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RESOLUTION
CITY OF SAi1�T PAUL, MINt,�ES
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Presented Hy
Council File # `�•l
Green Sheet # ����
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Referred To / �� Committe� Date
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RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN AS AN AMENDMENT
TO THE SAINT PAUL COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
WFIEREAS, the City of Saint Paul is authorized under Minnesota Statutes, Secdon 462353, to carry on
comprehensive municipal planning activities in order to guide the future development and improvement of
the city; and
WHEREAS, the City of Saint Paul as a local government unit within the metropolitan area is required under
Minnesota Statues, Section 473.858, to prepare a Comprehensive Pian; and
WIiEREAS, the Council of the Ciry of Saint Paul is authorized under Minnesota Statutes, Section 462355, to
adopt or amend a Comprehensive Plan or portion thereof after a recommendation by the Planning
Commission; and
WHEREAS, a neighborhood based task farce appointed by the Planning Commission and the District Seven
Planning Council prepared, for consideration by the Planning Commission, the Thomas Dale Smalt Area Plan
as an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission has, on December 20, 1996, after a public hearing held on November
22, 1996, recommended the adoption of the Thomas Dale Small Area Plan; and
WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Saint Paul has reviewed the Thomas Dale Small Area Plan for
consistency with the elements of the Comprehensive Plan previously adopted, as well as the health, safety
and welfare needs of the residents of the City of Saint Paul and the metropolitan azea;
29 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Saint Paul, as recommended by the
30 Planning Commission, hereby adopts the Thomas Dale Small Area Plan as an amendment to the
31 Comprehensive Plan, subject to such review by the Metropolitan Council as may be required by law; and
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Amev�t� - `t��-ia� 9 `Z " 3i3
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the recommendations included in the plan restricting the expansion of
University Avenue commercial uses to the south side of Sherburne Avenue within the study azea supercede
those adopted by the City Council as part of the University Avenue Corridor Study on May 17, 1940.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the plan be amended tio incorporate the following clarifications:
On Page 37
and its si
On Paee 30
the es
the
SE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that PED staff
an overall
resources already commiYt
nrioritv action items in
the
in the
Year I
act
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Requested by Department of:
Plannin s Econc�mic Develo ie t
Byc
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By:
er
Form Approved by City Attorney
$Y: �0'�/.f��-- Z-/7 -�-�
Approved�Mayo�ubmission to Council
By:
Adoption Certified by Council Secretary
9�-�1�
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GREEN SH�T
INITIA INRIAUOATE
� �EPARTMENT OIRE GITY COUNqL
� CINATTORNE�' � CITYCLERK
FOA BUDGET DIRECTOR � FIN. & MGT. SERVICES �IR.
. � MAYOR (OFi ASSISTANTJ /�,—.� � .Fcrd �
TOTAL # OF SIGNATIfRE PAGES
ALL LOCATIONS FOR SIGMATURE)
Adopt resolution to adopt the Thomas Dale Small Area PZan as an amendment to the Coinprehensive Plan.
[COMMENOATION5: Approve jA) or Rejec[ (R)
� PLHNNMG COMMISSION _ CIVIL SERVICE
CIB COMMI7TEE
� STAfF _
_ 01S1RICTCOURT _
IPPOp7S WHICH C01iNCIL O&IECTVET
�
PEHSONAL SERYICE CONTflACTS MUST ANSWER TtIE FOLLOWING DUESTIONS:
7. Has this personRirm ever worketl under a contrad for this department?
YES NO
2 Has this personffirm ever heen a city employee? �
YES NO
3. Does this persoNfirm possess a skiil not normally possessed by any current ciry emplqree?
YES NO
Ezpinin all yes enswers on separate sheet and attaeh to green aheet
The Thomas Date Small Area Pdan was developed by a communiry based task force to address a series of issues
and concerns identified by neighborhood residents and business owners, ��� � k'" '< r_ a� E
7
,
The City of Saint Paul will signal its support of the recommendations outlined an the plan and tt� ��nscmisib�a >�* ��a �
will have a broadly shared investment strategy through which to address neighborhood issues.
; ��v`s�'EG
WANTAGES IF APPqOVED. y � � - (1 �]
I �D {� �JJS
None����1 �esearch Cer+ter����� � � ���{
Y G�/ � � �v"LY
DISADVANTAGES
�
The City's planning, budgeting and administrative processes will not have the benefit of a clearly articulated
investment strategy for the Thomas Dale corrununity.
TOTAL AMOUNT OF TRANSACTION $
--•
COST/REVENUE BUDGETED jCIRCLE ONE�
YES NO
FUNOIfiG SOURCE ACTIYITY NUMBER
�INANGAL INFORfhATION: (EXPLAIN)
r,
R'�-�l�
� m��� e � � �-Y S � c; �
��,r:1 ���\`la�
Thomas-Dale
Smafl Area P{an
and
Forty Acre Study
,
Recommended by the
Thomas Dale Smail Area Plan Task Force
July 29, 1996
Recommended by the
District Seven Pianning Council
September 26, 1996
Recommended by the
Saint Paul Planning Commission
December 20, 1996
Adopted by the
City Council
April 2, 1997
�
Introduction .......................................1
Economic Development Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Housing Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Community Building Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Traffic and Transportation Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Education Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Heaith Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Parks and Recreation Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Land Use and Zoning Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Credits .........................................43
j1 THOMASDALESMALLAREAPLAN
The study area for the Thomas Dale Small Area Plan and Forty Acre
Study lies between Westem and Vctoria Avenues, University Avenue
on the south and the raiiroad tracks on the northem boundary, It is one
of Saint Paul's older neighborhoods, settied between 1870 and 1890 by
German, Polish, Irish and Scandinavian immigrants who built the
Victorian vemacular working- and middle-cfass homes and comer
stores that stili give the area its smal4-town atmosphere. Today, the
seventy block area is characterized mainly by one and two family homes
though it is bordered by intensive commercial, industrial and multi-family
uses. Immigrants continue to find a home in Thomas Dale whose 6,700
residents represent a rich variety of races, ages, socio-economic
classes and household types.
The Thomas Da►e Smal/ Area Plan is the de�nition of a vision
shared by neighborhood residents and business owners and City
o�cials as well as a strafegy for bringing this vision to reality. /ts
effecfiveness will depend o» ifs "adoption" as a policy fiamework
by the key community organizations in the area, ongoing efforts
by those organizations to discuss and jointiy formulate policies in
each of the subject areas identified in the plan, and support for
and co//aboration with the key implementing organizations
identified with each strategy.
Vision Statement
The Thomas-Dale Community realizes that racial, economic and culturai
diversity enriches our lives. We, therefore, work together to:
• Strengthen families;
• See that everyone can live in decent, affordable, owned or rented
homes;
• Provide opporkunities for employment, education and ownership;
• Create vibrant productive businesses;
• Make Thomas-Daie a safe, ciean place to live where all are valued;
and
• Remember that beauty, humor and fun are as important to the soul
as food is to ihe body.
THOMASDALESMALLAREAPLAN
Q�-3i3
Economic developmenf is di�cult to define—especialiy as the national
and international economies undergo a transition not unlike fhe indusfrial
revolufion of the last century. It involves finding new uses for old sites
once used, and often polluted, by heavy industry. It indudes the
preparation of a work force for new kinds of jobs and circuitous career
paths. Recent history has demonsfrafed that economic development in
Saint Pau! is linked fo fhe success of smaller businesses and
entrepreneurs. !n Thomas Dale, if ineans deciding how besf to meet the
consumer needs of an inner city community in an economic environment
that favors warehouse grocery stores and su6ur6an shopping maiJs.
Implementing neighborhood policy and programs related to economic
development is part of the mission of fhe Frogtown Acfion Alliance. A
four pronged strategy--consistent wifh that proposed by fhe Economic
Development Task Force of the Alliance—forms the basis of the small
area plan`s recommendafions relafive to economic devefopmenf.
Ca�itaiize on Redevelopment Opportunities
A. Redevelop tfie Dale Sfreet Shops site (bounded by Minnehaha,
the Burlington Northern tracks, Dale and Arundel), the
neighboring Maxson Steel site and any other contiguous non-
residentia! parcels with industria! uses capable of employing a
sizable number of employees at family-supporting wages.
5pecificalty:
Responsible paRies should compiete the clean-up of the site
within three to five years.
2. The district council should seek fund+ng to organize and
advocate for the clean up and development of the site.
3. The design of the site should be a neighborhood asset. A
community based planning team including representatives
selected by the District 7 Planning Council, Frogtown Action
Alliance and North End community organizations should be
convened to woric with the Port Authority on the redeve(opment
of the site. Specific issues of concem include:
Parking. In order to allow maximum space for the industries
themselves and encourage development pattems that make
effective use of land and suppoR transit services, efforts should
be made to minimize the amount of off-street parking provided
on the site.
2 THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN
��'�l�
Historic structures. Buildings that give the site its character
should be restored and reused where possible.
Landscaping. The site should be carefully landscaped and
consideration given to providing for some passive recreational
space and bike and pedestrian trails that could be connected to
neighborhood, citywide andlor regional trails.
Community facilities. The planning team shouid explore
whether or not it is appropriate to devote a portion of the site to
one or more community facilities such as a school, community
center or National Guard training and recreation center.
4. In order to ensure that neighborhood residents have access to
the jobs created in the development, pubtic subsidies to
businesses should be tied to their participation in City
sponsored job training and placement services. In anticipation
of the development of the site, the City/School District job
ttaining services should, over the next three years, focus their
efforts to enlist and prepare neighbofiood residents for those
jobs.
5. In order to increase the possibility that businesses on the site
will employ neighborhood residents, plans for an on-site or
nearby chiid care facility should be developed.
6. Explore the option of reconstructing Pierce Butier Route to bring
it directiy onto the site--perhaps under the Dale S4reet 8ridge.
That would improve the access to site as well as eliminate the
awkward terminus of Pierce Butler at Minnehaha and atiow for
the expansion of the Minnehaha Recreation Center site.
Implementing Partners
Frogtown Action Alliance, Convener
District 6 Planning Council
North End Area Revitalization (NEAR)
Saint Paul Port Authority
District 7 Planning Cowci!
City of Saint Paul
Midway Chamber of Gommerce
University UNITED
Western Initiatives for Neighborhood Development (WIND)
Wiider Foundation
B. Take advantage of the planned widening of Dale Street to
revitalize it as a neighborhood scale commerciai center for the
community. Speci�caily:
THOMASDALESMALLAREAPLAN 3
�'1
1. The new roadway should be designed to create a safe,
pedestrian-friendly environment with reduced traffic speeds
through the neighborhood. Specific elements may include: a
-- linear park on the east side of the street, attractive fencing to
shield neighboring homes from the corridor, uniform design
features to tie the eight block stretch together, and on-street
parking on the west side.
2. The west side of Dale should be characterized by pedestrian
oriented commercial uses—with automobite retated uses
encouraged to locate on University Avenue. Residentiai uses
on the frontage should be phased out although mixed use
structures with residential units above commercial uses are
encouraged. (Suggested amendments to the City's Zoning
Code consistent with this recommendation are detailed later in
the plan.)
3. The east side of Dale shouid retain the residential character
that has emerged as businesses were bought and relocated to
provide right of way for the street widening.
4. Business incubator space should be developed at appropriate
locations.
5. Vacant lots should be evaluated for their use as interim parking-
-until the market provides for additional commercial uses.
Alternative neighborhood non-profit ownership of these parcels
should be considered with the land being leased to adjoining
business owners for parking purposes. That would maximize
the flexibility of the land and minimize the likelihood that it would
be permanently used for parking. Community design guidefines
shoufd govern the estabiishment of parking lots.
Implementing Partners
Frogtown Action Ailiance, Convener
Department of Public Works
District 7 Planning Council
Midway Chamber of Commerce
WIND
C. Strengthen University Avenue as an attractive and healthy
commerciai center, serving both as a neighborhood retai! area
for those who live within the neighborhood and as a
destination for the surrounding region. Specific measures
should include:
THOMASDALE5MALLAREAPLAN
q�-�i�
Encourage new retail development—especially the variety of
services needed by neighborhood residents—to cluster at the
intersections of University and Dale, Rice, Marion, Westem and
Victoria. A fuil service hardware store and drug store, for
instance, might be encouraged to locate on University Avenue.
2. A program of street scape improvements for University Avenue
shoufd be developed with area business owners based on the
guidelines recommended in the University Avenue Corridor
Study. Consideration should be given to: creating a landscaped
center median, planting trees in the median and in the
sidewalks, and installing decorative lighting.
3. To the extent that additional off-street parking is required to
support University Avenue businesses, shared lots should be
developed with frontage on University Avenue.
4. Careful attention should be given to the design, landscaping,
lighting and maintenance of existing and proposed parking lots
to ensure that they support a positive image for surrounding
businesses.
5. University UNITED shouid seek appropriate capital funds on an
annuai basis to impiement the coordinated program of facade
improvements, tree planting, lighting, signage and street
furniture or decor.
6. Alternatives to improve the appearance of the comet of
University and Victoria should 6e explored--to inciude reducing
the number of cars on and around the site, using landscaping to
screen the site, or establishing a more intensive aiternative use.
7. Reduce the number of liquor stores on University Avenue,
confining them as much as possibie to the major retail centers
where management and security services can help reduce the
incidence of inappropriate behavior on the premises.
Implementing Partners
Frogtown Action Alliance, Convener
District 7 Planning Council
Midway Chamber of Commerce
University UNITED
Model Cities
D. Support efforts by the Frogtown Action Alliance and Frogtown
Merchants Association to upgrade and strengthen Minnehaha
Center. Whiie located outside the study area boundary,
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN S
��-���
enhancements to the Center would enable it to provide
important services to study area residents.
Implementing Partners
Frogtown Action Alliance, Convener
Frogtown Merchants Association
Minnehaha Center Owners and Businesses
Develop Micro Enter�rises and Small Businesses
A. Ensure that existing and potentiai smatl businesses have
access to the space, capital, training and information
necessary for Yheir success. Specific initiatives include:
Provide incubator space with related training, technicai
assistance and mentoring for emerging small businesses. The
existing micro-entrepreneur training and loan program is a good
model.
2. Market the availability of smali business loans through PED
programs.
3. Secure funds--through the City's Sales Tax Revitalization
Program (STAR) or similar program—for facade improvement
loans and grants to enable the rehabilitation of storefronts for
small business use.
4. PED's Small Business Center, the Lexington Library and WIND,
Inc. should collaborate on the development of small business
assistance programs and materials — seminars, pamphlets,
open houses, canvasses or other means of ensuring that
business owners and potential business owners are aware of
the variety of resources available to them.
5. Encourage neighborhood residents to patronize and be
supportive of area businesses. At the same time, encourage
neighborhood businesses to recognize—through their pricing
policies, merchandise selection and marketing strategies—the
particular role they can play in strengthening the community and
supporting its residents.
Implementing Partners
Frogfown Action Alfiance, Convener
Lexington Library SmaN Business Center (PED)
Midway Chamber of Commerce University UNITED
Model Cities WIND
6 THOMASDALESMALLAREAPLAN
q�����
B. Market the neighborhood as a place for commerciai
development and business opportunitles consisteat with the
needs of area residents.
Ensure ihai organizations supporting emerging enirepreneurs
understand Thomas Dale's strengths as a centrally located
community with easy access and a diverse consumer market.
2. Seek out firms offering personai services ihat recent surveys
have indicated are under represented in Thomas Dale.
3. Encourage investment by firms representing growth industries
such as printingipublishing and medical services and related
suppliess.
Implementing Partners
Frogtawn Action Alliance University UNITED
District 7 Ptanning Council Model Cities
Midway Chamber of Commerce
Work Towards Full Em�loyment
A. Neighborhood residents should be aware of and adequately
prepared to fiti availabie jobs throughout the metropolitan area.
Available training resources through the public schools, the
Ronaid M. Hubbs Center for Lifelong Leaming, community
colfeges and Metro State University shouid continue to be
marketed through area agencies such as the Frogtown Family
Resource Center, Wilder Family and Children Services,
Headstart and the Model Cities Health Clinic.
2. Opportunities for offering trainingJeducation programs at
additional neighborhood locations shouid be explored.
3. Fully develop opportunities for community service for young
people that offer payments toward co{lege tuition or other post
high school training programs for participants.
4. A central ciearinghouse for employment opportunities that is
linked with other such establishments in the metro area as well
as a network of neighborhood agencies and organizations
shouid be established.
5. Job fairs should be heid in the community or residents
transported to such events held throughout the metropolitan
area.
THOMA5DALESMALLAREAPLAN
��- 3� 3
Impiementing Partners
Frogtown Action Alliance, Convener
St. Paul Workforce Development Center
Saint Paul Public School Center for Employment and Training
St. Paul Urban League Model Cities
Community Education Wilder Foundation
Frogtown Family Resource Center
Ronald M. Hubbs Center for Lifelong Leaming
Midway Chamber of Commerce
University UNITED
District 7 Planning Council
B. Public or quasi-public transportation shoutd be available to
transport area residents to employment centers throughout the
metropolitan area.
The Frogtown Action Ailiance should work with major suburban
employers to coordinate the employment of area residents with
the provision of transportation. Altematives include organizi�g
potential employees into carpools, contracting with MCTO or
private transit providers to provide once a day transportation
from the neighborhood to regional employment centers and
back or subsidizing monthly bus passes when using the existing
transit system is practical. Neighborhood based small
businesses shoufd be encouraged to participate in the provision
of private transit services.
2. The City and community should continue to advocate for
improved transit services throughout the metropolitan area at
affordable rates.
Implementing Partners
Frogtown Acfion Afliance, Convener
District 7 Planning Council
Metropolitan Council Transit Operations (MCTO)
Private Transit Services
University UNITED
Provide Basic Communit� Services
A. Explore alternative arrangements that give neighborhood
residents access to grocery products at affordable prices.
Develop community gardens to provide fresh produce during
several months of the year. The estabtishment of gardens
should be consistent with the parks/green space strategy
recommended later in the plan. Priority sites should be those
THOMASDALESMALLAREAPLAN
�l�-�i `�
larger spaces that often exist near bus lines and between major
land uses. Specific provisions should be made for soil testing to
ensure the land is not contaminated and the provision of water.
2. Create attractive Farmers Market opportunities for the sale of
produce in centrai--and accessibie—locations in the community.
3. Expiore with interested entrepreneurs the possibility of
devefoping "mobiie" grocery outlets—refrigerated vans or small
trucks from which basic groceries (miik, fruits and vegetables,
breads and cereals) could be sold to neighborhood residents.
Explore the possibility of establishing a cooperative grocery
store where residents could exchange their labor for quality
food at affordable prices.
Implementing Partners
Frogtown Action AOiance, Convener
Model Cities
B. Encourage and seek resources to subsidize the development of
smail child care homes to enable parents to seek employment
as well as provide small busi�ess oppo�tunities for
neighborhood residents.
Impiementing Partners
Frogtown Action A1liance
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN 9
�11.�i
Thomas Dale should represent an attractive residential option for
households across the wider community's racial, cultural and socio-
economic spectrums. That is its heritage and its pride. Significant
disinvestment in recent years, however, has placed the neighborhood at
risk of being home only to those who have few options and in danger of
being caught in a continuing cycle of disinvesfinent and isolation.
Healthy neighborhoods require confinuing fnvestment in fhe
maintenance, repair and rehabilitation of their residential and commercial
properties. A variety of tools are availabie to the City and the
neighborhood in their effoRs to generate that investment. Thomas
Dale's housing strategy should involve some of each.
Mandate compliance with community standards through code
enforcement. Mandates, understandably, raise concerns about
outside enforcement agencies esfa6lishing unattainable standards
that represent a hardship for community residents. If will be very
important, because of the limifed economic means of many properfy
owners, that the standards 6e established through a community
process and be tied directly to resolving significanf healfh and safety
concerns.
Stimulate and encourage private investment with a variety of
strategfes to inciude offerJng public su6sidies, developing appropriate
fax policies, and amending undenwriting standards. Financing
mechanisms will, in many cases, need to be specifically designed for
Thomas Dale--with considerable emphasis on outreach, hands-on
assistance and flexibifity.
Encourage re-investment through the establishment of an identity in
the marketplace attractive to those who have the resources to
invesf. One asset on which Thomas Dale can capitalize in defining
such a niche is its rich stock of historic homes in a fraditionally
designed neighborhood. Research and the marketplace ifse/f flave
demonstrated that not only do people value o/der housing in older
neighborhoods, but that the design characteristics associafed w'dh
those neighborhoods serve to enhance public safety, neighborhood
involvement and community identity and pride.
8uild relationships within the community, encouraging neigh6orhood
ownership and pride. There are a variety of strategies related to
building connections between people and befween people and
neighborhood institufions, 6uilding capacity and leveraging
neighborhood talents. In fhe broadest sense, invesfinent is
encouraged by a sense of community in a sustaining/nurturing
environment.
1O THOMASDALESMALLAREAPLAN
��'�l�
Among the risks of any strategy is that the market may 6e sfimulated to
the point where property values are raised to a level that low income and
working dass households cannot afford. Code enfo�cement,
rehabilitation and preservation effo�ts need not, however, displace low
income renters or homeowne�s. Displacement may occur, however, if
property values rise fo fhe extent fhaf owners of housing occupied by
lower income households either se// their property or raise rents.
Avoiding displacement will require thaf the neighborhood's housing
strategy include intentional etforfs fo secure a portion of the housing
stock af affordable levels.
Increase Level of Home Ownership
A. Ensure a sufficient stock of quality homes available for
purchase.
Encourage the construction of new ownership housing on
individuai vacant lots throughout the neighborhood. Priority
sites 4or new construction should be those on blocks with a
significant number of vacant lots, those where a new house
would provide the necessary investment to encourage other
property owners to make improvements, and those large
enough to allow for the construction of three and four bedroom
homes to meet the needs of large families.
2. Establish and maintain a revolving loan fund to finance the
acquisition of problem properties for rehabilitation and resale by
the Greater Frogtown Community Development Corporation.
3. Focus pubiic resources on efforts that would not get done but
for the pu6lic financing.
4. Ensure that the construction and design of new homes do not
create a visual conflict with neighboring structures.
5. Advise and involve neighboring residents in the process of
selecting sites for new housing consiruction and the design of
the housing units themselves when public development funds
are used.
