St. Clair, Randolph and Otto Station Area Planning Survey
Over the last few months, more than 300 people participated in the Riverview Corridor station area planning survey focused on the neighborhoods along West 7th Street and St. Clair, Randolph and Otto avenues. The survey will help identify ways to promote safe and direct station access and transit-oriented development opportunities within walking distance (1/2 mile, generally) of three future transit stations at St. Clair, Randolph and Otto avenues. Forty percent of those surveyed currently live, work or go to school in the immediate area.
When respondents were asked about what they liked about the St. Clair, Randolph and Otto areas along W 7th Street, common responses included:
-
Local restaurants and shops.
-
Architecture of homes and buildings.
-
Proximity to services.
-
Walkability and bikeability.
-
Arts and entertainment.
-
Park and river access.
Items respondents said they would like to see improved in the area included:
-
Traffic and congestion at intersections.
-
Pedestrian and overall safety.
-
Streetscape and sidewalks.
-
Greenery, art and lighting.
-
Bike lanes, paths and sidewalks.
-
Signage.
Respondents listed the three most important items to consider in the future, which include:
-
Safe areas to walk and bike.
- Development of underutilized/vacant properties.
-
Community parks and other green spaces.
Thank you to all who participated in this survey. Your feedback is very important as planning and design of the Riverview Corridor Modern Streetcar Project progresses. We’ll be sharing more opportunities to share feedback starting in early 2022.
Section 106 and Historic Properties Public Meeting Recap
On Wednesday, Dec. 8, an online, public meeting took place to review Section 106 and how it relates to the Riverview Modern Streetcar Project. Section 106 is a part of the National Historic Preservation Act that requires consideration of a project's potential effect to historic properties, including buildings, structures, landscapes or parks, transportation corridors and other features.
Forty people attended the virtual meeting to learn more about Section 106, share project concerns and provide feedback regarding nationally registered historic places/locations will be affected by the project.
You may also use the Historic Properties interactive map to help identify, view or comment on historic properties and hidden gems throughout the corridor.
 Riverview Corridor Committee Structure
Careful planning and consideration of the interests of stakeholders and public feedback inform the design and development of the Riverview Corridor Modern Streetcar Project. There are four committees that meet regularly to provide specific guidance to the project through a collaborative and transparent process: the Policy Advisory Committee (PAC), Community Advisory Committee (CAC), Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) and the Station Area Planning Task Force (SAPTF).
The Policy Advisory Committee advises Ramsey County Public Works on key elements of the project. This committee uses technical and community input to address issues relating to the environmental review, preliminary engineering and station area planning. Policy Advisory Committees are open to the public.
The Community Advisory Committee advises the Riverview Corridor Policy Advisory Committee on project design, environmental analysis and community engagement opportunities and techniques through a community and business perspective.
The Technical Advisory Committee is comprised of planning and public works staff, and representatives from area municipalities and other agencies. These parties provide technical input on issues including design, environmental, engineering, construction and operation of the Riverview Corridor Project.
The Station Area Planning Task Force guides the development of station area plans and future land uses within walking distance (1/2 mile, generally) of stations within the city of Saint Paul. The goal is to provide a vision for each station area to thrive as a result of the transit investment, develop supporting policies and identify specific implementation steps for each plan.
The diagram below details the structure and relationship of the committees and how the project is being developed through a collaborative and transparent process.
 |
 Discovering the Riverview Corridor Through Online Maps
Have you used the Riverview Corridor interactive maps yet? These web-based tools allow you to view the planned streetcar route and stops, identify historical areas and other key features in the Riverview Corridor. You can pin comments or questions at select spots along the corridor and also review, like or dislike, and respond to comments posted throughout the maps.
Our team is seeking your help and input! Tell us what you like about the corridor, why your neighborhood is unique and how transit improvements can support the neighborhood while enhancing its future.
Visit riverviewcorridor.com to use the maps and check back often for responses related to your post from the project team or other corridor users.
 Upcoming Events
Jan. 28 – Feb. 6: Saint Paul Winter Carnival
The 136th Saint Paul Winter Carnival will run for 10 days – Friday, Jan. 28 through Sunday, Feb. 6, 2022. This annual event will attract more than 250,000 people from around the state and country to celebrate winter in Minnesota. Events and activities will take place at Landmark Center, the Minnesota State Fairgrounds and various businesses along the corridor and around the city. Don’t miss the ice carving competitions, family-friendly artistic and educational activities and more winter fun!
Saturdays @ 3-7 p.m.: Night Trains
Train enthusiasts of all ages enjoy the Twin City Model Railroad Museum’s vast collection of model trains of all scales and toy trains of yesteryear that come alive throughout the museum. This exhibit runs every Saturday through the end of February.
|
