  The Modern Streetcar: Your Best Rail Option
Selected in December of 2017 as the Locally Preferred Alternative, the Riverview Corridor Modern Streetcar offers many benefits as ‘the best rail’ option. It improves connections throughout the entire route, from historic Union Depot, charming West 7th Street, to Fort Snelling to the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) all the way to the Mall of America. It advances regional mobility, thanks to compatibility with the Blue and Green Lines. It offers enhanced flexibility, running in its own right-of-way like light rail or in shared lanes with traffic. The streetcar also has greater capacity and better accessibility than a bus, transporting more passengers per trip with level boarding at stations to walk or roll directly onto the streetcar. And, yes, you can pay before you board.
Developing a Best Bus Option
The Riverview project team will develop a bus option for comparison to the streetcar. The goal of this initiative is to improve the speed, reliability and service coverage of Metro Transit’s Route 54. The best bus option would likely run on West 7th Street and connect downtown Saint Paul to the MSP Airport Terminal 1 and Mall of America, serving neighborhoods along the way.
By investing in infrastructure and modernized transit options, we’re laying the groundwork for long-term equitable economic growth and job creation. It’s also the way to enhance transit for a happier, healthier community.
Important Meeting Schedule Notice
The Riverview Corridor Policy Advisory Committee (PAC) meeting originally scheduled for May 18, has been postponed until further evaluation of the modern streetcar alternative has been completed. Be on the lookout for more ways to share your feedback on transit alternatives later this summer or fall.
Abdirahman Kahin, CEO of Afro Deli & Grill
Congratulations, Abdirahman Kahin
Riverview Corridor is thrilled to congratulate Abdirahman Kahin, CEO of Afro Deli & Grill, on being selected as the 2023 National Small Business Person of the Year. This prestigious award, from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), was given to Kahin in recognition of his exceptional leadership and commitment to community.
With the belief that “food has no borders,” Kahin opened the first Afro Deli and Grill location in Minneapolis’ Cedar-Riverside neighborhood. A second location opened in 2014 on West 7th Place in Saint Paul. In addition to these locations and grab n’ go options at the MSP Airport, Kahin is ambitiously looking to expand across the state and eventually the country. This would make Afro Deli the first national African restaurant chain in the United States.
Be sure to stop by one of Afro Deli’s locations. This fusion gem serves freshly made African, Mediterranean and American food in a fast, fun and friendly environment. Their Chicken Fantastic says it all.
Saint Paul is Getting Even More Delicious
Riverview Corridor is home to many fabulous restaurants, and the list just continues to grow.
TACOS TACOS TACOS is on the MOVE, MOVE, MOVE. Award-winning street tacos and Mexican food can be found at their traveling food truck, their newest location on West 7th Street and soon, a new location coming in Duluth.
Big Biscuit Bar, near Mears Park, serves up biscuit-inspired brunch specialties Monday through Friday, from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. With favorites like Biscuits & Gravy and Minnesota Nice Fried Chicken, this down home cooking is darn good.
‘Spring Break’ is coming soon from the Purpose Driven Restaurants family, which currently includes Hope Breakfast Bar, The Gnome and Apostle Supper Club. Spring Break will be a vibrant 80s-themed restaurant in the lobby of the new Courtyard by Marriott, near the Xcel Energy Center. Stay tuned for more details.
  Good News for Enhanced Transit
In April, Ramsey County gathered with federal, state and local leaders to celebrate the award of $239 million in federal funding for the Gold Line. This funding builds off of the $241 million in county funding already committed to improve transit in the East Metro.
“An added advantage for the Gold Line is that it will be the first BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) service in Minnesota to operate primarily in bus-only lanes,” said Ramsey County Commissioner Rafael E. Ortega. “This will ensure on time arrival while providing a premium travel experience and the permanency required to generate substantial economic development."
The 10-mile Gold Line is a critical piece of the overall transit plan for Ramsey County residents, offering connectivity to the Green Line LRT, proposed Purple Line and Riverview corridors and multiple Arterial BRT corridors. This system, designed for the needs of today’s transit user, will greatly improve access to jobs, healthcare, education and recreation destinations.
"Improved transit service along this route is critically important since 13% of the households do not have cars,” said Ramsey County Board Chair Trista MatasCastillo. “16% of the population lives in poverty and 44% of the population is racially and ethnically diverse.”
Like the Riverview Corridor, these improvements to our transit system could enhance access and connections for all.
Article by Ramsey County posted previously on Tuesday, April 11, 2023 - 2:33 p.m.
  Jammin’ at Fingal’s Cave, photo courtesy of MetroNOME
MetroNOME -- Nurture Outstanding Music Education
On the north end of the Riverview Corridor, across Broadway Street from CHS Field in the Market House building. The taproom is on the 1st floor, and downstairs is Fingal’s Cave, a 50 seat venue that is host to every kind of music—from jazz, rock, world, classical, folk, blues to funk. MetroNOME Brewery has been offering up great local beer and music since February of 2022.
It’s founded on the belief that education, particularly music education, is the gateway to a better and more fulfilling life. Co-founders Bill Eddins, a pianist and conductor, and Matt Engstrom, a saxophonist through college at St. Olaf, incorporated their passion for music into their business model to make a positive impact on the community.
Part of MetroNOME’s proceeds (as well as any contributions from patrons) go to various music education groups in the Twin Cities metro area. Every quarter, they post the contribution amount and organization recipient in their taproom.
Be sure to enjoy music performances, great local beer, seltzers and kombuchas at the MetroNOME Brewery this summer.
  Free Yoga Sessions at Union Depot:
Join Union Depot for FREE yoga sessions every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday taught by Studio 9-to-5 instructors. Union Depot’s grand setting and beautiful views make this a one-of-a-kind yoga experience. Bring a yoga mat, water and towel, if needed. For more information, visit uniondepot.org/yoga.
St. Paul Saints at CHS Field:
Check out the Minnesota Twins Triple-A affiliate team at CHS Field. The St. Paul Saints’ season is already underway, get your tickets today.
Farmers’ Market at Union Depot:
Nothing says summertime like luscious fruits, vegetables and flowers. You’ll find all that and more at the Farmers’ Market at Union Depot, Saturdays and Sundays. It’s a lovely, local way to make your season shine. Learn more about the Saint Paul Farmer's Market.
MetroNOME Brewery:
Check out events and music at Fingal’s Cave—a cave of melody at the MetroNOME. Fingal’s Cave was once a revered concert hall for a local tribe of gnomes—now this special 50-person room right under the taproom hosts live music, performances and gatherings.
 The Riverview Corridor would like your feedback. What makes this area unique? What are your favorite things about the area? Your input is invaluable…so are your questions: info@riverviewcorridor.com.
If you have an upcoming event, a great story idea or interesting news you’d like to see in ‘Riverview Streets’ please contact us.
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