6. Recognizing that homes and properties of various sizes are
important to the diversity of the community and can help to
provide and preserve affordabie housing within the
neighborhood, construction of new homes on smaller lots
(under 40 feet wide or less than 5,000 square feet) should be
allowed by the Board of Zoning Appeals if the following
conditions are met and followed:
THOMASDALESMALLAREAPLAN 11
�1��13
• The community and the district council suppoR the
proposed construction; and
• Provisions are made for adequate back yard and open space
on the lot.
(mplementing Partners
Greater Frogtown Community Development Corporation
Saint Paul Housing and Redevelopment Authority
Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC)
Habitat for Humanity
West Side Neighborhood Housing Services
District 7 Planning Council
Board of Zoning Appeals
B. Provide suitable financing mechanisms and other support
services to ensure that present Thomas Dale residents can and
do take full advantage of mortgage and rehabilitation financing
programs.
Partner with agencies that provide support services to new
homeowners, including home maintenance training, increasing
the probability of success for new F�omeowners.
2. Work with the Saint Paul Public Housing Agency to identify
appropriate homes for the htomeward Program that provides
home ownership opportunities for selected Iow income
households.
3. Collaborate with the existing Mortgage Foreclosure Prevention
program operated by the City`s Housing Information O�ce and
funded by the Northwest Area Foundation and the City to
ensure the program has the necessary flexibility to meet the
needs of Thomas Dale residents.
4. Work with PED to develop and market non-traditional rehab and
f+rst mortgage loan programs that are more likely to be
successful for neighborhood residents who may have poor
credit histories making them ineligible for private financing.
5. PED should ascertain why applicants fail to complete the
process of securing rehab or first mortgage loans as a means
of identifying those aspects of the process that represent
barriers for lower income households. That infortnation should
be used to make adjustments in the various public programs.
12 THOMASDALESMALLAREAPLAN
q i -�� 3
6. PED should continue to work on streamlining its application and
review processes for public financing.
7. Design innovative altemative lending structures and financing
mechanisms--such as reverse mortgages, limited equity
cooperatives and land trusts--to serve the needs of first time
low and moderate income home buyers.
8. Where necessary, lobby the State legislature to change
housing finance and public assistance policies that serve as
barriers to low income home ownership.
Implementing Partners
Greater Frogtown Community Devetopment Corporation
Habitat for Humanity
Saint Paul PED
Housing Information Office
Local lending institutions
People's Network of Minnesota
C. Support efforts of prospective homeowners interested in
rehabilitating a home in the community.
Target some rehabilitation loans and grants to owners willing to
deconvert small duplexes and triplexes to their original single
family status.
2. Prevent the use of rehabilitation loans and grants for the
subdivisian of existing structures to estabiish additional units.
3. Help to develop and/or promote classes through the Saint Paul
Home improvement Program and Community Education that
assist homeowners in making home repairs and doi�g more
significant rehabilitation.
4. Organize sma(I groups of interested homeowners to plan and
take advantage of these educational opportunities.
Implementing Pattners
Greater Frogtown Community Development Corporation
Saint Paul Housing and Redevelopment Authority
Local Initiatives Support Corporation {LISC)
Community Education
THOMASDALESMALLAREAPLAN 13
g�-���
Lmprove Condition of Housing Stock
A. Strengthen mechanisms that improve management and
discourage deferred maintenance in rental buildings before
there is serious deterioration.
Extend the Certificate of Occupancy inspection program to
rental buildings with one orlwo units. The program should be
carefully designed to ensure the privacy of tenants, possibly by
restricting inspections to time periods between tenants or by
agreement with the tenant.
2. Secure community based non-profit ownership and/or
management of a significant proportion of the neighborhood's
rental housing. The establishment of limited equity or leasehold
co-ops should be explored where appropriate.
3. Promote development of a Frogtown association of property
owners and managers. The association—that may be affiliafed
with the Saint Paul Association of Responsible Landlords—
would provide training and technical assistance to association
members.
4. Support tenant advocacy, assistance and training programs
promoting residential stability and preventing homelessness.
Implementing Partners
Greater Frogtown Community Development Corporation
Model Cities
Saint Paul Association of Responsible Landlords
District 7 Planning Council
Department of Licenses, Inspections and Environmental
Protection (LIEP)
B. Identify serious healYh and safety code violations and work
with property owners to secure the resources to make
necessary improvements.
Seek public, private or philanthropic funds to provide home
improvement grants to eligible househoids.
2. Enroll eligible vacant structures in the Houses to Homes
program.
3. Expiore opportunities in conjunction with the Saint Paul
Technical University, the Trades and Labor Unions and the
14 THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN
q���1�
various small business assistance programs to provide
neighborhood based education and training opportunities for
aduits and young peopte interested in home repair and
remodeling.
4. Demolition should be considered a last resort and pursued only
when properties cannot be reused. To reduce the instances of
demolition, the City's Division of Pubiic Health and community
development corporations should work together to:
• Improve communications so that CDCs are aware of
potentiai demolitions as early as possible;
• Take appropriate measures to obtain input from
neighboring residents and block clubs;
• Evaluate individual buildings in conte�;
• Strengthen programs that ailow vacant houses to become
avaitable at a negiigibie cost for purchase and rehabifitation
(e.g. Dol4ar Houses); and
• Develop mechanisms whereby the City can obtain title to
vacant properties and convey them to a community
organization for rehabilitation.
Impiementing Partners
Department of Licenses, Inspection and Environmental
Protection (LIEP)
District 7 Planning Councii
Greater Frogtown Community Devefopment Corporation
Saint Paul Division of Pubiic Heafth
Maintain Affordability of Rental Housinq
A. Coupled with the strategies to support home ownership
for area residents, systematic effiorts must be made to
ensure that a portion of the rental housing in Thomas Dale
remains affordable to lower income households.
Explore the feasibility of expanding or replicating programs
such as the United Way's Families First that rehabilitated smal{
cental buildings, financing the purchase and rehabilitation in
such a way as to permanently write down the operating costs
borne by the tenants.
2. Explore the development of new rental apartment and
townhome complexes along University Avenue, Minnehaha
Avenue and Pierce Butier.
3. Ensure ihat rent certificate and voucher programs are tied
c{osely to focai market conditions so as not create windfall
THOMASDALESMALLAREAPLAN 15
qC-�(3
profits for landlords and, therefore, a concentration of
participating properties.
4. Encourage the development of residential units on the second
and third floors above new commercial development on
University Avenue.
Implementing Partners
Greater Frogtown Community Development Corporation
Frogtown Action Alliance
Model Cities
Project for Pride in Living
District 7 Pianning Council
Identify, Preserve and Market
Nei�hborhood Attributes
A. Build an understanding of the neighborhood's historic
character.
Develop pub(ic education materials on the historic vafue of the
neighborhood, the attributes of neighbofiood buildings, how to
recognize and protect the value of individual properties.
implementing Partners
District 7 Ptanning Councii
Saint Paul Heritage Preservation Commission
B, Ensure that the public infrastructure is supportive of the area's
historic character.
Advocate for the installation of public improvements --
sidewalks and curbs, lighting, trees, signage etc -- supportive of
the area's.character.
2. Lantem style street lights shouid be the standard for the area
with provisions made to waive or secure altemative financing
. for the related assessments.
Implementing Partners
District 7 Pianning Councit
Saint Paul Department of Public Works
C. Encourage the sensitive rehabilitation of area structures as
well as compatible new construction on individuai vacant lots.
16 THOMAS DALE SMe1LL AREA PLA1V
q�
Develop rehab financing programs designed to encourage the
protection or restoration of the historic character of individual
structures.
2. Expiore appropriate reuses for traditional comer store buildings
as artist housing/studios or small businesses.
3. Owners of twenty-five properties identified in the 1983 Historic
Sites Survey for Saint Paul and Ramsey Counfy should be
encouraged to seek forrnal designation as local and/or National
Register sites and the Heritage Preservation Commission
shouid support those applications.
4. Explore ways to take advantage of the concentration of unique
historical or architectural structures in the area bounded by
Mackubin and Dale, Sherburne and Van Buren. Potential
mechanisms inciude the creation of demonstration or
conservation district within which special efforts would be made
to educate property owners about the value of their buildings,
provide guidance on making structural changes, and secure
resources to ensure the protection of the most important
structures. Such a district would not be designed primarily as a
regulatory tooi though there may be guidelines associated with
resources and other incentives. Any policies governing such a
district should be carefully tuned to balance the resources of
property owners and the value of particular structures.
5. Amend the Saint Paul Zoning Code to support the continued
use of the several historic "alley houses" in the neighborhood.
Present and prospective owners have a difficult time securing
mortgage or rehabilitation financing because the structures are
considered "nonconforming uses" in the code and cannot be re-
estab(ished in the event of serious structural damage without
the permission of the Pianning Commission. The foilowing
amendment would allow their reconstruction and, thus, reassure
potential lenders.
Sec. 62.102.(e) (-)
In any residential district, an existing second dwelling on a
single lot may be reconstructed provided that the number of
total dwelling units on the lot is not increased. The structure
may not be structurally eniarged or extended.
THOMASDALESMALLAREAPLAN 17
�7-3� �
Implementing Partne�s
Greater Frogtown Community Development Corporation
District 7 Planning Council
Sai�t Paul Heritage Preservation Commission
Saint Paul Planning Commission
D. Market the neighborhood.
In partnership with area realtors, market the neighborhood, its
houses and availabte financing mechanisms to potential market
niches.
Implementing Partners
Disfrict 7 Planning Councii
Frogfown Times
Saint Paul Area Association of Realtors
Build Communiiy Ownership
A. Develop, support and link together a variety of neighborhood
based associations to strengthen a sense of community.
Voluntary community associations are the most powerful mechanism
by which people are linked to their neighborhoods. They provide a
sense of belonging as well as a vehicle for bringing resources and
people together to make things happen. They also provide a means
for people from different raciai, economic and social groups to work
together for common ends.
Examples of voluntary community associations include PTAs,
churches, friends of the local library, park and school booster clubs,
local business associations, district councils, block clubs and
crimewatch chapters, mutual aid associations, landlord, homeowner,
renter or resident associations, community fair and festival
sponsors, garden clubs and beautification groups, local historical
societies, youth groups, iocal deve(opment companies, civic clubs
and support groups.
B. Estabiish a Frogtown Neighborhood Improvement and Training
Center in conjunction with any of a number of existing
community organizations to work in conjunction with
community development and other revitalization initiatives.
The program would:
• Strengthen organizational capacity within the neighborhood.
18 THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLATV
�� -3�3
Promote partnerships, particularly among organizations that
pramote revita4ization.
Increase the skills and involvement of residents, including
youth, to improve their lives through self-help, leadership
development, politicai and other strategies.
Integrate a variety of programs or initiatives such as:
Youth Employment and Training
Public Service Work Crews
Community and Home Maintenance Education
Home Owner Finance Training
Tool Lending Library
Micro-Enterprise Development
Skilfs Bank Exchange
Community Steward Program
Strengthening Votuntary Community Associations
Keystone Housing and Commercial Development
Positive Neighborhood Images Program
Implementing Partners
District 7 Planning Council
Thomas Dale Block Clubs
Community Education
Frogtown Action Alliance
Frogtown Festivai, Inc.
Saint Paul Division of Parks and Recreation
Neighborhood businesses
Community agencies and organizations
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN 19
����13
Healthy families are the building b/ocks of a strong community. To the
extenf, therefore, fhat fl�e other chapters of ff�is plan relate fo ensuring
access to safe and affordable housing, productive employment,
appropriate education and the range of amenities offered by libraries,
parks, recreation and culfural opportunities, the entire small area plan is
part and parcel of a community building strategy.
The strength of a community, however, is more than the sum of
individuals and their well being. A communify is stronger when its
residents are linked fogether around shared concerns and common
purpose. A community is more effective when its services and voluntary
associations are carefully integrated. And a community is safer when
people look out for each other and when the community as a whole
ensures that the needs of all are met.
TI�e following strategy, fherefore, is built upon eacl� of the ofher chapters
of the plan, but specifically addresses issues of linkaqe, integretion and
capacity through a discussion of two concerns: community services and
communify places.
Strengthen Communit�[Services
A. Area agencies and service providers shouid continuatly fook
tor ways to more carefully integrate new and existi�g services
and ensure that those services are consistent with the needs of
neighborhood residents.
There are dozens of organizations invoived in providing essentiai
services to the community: public and private schools, churches,
Model Cities Health Center, businesses, Frogtown Action Alliance,
Thomas Dale Block Clubs, District 7 Planning Council, Wilder
Foundation, West Minnehaha Recreation Center, Scheffer
Recreation Center, Catholic Charities, Frogtown Family Resource
Center. AU are doing good and important work. This strategy
identifies ways that existing services might be better integrated to
ensure that limited resources are used to maximum advantage.
Community service providers should meet on a regular basis to
share information, address common issues and provide mutuai
support.
2. New services should be designed in collaboration with existing
programs to increase effectiveness and avoid duplication.
2O THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN
���3�3
3. Programs should take advantage of the network of block clubs
and community organizations to disseminate information and
receive feedback in their planning and program deveiopment.
4. Neighbofiood residents shou4d be invited to participate in the
design, delivery and evaluation of community programs.
B. Develop, support and link together a variety of neighborhood
based voluntary associations to strengthen a sense of
community.
Voluntary community associations are the most powerful mechanism
by which people are linked to their neighborhoods. They provide a
sense of belonging as well as a vehicle for bringing resources and
peop{e together to make things happen. They also provide a means
for people from different racial, economic and sociaf groups to work
togethe� for common ends.
Examples of voluntary community associations inciude PTAs,
churches, friends of the local library, park and school booster clubs,
local business associations, district councils, block clubs and
crimewatch chapters, mutual aid associations, landlord, homeowner,
renter or resident associations, community fair and festival
sponsors, garden clubs and beaulification groups, local historical
societies, youth groups, local deve4opment companies, civic clubs
and support groups.
Launch a five year initiative to build the capacity of
neighborhood based organizations to assess community
assets, design coilaborative projects and nurture community
leadership.
2. Continue to develop and support block clubs throughout the
community as the most basic unit of neighborhood organization.
Implemeoting Partners
Frogtown Neighborhood Network, Co�vener
Thomas Dale Block Clubs
Wilder Foundation
Bigelow Foundation
Neighborhood based organizations
C. Existing organizations should support community-wide efforts
that celebrate the neighborhood and its residenis.
Support a neighborhood newspaper as a critical communication
link with virtually every househo{d in the neighbofiood.
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAPI 21
��-�� 3
Strengthen the annual Frogtown Festival with financial and
inkind contributions and volunteer support. The City of Saint
Paul shouid consider subsidizing police services or providing
additional financial support for community festivais in
neighborhoods such as Thomas Dale that have fewer potentiaf
sponsors.
3. Take advantage of opportunities to recognize the talents and
contributions of neighborhood residents.
4. Encourage "neighborliness:' Recognize that there is often
nothing more powe�fiul in the process of community building
than the individual acts of kindness among neighbors—
shoveling a neighbor's walk, listening to a child, offering
encouragement to a teenager or greeting a stranger.
Implementing Partners
Neighborhood based organizations
Neighborhood residents
University UNITED
D. In developing new services, priority should be given to the
following:
• Initiatives that support the capacities of families to nurture
chiidren
• Services addressing the needs of children and youth
• Programs focussed on physical neighborhood improvements
Severa! initiatives are aiready undenvay:
Frogtown Family Cenfer- Established under the auspices of the
Saint Paul Children's Initiative, the Frogtown Family Center is a
network of services where residents find or are referred to the
full range of family services (e.g. family education, health care,
employment and training). Administered by a community-based
board, the Family Center relates closely to the existing
Frogtown Fami(y Resource center, a school district—community
coitaboration focusing on early childhood and family education.
After School Activities - The State of Minnesota included $2
miilion in its biennial bonding bill to provide facilities within which
to provide after school programs. Additional funds are available
from the federal govemment.
Charter Schoo!- Pianning funds for new charter schools were
allocated by the 1996 legislature. The 5t. Paul Family Leaming
Center Charter School opened in the fall of 1996 and serves
22 THOMASDALESMALLAREAPLAN
a�-���
families in the study area. There are hopes that additional
similar schools can be established in the Thomas Dale
community.
{mptementing Partners
Neighborhood based organizations
Create Communitv Places
A. Pursue a community wide planning process to estabiish a
community center (or a principai center with sateflite
service centers) that wouid:
• Be accessible to as high a percentage of the
community as possibie
• integrate muttiple services �family education, health,
recreation)
• Be developed and managed by a collaboration of
community organizations
Gathering piaces piay an important role in the life of any
community. They are the places where people come to know
each other as neighbors, where important information is
available and shared, and where the community's story is
shaped and recounted to o{d-timers and new-comers alike.
They may be formally designated or simply emerge out of the
rhythm of daily life.
Among the chailenges for the new community-buiiding initiatives
now 6eing planned is the acute lack of appropriate space.
There is, therefore, considerable interest in the establishment of
a community center at which a number of services could be
located.
The difficulty, of course, in a large geographic area with poor
transit services where few people have access to cars, is
selecting one piace that "works" for the whoie community. An
aiternative might be to establish a major center and link it--
through telecommunications, vans and/orjoint programming--
with a select number of existing "satellite" centers.
Implementing Partners
Wilder Foundation, Convener
Neighborhood based organizations
THOMP.S DALE SMALL AREA PLAN 23
R�- ��3
s , i � i � � � i i. ���
Neighborhood transporfation issues are not defined—nor are fhey
resolved—in a vacuum. The transporfation sysfem fhaf serves Thomas
Dale is a regional system. The streets, highways, bus routes and,
potentially, light rail lines, that run through Thomas Dale connect it wifh
the metropolitan area. Metropolitan decisions to invest in one mode of
transportation over against anofher have a profound impact on the
healfh and vita/ity of neighborhoods such as Thomas Dale. Thomas
Dale, in the final analysis, would be besl served 6y a regiona!
transportation and land use policy that Iimifs subur6an developmenf and
strengthens local transit services in inner city communities. The
communifys challenge, tl�erefore, is fo identify forums in which fhose
decisions are being made and become an effective advocate for
neighborhood interesfs.
Within the neighborhood, however, the condition and design offhree
major arterials as well as the neigh6orhood sfreet system and the quality
of pu6lic transit service are the defining issues for the Tra�c and
Transportation Strategy. Most of the issues, however, are discussed in
fhe Economic Development Strategy (page 2). The proposed redesign
of University Avenue and Dale Street is intended fo make them more
attractive and pedestrian-friendly commercia! streets. While University
Avenue serves a regional market and Dale Sfreet a more local market,
both can be enhanced by trees, street lights and tra�c calming
measures. Pierce Bufler, if slightly rerouted, could provide direcf access
to the Dale Sfreet Shops/Maxson Steel sife, making it a more atfracfive
site for industrial redevelopment.
The balance of the strategy, discussed in this section, focuses on (a) the
improvement of neighborhood streets in ways tirat enhance the
character of the residenfial environment and support public and private
investment in rehabilitation and redevelopment and (b) the improvement
of public transit services.
Improve Neighborhood Streets and Trai(s
A. Complete the improvement of the neighborhood street system
with fhe installation of curbs, gutters, street lights and
boulevard trees.
Encourage the Department of Public Works to program the
paving of and installation of curbs, gutters and street Iights on
the following street segments north of University Avenue:
• Mackubin
• Kent
• Arundel
24 THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN
a -���
Improvements along these street segments wiil enhance efforts
made by the Greater Frogtown Community Development
Corporation to build or rehabilitate homes in the area for
purchase by new homeowners.
2. Replace missing boulevard trees in the area either by adjusting
the citywide repiacement schedule or ailowing for the planting of
donated trees in the boulevard.
3. Encourage private plantings in the boulevards through
promotional material, plant give-aways, and/or award programs
such as the Minneapolis Center for the Urban EnvironmenYs
"Blooming Boulevards" program.
B. In planning improvements for neighborhood streets, identify
opportunities for traffic calming. For instance, intersections
where extra land might altow the installation of a traffic circle
should be identified. Four to six circles could be considered
for the study area as a means of both sfowing traffic through
the neighborhood and contributing to the neighborhood
character. The circles should be attractively landscaped and
could be sites for sculptures or other public art.
C. Create bicycie and pedestrian trails linking the neighborhood
with key amenities such as downtown, the Mississippi River,
Como Park and the University of Minnesota.
Implementing Partners
District 7 Planning Council
Saint Paui Department of Public Works
University UNITED
lmprove Bus Service
A. The level of serviee present{y oTfered by the 16A bus line or►
University Avenue should at least be maintained if not
expanded.
The bus provides an essential service to many neighborhood
residents who use it to make refatively short trips to grocery stores,
health clinics, child care and empioyment.
The preservation of the 16A line takes on a particular importance in
light of plans to construct a light rail line in the freeway corridor. It
should be emphasized that fight rail--as currentfy envisioned--wiil be
designed to move peopie quickly between the two cities and,
therefore, wili not replace the 16A that carries people relatively short
distances along University Avenue.
THOMASDALESMALLAREAPLAN 25
`��-���
B. Bus service should be increased on Dale Street where buses
run only every half hour.
Many of the clients of Model Cities rely on the bus for transportation
to and from their appointments. This line also offers direct access to
suburban jobs and shopping.
C. Service on the number 7 and 34 bus Iines should be maintained
orincreased.
The number 7 bus that serves area schools, playgrounds and the
Rice Marion apartments as well as the number 34 bus that will be
instrumental in serving any new industrial or multi-family
devefopmenf afong Minnehaha also p(ay a crificaf rofe in the
neighborhood's transportation system. Service on these lines
should be maintained or increased.
D. The area also needs circulator bus service that runs through
the neighborhood, linking residents to local services such as
the grocery store and health ciinic.
Implementing Partners
District 7 Planning Council
Wilder Foundation
Frogtown Family Center
Metropolitan Councii Transit Operations (MCTO)
Midway Chamber of Commerce
Advocate for Supportive Regional
Transportation and Land Use Policies
A. Ensure that regionat transportation systems are supportive of
Thomas Dale's redevelopment and renewal efforts.
The District 7 Planning Councii should advocate for a coherent
regional transportation policy that integrates the construction of
highways and rail systems with a land use and growth
management policy that discourages sprawl.
2. In the event the light rail transit system in constructed in the
freeway corridor and includes a station at Dale Street, the
District 7 Planning Council should be invo(ved in its design.
The stop shouid not inciude a"park and ride" lot.
