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CM Privratsky commuting by bike to the North End Recreation Center for the Mayor's State of the City address.
Hello Ward 4,
I wanted to begin this newsletter by sharing a message about the very tough news that the Smurfit WestRock plant near Vandalia and University will be closing. This plant closure is devastating for the hundreds of WestRock union workers and their families, and they are the immediate focus for our office right now. I also want to provide an update on all the behind the scene conversations we’ve been having in the last few weeks.
Who we’ve talked to:
- the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 110; the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 70; and the United Steelworkers of America Local 264.
- Smurfit WestRock
- Mayor Melvin Carter, Ramsey County Commissioner Garrison McMurtrey, and members of their teams
- Saint Paul Port Authority leadership
- Creative Enterprise Zone staff
- Midway Chamber of Commerce staff
What we know right now:
- The company plans to close the plant and prepare the site for sale.
- They have given workers a June 30 notice date.
- They are offering positions at other facilities (either similar positions or retraining for other positions).
- The site will require significant cleanup even for continued industrial use, let alone for other uses.
- The company has hired Cushman Wakefield to act as a broker for the sale.
Our immediate priorities/next steps (now through June 30):
- Work with the unions to determine if the positions/retraining offered are meeting the full needs of the workers.
- Ensure state level resources from the Department of Employment and Economic Development as well as Ramsey County are adequately meeting worker needs.
Medium term steps/things to track:
- Staying in communication with the unions to ensure every step necessary is being taken
- Staying in communication with the company and their brokers to ensure commitments are met, plans are known, and any changes are shared
- Staying in communication with neighborhood and government stakeholders
Future dynamics to manage:
- If it’s possible for the new use on the site to employ union workers, like those who are being displaced, that will be a top priority.
- The site is currently zoned for industrial use and there is significant private market interest for continued industrial use on this site. We are also aware of folks in the neighborhood who are curious about other uses on this site. The scale of remediation and clean up needed, the need for public support (state and county grants, etc) for that clean up, and the exact size and scale of the new use will all impact the ability for us as community members and government leaders to influence the type and scale of development.
That is what makes our early conversations and relationship management one of my very top priorities. If there is a chance for us to bring together complementary community goals – union and family-supporting jobs, strengthening our tax base, neighborhood vitality, local businesses, etc – at such a significant site, I want to put us in a position for that to be a possibility.
The rest of this newsletter contains our typical fare of council and community updates, resources, and upcoming events. As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our office with questions, concerns, and ideas.
-Matt
Councilmember Matt Privratsky, Ward 4
Jenne Nelson, Legislative Aide, jenne.nelson@ci.stpaul.mn.us
Kristin Koziol, Executive Assistant, kristin.koziol@ci.stpaul.mn.us
A Call for Changes to the Student Overlay
I’ve heard from several neighbors in the neighborhood surrounding the University of St Thomas that they are concerned about new six unit housing development — particularly where these six unit properties are being developed next to each other or in “clusters” along the same block or area. Since taking this interim role just over a month ago, I’ve had conversations with Union Park District Council (UPDC) staff, the West Summit Neighborhood Advisory Committee (WSNAC), and individual neighbors themselves who live near these properties. And I’ve also had numerous meetings and communications with relevant city staff to ensure I’m fully appreciating the issue at hand. I’ll continue to have those conversations and work on this issue but I wanted to share some updates so folks can get a sense for how this is being worked.
Click here to read the full statement from Councilmember Privratsky.
Five Years After George Floyd
This week marks the five year anniversary of George Floyd being killed by police. And while that tragedy itself happened in Minneapolis, we know the impacts were felt not just in Saint Paul but around the world. The uprising and its associated impacts hit University Ave and our Midway neighborhood, treasured local businesses, and so many of our neighbors. So many of us have stories of standing in protest with our friends and family or helping board up buildings and clean up debris. As a council aide at the time I remember being up in the middle of the night responding and coordinating with neighbors concerned about far right extremists on their block or threatening their families.
Click here to read the full Facebook post from Councilmember Privratsky.
Common Cent Projects
In 2023, Saint Paul voters approved a 1% increase to the local option sales tax to be used for repairs and improvements to streets, bridges, parks and recreational facilities within the city. This “Common Cent” approach will generate nearly $1 billion over 20 years, of which $738 million of funds must go to streets and $246 million for parks.
