 After years of planning, the Historic Como Streetcar Pedestrian Bridge renovation project has begun. This is an exciting project as this beautiful slice of St. Paul and Como Park history will be preserved for generations to come. The trail portion of the work has begun this Fall and bridge restoration activities will begin next Spring. Originally, the project was just to ensure the bridge ruin was safe enough to stay standing. Now, due to extraordinary work of city staff and a recently awarded grant through the Minnesota State Historic Society, the bridge includes a railing that will enable it to be used by the public. The full project--which will replicate the original bridge that once served as a main entrance to Como Park--is funded through the Federal Highway Adminstration and city bonding. Read more about the project from these past Park Bugle and Twin Cities Daily Planet articles.
 As Chair of the St. Paul Housing and Redevelopment Authoity (HRA), I'm pleased to report that a long-standing affordable housing complex on the east side of Ward 5 has recently unveilied $14.6 milion in renovations. The property has long been a first home for refugees coming to Saint Paul and is currently home to many Karen families from Burma. The HRA helped to infuse this affordable housing community with funding though the federal Low Income Housing Tax Credit program for upgrades as well as shared community spaces including a health clinic, community gardens and a refugee services center. This project is an excellent example of St. Paul's goal to support preservation of existing, quality housing opportunities paired with services that help residents gain financial and social independence. My sincere gratitude goes out to the residents of Rolling Hills as well as co-owners Lutheran Social Services of MN and Clint Blasier/Rich Pakonen for working hard to secure this investment and ensuring the project reflected the needs and wishes of the peolple who call Rolling Hills home.
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When a community is well-represented in public dialog, that community benefits from being considered closely in terms of impact of projects and ensuring that resources are distributed evenly and adequately. It is the reason I am here today as your City Council representative. Its vitally important that the Como, North End and Payne-Phalen communities are at the table in city issues. Thanks to the great volunteers who already serve on their District Councils, neighborhood committees and block clubs. Thanks also to those who apply for seats on citywide Boards and Committees such as the Planning Commission, Parks Commission, STAR or CIB Boards, Advisory Committees (Aging, Disabilities, etc.), and many more not named here. If you've always wanted to get involved, start today. Mayor Coleman is always seeking dedicated citizens to serve and Ward 5 needs your representation! Check out www.stpaul.gov/boards and/ contact me at ward5@ci.stpaul.mn.us if you're interested in serving.
 This week, our hearts go out to 11-year-old Bikram Phuyel who was hit by a motorist on Rice Street while walking to Washington Technology Magnet School on Monday morning. The accident occurred when a seemingly well-intentioned driver stopped to let the child cross, only to have another vehicle weave around and strike the child. The boy is in critical condition at Gillette Children’s Specialty Hospital with significant head trauma. An entire community is hoping and praying for Bikram’s full recovery.
Rice Street is a busy arterial, but it cuts through a densely residential neighborhood with a large number of schools and parks, many vibrant businesses and a local library. I will work with the community and the city to push for very significant changes in how Rice Street functions for all of our community members and for all modes of transportation. We cannot wait for another tragedy to occur to take this issue seriously. I welcome your thoughts and questions.
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