26 THOMASDALESMALLAREAPLAN
��i - � 13
Implementing Partners
District 7 Planning Council
Metropolitan Council
Ramsey County Regional Rail Authority
Midway Chamber of Commerce
University UNITED
Resolve Neighborhood Parking Issues
A. In consultation with surrounding property owners and
community organizations, resolve parking issues at the
following locations in a manner that minimizes the parking's
impact on surrounding residential properties and the character
of the neighborhood:
• Northwest comer of University and Dale
• Kim Hung's Grocery
• International Marketplace
• Blues Saloon (601 North Westem)
• Hmong Funeral Home
Implementing Partners
District 7 Planning Council
University UNITED
Individual Business Owners
Affected Residents and Block Clubs
Midway Chamber of Commerce
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN 27
��-�i�
Successful communities encourage and support lifelong learning that
begins with preparing its youngest members for school and, at the same
time, ensures that its adulfs are prepared to participate in a rapidly
changing economy. Thomas Dale is home to a wide variety of
educational institutions and programs--from the Frogtown Family
Resource Center and Ramsey Action Program's Headstart focused on
early childhood and parent education, to two public elementary schools,
St. Agnes School, the Ronald Hubbs Center for Lifelong Learning, Saint
Paul Rehabilitation Center and fhe City/School Districf's communify
education program. In addition, a Model Cities program serves the
preschool education needs of children born with chemical addictions and
the Thunder Spirit Lodge focuses on the care of those afflicfed with Fetal
Alcohof Syndrome. Each has its own mission, agenda and method of
relating with the communify. While the other secfions of the plan indude
recommendafions thaf, if implemented, would strengthen the
environment for education — such as reducing transiency, creating
spaces for recreation, emphasizing job training/preparation — the
following recommendations focus specificafly on how the community can
support the individual and common efforts of fhe educational institutions
to meet the needs of its residents.
Build Community Su�port for Education
A. Encourage community invoivement in the schoois.
Encourage investment in volunteer training and support. The
schools are eager to have parents and other community
members involved in schooi programs during and after school.
Reading with children, providing enrichment programs or simply
being an extra set of hands in a classroom are all important
contributions. For some, that may come naturally. Others may
want or need the support of a certain level of training,
recognition or other incentive to encourage their participation.
2. Secure sponsorship of individual schools by corporations
and/or organizations both from within and outside the
neighborhood.
3. Sponsor equipment recycling drives to ensure students have
access to appropriate equipment to participate in athletic and
artistic programs.
4. Encourage schools to be welcoming places for parents and
community members.
2S THOMASDALESMALLAREAPLAN
��-�1��..
Impiementing Partners
District 7 Planning Council
Parent Teacher Organizations
Frogtown Family Resource Center
Community Education
Individual Schoois
University UNITED
B. Strengthen collaboration among educational programs within
the neighborhood.
Expand participation in neiworking activiiies. A monthiy lunch
meeting for Thomas Dale human service agencies is a good
beginning, but doesn't provide enough time or space for the
coilaboration that needs to take place. Other opportunities
should be identified.
2. Ensure that participants in individual human service programs
are aware of--and can refer participants to—the services of ths
various educational institutions.
3. Develop multi-faceted programming to take advantage of
community resources and meet muitiple needs. Coliaboration
between the Frogtown Family Resource Center and Jackson
School, for instance, has increased parental participation in the
schooi's evening programs for families inasmuch as the
Resource Center encourages participation, assists with
transportation and provides programs for 1he chifdren while
parents are involved in mee6ngs or conferences.
4. Strengthen the relationships between area child care providers
and efementary schools in order to develop ways to ease the
chitd's transition between day care and school, strengthen
school readiness and, without jeopardizing the privacy of the
child and his/her family, prevent any lapse in critical support
services.
5. Encourage school principals and staff to become involved in
community organizations as a means of improving
collaboration.
Implementing Partners
Public and private schools and education agencies
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN 29
��-� � �-
C. Encourage the estabiishment of a community schoot and one
or more charter schoois in the community.
Ensure that pianning for new schools involves coliaboration with
exisfing schools and human service providers.
2. Particular encouragement should be given to organizations
willing to develop charter schools that emphasize cross cultural
educafion.
Impiementing Partners
District 7 Planning Council
Potentiaf school boards and administrators
Peopie's Network of Minnesoia
Public and private schools
Wilder Foundation
D. Expand options and opportunities for pre-school and
elementary schoo� age children and their families.
Ensure that quality after school activities are available for all
children who need them.
Support programming for pre-school and elementary school
children that encourages peaceful conflict resolution.
3. Support additionai resources for Headstart programs in the
community in order that all who qualify can participate.
Implementing Partners
Pubiic and private schools and leaming centers
Headstart
Saint Paui Division of Parks and Recreation
Saint Paul Public Library
Wilder Foundation
Parent Teacher Organizations
E. Expand options for junior and senior high age students.
Support and strengthen programs such as those offered by
local churches and schools, Frogtown Future, Save our Cities
Kids and the Leadership Training Program of the Thomas Dale
Block Clubs that involve young people in positive associaYion
with significant adults while helping them to develop their own
potential.
$O THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN
a�.- �� �
2. Explore sources of private and philanthropic support to enab{e
young people from Thomas Dale to participate in programs
such as those offered by the Science Museum, local colleges
and universities, theatres or summer camps.
Implementing Partners
Public and private schools and leaming centers
Saint Paui Division of Parks and Recreation
Thomas Da4e Block Clubs
Community Education
University UNITED
THOMASDALESMALLAREAPLAN 31
�- 3i �
Access to quality affordable health care is a national issue. It is of
particufarconcem forThomas Dale where such a high percenfage of
citizens are not covered by employer sponsored health insurance,
making them especially vulnerable to changes in public support for
health care. Dafa analyzed by the City's Division of Pubfic Health reveal
Thomas Dale to be among the city's medically underserved
communities. Critical issues include a low immunization rate, higher
than average infant mortality rates and Iead poisoning of children.
�ecure Basic Health Services for All
Residents
A. Strengthen the Model Cities Health Center as the primary
provider of community based medical and dental services.
Advocate for funding tormulas thaf recognize the unique needs
of community health centers that serve a high proportion of
uninsured citizens.
2. Support funding applications that serve to stabilize the financial
status of the health center.
3. Explore partnerships that might bring professional services fo
the healYh cenYer at below market costs.
Implementing Partners
Model Cities Health Center
Public Health Agencies
Foundations
B. Strengthen the sense of partnership among health care
providers in and around the Thomas Date community.
Organize a formal community health care coalition to meet on a
regular basis. .
2. Develop and prioritize strategies around building community
awareness relative to health issues and ensuring a higher level
of preventative care.
ImplemenYing Partners
Model Cities
Saint Paul Division of Public Heaith
Frogtown Action A(liance
Private health care/altemative medicine services
Saint Paul/Ramsey Medical Center
32 THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN
��-���
Emphasize Prevention
A. Ensure widespread access to immunizations, screening and
well child care.
Support public health initiatives inciuding the mobile delivery--
with a va� or other mobil clinic arrangement -of specific
services including immunizations and health screening.
Services to Thomas Dale cou{d be integrated with those to
other similar neighborhoods.
Implementing Partners
Saint Paul Division of Public Health
Model Cities Hea(th Center
Frogtown Action Alliance Heaith Task Force
B. Etiminate the incidence of lead poisoning.
Increase screening of children at risk.
2. Continue educational program in multiple languages and in
collaboration with the Frogtown Family Resource Center and
other programs with high participation of neighborhood families.
3. Continue to abate affected homes, taking particular care to
secure public funding for low and moderate income property
owners.
4. Identity and advocate for alternative ameliorative measures--
such as encapsulation with paint rather than complete
abatement--that reduce lead exposure to more acceptable
feveis while avoiding excessive costs beyond the means of low
and moderate income households.
5. Secure a"lead free" house in which families can live while the
contamination is being removed from their homes.
Implementing Partners
5aint Paul Division of Pubiic Health
Greater Frogtown Community Development Corporation
District 7 Planning Council
Area health agencies
Department of Licenses, Inspections and Environmental
Protection
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN 33
��-3��
C. Substantially reduce the amount of trash and garbage in
neighborhood yards and alieys.
Explore altematives to the present garbage hauling system that
will ensure universal collection.
2. Increase Cify financia! support for neighborhood clean-up
activities.
Implementing Partners
District 7 Planning Council
City of Saint Paul
Private garbage haulers
Block clubs
34 THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAIV
� �
As a central city neighborhood with houses built on relatively smal/ /ofs,
Thomas Dale has among the smallest amount of green space per
resident of any neighborhood in the city. lt is a/so an a�ea where the
housing is in high demand and the fabric of the neighborhood is
vulnerable to any wholesale demolition of housing units. The challenge
is to carefulty leverage useful open space through the revitalization
process. The pian addresses the need for three types of open space:
(1) Single lots that are within view—or earshot—of most of fhe
households on a block where child�en can safely play,� (2) Medium size
parks (1/2 block in size) with playground equipment and/or a backstop to
be used by families wifhin a 2-4 block radius,� and (3) Expansion of West
Minnehaha Recreation Center fhat serves the entire communify.
Establish a System of Parks in the
Communitk
A. Develop a community wide plan for the establishment of
different types of parks and greenspaces.
The plan should inciude:
• A full inventory of the present system;
• An assessment of what types of parksigreen spaces and
trails are needed in the various parts of the neighborhood
to complete the system;
• A designation of specific vicinities where additional
parkslgreen spaces might be established. These
designations should consider accessibility to the site,
population density in the surrounding blocks, and
relationship to redevelopment activities; and
• A policy that the demolition of existing structures should be
avoided.
• An identification of funding sources for acquisition and
maintenance of parkland/gree� spaces.
An outline for the plan is proposed in the recommendations
below.
Implementing Partners
District 7 Pianning Council, Convener
Frogtown Action Alliance
Thomas Dale Block Clubs
Greater Frogtown Community Development Corporation
4ndividual b{ock clubs
Saint Paul Division of Parks and Recreation
Parks and Recreation Commission
Public Art Saint Paul
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN 35
��-�� �-
B. Create more small "green spaces" within the neighborbood.
Consider the establishment of neighborhood play spaces and/or
gardens on individual lots, especially on blocks with narrow lots
or in instances where new construction is unlikely in the short
term. Lots in the middle of blocks, rather than on the comers,
are generally preFerred.
Acquisition, design, maintenance and supervision of these lots
would provide an opportunity for neighbors to work together.
lndeed, the initiative of block residenis would be essential to
their success--and, therefore, should be a prerequisite.
2. Develop a neighborhood-wide strategy for identifying
opportunities for single lot green spaces and doing the
necessary organizing. The strategy should include a system for
handling insurance issues.
3. Consider linking lots on individual blocks into a neighborhood
system by creating a walking--or exercise—tour that highlights
the uniqueness of each lot and its surrounding community.
Implementing Partners
DisVict 7 Planning Council
Block clubs
Minnesota Green
Sustainable Agricuiture Resource Center
C. Establish one or two other half block sized parks to
compiement Ryan Park located in the southwest quadrant of
the study area.
Improve the landscaping and play facilities on the Jackson
School grounds to encourage its use by the community in the
southeast quadrant of the study area after school and on
weekends.
2. Integrate the estabiishment of up to two other parks with the
rehabilitation of neighboring houses, the placement of traffic
circles or the creation of some other amenity in order to
enhance the impact of each improvement.
Implementing Partners
District 7 Planning Council
Saint Paul Division of Parks and Recreation
Saint Paul School District
36 THOMASDALESMALLAREAPLAN
�l�- 3i�
Expand Recreation Services
A. Expand the services provided by West Minnehaha Recreation
Center.
Explore opportunities to expand the recreation center and its
site, possibiy through the realignment of Pierce Butier Road.
2. Strengthen programming at the recreation center itself through
cioser collaboration with neighborhood residents in estabiishing
priorities and designing programs consistent with their needs
and interests.
B. Extend recreation programming into alternative sites
throughout the neighborhood such as at Ryan Park, Jackson
School, community churches or storefronts.
Implementing Partners
Thomas Dale Biock Ciubs
Saint Paul Division of Parks and Recreation
Parks and Recreation Commission
West Minnehaha Booster Club
District 7 Planning Councii
Frogtown Action Alliance
THOMASDALESMALLAREAPLAN 37
��- 3� �
. i � i � � � i � . . � �
Thomas Dale is a ful(y developed neighborhood with only occasiona/
reasons--or opportunities--to change the existing land use patterns. A
review of the entire planning district reveals a rich mixture of housing
types, commercial uses and industrial developments. The easternmosf
part of the planning disfrict is the Mk Airy public housing site.
lmmediately to the east of fhe study area are the Rice Ma�an
aparfinents; to the west is a mixed use residential area developed by the
�Ider Foundation. At the northern 6order is a sizable industriai site; at
the southern borderis Universi(y Avenue, one of the cify's most
sign�cant commercial strips. Within the study area, however, the vast
majority of residential structures are smaller houses originally built as
single family residences. It is withrn that context that fhe plan makes
recommendafions relative to land use controls in the study area.
There are two principal recommendafions. The firsf is to rezone mosf of
the study area, now zoned for two family use, to single family use. This
is recommended largely as a measure to curfail the conversion of
sfructures builf as relatively small single family homes to two or more
family homes. The experience in the neighborhood has been that an
increasing demand for affordable rental housing is being mef through the
conversion of single family homes by landlords who rent a space
designed for one family to two or three families. The structures
themselves, many of them more than 100 years old, are not able to
withstand the level of wear and tear that comes with higher occupancy.
The neighborhood's schools and social seivice agencies are sfraining to
meet the needs of the existing residents and, for the mosf part, do not
have the capacity to serve an increasing population. And increasing the
concentration of lower income households in a single neighborhood is
not in the best interests of the households themselves or the
neighborhood.
Some areas—a/ong the major arterials where transportation is most
accessib/e--are recommended for apartment or townhome development
in order to meet the need for well-managed and well-maintained rental
housing. It is recognized that—as market conditions improve--
opportunities may emerge where additiona! areas would be
appropriafefy developed with rivo family housing or town homes.
Through this plan, the district council and fhe City signal their willingness
fo positively consider rezoning if subsequently needed and appropriafe
to allow for development compafible with neighborhood character and
design.
The second major change recommended 6y this plan relates to the
widening of Dale Street. Inasmuch as the land on the east side of Dale
has been acquired for the right of way, it shouid no longer be zoned for
commerciai use. The west side of Dale, on the other hand, should be
zoned exclusively fo� neighborhood /evel commercial uses. As
$R THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN
��'�JI�J
discussed previously, residentia! uses shou(d 6e phased out and fhe
zoning recommended he�e is consisterrt with that policy.
A. Ensure that adopted land use regulations are supportive of the
community's revitalization efforts.
The study area should be rezoned as indicated on the following
maps.
2. The community encourages highe� density residential
development along major transportation corridors--University
Avenue, Minnehaha Avenue and Pierce Butler--provided that it
meets the foilowing standards:
a. its scale is consistent with the surrounding character of the
neighborhood. Pedestrian scale duptexes and townhouses
are preferred.
b. Its design and orientation to the street are consistent with
the surrounding neighborhood.
c. Provisions are made for play areas and green space.
d. Parking and tra�c issues are adequately addressed.
The consistency of the proposed redeveiopment with these
standards will be the focus of the district council's review of a
petition for rezoning.
3. Rezonings of properties for higher density new construction or
rehabilitation in the balance of the study area will be considered
on a case by case basis. The district council will support those
applications that represent high quality development in keeping
with the character of the neighborhood.
4. Mixed residential/commercial/o�ce structures are encouraged
along University Avenue and Dale Street. Relatediy, it is
recommended that the Planning Commission study and
propose appropriate amendments to the Zoning Code to
encourage mixed use development in the B-2 zoning district.
5. There shou{d be no additional expansion of commerciai uses or
parking onto Sherburne Avenue within the study area except on
the b�ock west of Dale between University and Sherbume
Avenues where additionai parking may be required to allow the
establishment of commercial uses on the west side of Dale
Street between University and Sherbume Avenues. In cases
where parking expansion is approved, existing policies related
to setbacks, landscaping and access should be enforced.
Should the market on University Avenue begin to require
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN 39
R�-3t�
significant additiona! space, and there is no altemative to an
expansion to the south side of Sherbume Avenue, potential
developers could work with the district council to develop a
mutually acceptable plan and propose an amendment to the
comprehensive pian that would allow such an expansion.
Implementittg Partners
Saint Paul Planning Commission
DisUict 7 Planning Council
Midway Chamber of Commerce
University UNITED
4O THOMAS DALE SMe1LL AREA PLAN
`��'J��
Saint Paui Planning Commission
Peg J. Birk
Joseph P. Chavez
Esperanza Duarte
Carole Faricy
Litton Field, Jr.
Anne Flaxman Geisser
Stephen D. Gordon
Frank Gumey
R+chard J.F. Kramer
Michael Lee
Eileen J. Lund-Johnson
Thomas Dale Smail Area Plan
Kevin Kittilson, Co-chair
Kurt Schwichtenberg, Co-chair
Brenda Alexander
Christopher Coleman
David Colwell
Elizabeth Colwell
Beverly Hawkins
Duane Johnson
Mazi Johnson
Kevin Kajer
Kristen Kidder
Victoria Kittiison
Tou Sue Lee
David Liset
Joyce Maddox
Timothy Mardell
David McDonell, Chair
Gladys Morton
Richard Nowlin
Kurt Schwichtenberg
Michael Sharpe
Imogene Treichel
Mark Vaught
Barbara A. Wencl
Task Force
Pat Lindgren
Lengchy Lor
Morris Manning
Mary Miiliner
Bilt Pepar
Becky Rice
Margaret Romero
Janet Marie Shane
Ron Stevens
Connie Stewart
Barbara Strommer
Sandy Unger
Andy Wiiliams
Clare Wilson
District 7 Planning Council
Michael Samuelson
Sailie Sheppheard
Spencer Blaw
Joanne Tooley
Kenrie Williams
Department of Planning and
Pamela Wheelock, Director
Hope Metton, Planner
Katy Lindblad, Project Manager
Economic Development
Ken Ford, Planning Administrator
Nancy Homans, Planner
Joan Hagen Chinn, Graphic Artist
The Distiict 7 Planning Council and the City of Saint Paul gratefully acknowledge
the confribution made by ihe Bigelow Foundation to fhis planninq process.
The City of Saint Paul does not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, sex, sexuai or
affectional orientation, age, color, creed, national origin or ancestry, marital status, religion,
veteran status, or status with regard to public assistance in the admission or access to, or
treatment or employment in, its programs or activities.
The City of Saint Paul
Norm Coleman, Mayor
THOMASDALESMALLAREAPLAN 43
,a
�.}
Thomas Dale
- Small Area Plan
Community Letters of Commitment
<,.
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November 15, 1996
David McDonell, Chair
St. Paul Planning Commission
c/o Nancy Holmans
Department of Planning and Economic Development
25 West Fourth Sireet
St. Paul, Minnesota 55102
Deaz Mr. McDonnell:
u�- ��3
Thomas • Dale
District 7 Community Council, Inc.
369 University Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55103
PA:(612)298-5065
FAX:(612)298-5072
At its September 26, 1996 board of directors meeting, the Thomas/Dale IJistrict 7 Planning Council
passed a modon expressing its unanimous support for the draft Thomas Dale Small Area Plan that is
now in before the St. Paul Planning Commission for your review, comments and approval.
This document has been carefully developed over the past three years by our community. We have
worked hand-in-hand with one common goal in mind - to heip blaze a path where our residents,
businesses, public agencies and our many neighborhood partners can iravel in order to assist with the
preservarion and revitalization of the Thomas Dale communiry. This plan represents the hopes and
dreams many of us have for this very important pomon of central St. Paul. We feel that it can be a
pian that we and our pazmers can all use each and everyday in order to ensure that the Thomas Dale
area continues to be a great place to live, work and raise our families.
Now that this particulaz planning process at the community level has been completed the real work is
about to begin. We have already started the implementation of some key components of this plan.
For exampie, a community visioning process on the future reuse of the former Dale Street Burlington
Northern train yards begins this month. Its task is to develop a plan for what this possible industrial
pazk would look like and more importantly how it can help to sdmulate the further revitalizarion of our
community. We expect to be busy for many yeazs to come maidng sure that this plan is an active
guidepost for our community and the city to foliow.
As you may know, the primary task that our district council took during this process was to help
coordinate the communiry-based task force which actually developed this draft Small Area Plan.
Upon review of this document you will see why we feel that we did our job quite well. We wish to
acknowledge the fine support and guidance our task force received from your staf£ Both Ms.
Homans and Melton were invaluable resources to this planning pmcess and our simple thanks could
never be enough to express the debt we owe to their work on this draft Small Area Plan.
Thank you for your thoughtfui review and, we hope, your eventual approval of this very important
document. If you have need for any further inforxnation please contact me at 298-5068.
Sincerely,
1ti�� G
�1�
Michael Samuelson, Executive Director
Thomas/Dale District 7 Planning Council
°�����-
Frogtown Action Alliance
�~�
� ��
September 20, 1996
Bany Madore, Boazd Chair
Thomas-Dale District 7 Council
369 University Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55103
Dear Mr. Madore:
689 NORTH DALE STREET
ST. PAUL, MN 55103
(612) 2247184
SEP 2 4 REC'D
The Frogtown Action Alliance (FAA) mission is to bring together the diverse individuals and
organizations in Frogtown to create and carry out a responsive neighborhood initiated plan for sustained
action that addresses and provides solutions for the issues and problems the neighborhood faces. FAA
is committed to fostering the broadest possible representation and participation in a neighborhood
decision making by all Frogtown residents regardiess of ethnicity, economically disadvantaged, or other
distinctions.
FAA supports the Small Area Plan with the following three modifications:
♦ Page 1, Economic Development section under subtitle Capitalize on Redevelopment Opportur:ities
section (A). Add as follows:
"7. Collaborate with Wilder Foundation and other implementing partners to collaborate and
develop an industrial site that includes a National Guard Armory, Charter School, Neighborhood
Center and other business development to encourage job stimulation and growth."
♦ Page 3, . Add the Wilder Foundation as an Implementing Partner.
�1 Additional clarification should be added relating to the implementation plan for the objectives in the
Small Area Plan.
Thank you for the opporiunity to meet with you, however, FAA staff has been involved and made
recommendations to the board. Please contact me at 645-6445 if you have any questions related to this
matter.
