful tricks and tips for organizing a successful sale. You can also register your sale and pay online while you’re there. Feel free to contact us with any questions or for more information at garagesale@hamlinemidway.org

Hamline-Thomas Community Garden efforts

Now in its 10th year, the little and beloved Hamline-Thomas Community Garden at the northeast corner of Hamline and Thomas avenues continues to grow and flourish. Many neighbors have contributed time and care, and organizers are looking for a few extra hands to help continue to cultivate community and beauty at this well-used corner of the neighborhood.

Volunteer responsibilities might include coordinating a planting date and mulching; making sure there is regular watering; help with maintenance and weeding every few weeks; end of year cleanup; and informing neighbors of volunteer needs and opportunities. If you would like to help out, please contact Hannah Texler at ekvadnais@hotmail.com.