Ward 6 Weekly Update 11/4/2022

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November 4, 2022

Hayden Heights Library Final Design!

Hayden Heights final design


The final building design and floor plan for the Hayden Heights Library are here!

Library users will enjoy the large front windows that better connect the library to the neighborhood, along with a new, flexible community room at the center of the one-story building. Other upgrades to the building will include three study rooms, a flex room for community and partner use, upgraded technology, and a vibrant children’s area for learning through play. An outdoor reading garden off the children’s area also reflects the community’s desire for a library that connects to nature.

Learn more at sppl.org/transform


State Funds Available to Encourage Urban Agriculture

urban agriculture


MN businesses, schools, nonprofits, local governments, and tribal entities seeking to promote urban youth agricultural education and urban agricultural community development can apply for the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) Agricultural Growth, Research, and Innovation (AGRI) Urban Agriculture Grant.

Proposals must be submitted before Thursday, January 12, 2023, at 4 p.m. Visit the AGRI Urban Grants web page for more information, including detailed information about how to apply. Summaries of past projects are listed on the webpage.


30% AMI Deeply Affordable Housing Program

affordable housing


The City of Saint Paul is investing $37.5 million to greatly expand the supply of deeply affordable housing in St Paul! Utilizing American Rescue Plan Act State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, the City established the 30% AMI Deeply Affordable Housing Program with the purpose of increasing the supply of housing for extremely low-income residents earning less than 30% of Area Median Income ($35,190 for a family of four).

This historic investment will greatly expand stable, permanent, affordable housing opportunities for Saint Paul’s lowest-income residents, who are most cost burdened and disproportionately affected by the housing crisis. This funding is being made available through a series of solicitations.

Saint Paul’s current solicitation aims to facilitate the creation of multifamily rental housing that includes units affordable to households at or below the 30% Area Median Income level. This solicitation has an added focus on increasing the supply of permanent supportive housing and prioritizing equitable development.

Eligible projects must meet the following criteria:

  • Anticipated financial closing date no later than the end of 2024.
  • Multi-family project located in Saint Paul, with a minimum of 4 units.
  • Rental housing and/or permanent supportive housing project.
  • Project creates new 30% AMI units (through new construction or adaptive reuse).
  • At least 10% of the units are rent and income restricted at 30% AMI or below.
  • Affordability term of at least 30 years.

Apply here! Applications are due by Wednesday, November 30, 2022, by 4:30 p.m.

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

Please reach out with any questions to Erika Byrd at erika.byrd@ci.stpaul.mn.us or 651-266-6555.


East Metro Main Street Economic Revitalization Grants Available

East Metro Main Street Economic Revitalization Program


Is your East Side business or non-profit in need of economic relief?

The Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation has been selected as one of the partner organizations for the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Main Street Economic Revitalization Program.

This program will distribute up to $7 million in grants to businesses and nonprofit organizations for capital projects in the East Side community, as well as Snelling-University-Rice Cultural District and along West Seventh Street.

Grants will support economic recovery from the impacts of civil unrest, the COVID-19 pandemic and other challenges to these commercial corridors since March 15, 2020.

Learn more and apply here.

Translation services are available for potential applicants, including audio files and project intake forms in Spanish, Hmong, Vietnamese, Somali, Oromo and Karen. For additional translation support, please call 651.325.4202, and we will connect with you through an interpreter. Audio files, Vietnamese and Karen will be available soon.


Hafner Site Request for Offers

former Hafner site


The City of Saint Paul Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) released a Request for Offers (RFO) for the purchase and redevelopment of the former Hafner’s site located at 1570 White Bear Avenue on the Greater East Side of Saint Paul. Offers are due by 4 pm on Monday, December 5, 2022.  View the full RFO and find more information on how to submit proposal materials at stpaul.gov/1570WhiteBearAve.