Sincerely,
� '+, f
ti %� n !%��
�: � ,'� ' 'Z'
Ike Welborn
Board Chair
cc: Michael Samualson
Shem Shakir
District 7 Board of Directors
FAA Board of Directors
-An Equal Opportuniry Employer-
�
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��-313
Greater Frogtown Community Development Corpor
Telephone �612J 298-8980
689 Norih Dale $freet
Si. Paul, MN 55103
September 23, 1996
Mr. Kevin Kittilson, Co-Chair
Mr. Kurt Schwichtenberg, Co-Chair
Thomas Dale Small Area Plan Task Force
c�o Thomas Da1e District 7 Plauuiug Council
369 University Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55103
Dear Mr. Kittilson and Mr. Schwichtenberg:
SEP 2 6 �
The Greater Frogtown Community Development Corporation's Boazd of Directors and
Staff are pleased to offer their support of the Thomas-Dale Small Area Plan.
The Small Area Plan, was xeviewed and approved by the GFCDC Boazd of Directors
during their last meeting on September 16, 1996. As the mission of GFCDC calls for the
development and rehab of high quality affordable housing, as well as the improvement of
rental and homeownership opportunities, we concur with the goals identified in the Plan's
Housing Strategy, such as increasing the level of homeownership, improving the
condition of the housing stock, and maintaining the affordability of rental housing.
Our Board Members and Staff will be incorparating pieces of the Small Area Plan into
our organization's strategic plan and work plans at our upcoming retreat in November.
The Small Area PZan will certainly be beneficial to the Frogtown community.
Sincerely,
/; �
� �
'� �� .%�—� �
Denise M. Harris
President
VV�il Foundation SEP 2 6 REC'0
Since 1906
Executive Office
919 Lafond Avenue Saint Paul_ MN 55104 (612) 642-4098 FAX (612) 642-4068
September 24, 1996
Spencer Blaw
Thou?a�-Dale Srxal] Area P?an Task F�-��
c/o District 7 Planning Council
369 University Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55103
Deaz Spencer:
I azn writing on behalf of the Amherst H. Witder Foundation to express strong support
for the Thomas-Dale small azea plan. We are most anxious to assist in the
unplementation plan along with other members of the Thomas-Dale community.
I have been particularly impressed with your attempts to get input from all of the
different interested groups in the community.
PIease extend our appreciation for this plan Eo the DistricE 7 Plaiuung Council and our
offer to participate in the implementation of the plan.
Sincerely,
� � �
� `` s _
—_ >
Thomas W. Kingston
President
TWK:ae
Presidenr
Thonas Vr. Kinesron
Board of Direciors
Kennon V. Rothchild, Chair. Elizabe[h M. Kiema[, Fast Vice Chair: Anthony L. Andersen. Second V�ce Cha�r.
Malcolm R� McDonald. Secretary. Ihrec[ors Chazlton Die¢. Elisabeth W. Dcermann.
Chazles �f Osbome. Mary Thornton Phillips, Peter B. Ridder. Bazbara B- Roy
�� ' J� �
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.
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MODEL CITIE$
OF 5T. PAUL. INC.
September 26, 1996
I<evin ICittilson and I<urt Schwichtenberg, co-chairs
District 7 Plazuung Council
369 University Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55103
Dear Chairpersons:
This letter is to express our support for the Thomas-Dale Small Area Plan in
recognition of the many hours that city staff and community volunteexs
committed to its development. Model Cities' sta£f were among those who
participated on the Small Area Plan Task Force. We are happy with the result
of the many hours of dedicated work and look foivvard to the final adoption of
the Thomas-Dale Small Area Plan.
We support the recommendations described in the plan. We are committed to
t��orking with other implementing partners to realize the plan's vision of
Thomas-Dale as a community where families can live in decent, af£ordable
housing and find opportunities for employment and ownership; and a
neighborhood that is a clean and safe place to live, where all are valued.
Thank you for the opportunity to review than.
SincerelV,
(l ���ltJ !`q�(,1,1�
��
Beverlev Ohver Hawkins, Ph.D.
!
Chief Executive Officer
�� -�l �
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`Building CommuniZy"
September 26, 1996
Mr. Spencer Blaw
District 7 Planning Council
369 University Avenue
St, Paul, MN 55103
Dear Mr. Blaw,
Twin Cities Habitatfor Humanity
I am pleased to provide to you this letter of support for the work thaz you and your Task Force have done
to produce the Thomas Dale Small Area Plan. It is an excellent example of the kind of vision and
creativity that exists in our communities, and which is so critical to the revitali�ation of our
neighborhoods.
We are particulazly impressed by the range of options outlined in the section on housing strategies. While
Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity conducts a particulaz type of owner occupied housing development, we
recognize that neighborhoods and households need a range of options in order to meet their individual and
community housing needs. We aze very pleased to be listed as a potential implementor of some of these
strategies, and we stand ready to work with ti7e Dishict Council, the Greater Frogtown Community
Deve]opment Corporation and the other key leadership groups in the Thomas Dale area to deliver both
new conshuction and renovated houses of an ownership nature to fami]ies with modest incomes.
Just this week we began the rehabilitation of a home at 781 Lafond. This home is being rehabilitated in
partnership with many community groups and is being sponsored by the Wilder Foundation. At the
neighborhood festival that was held to celebrate the kick off of this home ]ast Saturday, we realized that
there are many families in the Frogtown neighborhood who would appreciate the chance to purchase a
home in the community. Habitat for Humanity stands ready to respond to those needs as long as we are
able to work in parmership with the District Council, the CDC, and ali of the other organizaYions
providing leadership and direction to the Thomas Dale community.
1 regret that an unexpected commitment will keep me away from your gathering tonight where the Small
Area Plan will be presented to the District Council. It is my hope that this letter will fully convey to you,
and to the Council, Habitat for Humanity's strong commihnent to helping the community fulfill the
potentia! it has for being a rrcodel neighborhood in the City of St. PauL Please do not hesitate to call me
iF you should have any questions or if you or the District Counci] wish to further pursue collaborative
ideas involving Habitat for Humanity in the months to come.
Very truly yours,
_ ___. . ��
' -- _ �.._ � �.
Stepl�en Seidel
Executive Director
SSlkmc
>001 F�trrtU Streel S,E • dlanneaJ�olas. d7R55474 •(612) 331-4090 •!"672) j3J-2540Fax
q`���i3
V1lt N D
Western 1nit+atives far Neighbarhoad I}evelopment
65'I �/z UNIVERSI7Y AVENUE
September 26, 1996
• ST. PAUL, MN 551Q4 • PHOlVE: 291-2480 • FAX: 29�-2597
Mr. xevin Kittilson, co-ahair
Kurt Schwichtenberg, co-chair
Thomas Dale Small Area Plan Committee
cio District � Planning Council
369 University Avenue
St. Pau1,lV�innesota 55104
Dear Kevin, Kurt and Committee members:
SEP 2 6 RfC`D
I wrnild like to cangratulate �ll of you on the tremendous job you did on the Small Area Flan for
Thomas Dale. The aznount of work aztd thvugirt you put into it is very apparant, and the pian will
be a very valuable tool for this community for many years.
I have not had time to review all of your draft pfan, but T have lool:ed over my area of
involvement, ecnomic development. I have the following comments:
i. Inciuding in the vision statement the creation of "vibrant productive businesses" is a strong
positive message about their importance to this community,
2. Putting FAA as the Iead organization an raost of these recommendations is consistent with tf�e
roles in the commuzuty, as I have seen them evolve over the past few years. It is good to re-state
tius. You may wani to inciude them on page 2, item A3, as par[ of the communify plaruzing tearn
for-i:�e Dale Street Shops site, since later you list them in the tead on the project.
3. Your connection between businesses gettin� pu�lic subsidies and their participation with City
jobs and training progarns is good. A stronger point could be made about the need for advanced
training provided to area residents, which would b� triggered by very early notification from new
businesses about the nature of skiils needed for the'u upcoming jobs.
4. Regarding Aale Street, some of the thought I have heard involves the west side sidewalk bein�
wider than average, and used for outdoor seating, displays, etc. for the businesses. The wideness
creates a zane of comfort and ambiance that enhances the businesses and community feel.
5 FAA and the Neighborhood Devetopment Center have offered an extensive micro-
entrepreneur training and loan program to Frogtown residents for over two years now. Over 5a
persons have atready gone t}�rough this training, and many have started businesses here in thls
community. This training, ai least in a generic form, should be mentioned on page 5 or 6, in your
section on micra business development.
W IND 15 8 Cammumiy Oevelopment Corporailon Subsid�ary of Western Bank
R�-�r� .
I liked the content ofthe rost ofyo�r economic development section. T'her� is much To do in this
cammunity, and I believe your vision for it is comprehensive and e�cciting. Now lets a21 work
iogether to achitve it.
Thank you fflr your great work.
Sincerely,
r
' Milce '�emati
iWIND
r
ASIAN AMERICAN PRESS
417 University Avenue � SG Paul, MN 55103 ❑ Phone (612) 224�570 D FAX (612) 224-7Q32
��'�'� � 5 REC'D
November 4, 1996
Mr. Michael Samuelson
Distric[ 7 Planning Council
369 University Avenue
Saint Paul, MN 55103
Dear Michael,
Thank you for including Asian American Press as a participant in the presentation of the Thomas-Dale
Small Area Plan on September 26, 1996.
After listening [o the discussions and reviewing the draft, I feel very good about the plan. I feel tlus will
have a very positive impact on the neighborhood.
We at the Asian American Press and the Asian Business & Communiry foundation fully support the
Planning CounciPs goals.
I believe our community tiuly appreciates this initiatve. The Task Force has put together an escellent pian.
�T�_
Sincerely,
Nghi Huynh
Publisher/Editor Asian American Press
President Asian Business & Community Foundation
l �i�(� .
��CK-V�C��tK-iT-t,�tfT �ENTER
ANOY WILLIAMS JR.
EXECUTIVE DIRECfOR
785 NORTH MIL70N STREET
ST. PAUL 55744 RAMSEY
Telephorta 6i21188-7036
.. �. :.u.- . •••
Michael Smnuelson, Ezecutive I3irector
Districr Seven Plamm�g Councit
369 UniversityAvemte
St Pmt� MN 55103
Dear�clrQe�
I would like to share our support for the Thomas I3ate SmallArea Plan ToskForce drafrPlan. I mn
canfrderet that gi+'en the time rnrd care put into devetoping thisglan, it has the support vf the
communi�y�. I encourage the Distrlct Counctt to endorse the draft plan a►id forward it ro the Plmming
Commission and City Coundl fos �doption. As Fxecutive Direcwr of Save Our Ciry`s Kids, a member
of ihe Tirsk F'oree and a neighbor and community activist I know tltat the plan re, fiect the needs and
wishes of tlae community mrd will provide a solid po&cy framework for future community building and
p3n�sical development.
F�Ye erre grateful for th� leadership shown by the Task Force m developir�g tfee P1mt. R'e are alsa
?�n?�.r! f�r ?3;e s��pport mxl tnterest shmsm hl.� the mmry purticipartts in the vision come true. I would
also lrke to acLrtowledge the cNtical sia�t''supFort the Dfstrict Seven P/rlrming Councit and the Citv
Ptrnertine and Economic I3evelapmeni I3eprtrhnent have provided io tlie Task Force and irs worl�
P��ase do not hesitctte fo cal! upon SO.C.K or myseljto support the Plan cmd its' implementation
kcr»artf::lh• Fny�r�
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Executive Director
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Frogtown Family R,esource Center
377 University Avenue (at Western), Saint Paul, MN 55103
PHONE: (612) 290-8376 FAX: (612) 293-5260
September 24, 1996
ThomasDale District 7
P�3R.^.7C.j �^U;1C11
369 University Avenue
St. Pau7, MN 55103
Dear Planning Council members:
��-���
The staff of Frogtown Family Resource Center want you to know that we support your
work on the Small Area Plan for our neighborhood. We share this vision of strengthening
families, seeing that housing is decent and affordable, and want to do our part to
provide educational opportunites for Frogtown families. We value all our neighbors
and consider it a privilege to work in this neighborhood.
Please know that we support the policy framework as
fications agreed upon at the September 26th meeting,
you've already done. Thanks for a good job!
In partnership,
/`�
Todd Seabury-Kolod
laid out in the summary. Any modi-
we hope, will enhance the work
�
�����b•� Saiat Paut Public Schools Community Education
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Universi�y UNIT�D
A CO�LITIOR OF MIDWAY CIflIE�S .iT'D BUSt\ESS
November 20,1996
Nfichael Samuelsan
Executive Director
Thomas-Dale
Distnct 7 Planning CounCil
369 University Avenue
St. PauE, MN 55103
Dear Mc Sameulso��.
At iYs Qctober Board mee6ng, University UN)TED's Board o4 pirectors voted to
enrnurapP and siipp�M thP paa�s of the Thomas-nala Smali Area Pian, which da
not conflict with the Midvway Chambers' 40 Acre Study.
5pecificaily, UhIITED suppor#s the plans' Economic Development Strategy, as an
implementing partner. ! he boartl and statt would afso IiKe to be mcluded as
either a resource or implementing parknec in the folfowing categories:
1. Micro Enterprise and Small Business, /t and B
2. Work Towards Fui! Employment, A and B
3. Cammunity Buildtng, C
4. Traffio and Transportation, A and C
5. Regional Transportation and L&nd use Potic+es
6. Building Community Support for Education, A and E
7. Land Use and Rezoning, A •
In your Vision Statement you refer to makinq the area a safe place to live,
however there are no crime and safety strategies listed. UNITED would
see itself Ss an im�lementinc� partner on crime stralegiaS
Sincerely,
�� �� �t��d
4rena Rodr+guez
University UNITED
Nelghborhood �nvestment �hrough �conomic
Spf;x:e T�3e CeiiGti •�BD7 U+iiversYy kveaue � 5U11e 4• 54 Pxul, IdN 55704-3E25! (612} 547•6T11 • Fax (612) 64622°7
��-��� .
ST. PAUL FAMILY LEARNING CENTER CHARTER SCHOOL
INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 4019
September 20, 1996
Kevin Kitiilson and Kurt Schwichtenberg, Co-Chairs
District 7 Planning Council
369 University Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55103
Dear Chairpersons:
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This letter is to express my support for the Thomas-Dale Smal] Area Plan, and especiatly the education
strategy outlined in the draft Plan. Collaboration among the various groups and organizations that make
up the community is essential for the positive economic development of urban neighborhoods. The
Family Leaming Center school works with community members and organizations. The charter school
planning group met several times with the Frogtown Networking Crroup and the Thomas-Dale Block
Club to get input into the design of our new school. Our basic school pmgram is very much in tune
with the Plan's education strategy, including elements such as conflict resolution, parental involvement
in setting the course of each child's learning, and extensive use of volunteers in the school. We
currently offer an early-moming program and hope to provide after-school programming as well.
The Fami]y Leaming Center school is not physicatly located in the Thomas-Dale neighborhood (we
wanted to find a facility in Frogtown but were unable to find a suitable facility) but includes this
section of the city in its enroliment azea, which comprises the whole of the 55103 and SSI04 zip codes.
We opened as a K-4 school on September 3 and hope to expand to a pre-K-12 program over the next
few years. The school has recruited a number of students from the Small Area Plan neighborhood and
will continue involvement in the azea.
On behalf of the St. Paul Family Leaming Center Charter School, I want to express my wholehearted
support for the Thomas-Dale Small Area Plan. T'he school is committed to working with the
community and will collaborate with other organizations Yo implement the Small Area Plan.
Sincerely,
�JG�J�hr
/
Wayne B. Jennings
School Director
-...
lr�dependertt School District #4019 • i 355 Pierce BuUer Route, St. Paul, MN 55104-1359 • Ph. 612 644-5052 • Fau 612
645-0240
�
.
:;��;: HealthPartners
St. Paul-Ramsey Medical Center
640 Jackson Street
St Paul, MN 55701-2595
672221.3456
August 30, 1996
Spencer Blaw
Thomas Dale Small Area Plan Task Force
c/o District Seven Planning Council
369 University Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55103
��-3i3
S�P 0 � RfC`D
Dear Mr. Blaw and the Thomas Dale Small Area Plan Task Force:
Thank you for the opportunity to review the Thomas Dale Small Area Plan. I
have reviewed the plan and congratulate the Task Force on a job well done.
You can count on our suppoR for the recommendations outlined in the Plan, and
I will plan on attending the meeting on September 26th.
We support the recommendations outlined and look forward to working with the
other implementing partners on the specific strategies, particularly in the areas of
community building and health care. As you probably know, we are strong
supporters of the Model Cities Health Center as the primary provider of
community based medical and dental services, and have a long history of
working together with the Health Center. We certainly will be active participants
in a formal community health care coalition organized by the community and
agree with the focus on preventative care, immunizations and well child care.
We are also committed to working with other providers and agencies in the
Thomas Dale community to find ways to integrate services and find new,
coiiaborative ways of serving our communi'ry anci expanci tne use ofi our limited
resources. Real and anticipated funding cuts from both federal and local levefs
will require all of us to work more closely together to better leverage the
resources we can retain.
Sincerely,
(/ I � ` ,
.,- , F � i, i�./ ` l, l �'�%, i.' V'L(���
Gabrielle Lawrence
Vice President, Community Partnerships
H:_:;tl'.`'.::.':• m-pror,rbenealtL+.�,`oan�rxer.+ber'sarzdo¢vcomm:nttti�
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CATHOLIC
CHARITIES
Advocacy and
Outreach Division
Frogown Cenrer
633 Umveisty Avenue
Sc Paul. MN 55104-4802
September 24, 1996
Kurt Schwichtenberg and Kevin KittiLson
Co-Chaus Thomas-Dale Small Area Plan Task Force
eiz-zzz-i2so c% District Seven Pl�wnmg Counc�l
fas 612-222-0198 369 University Avenue West
Saint Paul, MN 55103
Dear Mr. Schwichtenberg and Mr. Kittilson,
V M f V V 9t�ta
I am writing to e�ress the support of Catholic Charities Frogtown Center
for the Thomas Dale Small Area Plan. I would l�ke to commend the Task
Force and the I7istrict Seven Planning Council for your hard work and
persistence m developing this Plan. I have reviewed the Plan and spoken
with our staff and various community members about it. We find that the
Plan reflects the input and 'mterests of our community and it provides a
solid framework for guiding future physical development and community
buiiding efforts in the neighborhood
We at Catholic Charities are committed to bemg a pro-active and peaceful
player in the community. It follows that we are committed to supporting
the Thomas-Dale Small Area Plan Task Force, the District Seven Planning
Council, and the other community partners in implementing the Plan and
it's various strategies m the comrog yeazs. We look forward to woskmg
with you to strengthen our communiry.
With Sincere and Peaceful Thoughts,
._ , • c��
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Metvm Giles
Program Manager
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.�r,r��l����«,«. 1 ,��n,i t;,, ar�d
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d..irrJrt�n Fp Cn��nd on
i�,n w:.:n. u q' Sanarc.
rm Fanuh� rtnd Clufdren
in Equal Oppnrt«ioq' Emplaper
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PROPOSED AMENDME S TO RESOLUTION 97-313 - Adopting the Thomas Dale
Small Area Plan as an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan
BE IT FURTHER RFSOLVED, that the plan be amended to incorporate the following
clarifications:
on page 37: Explore opportunities to expand the m_ _�; recreation center and its
site, possibly through the realignment of Pierce Butler Route.
on page 30: Bncourage the establishment of a community.,school and one or more
charter schools in the community.
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that PED staff is directed to submit to the City Council within
six weeks a work program for the implementation of the plan. The work program should be
developed in collaboration with the partner organizations and agencies listed in the plan and
should include an overall timeline for the implementation of key recommendations as well as a
Year I Agenda for 1997-48. The Year I Agenda should specifically identify: (1) resources
already committed by public, private and community agencies and organizations to priority
action items in 1997 and 1998; and (2) those action items for which resources need to be
secured. ,
ct� -� ��
CIT'Y OF SAINT' PAUL 390 City Hall Te[ephone: 6Z2-266-8570
NormColeman,Mayor ISWestKelloggBoulev¢rd F¢csimi[e:6I2-22&8513
Saviz Poul. MN55102
January 21, 1997
Council President Dave Thune
and Members of the City Council
310B City Hall
Saint Paul, MN 55102
Dear Council President Thune and Members of the City Council:
I am pleased to transmit for your consideration the Thomas Dale Sma// Area Plan and
Forty Acre Study recently recommended by the Saint Paul Planning Commission. The
plan, developed by a neighborhood-based task force, sets forth a series of strategies
including those related to economic development, housing, and community building.
__ Whether it is the redevelopment of the Dale Street Shops/Maxson Stee{ site as a modern
industrial park, the rehabilitation of individua{ homes in one of Saint Paul's oldest
neighborhoods, or support far the Model Cities Nealth Center as a critical neighborhood
resource, the plan takes seriously the neeci for an integrated response to the full range of
neighborhood concerns. Identified with each strategy is a list of organizations and
agencies who have agreed to work toward its implementation. A packet of letters
reflecting that commiYment accompanies the plan. { urge the CounciPs adoption of the
Thomas Dale Small Area P/an as an amendment to the City's comprehensive plan,
signaling the City's own commitment to this effort.
You will also receive, with a separate green sheet, a draR ordinance that would
implement the rezonings recommended in the plan's land use strategy.
Thank you, in advance, for your prompt consideration of these two items. Please feel
free to call Ken Ford (266-6577} or Nancy Homans (266-6557) of our planning staff if you
have any questions or need additional information.
Mayor
Enclosures
PLANNIhIG CObIMISSION \ 1 ^ � � �
David McDonell, C/tair
CITY OF SAINT PAUL iiooct�x�ra,�
Norm Co[eman, Mayor 25 West Fourth S[reet Telephone: 612-266-6565
SaintPaul, MNSSIO2 F¢csimi[e: 6I2-228-3374
January 2, 1997
Mayor Norm Coleman
390 City Hall
Saint Paul, MN 55102
Dear Mayor Coleman:
Enclosed is the Thomas Dale Small Area Plan and 40 Acre Study certified on
December 20, 1996 by the Planning Commission for adoption as an amendment to the
Saint Paul Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Code. The accompanying Commission
resolution asks that you transmit the plan to the City Council with your recommendation
that it be adopted.
The Thomas Dale Small Area Plan and 40 Acre Study is the product of an extensive
community process spearheaded by a task force jointly convened by the Planning
Commission and District Seven Planning Council and co-chaired by Kevin Kittilson and
Commissioner Kurt Schwichtenberg. ln their monthly meetings, special workshops and
neighborhood-wide forums, residents, business owners and organizational
representatives developed specific strategies in eight key areas of community life from
economic development to health care. The accompanying letters of commitment from
those charged with implementing the plan's specific recommendations is testimony to
depth and breadth of involvement in this process.
