City of Saint Paul announces new skyway regulations to take effect tomorrow, October 25

City of St. Paul sent this bulletin at 10/24/2017 10:50 AM CDT

For Immediate Release
October 24, 2017

Contact:
Robert Humphrey
Robert.Humphrey@ci.stpaul.mn.us

City of Saint Paul announces new skyway regulations to take effect tomorrow, October 25

 New rules aim to enhance safety, vitality in Saint Paul skyway system

SAINT PAUL – The City of Saint Paul today announced that newly adopted skyway rules aimed at increasing downtown vitality, and enhancing the skyway experience for businesses, residents and visitors, will take effect tomorrow, October 25, 2017. In an effort to reinvigorate the skyway experience, Mayor Coleman facilitated the creation of a Skyway Vitality Work Group to work with the Skyway Advisory Committee to come up with new regulations. The committees consisted of members of the general public, downtown residents and building owners. The committee made its recommendations to the Saint Paul City Council, which passed the new ordinance last month.

“A safe and accessible skyway system is a critical part of our strong and vibrant downtown,” said Councilmember Rebecca Noecker, who represents downtown Saint Paul. “These new regulations were informed by input from downtown residents, building owners, and government officials who have been working for months to address skyway issues.  I believe these regulations strike a healthy balance between safety and accessibility and that they are a significant step in strengthening the downtown experience.”

Notable changes to the skyway ordinance center largely on hours of operation and safety. The skyways will now close at midnight instead of 2:00 a.m. and building owners will now be required to place security cameras in the skyway. The security systems will be approved by the Department of Safety and Inspections, and building owners are allowed to opt out if they provide live security monitoring personnel.

“I am proud of the inclusive nature of this project and look forward to moving it forward to enhance the vibrancy of the downtown core and improve the downtown experience for our visitors, workers and residents,” said Ricardo Cervantes, Director of the Department of Safety and Inspections. “I thank all those who contributed to these important and needed changes and look forward to continuing to work with building owners on implementation.”

Additionally, in an effort to increase the user experience, new and improved signage will be installed, including wayfinding maps that will pair with a cell phone application to allow for easy, interactive navigation, and a skyway code of conduct that clearly lays out skyway rules and assists building security and the Saint Paul Police Department with clear expectations and tools. Worn and stained carpet will be replaced with more durable and cleanable floor materials. In addition, temperatures will be more closely monitored to ensure consistencies in heating and cooling throughout the system.  

About the Department of Safety and Inspections (DSI)
DSI is the city’s multi-faceted enforcement agency encompassing key units including Zoning, Construction Services, Licensing, Fire Safety, Code Enforcement, Animal Control and Information and Complaints.

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