Learn about current and past projects funded by the Common Cent program on its brand new website.
Feedback on Cryptocurrency Kiosk Scams
🚨 Municipalities across the Twin Cities are cracking down on cryptocurrency kiosks, and the City of Saint Paul is considering action too. These machines have been linked to scams and financial exploitation, especially targeting vulnerable residents.
📰 Learn more from @axios: https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/05/19/minnesota-crypto-atm-crackdown
📢 Have you or someone you know been affected by a cryptocurrency kiosk scam in Saint Paul? We want to hear from you as we consider local action. Email Council President Noecker and her team at ward2@ci.stpaul.mn.us to share your experience.
Emergency vehicles outside Groundswell in the Midway.
An Update on Groundswell
We were devastated to learn about the fire at Groundswell on May 21st. Community members have started a GoFundMe to help the Groundswell team recover and rebuild. We look forward to their reopening and will share updates as they are available on social media.
Metro Transit Safe and Strong Initiative
The Metro Transit Police Department recently announced an initiative called Safe and Strong to bring more resources and partners to the Green Line along University Avenue. Participating agencies include the Saint Paul Police Department, Saint Paul Office of Neighborhood Safety, Saint Paul City Attorney, Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office, Ramsey County Attorney, Ramsey County Safety and Justice, and Ramsey County Public Health. Green Line riders can expect to see more visible law enforcement and an increase in service providers. The initiative will last through the summer with the possibility of an extension into the fall. You can read the full press release here.
Kimball Court Construction Updates
Construction has started on the expansion at Kimball Court. You can follow along with updates here.
In May, Ward 4 staff visited the Keystone Food Shelf.
Keystone Community Services: Visit the Keystone Food Shelf at 1800 University Ave W. No appointment or advanced registration is required. Food shelf participants are served on a first come, first served basis during the hours listed below. Please call 651-917-3792 if you have any questions.
- Monday: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. & 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
- Tuesday: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. & 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
- Wednesday: closed in the morning, 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.
- Thursday: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. & 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
- Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. & 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
New Ramsey County Environmental Center: Now open at 1700 Kent Street, Roseville 55113 with the following hours:
- Tuesday - Fridays: 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Saturdays: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Sunday and Monday - closed
Drop off household hazardous waste and electronics, household recycling and food scraps all in one place. There is also a re-use room where you can pick up free products like paint, cleaners, and more. It will host Fix-It Clinics and community workshops. Free for residents of Ramsey, Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Scott, and Washington counties. More information here.
Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid: Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid recommends consulting with an experienced attorney before filling out the new federal immigration registry form. You can learn more about the registry here. Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid also MMLA has a free tax clinic that is open to all.
Summer Activities with Parks and Rec: Sign up for yoga, cribbage, kickball, arts & crafts, martial arts, cooking classes, book clubs, sports clinics, video game tournaments, dancing, movie nights, and more! Browse and register for summer activities. Just for seniors: join Parks and Rec for Summer Water Fun! See the flyer below and register here.
Naloxone Training: Saint Paul – Ramsey County Public Health is offering free naloxone training for Ramsey County community organizations and partners. Public Health staff will come to your location for the training session. Each person that attends training will receive a naloxone kit. Register here.
Housing Rental/Emergency Assistance: If you need help paying help for rent, mortgage, utilities or car repairs, contact Ramsey County Emergency Assistance at (651) 266-4884.
Small Business Owners: Make sure you’re signed up for the Small Business Newsletter to get the latest updates and available resources right to your inbox.
SPPD Western District: hosts monthly community meetings on the third Thursdays of the month at 9 AM and 6 PM at 389 Hamline Ave N.
Como Park Farmers’ Market
This new market is located at 1545 Hamline Ave N, and is held every Thursday afternoon from 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm from May 15 – October 30, 2025. More information here.
The market features a variety of locally grown and produced food items for sale. It accepts and provides matching dollars to SNAP/EBT customers.
Summer at Westgate Commons Park
From May through September, Saint Anthony Park Community Council is hosting ten days of outdoor fun! Enjoy free games, creative play, hands-on park planting projects, and safe cycling activities for all ages! More info at https://sapcc.org/events/
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