We look forward to your support--on behalf of the City's administrative departments--of
this important community planning initiative. Please call Ken Ford (255-6577) or Nancy
Homans (266-6557) of the planning division staff if you have any questions or concerns
about specific recommendations.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
,�Z�-������
David McDonell
Chair
Enclosures
�- � 3 �
,
q�i-3i3
Thomas-Dale
Smalt Area Plan
and
Forty Acre Study
City Council Review Draff
Recommended by the
Thomas Dale Small Area Plan Task Force
July 29, 1996
Recommended by the
District Seven Planning Council
September 26, 1996
Recommended by fhe
Saint Paul Planning Commission
December 20, 1996
p ai
9�-3i3
Introduction ......................................1
Economic Development Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Housing Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Community Building Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . : . . . . . . 20
Traffic and Transportation Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Education Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Health Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Parks and Recreation Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Land Use and Zoning Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
C redits .........................................43
11 THOMAS DALE SMAtL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft
Q�-�i3
The study area for the Thomas Dale Smal! Area Plan and Forty Acre
Study lies between Western and Victoria Avenues, University Avenue on
the south and the railroad tracks on the northern boundary. It is one of
Saint Paul's older neighborhoods, settied between 1870 and 1890 by
German, Polish, Irish and Scandinavian immigrants who built the
Victorian vernacular working- and middle-class homes and corner stores
that still give the area its small-town atmosphere. Today, the seventy
block area is characterized mainly by one and two family homes though
it is bordered by intensive commerciaf, industriaf and mulii-family uses.
Immigrants continue to find a home in Thomas Dale whose 6,700
residents represent a rich variety of races, ages, socio-economic classes
and household types.
The Thomas Date Small Area Plan is the definifion of a vision shared by
neighborhood residents and business owners and City officials as wel/
as a strategy for bringing this vision to rea/ity. /ts etfectiveness wi//
depend on its "adoption" as a policy framework by the key community
organizations in the area, ongoing efforts by those orga�izations to
discuss and jointly formulate policies in each of the subject areas
identified in the plan, and support for and co//aborafion with the key
implementing organizafions identified wifh each strafegy.
Vision Statement
The Thomas-Dale Community realizes that racial, economic and cultural
diversity enriches our lives. We, therefore, work together to:
• Strengthen families;
• See that everyone can live in decent, affordable, owned or rented
homes;
• Provide opportunities for employment, education and ownership;
• Create vibrant productive businesses;
• Make Thomas-Dale a safe, clean place to live where all are valued;
and
• Remember that beauty, humor and fun are as important to the soul as
food is to the body.
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft
Economic development is difficult to define—especially as the national
and internationa! economies undergo a transiYion not unlike the
industria! revolution of the last century. !t involves finding new uses for
old sites once used, and often polluted, by heavy industry. !t includes
the preparation of a work force for new kinds of jobs and circuitous
career pachs. Recent history has demonstrated that economic
development in Saint Paul is linked to the success of sma/ler businesses
and entrepreneurs. In Thomas Dale, it means deciding how best to meet
the consumer needs of an inner city community in an economic
environment that favors warehouse grocery stores and suburban
shopping malls. lmplementing neighborhood policy and programs
related to economic development is part of the mission of the Frogtown
Action Alliance. A four pronged strategy—consistent with that proposed
by the fconomic Devefopment Task Force of the Alliance—forms the
basis of the smal! area plan's recommendations relative to economic
development.
Capitalize on Redevelonment O��ortunities
A. Redevelop the Dale Street Shops site (bounded by Minnehaha, the
Burtington Northern tracks, Dale and Arundel), tRe neighboring
Maxson Steel site and any other contiguous non-residentia( parcels
with industrial uses capable of employing a sizable number of
employees at family-supporting wages. Specifically:
Responsible parties should complete the clean-up of the site
within Yhree to five years.
The d+strici council should seek funding to organize and
advocate for the ciean up and development of the site.
The design of the site should be a neighborhood asset. A
community based planning team including representatives
selected by the District 7 Planning Council, Frogtown Action
Alliance and North End community organizations should be
convened to work with the Port Authority on the redevelopment
of the site. Specific issues of concern include:
Parking. In order to allow maximum space for the industries
themselves and encourage development patterns that make
effective use of land and support transit services, efforts should
be made to minimize the amount of off-street parking provided
on the site.
2 THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft
� �
q�-3i3
Historic structures. Buildings that give the site its character
should be restored and reused where possibie.
Landscaping. The site should be carefully landscaped and
consideration given to providing for some passive recreational
space and bike and pedestrian trails that could be connected to
neighborhood, citywide and(or regional trails.
Community facilities. The planning team should explore
whether or not it is appropriate to devote a portion of the site to
one or more community facilities such as a school, community
center or National Guard training and recreation center.
4. In order to ensure that neighborhood residents have access to
the jobs created in the development, public subsidies to
businesses shouid be tied to their participation in City sponsored
job training and placement services. In anticipation of the
development of the site, the City/School District job training
services should, over the next three years, focus their efforts to
enlist and prepare neighborhood residents for those jobs.
5. in order to increase the possibility that businesses on the site will
empioy neighborhood residents, plans for an on-site or nearby
child care facility should be developed.
6. Explore the option of reconstructing Pierce Butier Route to bring
it directly onto the site—perhaps under the Dale Street Bridge.
That would improve the access to site as well as eliminate the
awkward terminus of Pierce Butler at Minnehaha and allow for
the expansion of the Minnehaha Recreation Center site.
implementing Partners
Frogtown Action Alliance, Convener
District 6 Planning Council
North End Area Revitalization (NEAR)
Saint Paui Port Authority
District 7 Planning Council
City of Saint Paul
Midway Chamber of Commerce
University UNITED
Western Initiatives for Neighborhood Development (WIND)
Wilder Foundation
B. Take advantage of the planned widening of Dale Street to revitalize
it as a neighborhood scale commercial center for the community.
Specifically:
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft $
a7��i�
7he new roadway should be designed to create a safe,
pedestrian-friendly environment with reduced traffic speeds
through the neighborhood. Specific elements may inciude;
linear park on the east side of the street, attractive fencing to
shield neighboring homes from the corridor, uniform design
features to tie the eight block stretch together, and on-street
parking on the west side.
2. The west side of Dale should be characterized by pedestrian
oriented commercial uses—with automobile related uses
encouraged to locate on University Avenue. Residential uses on
the frontage should be phased out although mixed use structures
with residential units above commercial uses are encouraged.
(Suggested amendments to the City's Zoning Code consistent
with this recommendation are detailed later in the plan.)
3. The east side of Dale should retain the residential character that
has emerged as businesses were bought and relocated to provide
right of way for the street widening.
4. Business incubator space shouid be developed at appropriate
locations.
Vacant lots should be evaluated for their use as interim parking—
until the market provides for additional commercial uses.
Alternative neighborhood non-profit ownership of these parcefs
should be considered with the land being leased to adjoining
business owners for parking purposes. That would maximize the
flexibility of the land and minimize the likelihood that it would
be permanently used for parking. Community design guidelines
should govern the establishment of parking lots.
tmplemenfing Parfners
Frogtown Action Alliance, Convener
Department of Public Works
District 7 Planning Council
Midway Chamber of Commerce
WIND
C. Strengthen University Avenue as an attractive and healthy
commercial center, serving both as a neighborhood retail area for
those who live within the neighborhood and as a destination for the
surrounding region. Specific measures should include:
$ THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PIAN: City Council Review Draft
q�-3��
Encourage new �etail development—especially the variety of
services needed by neighborhood residents—to cluster at the
intersections of University and Dale, Rice, Marion, Western and
Victoria. A full service hardware store and drug store, for
instance, might be encouraged to locate on University Avenue.
2. A program of street scape improvements for University Avenue
should be developed with area 6usiness owners based on the
guidelines recommended in the University Avenue Corridor
Study. Consideration should be given to: creating a landscaped
center median, planting trees in the median a�d in the
sidewalks, and installing decorative lighting.
3. To the extent that additional off-street parking is required to
support University Avenue businesses, shared lots shoufd be
developed with frontage on University Avenue.
4. Careful attention should be given to ihe design, landscaping,
lighting and maintenance of existing and proposed parking lots
to ensure that tfiey support a positive image for surrounding
businesses.
5. University UNITED should seek appropriate capital funds on an
annual basis to implement the coordinated program of facade
improvements, tree planting, lighting, signage and street
furniture or decor.
6. Altematives to improve the appearance of the comer of
University and Victoria should be explored—to include reducing
the number of cars on and around the site, using landscaping the
screen the site, or establishing a more intensive alternative use.
Reduce the number of fiquor stores on University Avenue,
confining them as much as possible to the major retail centers
where management and security services can help reduce the
incidence of inappropriate behavior on the premises.
Implementing Partners
Frogtown Action Afiiance, Convener
District 7 Planning Council
Midway Chamber of Commerce
University UNITED
Model Cities
D. Support efforts by the Frogtown Action Alliance and Frogtown
Merchants Association to upgrade and strengthen Minnehaha
Center. Whi{e located outs+de tfie study area boundary,
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft
g�1-�i�
enhancements to ihe Center would enable it Yo provide important
services to study area residents.
Implementing Partners
Frogtown Action Alliance, Convener
Frogtown Merchants Association
Minnehaha Center Owners and Businesses
Develop Micro Enterprises and Small Businesses
A. Ensure that existing and potentia( sma(I businesses have access
fo the space, capital, fraining and information necessary for
their success. Specific initiatives include:
Provide incubator space with related training, technical
assistance and mentoring for emerging small businesses. The
existing micro-entrepreneur training and loan program is a good
model.
2. Market the availability of small business loans through PED
programs.
Secure funds—through the City's Sales Tax Revitalization
Program (STAR) or similar program—for facade improvement
loans and grants to enable the rehabilitation of storefronts for
small business use.
4. PED's Smal! Business Center, the Lexington Library and WIND,
Inc. should collaborate on the development of small business
assistance programs and materials — seminars, pamphlets, open
houses, canvasses or other means of ensuring that business
owners and potential business owners are aware ot the variety of
resources available to them.
5. Encourage neighborhood residents to patronize and be
supportive of area businesses. At The same time, encourage
neighborhood businesses to recognize—through their pricing
policies, merchandise selection and marketing strategies—the
particular role they can play in strengthening the community and
supporting its residents.
Implementing Partners
Frogtown Action Alliance, Convener
Lexington Library Small Business Center (PED)
Midway Chamber of Commerce Universiry UNITED
Model Cities WIND
fi THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review praft
��-�i�
B. Market the neighborhood as a place for commercial development
and business opportunities consistent with the needs of area
residents.
Ensure that organizations supporting emerging entrepreneurs
understand Thomas Dale's strengths as a centrally located
community with easy access and a diverse consumer market.
2. Seek out firms offering personal services that recent surveys have
indicated are under represented in Thomas Da1e.
3. Encourage investment by firms representing growth industries
such as priniing/publishing and medical services and related
suppliers.
Implementing Partners
Frogtown Action Alliance University UNITED
District 7 Planning Council Model Cities
Midway Chamber of Commerce
Work Towards Full Em I�oyment
A. Neighborhood residents should be aware of and adequately
prepared to fifi availabfe jobs throughout the metropolitan area.
Available training resources through the public schools, the
Ronald M. Hubbs Center for Lifelong Learning, community
colleges and Metro State University should continue to be
marketed through area agencies such as the Frogtown Family
Resource Center, Wilder Family and Children Services,
Headstart and the Model Cities Health Clinic.
2. Opportunities for offering training/education programs at
additional neighborhood locations should be explored.
3. Eully develop opportunities for community service For young
peop{e that offer payments toward college tuition or other post
high school training programs for participants.
4. A centra{ clearinghouse for employment opportunities that is
Iinked with other such establishments in the metro area as well
as a network of neighborhood agencies and organizations
should be established.
5. Job fairs should be held in the community or residents
transported to such events held throughout the metropolitan
area.
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PIAN: City Council Review Draft 7
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Implementing Partners
Frogtown Action Ailiance, Convener
St. Paul Workforce Development Center
Saint Paul Public School Center for Employment and Training
St Paul Urban League Model Cities
Community Education Wilder Foundation
Frogtown Family Resource Center
Ronald M. Hubbs Center for Lifelong Learning
Midway Chamber of Commerce
University UNITED
District 7 Pianning Councii
B. Pubfic or quasi-public transportation should be available to
transport area residents to employment centers throughout the
metropolitan area.
The Frogtown Action Alliance should work with major suburban
employers to coordinate the employment of area residents with
the provision of transportation. Alternatives include organizing
potential employees into carpoois, contracting with MCTO or
private transit providers to provide once a day transportation
from the neighborhood to regional employment centers and
back or subsid'+zing monthly bus passes when using the existing
transit system is practical. Neighborhood based small businesses
should be encouraged to participate in the provision of private
transit services.
2. The City and community should continue to advocate for
improved transit services throughout the metropolitan area at
affordable rates.
Implementing Partners
Frogtown Action Alliance, Convener
District 7 Planning Council
Metropolitan Council Transit Operations (MCTO?
Private Transit Services
University UNITED
Provide Basic Communi�y Services
A. Explore alternative arrangements that give neighborhood residents
access to grocery producYs at affordable prices.
Develop community gardens to provide fresh produce during
several months of the year. The esta6lisfiment of gardens should
8 THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Drafr
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be consistent with the parkslgreen space strategy recommended
later in the pian. Priority sites should be those larger spaces that
often exist near bus lines and between major land uses. Specific
provisions should be made for soii testing to ensure the iand is
not contaminated and the provision of water.
Create attractive Farmers Market opportunities for the sale of
produce in central—a�d accessible—locations in the community.
Expfore with interested entrepreneurs the possibility of
developing "mobile" grocery outlets—refrigerated vans or small
trucks from which basic groceries (milk, fruits and vegetables,
breads and cereals) couid be sold to neighborhood residents.
4. Explore the possibility of establishing a cooperative grocery store
where residents could exchange their labor for quality food at
affordable prices.
Implementing Partners
Frogtown Action Alliance, Convener
ivlodel Cities
B. Encourage and seek resources to subsidize the development of small
child care homes to enable parents to seek employment as well as
provide small business opportunities for neighborhood residents.
Implementing Partners
Frogtown Action AIliance
TNOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Drnft 9
Thomas Dale shou(d represent an attractrve residential option for
households across the wider community's racial, cultural and socio-
economic spectrums. T/�at is its heri[age and its pride. Significant
disinvestment in recent years, however, has placed the neighborhood at
risk of being home onfy to those who have few options and in danger ot
being caught in a continuing cycle of disinvestment and isolaYion.
Nealthy neighborhoods require continuing investment in the
maintenance, repair and rehabifitation of their residential and
commercial properties: A variety of tools are available to the City and
the neighborhood in their efforts to generate that investment. Thomas
Dale's housing strategy should involve some of each.
Mandate compliance with community standards through code
enforcement. Mandates, understandably, raise concerns about
outside enforcement agencies establishing unattarnable standards
that represent a hardsf�ip for community residents. It will be very
important, because of the limited economic means of many property
owners, that the standards be established through a community
process and be tied directly to resolving significant health and safety
concerns.
Stimulate and encourage private investment with a variety of
strategies to include offering public subsidies, deve/oping appropriate
tax policies, and amending underwriting standards. Financing
mechanisms will, in many cases, need to be specifically designed for
Thomas Dafe—with considerable emphasis on outreach, hands-on
assistance and flexibility.
Fncourage re-investment through [he establishment of an identity in
the marketp(ace attractive to those who have the resources to invest.
One asset on w1�icF� Thomas Dale can capitalize in defining such a
niche is its rich stock of historic homes in a traditionally designed
neighborhood. Research and the marketplace itself have
demonstrated that not only do people value older housing rn older
neighborhoods, but that the design characteristics associated with
those neighborhoods serve to enhance public safety, neighborhood
rnvolvemenc and community identity and pride.
Build re(ationships within the community, encouraging
neighborhood ownership and pride. There are a variety of strategies
related to building connections between people and between peopJe
and neighborhood institutions, building capacity and leveraging
neighborhood talents. !n the broadest sense, investment is
encouraged by a sense of communify in a sustaining/nurturing
environment.
� 0 THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft
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Among the risks of any strategy is that the market may be stimulated to
the point where property values are raised to a level that low income
and working ciass househoids cannot afford. Code enforcement,
rehabilitation andpreservation efforts need noT, however, displace low
income renters or homeowners. Displacement may occur, however, if
property values rise to the extent that owners of housing occupied by
lower income households either sell their property or raise rents.
Avoiding displacement will require that the neighborhood's housing
strategy include intentional efforts to secure a portion of the housing
stock at affordable levels.
Increase Level of Home Ownership
A. Ensure a sufficient stock of quality homes available for purchase.
Encourage the construction of new ownership housing on
individual vacant lots throughout the neighborhood. Priority sites
for new construction should be those on blocks with a significant
number of vacant lots, those where a new house would provide
the necessary investment to encourage other property owners to
make improvements, and those large enough to allow for the
construction of three and four bedroom homes to meet the
needs of large families.
Establish and maintain a revoiving loan fund to finance the
acquisition of problem properties for rehabi{itation and resale by
the Greater Frogtown Community Development Corporation.
Focus public resources on efforts that would not get done but for
the public financing.
Ensure that the construction and design of new homes do not
create a visual conflict with neighboring structures.
Advise and involve neighboring residents in the process of
selecting sites for new housing construction and the design of
che housing units themsefves when public development funds
are used.
6. Recognizing that homes and properties of various sizes are
important to the diversity of the community and can help to
provide and preserve affordable housing within the
neighborhood, construction of new homes on smalier lots (under
40 feet wide or less than 5,000 square feet) should be allowed
by the Board of Zoning Appeals if the following conditions are
met and followed:
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft 1 l
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The community and the district council support the
proposed construction; and
Provisions are made for adequate back yard and open space
on the lot.
Impiementing Parfners
Greater frogtown Community Deveiopment Corporation
Saint Paul Housing and Redevelopment Authority
Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC)
Habitat for Humanity
West Side Neighborhood Housing Services
District 7 Planning Council
Board of Zoning Appeals
B. Provide suitable financing mechanisms and other support services
to ensure that present Thomas Dale residents can and do take full
advantage of mortgage and rehabilitation financing programs.
Partner with agencies that provide support services to new
homeowners, including i�ome maintenance training, increasing
the probability of success for new fiomeowners.
2. Work with the Saint Paul Public Housing Agency to identify
appropriate homes for the Nomeward Program that provides
home ownership opportunities for selected low income
households.
3. Collaborate with the existing Mortgage Foreclosure Prevention
program operated by the City's Housing Information Office and
funded by the Northwest Area Foundation and the City to ensure
the program has the necessary ftexibility to meet the needs of
Thomas Dale residents.
4. Work with PED to develop and market non-traditional rehab and
first mortgage loan programs that are more likely to be successful
for neighborhood residents who may have poor credit histories
making them ineiigible for private financing.
PED should ascertain why applicants fail to complete the process
of securing rehab or first mortgage loans as a means of
identifying those aspects of the process that represent barriers for
lower income households. That information should be used to
make adjustments in the various public programs.
12 THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft
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6. PED should continue to work on streamlining its application and
review processes for public financing.
7. Design innovative alternative lending structures and financing
mechanisms—such as reverse mortgages, limited equity
cooperatives and land trusts—to serve the needs of first time low
and moderate income home b�yers.
8. Where necessary, lobby the State legislature to change housing
finance and public assistance policies that serve as barriers to
low income home ownership.
Implementing Partners
Greater Frogtown Community Development Corporation
Habitat for Humanity
Saint Paul PED
Housing Information Office
Local lending institutions
People's Network of Minnesota
C. Support efforts of prospective homeowners interested in
rehabilitating a home in the community.
Target some rehabilitation loans and grants to owners willing to
deconvert small duplexes and triplexes to their original single
family status.
2. Prevent the use of rehabilitation loans and grants for the
subdivision of existing structures to establish additional units.
3. Help to develop and/or promote classes through the Saint Pau1
Nome Improvement Program and Community Education that
assist homeowners in making home repairs and doing more
significant rehabilitation.
4. Organize small groups of interested homeowners to plan and
take advantage of these educational opportunities.
Implemertti�g Partners
Greater Frogtown Community Qevelopment Corporation
Saint Paul Housing and Redevelopment Authority
Local Initiatives Support Corporation (L1SC)
Community Education
SHOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: C"rty Council Review Draft 13
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Imprave Condition of Housin�Stock
A. Strengthen mechanisms that improve management and discourage
deferred maintenance in rental buildings before there is serious
deterioration.
1. ExYend the Certificate of Occupancy inspection program to rental
buildings with one or two units. The program should be
carefully designed to ensure the privacy of tenants, possibly by
restricting inspections to time periods 6etween tenants or by
agreement with the tenant.
2. Secure community based non-profit ownership and/or
management of a significant proportion of the neighborhood's
rental housing. The establishment of limited equity or leasehold
co-ops should be explored where appropriate.
3. Promote development of a Frogtown association of property
owners and managers. The association—that may be affiliated
witfi the Saint Paul Association of Responsible Landlords—would
provide training and technical assistance to association
members.
4. Support tenant advocacy, assistance and training programs
promoting residential stability and preventing hometessness.
lmplementing ParYners
Greater Frogtown Community Development Corporation
Model Cities
Saint Paul Association of Responsible Landlords
Distrid 7 Planning Council
Department of Licenses, Inspections and Environmental
Protection (LIEP)
B. Identify serious health and safety code violations and work with
property owners to secure the resources to make necessary
improvements.
Seek public, private or philanthropic funds to provide home
improvement grants to efigible households.
Enroll eligible vacant structures in the Houses to Homes
program,
Explore opportunities in conjunction with the Saint Paul
Technical University, the 7rades and Labor Unions and the
14 THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft
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various small business assistance programs to provide
neighborhood based education and training opportunities for
adults and young peopie interested in home repair and
remodeling.
