News from the Downtown Alliance
April 16, 2021
A note from the president

Friends,

I’m acutely conscious of the full range of emotions we've all been carrying in the world lately. News of Daunte Wright’s killing brings deep sadness and frustration; record-breaking vaccination rates are cause for great optimism; and COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations are a reminder to continue to exercise caution.

All of this emphasizes the importance of sharing space with others from all corners of our community. When we see people and share space, we become more tangibly connected and I think more empathetic. More information is provided below on ways to do just that at Community Healing Circles hosted by the city and county. These virtual and in-person gatherings are an opportunity to build connections and address the collective trauma our community is experiencing right now.

We also know that downtowns play an important role in creating community for our cities, and I’m looking forward to us all coming back together. We’re hearing more employers firm up their plans to bring workers back, and as teams and venues continue to see more visitors, we’re getting ready – starting with our annual citywide cleanup event next weekend. More information on that can be found below. We’re working on comprehensive strategies to welcome workers and visitors back as well – stayed tuned for more on that. 

Finally, I'd like to call your attention to the commitments Councilmember Noecker and Mayor Carter showed this week to prioritize and balance growing density, tackle affordability, and welcome investment in Saint Paul. We're grateful for their leadership in moving the Alatus project at University and Lexington forward.

Take care and enjoy the weekend,
Joe

Joe Spencer
President
Saint Paul Downtown Alliance
Update from John Bandemer, SPDID Director of Safety Strategies
This week we're sharing a brief update from John Bandemer, Saint Paul Downtown Improvement District Director of Safety Strategies, on relevant information for downtown.
 
Good afternoon everyone,
 
Over the next several days there are numerous demonstrations scheduled for downtown Minneapolis, Brooklyn Center and other communities in the West Metro related to either the Chauvin trial or the killing of Daunte Wright. There are only a couple of significant events in Saint Paul along with smaller gatherings at the Capitol and Governor's mansion. None of these events should negatively impact the downtown area.
 
Earth Day 2021: We Demand Climate Justice Now
Saturday, April 17, 2021 @ 1:00
 
March for Racial Injustice
Sunday, April 18, 2021 @ 2:00
Marching from the Highland Water Tower to St. Kate's
 
State-Wide School Walkout
Monday, April 19, 2021 @ 1:00
 
MN NORML 420 Rally at the Capitol
Tuesday April 20, 2021 @ 4:20 (3:00)

SPPD continues with their enhanced staffing and is in position to respond to any issues that arise. 
 
Community Healing Circles
Ramsey County, in partnership with the City of Saint Paul, is offering virtual and in-person community healing circles that are welcoming, safe and supportive spaces for participatory dialogue, building connections, and addressing trauma caused by the killing of George Floyd last summer, the civil unrest that followed in our neighborhoods, the ongoing trial and the events of this week.
 
Ensuring the health and wellbeing of community is at the center of the city's response plan during these difficult times and they are working with several cultural healers who use their lived experiences, expertise and training to facilitate conversations that get at shared healing. Additional information and a short description for each healer can be found on Ramsey County’s healing spaces webpage .
 
As always, Operation Safety Net and the official City of Saint Paul social media channels remain the best places for you to find official, accurate, up-to-date information about public safety response and activities before, during and after the current trial. Help control the spread of misinformation by turning to these trusted sources of information as you discuss your response planning and preparations with co-workers and staff. 
Gold Line continues to move forward
This week, the Federal Transit Authority cleared the Gold Line bus rapid transit line to move forward with the engineering phase. The Gold Line will stretch 10 miles between downtown and Woodbury, with five stops planned for downtown. Ridership is anticipated to roll out in 2024.
2021 Spring Downtown Cleanup Day is April 24
Last spring we hosted our first Downtown Cleanup Day with volunteers filling every available shift. We were blown away by the community support. This year we're partnering with the City of Saint Paul Department of Parks and Recreation for the 35th annual Citywide Cleanup Day on Saturday, April 24.
 
Trash bags and gloves can be picked up from Kellogg Mall Park, Mears Park, or Rice Park from 9-11:30 a.m. After you've picked up your materials, head out around downtown to fill your bag. Once you’ve registered for the spring cleanup day, we encourage you to sign up to cover a specific downtown zone.

Upcoming Parking Minimum Issue Forum
The City of Saint Paul is conducting a zoning study to consider reducing or eliminating parking minimums. The Downtown Alliance, St. Paul Area Chamber, and the East Side Area Business Association are hosting an Issue Forum to hear from City staff about the study and possible outcomes and discuss the issue from a business perspective.

To receive the calendar invitation for the Zoom meeting, RSVP for the meeting here.

Parking Minimum Issue Forum
Monday, April 19, 3-4 p.m.
Downtown restaurant and retail options
Stumped for where to order dinner from these days? Or who has a patio to visit?

Have questions?

Banner photo cred : Visit Saint Paul