About the site

The HRA acquired the property in 2002 and demolished the building in 2003. The 2.18-acre, vacant parcel offers proximity and access to transit, parks and natural amenities, the commercial districts along White Bear Avenue and the upcoming redevelopment of the former Hillcrest Golf Course site, now known as The Heights.

The HRA is seeking proposals that align with the 2040 Comprehensive Plan and the Greater East Side District and White Bear Avenue Small Area Plans. 


Become a Police Civilian Internal Affairs Review Commissioner

civilian review board


The St Paul Police Civilian Internal Affairs Review Commission is currently seeking commissioners from Wards 6 and 7! There are 4 current vacancies. 

The Police Civilian Internal Affairs Review Commission (PCIARC) reviews and makes disciplinary and policy recommendations to the Saint Paul Chief of Police on all civilian-initiated police conduct complaints. 

Submit your application until positions are filled.


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.


Applications Due Today - Inspiring Communities Program

building a single family home


The City of Saint Paul's seventh Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Inspiring Communities program is live and extended to 5 pm Friday, November 4th. 

This program supports developers to construct homes for sale to homebuyers with low to moderate incomes on residential lots currently owned by the Saint Paul Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA).

Read more about this opportunity for housing developers here


Minnesota's Voting Season is Here

voting in MN


Minnesotans can now cast their ballots for the November 8 General Election

If you have not yet registered to vote, you can do so at your polling place on Election Day with a proof of residence.

Vote at your polling place on election day, or vote from home by requesting an absentee ballot on the Secretary of State’s website, or vote early with an absentee ballot at a local election office.

A new call center has been created to help answer questions from voters ahead of the November 8 Election. Voters can call 1-877-600-VOTE (8683). The call center is available Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.


Final Design for the St Paul River Balcony

River Balcony design


Check out the final schematic design of the Saint Paul River Balcony! This is a proposed 1.5-mile promenade along downtown Saint Paul’s river bluff, and has been developed over months of community engagement. Schematic design includes site analysis, exploring design concepts, providing a general overview of the River Balcony’s basic features and programming, and getting a general idea of the look and feel of the project. 


Adaptive Recreation Programming

Adaptive Rec bowling


Adaptive Recreation provides a comprehensive recreational program for Saint Paul residents of all ages who have physical and/or developmental disabilities. Activities include arts and crafts, bowling, archery, BINGO, music, and more! Schedules for November and December programming are available now.


Fall Swim Lessons & Memberships

people swimming


Register for Fall swimming lessons! Open-swim and all-access memberships are available for Great River Water Park. All-access memberships include water aerobics and lap swim in addition to open swim.


Join the St Paul Youth Commission

St Paul Youth Commission


The Youth Commission is still looking for representatives from the Greater Eastside! If you are interested or would like to learn more, please reach out to Haley Vien at haley.vien@ci.stpaul.mn.us

The Saint Paul Youth Commission represents young people in decision making for the City of Saint Paul. Each year, youth in grades 9 – 12 from each of the city’s 17 planning districts commit to serving the community through impact projects as well as  local and state advocacy. Youth Commissioners enhance their leadership skills while serving their community. Youth Commissioners earn a stipend for participation.  

Learn more about the Saint Paul Youth Commission here.


Year Round STAR Grants

Ward 6 STAR funding


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?

You may be eligible for a Year-Round STAR Grant from Ward 6. Please email our office at Ward6@stpaul.gov with information on your project and to receive an application.

Applications are subject to approval from the St Paul STAR Board and St Paul City Council. Funding is given as reimbursement for approved expenses, up to $15,000 per project per year. 


COVID Resources

Test to Treat


Appointments are now available
 to receive an updated bivalent booster – which is formulated to be more effective against the Omicron variants. Boosters now available for children ages 5-11:

Test-to-Treat locations are open in the Twin Cities! Find test-to-treat locations where you can get and fill COVID treatment medications same-day. 

What to do if you are Sick or Test Positive: COVID-19

Close Contact or Exposure to COVID-19

COVID-19 Testing

Types of COVID-19 Tests

COVID-19 Self-testing