4. Demolition should be considered a last resort and pursued only
when properties cannot be reused. To reduce the instances of
demolition, the City's Division of Public Heaith and community
development corporations should work together to:
• Improve communications so that CDCs are aware of
potential demofitions as early as possible;
• Take appropriate measures to obtain input from neighboring
residents and biock clubs;
• Evaluate individual buildings in context;
• Strengthen programs that allow vacant houses to become
available at a negligible cost for purchase and rehabilitation
(e.g. Dol{ar Houses); and
• Develop mechanisms whereby the City can obtain title to
vacant properties and convey them to a community
organization for rehabilitation.
implementing Partners
Department of Licenses, Inspection and Environmental
Protection (LIEP)
District 7 Planning Council
Greater Frogtown Community Development Corporation
Saint Paul Division of Public Health
Maintain Affordability of Rental Housing
A. Coupled with the strategies to support home ownership for area
resideats, systematic efforts must be made to ensure that a portion
of the rental housing in Thomas Dafe remains affordable to lower
income households.
Explore the feasibility of expanding or replicating programs such
as the United Way's Families First that rehabi{itated small rental
buildings, financing the purchase and rehabilitation in such a
way as to permanently write down the operating costs borne by
the tenants.
Explore the deve{opment of new rental apartment and
townhome complexes along University Avenue, Minnehaha.
Avenue and Pierce Butler.
Ensure that rent certificate and voucher programs are tied closely
to local market conditions so as not create windfalf profits for
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Dmft � S
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landlords and, therefore, a concentration of participating
properties.
4. Encourage the development of residential units on the second
and third floors above new commercial development on
University Avenue.
Implementing Partners
Greater Frogtown Community Devefopment Corporation
frogtown Action Alliance
Mode! CiTies
Project for Pride in Living
District 7 Planning Council
Identify, Preserve and Market Neighborhood
Attributes
A. Build an understanding of the neighborhood's historic character.
Develop pubiic education materials on the historic value of the
neighborhood, the attributes of neighborhood buildings, how to
recognize and protect the value of individual properties.
tmpiementing Partners
District 7 Planning Councif
Saint Paul Heritage Preservation Commission
B. Ensure that the pubiic i�frastructure is supportive of the area's
historic character,
Advocate for the installation of public improvements — sidewalks
and curbs, lighting, trees, signage etc — supportive of the area's
character.
Lantern style street lights should be the standard for the area with
provisions made to waive or secure alternative financing for the
related assessments.
Implementing Partners
District 7 Planning Council
Saint Paul Department of Public Works
C. Encourage the sensiYive rehabilitation of area structures as well as
compatible new construction on individual vacant lots.
16 THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft
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Develop rehab financing programs designed to encourage the
protection or restoration of the historic character of individual
structures.
2. Explore appropriate reuses for traditional corner store buildings
as artist housinglstudios or small businesses.
Owners of twenty-five properties identified in the 1983 Historic
Sites Survey for Saint Paul and Ramsey Counfy should be
encouraged to seek formaf designation as local and/or National
Register sites and the Heritage Preservation Commission should
support those applications.
4. Explore ways to take advantage of the concentration of unique
historical or architectural structures in the area bounded by
Mackubin and Dale, Sherburne and Van Buren. Potential
mechanisms include the creation of demonstration or
conservation district within which special efforts would be made
to educate property owners about the value of their buildings,
provide guidance on making structurai changes, and secure
resources to ensure the protection of the most important
structures. Such a district would not be designed primarily as a
regulatory tool though there may be guidelines associated with
resources and other incentives. Any policies governing such a
district should he carefully tuned to balance the resources of
property owners and the value of particular structures.
5. Amend the Saint Paul Zoning Code to support the continued use
of the several historic "alley houses" in the neighborhood.
Present and prospective owners have a difficuft time securing
mortgage or rehabilitation financing because the structures are
considered "nonconforming uses" in the code and cannot be re-
established in the event of serious structural damage without the
permission of the Planning Commission. The following
amendment would allow their reconstruction and, thus, reassure
potential lenders.
Sec. 62.102.(e) (-)
In any residential district, an existing second dwelfing on a single
lot may be reconstructed provided that the number of total
dwelling units on the lot is not increased. The structure may not
be structurally enlarged or extended.
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft � 7
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Impiemenfing Partners
Greater Frogtown Community Development Corporation
District 7 Planning Council
Saint Paui Heritage Preservation Commission
Saint Paul Planning Commission
D. Market the neighborhood.
In partnership with area realtors, market the neighborhood, its
houses and available financing mechanisms to potentia( market
niches.
implementing Partners
District 7 Planning Council
frogtown Times
Saint Paul Area Association of Realtors
Build Communit�Ownershi�
A. Deve(op, support and link together a variety of neighborhood based
associations to strengthen a sense of community.
Voluntary community associations are the most powerful mechanism
by which people are linked to their neighborhoods. 7hey provide a
sense of belonging as well as a vehicle for bringing resources and
people together to make things happen. They also provide a means
for people from different racial, economic and social groups to work
together for common ends.
Examples of voluntary community associations include PTAs,
churches, £riends of the local library, park and school booster clubs,
(oca( business associations, district councils, block clubs and
crimewatch chapters, mutual aid associations, landlord, homeowner,
renter or resident associations, community fair and festival sponsors,
garden clubs and beautification groups, Iocal historical societies,
youth groups, local development companies, civic clubs and support
groups.
B. EsYablish a Frogtown Neighborhood Improvement and Training
Center in conjunction with any of a number of existing community
organizations to work in conjunction witf� community development
and other revitalization initiatives.
The program would:
• Strengthen organizational capacity within the neighborhood.
18 THOAIAS DALE SMALL AREA PlAN: City Cou�il Review Draft
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Promote partnerships, particular4y among organizations that
promote revitalization.
Increase the skills and involvement of residents, including youth,
to improve their lives through self-help, leadership development,
political and other strategies.
Integrate a variety of programs or initiatives such as:
Youth Employment and Training
Public Service Work Crews
Community and Home Maintenance Education
Home Owner Finance Training
Too{ Lending Library
Micro-Enterprise Development
Ski{{s Bank Exchange
Community Steward Program
Strengthening Voluntary Community Associations
Keystone Housing and Commercial Devefopment
Positive Neighborhood images Program
fmplementing Partners
District 7 Planning Council
Thomas Dale Block Clubs
Community Education
Frogtown Action Alliance
Frogtown Festival, Inc.
Saint Paui Division of Parks and Recreation
Neighborhood businesses
Community agencies and organizations
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft 19
Healthy families are the building blocks of a strong community. To the
extent, therefore, that the other cl�apters of tf�is plan relate to ensuring
access to safe and afforda6le f�ousing, productive employment,
appropriate education and the range of amenities offered by libraries,
parks, recreation and cultural opportunities, the entire small area plan is
part and parcel of a community building strategy.
The strength of a community, however, is more than the sum of
individuals and their well being. A community is stronger when its
residents are linked together around shared concerns and common
purpose. A community is more effective when its services and voluntary
associations are carefully integrated. And a community is safer when
people look ou[ for each other and when the community as a whole
ensures that the needs of alf are met.
The following strategy, therefore, is built upon each of the other chapters
of the plan, but specifica!!y addresses issues of linkage, integration and
capacity through a discussion of two concerns: community services and
community places.
�tr�n_gthen Community Services
A. Area agencies and service providers should continually look for
ways to more carefully integrate new and existing services and
ensure that those services are consistent with the needs of
neighborhood residents.
There are dozens of organizations involved in providing essential
services to the community: public and private schools, churches,
Model Cities Health Center, businesses, Frogtown Action Alliance,
Thomas Dale Block Clubs, District 7 Planning Council, Wilder
Foundation, West Minnehaha Recreation Center, Scheffer Recreation
Center, Catholic Charities, Frogtown Family Resource Center. Ali are
doing good and important work. This strategy identifies ways that
existing services might be better integrated to ensure that (imited
resources are used to maximum advantage.
Community service providers should meet on a regular basis to
share information, address common issues and provide mutual
support.
2. New services should be designed in collaboration with existing
programs to increase effectiveness and avoid duplication.
20 THOMAS DALE SMALt AREA PLAN: City Counci( Review Draff
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Programs should take advantage of the network of block club<_
and commu�ity organizations to disseminate information and
receive feedback in their planning and program development.
4. Neighborhood residents should be invited to participate in the
design, delivery and evaluation of community programs.
B. Deveiop, support and link together a variety of neighborhood based
voluntary associations to strengthen a sense of community.
Voluntary community associations are the most powerful mechanism
by which people are linked to their neighborhoods. They provide a
sense of be�onging as wel( as a vehicle for bringing resources and
people together to make things happen. They also provide a means
for people from different racial, economic and social groups to work
together for common ends.
Examples of voluntary community associations include PTAs,
churches, friends of the local library, park and school booster clubs,
4ocal business associations, district councifs, block clubs and
crimewatch chapters, mutual aid associations, landlord, homeowner,
renter or resident associations, community fair and festival sponsors,
garden clubs and beautification groups, local historical societies,
youth groups, local development companies, civic clubs and support
groups.
Launch a five year initiative to build the capacity of
neighborhood based organizations to assess community assets,
design collaborative projects and nurture community leadership.
2. Continue to develop and support block clubs throughout the
community as the most basic unit of neighborhood organization.
Implementing Partners
Frogtown Neighborhood Network, Convener
Thomas Dale Block Clubs
Wilder Foundation
Bigelow Foundation
Neighborhood based organizations
C. Existing organizations should support community-wide efforts that
celebrate the neighborhood and its residents.
Support a neighborhood newspaper as a critica{ communication
link with virtually every househofd in the neighborhood.
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft 2�
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2. Strengthen the annuai Frogtown Festival with financial and
inkind contributions and vofunteer support. The City of Saint
Paul should consider subsidizing police services or providing
additional financial support for community festivals in
neighborhoods such as Thomas Dale that have fewer potential
sponsors.
3. Take advantage of opportunities to recognize the talents and
contributions of neighborhood residents.
4. Encourage "neighborliness." Recognize that there is often
nothing more powerful in the process of community building
than the individual acts of kindness among neighbors—shoveling
a neighbor's walk, listening to a child, offering encouragement to
a teenager or greeting a stranger,
Implementing Partners
Neighborhood based organizations
Neighborhood residents
University UNITED
D. In developing new services, priority should be given to the
following:
• Initiatives that support the capacities of families to nurture
children
• Services addressing the needs of children and youth
• Programs focussed on physical neighborhood improvements
Several initiatives are already underway:
Frogtown Family Center- Established under the auspices of the
Saint Paul Children's Initiative, the Frogtown Family Center is a
network of servites where residents find or are referred to the
full range of family services (e.g. family education, health care,
employment and training). Administered by a community-based
board, the Family Center relates close�y to the existing Frogtown
Family Resource center, a school distrid—community
collaboration focusing on early childhood and family education.
After School Activities - The State of Minnesota included $2
million in its biennial bonding bill to provide facilities within
which to provide after school programs. Additional funds are
availa6le from the federal government.
Charter School - Planning funds for new charter schools were
a!located by the 1996 legislature. The St. Paul Family Learning
22 THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft
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Center Charter School apened in the fall of 1996 and serves
famifies in the study area. There are hopes that additional
similar schools can be established in the Thomas Dale
community.
Implementing Partners
Neighborhood based organizations
Create Community Places
A. Pursue a community wide planning process to establish a
community center (or a principal center with satellite service
centers) that would:
• Be accessible to as high a percentage of the community as
possible
• Integrate multiple services (family education, health,
recreation)
• Be developed and managed by a collaboration of
community organizations
GaYhering places play an important role in the life of any
community. They are the places where people come to know
each other as neighbors, where important information is
available and shared, and where the community's story is
shaped and recounted to old-timers and new-comers alike. They
may be formally designated or simply emerge out of the rhythm
of daily life.
i
Among the challenges for the new community-building
initiatives now being planned is the acute lack of appropriate
space. There is, therefore, considerable interest in the
establishment of a community center at which a number of
services could be located.
The difficulty, of course, in a large geographic area with poor
transit services where few people have access to cars, is
selecting one place that "works" for the who{e community. An
alternative might be to establish a major center and link it—
through telecommunications, vans and/or joint programming—
with a select number of existing "satellite" centers.
Implementing Partners
Wilder Foundation, Convener
Neighborhood based organizations
7HOMA5 DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Drah 23
- I ����✓ Neighborhood transportation issues are not defined-nor are they
resoJved-in a vacuum. The transportation system that serves Thomas
Dale is a regiona( system. The streets, highways, bus routes and,
potentially, light rai( lines, that run tl�rougf� Thomas Dale connect it with
the metropo(itan area. Metropolitan decisions to invest in one mode of
[ransportation over against another have a profound impact on the
health and vitality of neighborhoods such as Thomas Dale. Thomas
Dale, in the final analysis, would be best served by a regional
transportation and land use policy that limits suburban development and
strengthens local transit services in inner city communities. The
community's challenge, [l�erefore, is to identify forums in which those
decisions are being made and become an effective advocate for
neighborhood interests.
Within the neighborhood, however, the condition and design of three
major arteriats as wefl as [he neighborhood street system and tl�e quality
of public transit service are the defining issues for the Traffic and
Transportation S[rategy. Most of the issues, however, are discussed in
the Economic Development Strategy {page 2). The proposed redesign of
University Avenue and Dale Street is intended to make them more
attractive and pedestrian-friendly commercial streets. Whi(e University
Avenue serves a regional market and Dale Street a more focal market,
both can 6e enhanced by trees, street /ights and traffic calming
measures. Pierce 8utler, if slightly rerouted, could provide direct access
to the Dale Street Shops/Maxson Steel site, making it a more attractive
site for indus[rial redevelopment.
The balance of the strategy, discussed rn this section, focuses on (a) the
improvemen[ of nerghborhood streecs in ways t/�at enhance tf�e cF�aracter
of [he residential environment and support public and private investment
in ref�abifitation and redevelopment and (b) the improvement of public
transit services.
Improve Neighborhood Streetc and Trail
A. Complete Yhe improvement of the neighborhood street system with
the installation of curbs, gutters, street iights and boulevard trees.
Encourage the Department of Public Works to program the
paving of and installation of curbs, gutters and street lights on the
following street segments north of University Avenue:
• Mackubin
• Kent
• Arundel
24 THOMAS bALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Councif Review Draft
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Improvements along these street segments wili enhance efforts
made by the Greater Frogtown Community Development
Corporation to buiid or rehabilitate homes in the area for
purchase by new homeowners.
Replace missing boulevard trees in the area either by adjusting
the citywide replacement schedule or allowing for the planting
of donated trees in the boulevard.
3. Encourage private plantings in the boulevards through
promotional material, plant give-aways, and/or award programs
such as the Minneapolis Center for the Urban Enviro�ment's
"Blooming Boulevards" program.
B. In planning improvements for neighborhood streets, identify
opportunities for traffic calming. Eor instance, intersections where
extra land might allow the installation of a traffic circle shou�d be
identified. Four to six circles could be considered for the study area
as a means of both slowing traffic througfi the neighborhood and
contributing to the neighborhood character. The circles should be
attractively landscaped and coufd be sites for sculptures or other
public art.
C. Create bicycfe and pedestrian trails linking the neighborhood with
key amenities such as downtown, the Mississippi River, Como Park
and the University of Minnesota.
Implementing Partners
District 7 Planning Council
Saint Paul Department of Public Works
University UNITED
Improve Bu rvi e
A. The level of service presently offered by the 16A bus line on
University Avenue should at least be maintained if not expanded.
The bus provides an essential service to many neighborhood
residents who use it to make relative�y short trips to grocery stores,
health clinics, child care and employment.
The preservation of the 16A line takes on a particular importance in
light of plans to construct a light rail fine in the freeway corridor. ft
should be emphasized that light rail—as currently envisioned—will be
designed to move people quickly between the two cities and,
therefore, will not replace the 16A that carries people relatively short
distances along University Avenue.
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft 25
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B. Bus service should be increased on Dale Street where buses run
oniy every ha(f hour.
Many of the clients of Model Cities rely on the bus for transportation
to and from their appointments. This line also offers direct access to
suburbanjobsand shopping.
C. Service on the number 7 and 34 bus lines should be maintained or
increased.
The number 7 bus that serves area schools, playgrounds and the Rice
Marion apartments as well as the number 34 bus that wii( be
instrumental in serving any new industrial or multi-family
development along Minnehaha also play a critical role in the
neighborhood's transportation system. Service on these lines should
be maintained or increased.
D. The area also needs circulator bus service that runs through the
neighborhood, linking residents to local services such as the grocery
store and health clinic.
Implementing Partners
District 7 Planning Council
Wilder Foundation
Frogtown Family Center
MetropoliYan Council Trans+t Operations (MCTO)
Midway Chamber of Commerce
Advocate for Supportive Regional
Trans�oirtatinn and Land U Polici
A. Ensure that regional transportation systems are supportive of
Thomas Dale's redevelopment and renewal efforts.
The District 7 Planning Council should advocate for a coherent
regional transportation pol icy that integrates the construction of
highways and rail systems with a land use and growth
management policy that discourages sprawl.
In the event the light rail transit system in constructed in the
freeway corridor and includes a station at Dale Street, the
District 7 Planning Council should be involved in its design.
The stop should not include a"park and ride" lot.
26 THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA pLAN: City Council Review Drnft
� I-3i3
imp{ementing Partners
District 7 Planning Council
Metropolitan Council
Ramsey County Regional Rail Authority
Midway Chamber of Commerce
University UNITED
Resolve Neighborhood Parking ISSt�Pc
A. In consultaiion with surrounding property owners and community
organizations, resolve parking issues at the following locations in a
manner that minimizes the parking's impact on surrounding
residential properties and the character of the neighborhood:
• Northwest corner of University and Dale
• Kim Hung's Grocery
• International Marketplace
• Blues Saloon (601 North Western)
• Hmong Funeral Home
Implementing Partners
District 7 Planning Council
University UNlTED
Individual Business Owners
Affected Residents and Block Clubs
Midway Chamber of Commerce
THOMAS DALE SMAtL AREA PLAN: CAy Council Review Draft 27
��' 31 J Successful communities encourage and support lifelong learning that
begins with preparing its youngest members for school and, at the same
time, ensures that its adults are prepared to participate in a rapidly
changing economy. Thomas Dale is home to a wide variety of
educational institu[ions andprograms—from the Frogtown Family
Resource Center and Ramsey Action Program's Headstart focused on
early childhood and parent education, to two public elementaryschools,
St. Agnes School, the Ronald Hubbs Center for Lifelong Learning, Saint
Pau! Rehabilitation Center and the City/School District's community
education program. !n addition, a Mode! Cities program serves the
preschool education needs of children born with chemica! addictions
and the Thunder Spirit Lodge focuses on the care of those afflicted with
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Each has its own mission, agenda and method
of relating with the community. WAile t6e otf�er sections of the plan
include recommendations that, if implemented, would strengthen the
environment for education — such as reducing transiency, creating
spaces for recreation, emphasizing job training/preparation — the
following recommenda[ions focus specifically on how the community
can support the individuaf and common efforts of the educational
institutions to meet the needs of its residents.
Buitd Communit� Su��ort for Education
A. Encourage community involvement in the schools.
Encourage investment in volunteer training and support. The
schools are eager to have parents and other community
members involved in school programs during and after school.
Reading with �hildren, providing enrichment programs or simply
being an extra set of hands in a classroom are all important
contributions. For some, that may come naturally. Others may
want or need the support of a certain level of training,
recognition or otfier incentive to encourage their participation.
2. Secure sponsorship of individual schools by corporations and/or
organizations both from within and outside the neighborhood.
3. Sponsor equipment recycling drives to ensure students have
access to appropriate equipment to participate in athletic and
artistic programs.
4. Encourage schools to be welcoming places for parents and
community members.
28 THOMAS DALE SMALI AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft
q�-�i3
lmplementing Partners
District 7 Planning Council
Parent Teacher Organizations
Frogtown Family Resource Center
Community Education
individual Schools
University UNITED
B. Strengthen coifaboration among educational programs within the
neighborhood.
Expand participation in networking activities. A monthly lunch
meeting for Thomas Dale human service agencies is a good
beginning, but doesn't provide enough time or space for the
collaboration that needs to take place. Other opportunities
should be identified.
Ensure that participants in individual human service programs
are aware of—and can refer participants to—the services of the
various educational institutions.
3. Develop multi-faceted programming to take advantage of
community resources and meet multiple needs. Collaboration
between the Frogtown Family Resource Center and Jackson
School, for instance, has increased parental participation in the
school's evening programs for families inasmuch as the Resource
Center encourages participation, assists with transportation and
provides programs for the children while parents are involved in
meetings or conferences.
4. Strengthen the relationships between area chiid care providers
and elementary schools in order to develop ways to ease the
child's transition between day care and school, strengthen
school readiness and, without jeopardizing the privacy of the
child and his/her family, prevent any lapse in critical support
services.
5. Encourage schooi principals and staff to become involved in
community organizations as a means of improving coilaboration.
Implementing Partners
Public and private schools and education agencies
THOMAS DALE SMqLL pREA PIAN: City Council Review Draft 29
Q�'J � �
C. Encourage fhe estabfishment of one or more charter schools in the
community.
Ensure that planning for new schools involves collaboration with
existing schools and human service providers.
2. Particular encouragement should be given to organizations
willing to develop charter schools that emphasize cross culturai
education.
implementing Partners
District 7 Planning Council
Potential school boards and administrators
People's t4etwork of Minnesota
Public and private schoofs
Wilder Foundation
D. Expand options and opportunities for pre-school and elementary
school age children and their families.
Ensure that quality after school activities are available for all
children who need Them.
2. Support programming for pre-school and elementary school
children that encourages peace£ul conflict resolution.
Support additional resources for Headstart programs in the
community in order that all who qualify can participate.
Implementing Partners
Public and private schools and learning centers
Headstart
Saint Paul Division of Parks and Recreation
Saint Paul Public Library
Wilder Foundation
Parent Teacher Organizations
E. Expand options for junior and senior high age students.
Support and strengthen programs such as those offered by local
churches and schools, Frogtown Future, Save our Cities Kids and
the Leadership Training Program of the Thomas Dale Block
Ciubs that involve young people in positive association with
significant adults while helping them to develop their own
potential.
30 7HOA1A5 DALE SMALL AREA PLAN; City Council Review Oraft
��-3�3
2. Exp{ore sources of private and phifanthropic support to enable
young people from Thomas Dale to participate in programs such
as those offered by the Science Museum, local coileges and
universities, theatres or summer camps.
