The values of the Midway

Someone recently asked me to describe the Midway Chamber. I gave some of the usual fact – founded in 1919, around 330 members, mission is to “build a stronger Midway.” But I also added commentary about the personality of our members when I said the members really care about the neighborhood and are down to earth. In other words, the same way I would describe Midway residents.
The pride and passion for the Midway is not anything new, nor necessarily unique to us. However, there does seem to be a correlation between the level of pride a person has in their hometown/neighborhood and its level of affluence. I still remember the sheepishness other students showed in college when admitting to being from a certain west metro suburb known for its wealth (even their hockey team plays in green and gold, the colors of money).
But if pride and modesty define a Midway resident, what are the reasons people choose to live or work here? And what can be done to improve them?
Centrally located. The Midway is centrally located in the Twin Cities. The 50-yard line of the Cities. The center of everything. Drivetime of 20 minutes or less. Midway between the downtowns. Many in the Midway are also very interested in what’s next for I-94. The plan to make an at-grade road has been removed as a possibility, though some advocates believe there’s still a chance. Whatever the outcome, additional work will occur to make improvements and updates along I-94 between the downtowns.
Walkability. On a road trip years ago, I was eating lunch on a fast food patio in Dickinson, N.D. I was talking to the guy at the table next to me who said he’s a farmer and once a month travels a few hours to Dickinson to shop at Wal-Mart. It’s an all-day outing and supplies need to last for weeks. While there are many great things about life in the country, it would be hard to live so far from basic items and in the Midway we are fortunate to have so many options in either a short drive or within walking distance.
But for many, their walks have become more uncomfortable as the presence of addiction, mental illness and the unhoused have popped up. Walkability has been an asset of this neighborhood; what can be done to bring that back for everyone? Here’s also where the concerns of the passionate neighbors come in – when more voices are demanding safer streets, they are more likely to get listened to and action gets taken. Businesses have told me there has been a difference since media coverage last year talked in detail about the public safety concerns. If we continue to apply pressure, I believe we will see positive results. The squeaky wheel gets the grease, and neighborhoods who complain often get what they want.
Diversity. Many people in the Midway point out the wonderful diversity in our community. University Avenue may have more types of cuisine than any other street in Minnesota. And it goes beyond food, as there are many festivals, stores and other businesses where different cultures are celebrated.
Is there a threat to our diversity? Not specifically here, but the rhetoric and policies coming out of Washington have many of us concerned. Thankfully, Minnesota and specifically Saint Paul are welcoming and will remain so. The only change is that we may attract others who seek out our values and find reasons to visit or even move to the Midway.
Another value of our neighborhood is to be welcoming, which is exactly what we’ll do.