Ward 6 Weekly Update 4/15/2022

April 15, 2022

HRA Sale of Property to YardHomes, Homeless Veteran Housing

Rent Stabilization Update & Public Comment Period

This week, St Paul City Council approved a change to City code establishing duties for the Department of Safety & Inspections related to rent stabilization. These duties include: 

1. Publicly declare rules that: a) Prescribe a uniform process for landlords to request exceptions to the limitation on rent increases. b) Define what constitutes a “reasonable return on investment” under Legislative Code Chapter 193A.05. c) Define a uniform process for appeals related to a landlord’s request for exceptions to the limitation on rent increases.
2. Investigate complaints and process landlord requests submitted pursuant to Legislative Code Chapter 193A.
3. Define a uniform process for intake, investigation and resolution of complaints related to violations of Legislative Code Chapter 193A.
4. Appear at appeal hearings, provide staff reports and recommendations when necessary.
5. Hire staff necessary to implement and enforce Legislative Code Chapter 193A.

Read the currently proposed rules for the Rent Stabilization Ordinance submit your feedback during the public comment period from April 7-22. Information at stpaul.gov/rent-stabilization-rulemaking.

Reparations Legislative Advisory Committee Sessions

Join the Reparations Legislative Advisory Committee at 1 of 4 sessions in April to learn more about their work and the ordinance proposal they’ve drafted to establish a permanent reparations commission in Saint Paul.

In-Person Sessions

• Thursday, April 21st from 6-7p @ the Rondo Library (461 Dale St N)

Virtual Sessions - Co-hosted with the East Side Freedom Library, registration required

• Friday, April 29th from 12-1p

Learn more and register at: https://tinyurl.com/2p84xucb

St Paul 30% AMI Deeply Affordable Housing Fund solicitation now open

The City of Saint Paul is excited to announce the release of the first solicitation for our 30% AMI Deeply Affordable Housing Fund.

Saint Paul’s current solicitation aims to deepen affordability in projects and facilitate the closing of projects within 2022. Eligible projects must meet the following criteria:

• Anticipated closing date no later than the end of 2022;
• New construction multi-family rental projects located in Saint Paul, with a total of 4 units or more;
• At least 10% of the units are rent and income restricted to households earning 30% AMI or below;
• At least 40% of the units are rent and income restricted at or below 60%; and
• Applicants must commit to substantial, long-term affordability for a minimum of 30 years.

Apply today! Applications are due by Thursday, April 21, 2022, by 4:30 p.m.

Visit the City of Saint Paul website to learn more about the 30% AMI Deeply Affordable Housing Fund and the current solicitation.

Purple Line Community and Business Advisory Committee

Reasonable Accommodation Training

Register on the Volunteer Lawyers Network website at vlnmn.org/events.

Contact Us

Email: ward6@stpaul.gov

Phone: 651-266-8660

Facebook: NelsieYangWard6

Twitter: @NelsieYangCM

Meet & Greet phone call appointments are available on Thursdays. Register online at stpaul.gov/ward6.

Citywide Spring Cleanup Next Saturday

Registration is open for the 2022 Citywide Spring Cleanup. Join forces with friends, family and the Ward 6 Office on Saturday, April 23 from 9-11:30am to help beautify Saint Paul parks and neighborhoods by collecting trash that has recently recently become exposed due to the melting snow. The Ward 6 Office staff will be at the Phalen Regional Park and Arlington Hills site with volunteers. Contact our office if you'd like to join in!

Hayden Heights Library Redesign Event

Please drop in on Saturday, April 23 from 12:30pm-2:30pm at the Hayden Heights Library for the community open house to review updated building design concepts and provide feedback for a transformed Hayden Heights Library. 

At the open house, you can learn more about what has been heard so far from community members regarding the priorities and features of a transformed Hayden Heights Library; review and provide feedback on the updated building design concepts that respond to community input and the community-informed vision for libraries in Saint Paul; and learn more about the high-level costs associated with each building concept.

More info online at www.sppl.org/transforming-libraries.

Pothole Patching Event

Neighborhood STAR Applications Now Open

The Neighborhood STAR program provides loans and grants for capital improvement projects in Saint Paul neighborhoods.

Applications are now open for the 2022 funding cycle. Completed applications must be submitted by Wednesday, May 11 at 4 p.m.

All public, private, non-profit or for-profit entities located or doing business in Saint Paul are eligible to apply.

Find more details and a link to the application at stpaul.gov/nstar.

Year Round STAR Grants

Do you own a business or run a non-profit in St Paul's 6th Ward? Are you in need of funding for a time-sensitive building repair or improvement?

COVID Resources

There is no longer a masking requirement for staff and visitors in City-controlled facilities. Face masks are still welcome and will be available for anyone wishing to wear one. Visit the COVID-19 Updates webpage for the latest information.

COVID Community Coordinators (CCCs) are community-based organizations that connect Minnesota’s diverse communities to COVID testing, vaccination, and other resources. Coordinators help community members find and get critical resources to deal with health concerns, as well as employment, food access, housing, child care, and legal rights. Search for a COVID Community Coordinator that fits your needs.

These COVID-19 testing sites are free and open to everyone who believes they need to be tested, with or without symptoms. Additional testing locations are open throughout the state. 

All Minnesotans are eligible for their COVID-19 booster shot. Make your appointment.