Implementing Partners
Public and private schools and learning centers
Saint Paul Division of Parks and Recreation
Thomas Dale Block Ciubs
Community Education
University UNITED
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Drah $ �
Access to quality affordable health care is a national issue. It is of
particular concern for Thomas Dale where such a high percentage of
citizens are not covered by employer sponsored health insurance,
making them especially vulnerable to changes in publre support for
heal[h care. Data analyzed by the City's Division of Pubfic Health
reveal Thomas Dale to be among the city's medical(y underserved
communities. Critica! issues include a low immunization rate, higher
than average infant mortality rates and lead poisoning of children.
Secure Basic Health ervicec for All Residents
A. Strengthen the Model Cities Health Center as the primary provider
of community based medical and dental services.
Advocate for funding formulas that recognize the unique needs
of community health centers that serve a high proportion of
uninsured citizens.
2. Support funding applications that serve to stabilize the financial
status of the health center.
3. Explore partnerships that might bring professional services to the
health center at below market costs.
Implementing Partners
Model Cities Health Center
Public Health Agencies
Foundations
B. StrengYhen the sense of partnership among health care providers in
and around the Thomas Date community.
Organize a formal community heaith care coaiition to meet on a
regufar basis.
2. Develop and prioritize strategies around building community
awareness relative to health issues and ensuring a higher level of
preventative care.
Implementing Partners
Model Cities
Saint Paul Division of Public Nealth
Frogtown Action Alliance
Private health care/alternative medicine services
Saint Paul/Ramsey Medical Center
32 THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: CiTy Cauncil Review Draft
R�-3�3
A. Ensure widespread access to immunizations, screening and well
child care.
Support public health initiatives inciuding the mobile delivery—
with a van or other mobil clinic arrangement—of specific services
including immunizations and health screening. Services to
Thomas Dale could be integrated with those to other similar
neighborhoods.
implementing Partners
Saint Paul Division of Public Health
Model Cities Health Center
Frogtown Action Alliance Health Task Force
B. Eliminate the incidence of lead poisoning.
Increase screening of chi�dren at risk.
2. Continue educational program in multiple fanguages and in
collaboration wiih the Frogtown Family Resource Center and
other programs with high participation of neighborhood families.
3. Continue to abate affected homes, taking particular care to
secure public funding for low and moderate income property
owners.
4. Identity and advocate for alternative ameliorative measures—such
as encapsulation with paint rather than complete abatement—that
reduce lead exposure to more acceptable �evels while avoiding
excessive costs beyond the means of low and moderate income
households.
Secure a"lead free" house in which families ca� five while the
contamination is being removed from their homes.
Implementing Partners
Saint Paul Division of Public Health
Greater Frogtown Community Development Corporation
District 7 Planning Council
Area health agencies
Department of Licenses, fnspedions and Environmental
Protection
THOMAS DALE SMALL pREA PL4N: City Counci� Review Drak 33
��-�t�
C. Substantially reduce the amount of trash and garbage in
neighborhood yards and alleys.
Explore alternatives Yo the present garbage hauling system that
will ensure universal collection.
2. Increase City financial support for neighborhood clean-up
activities.
Implementing Partners
Districc 7 P(anning Council
City of Saint Paul
Private garbage haulers
Block clubs
34 THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft
q�-�i3
As a centra� city neighborhood with houses built on relatively small lots,
Thomas Dale has among the smallest amount of green space per resident
of any neighborhood in tf�e city. !t is also an area where the l�ousing is
in high demand and the fabric of the neighborhood is vulnerable to any
wholesale demolition of housing units. The cha//enge is to carefully
leverage useful open space through the revitalization process. The plan
addresses the need for three types of open space: {7) Single lots that are
within view–or earshot–af most of the househo/ds on a block where
children can safely play; (2) Medium size parks (112 bfock in size) with
playground equipment andfor a backstop to be used by families within a
2-4 block radius; and (3) Expansion of West Minnehaha Recreation
Center that serves the entire community.
A. Develop a community wide plan for the establishment of d ifferent
types of parks and greenspaces.
The plan should include:
• A full inventory of the present system;
• An assessment of what types of parks/green spaces and trails
are needed in the various parts of the neighborhood to
complete the system;
• A designation of specific vicinities where additional
parks/green spaces might be established. These
designations shouid consider accessibifity to the site,
population density in the surrounding blocks, and
relationship to redevelopment activities; and
• A policy that the demolition of existing structures should be
avoided.
� An identification of funding sources for acquisition and
maintenance of parkland/green spaces.
An outline for the plan is proposed in the recommendations
below.
Implementing Partners
District 7 Planning Council, Convener
Frogtown Action Alliance
Thomas Dale Block Clubs
Greater Frogtown Community Development Corporation
Individual block clubs
Saint Paul Division of Parks and Recreation
Parks and Recreation Commission
PublicArtSaint Paul
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft 35
� 1-3J3
B. Create more small "green spaces" within the neighborhood.
Consider the establishment of neighborhood play spaces and/or
gardens on individual lots, especially on blocks with narrow lots
or in instances where new construction is unlikely in the short
term. Lots in the middle of blocks, rather than on the corners,
are generally preferred.
Acquisition, design, maintenance and supervision of these lots
would provide an opportunity for neighbors to work together.
lndeed, the initiative of block residents would be essential to
their success—and, therefore, should be a prerequisite.
2. Develop a neighborhood-wide strategy for identifying
opportunities for single lot green spaces and doing the necessary
organizing. The strategy should include a system for handling
insurance issues.
3. Consider linking lots on individual b(ocks into a neighborhood
system by creating a wafking—or exercise—tour that highlights the
uniqueness of each lot and its surrounding community.
Implementing Partners
District 7 Planning Council
Block clubs
Minnesota Green
Sustainable Agriculture Resource Center
C. Establish one or two ofher ha(f bfock sized parks to complement
Ryan Park located in the southwest quadrant of the study area.
Improve the landscaping and play facilities on the )ackson
School grounds to encourage its use by the community in the
southeast quadrant of the study area after school and on
weekends.
2. Integrate the establishment of up to two other parks with the
rehabilitation of neighboring houses, the pfacement of traffic
circles or the creation of some other amenity in order to enhance
the impact of each improvement.
Implementing Partners
District 7 Planning Council
Saint Paul Division of Parks and Recreation
Saint Paul School District
36 THOMAS DACE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Dmft
q i��l�
Expand Recrea i�n rvic
A. Expand the services provided by West Minnehaha Recreation
Center.
Explore opportunities to expand the size of the recreation center
site, possibly through the realignment of Pierce Butler Road.
2. Strengthen programming at the recreation center itself through
closer collaboration with neighborhood residents in establishing
priorities and designing programs consistent with their needs and
interests.
B. Extend recreation programming into afte�native sites throughout the
neighborhood such as at Ryan Park, Jackson School, �ommunity
churches or storefronts.
Impleme�ting Partners
Thomas Dale Block Clubs
Saint Paul Division of Parks and Recreation
Parks and Recreation Commission
West Minnehaha Booster Club
District 7 Planning Council
Frogtown Action Alliance
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft 37
��-�i�
Thomas Dale is a fufly developed neighborhood with onl y occasional
reasons—o� oppo�tunities—to change the existing land use patterns. A
review of the entire planning district reveals a rich mixture of housing
types, commercial uses and industrial developments. The easternmost
part of the planning district is the Mt. Airy public housing site.
lmmediafel y to the east of ihe study area are the Rice Marion
apartmentr, to the west is a mixed use residential a�ea developed by the
Wilder Foundation. At the northe�n border is a sizable industrial site; at
the southern border is University Avenue, one of the city's most
significant commercial strips. Within the study area, however, the vast
majority of residential structures are smaller houses originally built as
single family residences. !t is within t/�at context that the plan makes
recommendations relative to land use controls in the study area.
There are two principal recommendations. 7he first is to rezone most of
Yhe study area, now zoned for two family use, [o single {amily use. This
is recommended largely as a measure to curtail the conversion of
structures built as relativel y small single famil y homes to two or more
family homes. The experience in the neighborhood has been that an
increasing demand for affordable rental housing is being met through the
conversion of single family homes by landlords who rent a space
designed for one famil y to two or tAree families. The structures
themselves, many of them more than 100 years old, are not able to
withstand the leve! of wear and tear that comes with higher occupancy.
TI�e neighborhood's schoo(s and social service agencies are straining to
meet the needs of the existing residents and, for the most part, do not
have the capacity to serve an increasing population. And increasing the
concentration of lower income households in a srngle neighborf�ood is
not in the best interests of the households themselves or the
neighborhood.
Some areas—along the major arterials where transportation is most
accessible—are recommended for apartment or townhome development
in order to meet the need for well-managed and well-maintained renta!
f�ousing. /t is recognized that—as market conditions improve—
opportunities may emerge where additional areas would be
approprrately developed wrth two family housing or town homes.
Through this plan, the district council and the City signal their
willingness to positively consider rezoning if subsequently needed and
appropriate to allow for development compatible with neighborhood
character and design.
The second major change recommended by this plan relates to the
widening of Dale Street. Inasmuch as the land on the east side of Dale
has been acquired for the right of way, it should no longer be zoned for
commercial use. Tf�e west side of Dale, on the other hand, should be
38 THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft
q�-3i 3
zoned exclusively for neighborhood level commercial uses. As discussed
previously, residential uses should be phased out and the zoning
recommended here is consistent with thaY po�icy.
A. Ensure that adopted Iand use regulations are supportive of the
community's revitalization efforts.
The study area should be rezoned as indicated on the following
maps.
2. The community encourages higher density residential
development along major transportation corridors—University
Avenue, Minnehaha Avenue and Pierce Butler—provided that it
meets the following standards:
a. Its scale is consistent with the surrounding character of the
neighborhood. Pedestrian scale duplexes and townhouses
are preferred.
b. Its design and orientation to the street are consistent with the
surrounding neighborhood.
c. Provisions are made for play areas and green space.
d. Parking and traffic issues are adequately addressed.
The consistency of the proposed redevelopment with these
standards will be the focus of the district councif's review of a
petition for rezoning.
Rezonings of properties £or higher density new construciion or
rehabilitation in the bafance of the study area will be considered
on a case by case basis. The district council will support those
applications that represent high quality development in keeping
with the character of the neighborhood.
4. Mixed residential/commercial/office structures are encouraged
along UniversityAvenue and Dale Street. Relatedly, it is
recommended that the Planning Commission study and propose
appropriate amendments to the Zoning Code to encourage
mixed use development in the B-2 zoning district.
There should 6e no additional expansion of commerciaf uses or
parking onto Sherburne Avenue within the study area except on
the biock west of Dale between University and Sherburne
Avenues where additional parking may be required to allow the
establishment of commercial uses on the west side of Dale Street
between University and Sherburne Avenues. in cases where
parking expansion is approved, existing policies related to
setbacks, landscaping and access should be enforced.
Should the market on University Avenue begin to require
THOMAS DALE SMAL� AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft 39
Gt-���
significant additional space, and there is no alternative to an
expansion to the south side of Sherburne Avenue, poterttiai
developers could work with Yhe district council to develop a
mutually acceptable plan and propose an amendment to the
comprehensive plan that would allow such an expansion.
Implementing Partners
Saint Paul Planning Commission
District 7 Planning Councif
Midway Chamber of Commerce
University UNITED
40 7HOMA5 DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: Cify Councif Review Draft
�I�`�J��
Saint Paul Planning Commission
Peg J. Birk )oyce Maddox
}oseph P. Chavez Timothy Mardell
Esperanza Duarte David McDonell, Chair
Carole Faricy Gladys Morton
Litton Field, Jr. Richard Nowlin
Anne Flaxman Geisser
Stephen D. Gordon
Frank Gurney
Richard ).F. Kramer
Michael Lee
Eileen J. Lund-Johnson
Kurt Schwichtenberg
Michael Sharpe
Imogene Treichel
Mark Vaught
Barbara A. Wencl
Thomas Dale Small Area Plan Task Force
Kevin Kittilson, Co-chair
Kurt Schwichtenberg, Co-chair
Brenda Alexander
Christopher Coleman
David Co{well
Elizabeth Colwell
Beverly Hawkins
DuaneJohnson
MaziJohnson
Kevin Kajer
Kristen Kidder
Victoria Kittiison
Tou Sue Lee
David Liset
Pat Lindgren
Lengchy Lor
Morris Manning
Mary Milliner
Bill Pepar
Becky Rice
Margaret Romero
Janet Marie Shane
Ron Stevens
Connie Stewart
Barbara Strommer
Sandy Unger
Andy Williams
Clare Wilson
District 7 Planning Counci{
Michael Samuelson
Sallie Sheppheard
Spencer Blaw
Joanne Tooley
Kenrie Williams
Department of Pfanning and Economic Devetopment
Pamela Wheelock, Director
Hope Melton, Planner
Katy Lindblad, Pro}ect Manager
Ken Ford, Planning Administrator
Nancy Homans, Planner
Joan Hagen Chinn, Graphic Artist
The pist�ict 7 Planning Council and the City of Saint Pau1 gratefully acknowledge the
contribution made by the Bigelow Foundation fo this planning process.
The City of Saint Paul does not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, sex, sexual or
affeciional orientation, age, color, creed, national origin or ancestry, marital sTatus, religion,
veteran status, or status with regard to pubfic assistance in the admission or access to, or treatment
or employment in, its programs or activities.
The City of Saint Paul
Norm Coleman, Mayor
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft 43
��
Thomas Dale
Smalf Area Plan
Community Letters of Commitment
q� -3i 3
� , �
V
��
November 15, 1996
David McDonell, Chair
St. Paul Planning Commission
cio Nancy Holmans
Deparnnent of Planning and Economic Development
25 West Fourth Sueet
St. Paul, Minnesota 55102
Deaz Mr. McDonnell:
T6omas • Dale
District 7 Community Council, Inc.
3b9 University Avenue
St. Pau1, MN 55103
PH:(612)298-5068
FAX: {612) 298-5072
At its September 26, 1996 board of directors meeting, the ThomasjDale District 7 Planning Council
passed a motion expressing its unanimous support for the draft Thomas Dale Small Area Plan that is
now in before the St. Paui Planning Commission for your review, comments and approval.
This document has been cuefuliy developed over the past three yeazs by our community. We have
worked hand-in-hand with one common goal in mind - to he]p blaze a path where our residents,
businesses, public agencies and our many neighborhoocl parcners can a in order to assist with the
preservation and revitalization of the Thomas Dale community. This plan represents the hopes and
dreams many of us have for this very important portion of cenaal St. Paui. We feel that it can be a
plan that we and our paRners can a11 use each and everyday in order to ensure that the Thomas Dale
area continues to be a great place to live, work and raise our families.
Now that this parriculaz planning process at the community level has been compieted the real work is
about to begin. We have already started the implementadon of some key components of this plan.
For example, a community visioning process on the future reuse of the former Dale Street Suriington
Northern train yazds begins this month. Its task is to develop a plan for what this possible indusirial
pazk would look like and more importantly how it can help to sdmulate the further revitalization of our
community. We expect to be busy for many yeazs to come making sure that this plan is an active
guidepost for our community and the city to follow.
As you may know, the primary task that our district council took during this process was to help
coordinate the community-based task force which actually developed this draft Small Area Plan.
Upon review of this document you will see why we feel that we did our job quite we11. We wish to
acknowledge the fine support and guidance our task force received from your staff. Both Ms.
Homans and Melton were invaluable resources to this planning process and our simple thanks could
never be enough to express the debt we owe to their work on this draft Small A.rea Plan.
Thank you for your thoughtful review and, we hope, your evenmal approval of this very important
document. If you have need for any further infonnation please contact me at 298-5068.
Si�cerely,
\- ��J�/ �
/�
Michael Samuelson, Executive Director
Thomas/Dale District 7 Planning Council
��"��J
Frogtown Action Altiance
r r•. it�-
IN i
Saptember 20, 1996
Barry Madore, Board Ckair
Thomas-Dale District 7 Council
369 University Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55103
Dear Mr. Madore:
689 NORTH DALE STREET
ST. PAUL, MN 55103
(612) 224-7184
SEP 2 � REC'D
The Frogtown Action Alliance (FAA) mission is to bring together the diverse individuals and
organizations in Frogtown to create and carty out a responsive neighborhood initiated plan for sustained
action that addresses and provides solutions for the issues and problems the neighborhood faces. FAA
is committed to fostering the broadast possible representation and participation in a neighborhood
decision making by all Frogtown residents regardless of ethnicity, economically disadvantaged, or other
distinctions.
FAA supports the Small Area Plan with the following three modifications:
♦ Page l, Economic Development section under subtitle Capitalize oit Redeuelopmetit Op[�oruuii[ies
section (A). Add as follows:
"7. Collaborate with Wilder Foundation and other implemeating partners to collaborate and
develop an industrial site that includes a National Guard Armory, Charter Schoot, Neighborhood
Center and other business development to encourage job stimulation and growth."
�► Page 3, . Add the Wilder Foundation as an Implementing Partner.
♦ Additional clarification should be added relating to the implementation plan for the objectives in the
Small Area Plan.
Thank you for the opportunity to meet with you, however, FAA staff has been involved and made
recommendations to the board. Please contact me at 645-6445 if you have any questions related to this
matter.
Sincerely,
�V�-� �V���ti�l�r✓
Ike Welbom
Board Chair
cc: Michael Samualson
Shem Shakir
Dismict 7 Board ofDirectors
FAABoard ofDirectors
-An Equal Opportunity Empioyer-
n
u
�`7-3►.�
Gr eater Fr Com muni Devel Co�o __
Telephone (612) 29&8980
d89 North Dale Street
St. Pavl, MN 55103
September 23, 1996
Mr. Kevin Kittilson, Co-Chair
Mr. Kurt Schwichtenberg, Co-Chair
Thomas Dale Small Area Plan Task Force
c\o Thomas Dale District 7 Planning Council
369 University Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55103
Dear Mr. Kittilson and Mr. Schwichtenberg:
SEP 2 6 REC'0
The Greater Frogtown Community Aevelopment Corporation's Board of Directors and
Staff are pleased to offer their support of the Thomas-Dale Small Area Plan.
The Small Area Plan, was reviewed and approved by the GFCDC Board of Directors
during their last meeting on September 16, 199b. As the mission of GFCDC calls for the
development and rehab of high quality affordable housing, as well as the improvement of
rentai and homeownership opportunities, we concur with the goals identified in the Plan's
Housing Strategy, such as increasing the 1eve1 of homeownership, improving the
condition of the housing stock, and maintaining the affordability of rental housing.
Our Board Members and Staff will be incorporating pieces of the Small Area Plan into
our organization's strategic plan and work plans at our upcoming retreat in November.
The Sma11 Area Plan wiil certainly be beneficiai to the Frogtown community.
Sincerely,
/ �X�.- �
Denise M. Ha��ls f � �
President
��1
Amherst H.
Wi�der Foundation
Since 1906
SEP 2 6 REC'D
Executive Office
919 Lafond Avenue Saint Paul, MN 55104 (612) 642-4093 FAX (612) 642-4068
September 24, 1996
Spencer Blaw
Thema�-Dale Smal] Area Plan Ts�k Force
c/o District 7 Planning Council
369 University Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55103
Dear Spencer:
I am writing on behalf of the Amherst H. Wilder Foundation to express strong support
for the Thomas-Dale small area plan. We are most anxious to assist in the
implementation plan along with other members of the Thomas-Dale community.
I have been particularly impressed with your attempts to get input from all of the
different interested groups in the community.
Please extend our appreciation for this plan to the District 7 Planning Council and our
offer to participate in the implementarion of the plan.
Sincerely,
� � � ` S �—�
Thomas W. Kin�ston
President
TWK:ae
Presiden[
Thomas W. Kingston
Board ofDirectors
Ke�non V. Rothchild, Ctta'u; Elizabeth M. Kiemat, Fixst V'ice Chair; Aathony L. Mdecsen, Second Y¢e Chair;
Malcolm W. MeDo�ald, Secre[ary. Direc[ocs Charl[on Dietz, Elisabett� W. Dcermann,
Charles M. Osbome, Mazy i'homton Philtips, Peter B. Ridder, Bazbarn B. Roy
q�- 3i�
� SEP 2 6 REC°�
���
MODEL CITIES
OF 5T. PAUL. INC.
September 2b, 1996
ICevin IGttilson and I<urt Sch�vichtenberg, co-chaizs
District 7 Planning Council
369 University Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55103
Dear Chairpersons:
This letter is to eacpress our support foc the Thomas-Dale Small Area Plan in
recognition of die many hours that city staff and community volunteers
coitmiitted to its development. Model Cities' staff were among those who
participated on die Sinall Area Plan Task Force. We are happy with the result
of die many hours of dedicated work and look fonvard to the final adoption of
the Thomas-Dale Small Area Plan.
We support the recommendations described in the plan. We are committed to
wosking �vith ather implementing partners to realize the plan's vision of
Thomas-Dale as a community where families can live in decent, affordable
housing and find opport.uniries for employ�nent and ownership; and a
neighborhood that is a clean and safe place to li�re, where all aze valued.
Thank you for the opponunity to re��ie�v than.
Sincerely,
�� (,� ��1 !�4!��,L1�
Beverley Ohver Ha�vkins, Ph.D.
Chief Executive Of£icec
.k ;
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„ -,. .-_.. NORT-H DALE 57dtEET,ST PAUL. NiN�NESJTA SSYOJ �ki (bb2) 89�p-9Lt0 ("X 4lrF51�.2.9tl-92C1 ar-�c�o- - ,
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'Building Commz�ntty"
Septeinber 26, 1996
Mr. Spencer Blaw
DistricY 7 Planning Counci!
369 University AvenUe
St. Paut, MN 55103
Dear Mr. Blaw,
Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity
I am pleased to provide to you this letter of support for the work that you and your Task Force �ave done
to produce tlie Thomas Dale Small Area Plan. It is an excel(ent example of the kind of vision and
creativity tliat exists in our communities, and wliich is so critical to tiie revitalization of our
neighborhoods.
We are particularly impressed by the range of options outlined in the section on housing strategies. While
Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity conducts a particular type of owner occupied �iousing development, we
recognize that neighborhoods and households need a range of options in order to meet tiieir individual and
community housing needs. We are very pleased to be listed as a potential implementor of some of these
strategies, and we stand ready to work with the District Council, the Greater Frogtown Community
Development Corporation and the other key leadership groups in the Thomas Dale area to deliver both
new construction and renovated houses of an ownership nature to families witli modest incomes.
