Ward 6 Weekly Update 10/20/2023

October 20, 2023

Zoning Code Updates to Support Greater Housing Density 

This week, City Council passed Ordinance 23-43 with changes to the City's zoning code, allowing multi-family housing units to be built on lots previously limited to single-family homes. These updates will allow for greater housing density, accessibility, and affordability incentives while nurturing a diverse and sustainable community. 

These zoning changes are the result of research and community engagement by the City of Saint Paul’s Planning and Economic Development department through its 1-4 Unit Housing Study.

I'm excited about this ability for more housing to be built in our city, bringing more rental and ownership opportunities for current and future residents. 

Listen to yesterday's Council meeting and view ordinance 23-43 and public comments here. 

Affordable Housing Incentive Program - Apply Now!

To support owners committed to protecting and preserving affordable rental units, the Saint Paul Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA), through the City’s Housing Trust Fund, has launched the next application cycle for the Saint Paul 4d Affordable Housing Incentive Program.

To receive this tax reduction, property owners must commit at least a 20% share of their property’s units to a 10-year period of rent limits and tenant income restrictions. Restrictions are tied to either 50% or 60% of the metropolitan Area Median Income (or “AMI”). In exchange for agreeing to rent ands tenant income limits, enrollment in the 4d Program qualifies properties for the 4d tax clasification, also known as Minnesota's Low Income Rental Classification (LIRC). Qualification for the 4d rate results in a property tax reduction tied to specific units enrolled in the program.  

Apply now through Friday, December 15, 2023. Properties must meet program eligibility requirements as outlined on the website and in the 4d Program Guidelines. 

Learn more and apply online at stpaul.gov/4d or contact 4d program staff at 4d@stpaul.gov. 

COVID, RSV, and Flu Virtual Presentation

Ramsey County Public Health hosts a virtual presentation on Wednesday, October 25th, 4-5 PM. Learn more about the updated vaccine, the recent spike in COVID-19 nationally and other common respiratory diseases this time of year.

The presentation includes time for questions and discussion. Questions may be emailed ahead of time or asked during the presentation. Learn more about the presentation, and email questions at ramseycounty.us/residents/public-health-presents.

Property Tax Deferral for Senior Citizens

Work for Parks & Recreation

St Paul Parks & Recreation has some excellent full- and part-time job openings!

• Project Manager (Full Time) *DEADLINE APPROACHING
• Zoo Keeper (Full Time) *DEADLINE APROACHING
• Community Recreation Leader (Full Time/Part Time)
• Youth Basketball Scorekeeper (Contract)
• Youth Field/Gym Monitor (Contract)
• Official/Umpire (Contract) 
• Ski/Snowboard instructor (Part Time) -- to apply contact 651-488-6973 or parkwinterski@ci.stpaul.mn.us

Free Meals for Seniors

North East Seniors are resuming their prepared meals and food box program, also known as Doorstep Delivery. Food boxes are available for pick-up every other Thursday 1PM - 3PM.

Are you a senior living in the Greater Eastside of St. Paul and in need of groceries? Please fill out this interest form for an eligibility determination. 

Got questions? Email neseniorsforbetterliving@gmail.com or call (651) 808-1901. 

ESNDC Friendly Storefronts Program

Attention Ward 6 Businesses! Are you looking to refresh the appearance of your storefront this summer? Check out East Side Neighborhood Development Company’s Friendly Storefronts Program - Grant funding is available for façade improvement projects on a first come basis. See the flyer for general program guidelines, and send all inquiries to jmcgregor@esndc.org to start the application process!

Contact Us

Email: ward6@stpaul.gov

Phone: 651-266-8660

Facebook: NelsieYangWard6

Twitter: @NelsieYangCM

Meet & Greet virtual appointments are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Free Trees for East Siders

Urban Roots has partnered with Frogtown Green to provide East Side residents with their choice of Serviceberry, Redbud, Crabapple, River Birch, Linden, or Elm tree to be planted on their property this fall.

Urban Roots can also offer residents a free site survey if they need help deciding the best place for the tree on their property and can also assist with planting if needed.

Go to the Urban Roots website for more info!

Arts Impact for Individuals Grant Program

The Arts Impact for Individuals grant program provides up to $5,000 for artistic projects in Minnesota led by individuals. Projects must be focused on creating access to the arts for Minnesotans, and/or engaging with Minnesota communities through artistic endeavors. This grant program is open to individuals who identify as any of the following:

• Black, Indigenous, and/or a Person of Color (BIPOC); and/or
• Disabled/a person with a disability; and/or
• Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual/Agender, Two-Spirit (LGBTQIA2+)

Check out last year’s Arts Impact for Individuals awards announcement to see the types of projects awarded before.

Applications due: October 23, 2023 at 11:59 PM
Eligible funding period: April 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025

For questions and assistance related to eligibility and/or preparing an application, please contact Scott Artley (scott@mrac.org or 651-523-6384). Or, fill out the application request meeting request form to schedule a time to meet with a staff member who can assist you.

ReThink Disposable

Are you a business owner and want to save up to $22,000 annually? Rethink Disposable is a FREE program that helps businesses and institutions switch from single use disposables to reusables for dine-in. Costs and technical assistance is available through Clean Water Fund.
Email Chloe Kintop at ckintop@cleanwater.org for details. 

CERTs Clean Energy Seed Grants

Clean Energy Resource Teams is giving out $5-10k grants for clean energy projects.

See if your clean energy idea is eligible for funding!

Neighborhood Community Safety Council

The Office of Neighborhood Safety has established a Neighborhood Community Safety Council to support its work. 

The council is expanding to include more members from throughout the city. Apply to be part of the Neighborhood Community Safety Council.

Ward 6 Year Round STAR Grant

If you run a business or non-profit in St Paul Ward 6 and are you needing to make a permanent improvement (lasting 7+ years) to your building, you may be eligible for Ward 6 Year-Round STAR Funding!

Please email our office with information on your project to receive an application. Read full STAR eligibility guidelines here. Applications are subject to approval from the Saint Paul STAR Board and Saint Paul City Council.  

Join a State Board, Committee or Commission

The MN Secretary of State has a large number of open seats on various state boards, commissions, and committees. If you live or work in the City of St Paul, one of these spots could be for you! View and apply for open state board, commission, and committee positions here.

COVID Testing and Treatment Resources

Find test-to-treat locations  where you can get and fill COVID treatment medications same-day. 

Federal Government

Residential households in the U.S. can order four more free COVID-19 tests. Tests are updated to detect the presence of the latest variants. One order includes four individual rapid antigen COVID-19 tests that have an extended shelf life and expiration dates. https://www.covid.gov/tests

State of Minnesota

Four free at-home rapid tests are now available to all Minnesota households through the state’s online ordering program, while supplies last.

Need help placing an order? Call the MDH COVID-19 Public hotline 1-833-431-2053 available Monday - Friday 9 AM - 7 PM, Saturday 10 AM - 6 PM. Language assistance is available. https://sayyeshometest.org/

COVID-19 Self-testing