Just this week we began the rehabilitation of a home at 781 Lafond. This home is being refiabilitated in
partnership �vith many community groups and is bein� sponsored by the Wilder Foundation. At the
neiohborhood festival tha[ was l�eld to celebrate the kick off of this home last Saturday, we realized that
there are many families in the Froatown neiahborhood who would appreciate the chance to purchase a
home in the community. Habitat for Humanity stands ready to respond to those needs as long as �ve are
able to work in partnership with tlie Bistrict Council, the CDC, and al1 of the other organizations
providine leadership and direction to the Thomas Dale community.
l regret that an unespected commitment will keep me away from your gathering tonight where the Small
Area Plan will be presented to the District Council, lt is my hope that this letter will fully coavey to you,
and to the Council, Habitat for Humaniry's strong commitment to helping the community fuifll the
potential it has for being a modei neighborhood Sn the City of St. PauL Please do not hesitate to cali me
if you should have any questions or if you or the District Council wish to further pursue collaborative
ideas involvina Habitat for Humaniry in the months to come.
Very truty yours, —
���.c^
Stephen Seidel
$xecutive Director
SS/kmc
3�01 Fourth Street S.E. • Minneapo[u, MN55414 •(G12) 331-4090 •(622) 331-j540 Fccz
��-3j�
Vi/1 iV D
Western inl49attvas for Neighbarhaod Oevelopment
851'/: UNIVERSITY AVENUE
• ST. PAUL, MN 55104 •
PHONE:291-2480 • FAX:291-2597
September 26, 1496
Mr. Kevin Kittilson, co-chair
Kurt Schwichtenberg, co-chair
Thomas Dale SmalS Area Plan Committee
c/o I?istrict 7 Pianning Council
369 University Avenue
St. Paul, Minnesota 55104
llear Kevin, Kurt and Committee members:
SEP 2 6 RfC'D
I woutd like to congratulate s]] of you on the tremendous job you did on the Small Area Ptan far
7homas Dale. The amount of work and thvught you put into it is very apparant, and the plan will
be a very valuable tool for this community for many years.
I have noi had time to review all of your draft plan, but I k�ave looked over my area of
involvement, ecnomic development. I have the fotlowing comments:
1. Inc(uding in the vision statement the creation of "vibrant productive businesses" is a strong
positive message about their importance to this commucuty.
2. Putting FAA as the lead organization on most of these recommendations is consistent with the
roles in the community, as I have seen them evolve over the past few yeus. It is good to re-state
this You msy want to inctude them on page 2, item A'i, as part of the conununity planning teazn
for.t�e Dale Street Shops site, since later you list them in the lead on the project.
3. Your connection between businesses getting pu�lic subsidies atxd their participation with City
jobs and training prograrns is good. A stronger point could be made about the need for advanced
training provided to area residents, which woutd be triggered by vety early notification from new
businesses about the nature of skills needed for their upCOming jo6s.
4. Regardi�lg Da1e Street, some of the thought I have heard involves the west side sidewalk bein�
wider than average, and used for outdoor seating, displays, etc. for the bus�nesses. The wideness
creates a zone of comfort and ambiance that enhances the businesses and community feel.
5. FAA and the Neighborhood Development Center have offered zn extensive micra
entrepreneur training and loan program to Frogtown residents for over two years now. Over 50
persons have atready gone ttuough this training, and many have started businesses here in thls
community. This training, at least in a generic form, shoutd be mentioned on page 5 or b, in your
section on micro business developmenx.
WIHD Is a Community Oevelopment Corporatlon subsid�ary af Western Bank
��-�l�
I liked the content ofthe rost ofyour economic development seciion. There is awch to do in tEus
community, anc! I believe your vision for it is comprehensive and exciting. Now lets al1 work
together to achicve it.
Thank you for your great work.
Sincerely,
" Mtke Temal�
W1ND
r
�
� �-
ASIAN AMERICAN PRESS
4!7 Univec�i[y Avenue � St. Paul, MN SSt03 � Phonc {612) 224-6570 Q FAX (612) 224-7032
��ov � 5 aEe�Q
November A, 1996
Mr. Michael Samuelson
District 7 Planning Council
369 Universiry Avenue
Saint Paul, MN 55103
Dear Michaet,
Thank you for including Asian American Press as a participant in the presentation of the Thomas-Dale
Smali Area Plan on September 26, 1996.
After Iistening to ttie discussions and reviewing the draft, I feel very good about the glan. I feel this tvi11
have a very positive impact on the neighborhood.
We at ihe Asian Ainerican Press and Ihe Asian Business & Community foundation fulty support the
Planning Council's goals.
I believe our community truLy appreciates this initiat�e. The Task Force has put together an e�celtent plan.
Sincerely,
Nghi Huynh
PublisherJEdiror Asian American Press
President Asian Business & Communit} Foundation
�i��31�
nNDr vNLLIAh1SJR
E%tECUFiVE DIRECTOR
765 NOR?H PAIL70P: STREET
S7 �q� �L.55tQ4.RAhiSEY
eas-aes r ea� r� s� rss i-- ea m-ra•-s-�
��.a��-v����-��-�r� t ���� � ��
�iz-�a�7-�:,;��
;�loada Septztut� 16, 1945
niicha2t Samuelsort, Execuiive Direcror
D:srrict Severt Plannir�g Council
3�9 �.h�iti�ersity.4venue
St, Pau1,1v1N SSI03
De^r?Sfichael,
i would like ro share our support jor the Tho»aas-T�aie Small Area Plar� Task Force drajt Plan. I rnn
CGi f i i i11 I��1C<{ give:i the ti;�7e cr.Td ca, e put i��tc d�stap�yg this plcrn, rt has the s�rp�ort of the
C^7:1,':i: n?n�. I C71CD71fG�gP 1�2E �ISIf7L'1 CDE:Y:CII10 P17�A!:4° ��1° L�l'C�.t�3�i1 R.':��OY}S'.^.PCj 1? �O t�:a P
Commission and Cin� Council fvr adoptrorc. .4s Executive Director ofSme Our Crty's Kids, a memher
oi'rire Task Force crncl a neigi�bor arld commr��riry activisr 1 X fhai rhe plan ref7ecr the naeds m�d'
�i is,'ies of rt�e cornmuriiiv and wifl provide a solid policy frcnnewon'c for future cammunity buildir�g aud
phvsrcc:l �levelopme�:t.
rr P«r'e" �FCslEfti� fvi 1i 1B11t�QYS�11]J S�t0i471 I3j% li 1 C1JN I V iCE 17i CiE'J��0�7tit� u2e P�t. �r'@ cZi E«iSG
tl�n>j1,-fi„( fer f1�o S»' 1'tQt?!�Ffly.°Y°S?ST2/J!17: 7i�� it)D TH/�I:V �'.^.Y�:CItY.TP7!S 1?2 tF12V1StOF1 COAIE t7Yt°. 1 S6'O2t�Lj
also lrk� ro ack.nasvt�dge rFie crlrical stal`i su�rnor! the Drsirict Seven Ptannirrg Cauricil rnrd llle Cih�
; aar�r�irr= nndEc�r<ornic u�v�lo�nnenr�a{x�rtmariitFm�e nrovitied ro v'�2 Task rorce m,�d rrs worr.
Please do rzot hssitafe to cat! upon s O.C.K or m}�self ta support t3re Plizn rmd its' irnp!etTrantntiari
Rnrnortf�i:ll�r Qnxirr
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Exeerrtn�a Direclor
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Frogtown Family Resource Center
377 University Avenue (at Western), Saint Paul, MN 55103
PIiONE: (612} 290•8376 FAX: (612) 293-5260
September 24, 1996
ThomasDale District 7
(�lannjrS fn�nrl�
369 University Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55103
Dear Planning Council members:
The staff of Frogtown Family Resource Center want you to know that we support your
work on the Small Area Plan for our neighborhood. We share this vision of strengthening
families, seeing that housing is decent and affordable, and want to do our part to
provide educational opportunites for Frogtown families. We value all our neighbors
and consider it a privilege to work �n this neighborhood.
Please know that we support the policy framework as
fications agreed upon at the September 26th meeting,
you've already done. Thanks for a good job!
In partnership,
��'�
Todd Seabury-Kolod
laid out in the summary. Any modi-
we hope, will enhance the work
��F�
�-'� Sa.int Paul Public Schools Community Education
n.s.on«. ...e.�
��-�i3
November 20,1996
Universi�r UNITER
A COALtTIO� OF 11lAWAY CSTIZf!�5 J.,RA BUSt�E55
Mic�ael S3rnuefson
Executive Dircc#or
Thomas-Dale
Distnct 7 Planning CounCil
369 Univarsity Avenue
Sf. Paul, MN 55103
D�ar Mr. Sam�utsvn.
Ai iYs Qctober goard meeting, University UNITED's Board of pirectors voted to
ancnurape and s� �pport the pnalS of tfie Th�mas-nale SmAll Araa ('12n, which do
not conflict with the Midway Chambers' 40 Acte Study.
Specificatly, UNITED supports the ptans' Economic Development Strategy, as an
implementmg partner. 1 he boartl and statt would aiso I+ke to be mclucled as
either a resource or impMementing partnet in the foilowing categories:
1. Micro Enterprise and Smali Business, �l and 8
2. Work Towards �ull Employment, A errd B
3. Community Buiiding, C
4. TraffiC and Transportation, A and C
5. Regionai Transportation and tand use Potic�es
6. Building Community 5upport for Education, A and E
7. Land Use and Rezoning, A
In your Vision Statemant you refer to making the area 8 safe place to live,
however there are no arime and satety strategies listed. UNITED would
�ea its�if as an im{�lementinc� �aftner on crime stratec,�ies
Sincerely,
� �� �t���
Icene Rodriguez
University UMTED
�nveslmen2 �hraugh �conomic
Sprx,e 7�ee Cer�t�e •�Stn U+irvers�y Aveave • SollS 4• 5t, Pe�i, MN SSi6i-3C25 •(612) 6Q7�6Iit • Fzx (612) 646-2297
g� �1.�
���, ��
Thomas-Date 3m�1! Area Ptsn'Taalc Foraa
GODiarict SavenPlamm�p Cauroil
364;Uaiv+uairy AvCeuo
3eun}paul,i�t SS10a
�tE: Dr�#t T7Wmaa-Dalo 9ma11 Aton Plap
txer'faak �o�rca Mem�a�s,
T4m Fmgtown Mm�nta Asao�tiao euyporte ihe Saici drrB of the 7'homaa-Dnk 5mt11
Ar+n Plan. Wo apptraato the fims and acn�idmrdoP tlu�t ta�tc Sorn manb�ra hava grnn
tlu» pls�s. wa fca aaa I�hogcows►•: sau�n Area Pf�a i� aat emroctant caot ch.c wiu aive thia
coinnnudty the direcdoA ic aeeds.
Sinca'dY,
V-l.�i � �
r� E �ty8a
�
Fsngtown Machants Associatioa
�tCF M'idwny 1VS'mi Stcxs�{n
45$ Ikmiap St. S.
S�int Psul, MN- SSX04
��d�c
��
ST. PAUL FAMILY LEARNING CENTER CHARTER SCHOOL
tNDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 40i 9
���$
� i
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September 20, 1996
Kevin Kittilson and Kurt Schwichtenberg, Co-Chairs
District 7 Planning Council
369 University Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55103
Dear Chairpersons:
�
���
Q��
!
� r
I
�SEP 2 4 R�C'D
This [etter is to express my support for the Thomas-Dale Small Area Plan, and especiatly the education
strategy outlined in the draft Plan. Collaboration among the various groups and organizations that make
up the community is essential for the posiiive economic development of urban neighborhoods. The
Family Leaming Center school works with community members and organizations. The charter school
pianning group met severai times with the Frogtown Networking Group and the Thomas-Date Block
Club to get inp�t into the design of our new school. Our basic school program is very much in tune
with the Plan's education strategy, including elements such as conflict reso]ution, parental involvement
in setting the course of each chitd's leaming, and extensive use of volunteers in the school, We
currently offer an early-morning program and hope to provide after-school programming as well.
The Family L.eaming Center school is not physically located in the Thomas-Dale neighborhood (we
wanted to find a facility in Frogtown but were unable to find a suitable facility) but includes this
section of the city i» its enrollment area, which comprises the whole of the 55103 and 55104 zip codes.
We opened as a K-4 school on Saptember 3 and hope to expand to a pre-K-12 program over the next
few years. The school has recruited a number of students from the Small Area Plan neighborhood and
will continue involvement in the area.
On behalf of the St. Paul Family L.eaming Center Charter School, I want to express my wholehearted
support for the Thomas-Dale Small Area Plan. The school is committed to working with the
community and will collaborate with other organizations to implement the Sma11 Area Plan.
Sincerely,
�jQ �h.
Wayne B. Jennings
Schooi Director
Independent School District #40i 9• 1355 Pierce Butler Aoute, St Paul, MN 55104-1359 • Ph. 612 644-5052 • Fax 612
645-0240
� ., t
_��,_
:,n, HealthPartners
St. Paul-Rarnsey Medical Center
640 Jackson Street
St Paui, MN 55707-2595
612221.3456
August 30, 1996
Spencer Blaw
Thomas Dale Small Area Plan Task Force
c/o District Seven Planning Council
369 University Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55103
°�'1-31�
S�P 0 � RECD
Dear Mr. Blaw and the Thomas Dale Small Area Plan Task Force:
Thank you for the opportunity to review the Thomas Dale Small Area Plan. I
have reviewed the plan and congratulate the Task Force on a job well done.
You can count on our support fior the reeommendations outlined in the Plan, and
I wil! plan on attending the meeting on September 26th.
We support the recommendations outlined and look forward to working with the
other impVementing partners on the specific strategies, particularly in the areas of
community building and health care. As you probably know, we are strong
supporters of the Model Cities Health Center as the primary provider of
community based medical and dental services, and have a long history of
working together with the Heaith Center. We certainiy wi{I be active participants
in a formal community heaith care coalition organized by the community and
agree with the focus on preventative care, immunizations and weil child care.
We are also committed to working with other providers and agencies in the
Thomas Dale community to find ways to integrate services and find new,
coiiaborative ways ofi serving our communi'ty and expanci tne use of our limited
resources. Reai and anticipated funding cuts from both federal and local leveis
wili require all of us to work more closely together to better leverage the
resources we can retain.
Sincerely,
�
�i
��G���,�� C �
��.
Gabrielle Lawrence
Vice President, Community Partnerships
HeakfiPardeers' m.ission u to imp�ove the health of our members anAous communlry
q���I �
�
CATHOLIC
CHARITIES
Advocacy and
Outreach Division
Froyno�a'n Centec
633 Univrain�Avenur
Sc Pau1,MN SStOJ-i802
September 24, ] 996
Kurt Schwichtenberg and Revin KittiLson
Co-Chairs Thomas-Dale Small Area Plan Task Force
et_ zz>-izso do District Seven Planning Council
car ei� zzz-oi9s 369 University Avenue West
Saint Paul, MN 55103
Deaz Mr. Schwichtenberg and Mr. KittiLson,
0 CT 3 0 REC'D
I am writing to express the support of Catholic Charities Frogtown Center
for ihe Thomas Dale Small Area Plan. I woutcl like to commend the Task
Force and the District Seven Ptanning Council for yoar hard work and
persistence in developing this Plan_ I have reviewed the Plan and spoken
with our staff and various community members about it. We Snd that the
Plan reflects the input and interests of our commw�ity and it provides a
solid framework for guiding future physical development and community
building efforts in the neighborhood.
We at Cathotic Charities are committed to being a pro-active and peaceful
player in the community. It follows that we are coaunitted fo supporting
the Thomas-Dale Small Area Plan Task Force, the District Seven Planning
Council, and the other community partners in implementing the Plan and
it's vazious strategies in the comic� years. We look forward to working
with you to strengthen our community.
With Sincere and Peaceful Thoughts,
� 5����� ��_ �
Me}vin Giles
• .�.�� . ._-
Serving thr Arzhdm<esr of
Sa Pa�dand.NmrteapuGs
Suppottedth�ougl�privarc
mnmbunung Gfiited i�y, ond
Ar�rzuai CathuLrAppeal
RttrcCrcrd by Coum! on
Aaredimnun af Srrvires
for Famifin and Chddm�
An Egua! Opparcumty Empbya
and Servi<e Aovidn.
.,
q`1-�1�
city of saint paul
planning commission resolution
fite number 96- ��
�te December 2�, 1996
RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission is authorized under Minnesota Statues Section
462.355(2) and Chapter 107 of the Saint Paul Administrative Code to recommend to
the Mayor and City Counci4 amendments to the Comprehensive Plan; and
WHEREAS, the P{anning Commission on June 12, 1992 initiated the Thomas Dafe
Small Area Plan and requested that the Thomas Dale Community Council establish a
neighborhood task fiorce to prepare a draft plan for Planning Commission consideration;
and
WHEREAS, the task force prepared a draft plan and published it for community-wide
review, holding a public meeting on April 23, 1996; and
WHEREAS, the task force recommended the plan to the District Seven Planning
Council on July 29, 1996; and
WHEREAS, the District Seven P{anning Counci{, after additional community review and
discussion, recommended, on September 26, 1996, the Thomas Dale Small Area Plan
and FortyAcre Study to the Planning Commission for review and adoption; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission held a public hearing on the Thomas Dale Small
Area Plan and FortyAcre Sfudy on November 22, 1996, notice of which was duly given
in the Saint Paul Legal Ledger on November 7, 1996 and November 8, 1996; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission recommended changes to the Thomas Dale
Smal! Area P/an and Forty Acre Study after considering public testimony;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Planning Commission hereby certifies
the Thomas Dale Small Area Plan and ForfyAcre Study as an amendment to Saint
PauPs Comprehensive Plan and recommends its adoption by the City Council; and
moved by �isser
seconded by
in favor �nanimous
against
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the recommendations included in the plan related to
the expansion of University Avenue commercial uses to the south side of Sherburne
Avenue should supercede those adopted by the City Council as part of the University
Avenue CorridorStudyon May 97, 9990; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Planning Commission directs the Pianning
Administrator to forward the plan and this resolution to the Mayor and City Council; and
BE I7 FINALLY RESOLVED, that the Planning Commission expresses its gratitude to
all those who participated in the development of the Thomas Dale Small Area Plan and
Forty Acre Study and commits itself to continued involvement in community efforts to
implement its recommendations.
�
�.�_ . �, � � � � �
Thomas=Dale
Smatl ?�rea Plan
and
Acre Study
City Co�ficil Review Draft
�
�
Recommended by the
Thomas Date Small Area Plan Task Fovice
july 29, 1996
Recommended by the
District Seven Planning Councii
September 26, 199b
Recommended by the
Saint Paul Planning Commission
December 20, 1996
T ' ' �� �r3
.
Introduction ......................................1
Economic Development Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Housing Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Community Building Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Traffic and Transportation Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Education Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Heaith Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Parks and Recreation Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Land Use and Zoning Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Credits .........................................43
4'
11 THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft
°��-3i�
The study area for the Thomas Dale Small Area Plan and forty Acre
Study lies between Western and Victoria Avenues, University Avenue on
the south and the railroad tracks on the northern boundary. It is one of
Saint Paul's oider neighborhoods, settied between 1870 and 1890 by
German, Polish, Irish and Scandinavian immigrants who built the
Victorian vernacu{ar working- and middle-class homes and corner stores
that still give the area its small-town atmosphere. Today, the seventy
block area is characterized mainly by one and two famiiy homes though
it is bordered by intensive commercial, industrial and multi-family uses.
immigrants continue to find a home in Thomas Da1e whose 6,700
residents represent a rich variety of races, ages, socio-economic classes
and household types.
The Thomas Dale Small Area P/an is the definition of a vision shared by
neighborhood residents and business owners and City officia/s as wel/
as a strategy for bringing this vision to reality. /ts effectiveness will
depend on its "adoption" as a policy framework by the key community
organizafions in the area, ongoing efforts by those organizations to
discuss and jointly formulate policies in each of the subject areas
idenfified in the plan, and supporf for and coIlaboration with the key
implementing organizations identified with each sfrategy.
��
Vision Statement
The Thomas-Dale Community realizes that racial, economic and cultural
diversity enriches our lives. We, therefore, work together to:
• Strengthen families;
• See that everyone can live in decent, affordable, owned or rented
homes;
• Provide opportunities for employment, education and ownership;
• Create vibrant productive businesses;
• Make Thomas-Dale a safe, clean place to live where all are valued;
and
• Remember that beauty, humor and fun are as important to the soul as
food is to the body.
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft
��-3��
Economic development is difficult to define—especially as the national
and rnternational economies undergo a transition not unlike tF�e
industrial revolution of the last century. It involves finding new uses for
oId sites once used, and often polluted, by heavy industry. It includes
the preparation of a work force for new kinds of jobs and circuitous
career paths. Recent history has demonstrated that economic
development in Saint Paul is 1 inked [o the success of smaller businesses
and entrepreneurs. In Thomas Dale, it means deciding how best to meet
the consumer needs of an inner city community in an economic
environment that favors warehouse grocery stores and suburban
shopping malls. Implementing neighborhood policy and programs
related to economic development is part of the mission of the Frogtown
Action Alliance. A four pronged strategy—consistenT with that proposed
by [he Economic Deve(opment Task force of the Alliance—forms the
basis of the small area plan's recommendations relative to economic
development.
Capitalize on RedeveloRment O�portunities
A. Redevelop the Dale Street Shops site (bounded by Minnehaha, the
Burlington Northern tracks, Dale and Arundel), the neighboring
Maxson Steel site and any otf�er contiguous non-residential parcels
with industrial uses capable of employing a sizable number of
employees at family-supporting wages. Specifically:
.r
u
1. Responsible parties should complete the clean-up of the site
'' within three to five years.
The district council should seek funding to organize and
advocate for the clean up and development of the site.
The design of the site should be a neighborhood asset. A
community based planning team including representatives
selected by the District 7 Planning Council, Frogtown Action
Alliance and North End community organizations should be
convened to work with the Port Authority on the redevelopment
of the site. Specific issues of concern incfude:
Parking. In order to allow maximum space for the industries
themselves and encourage development patterns that make
effective use of land and support transit services, efforts should
be made to minimize the amount of off-street parking provided
on the site.
2 THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft
��-���
Historic structures. Buildings that give the site its character
should be restored and reused where possible.
Landscaping. The site should be carefully landscaped and
consideration given to providing for some passive recreational
space and bike and pedestrian trails that could be connected to
neighborhood, citywide and/or regional trails.
Community facilities. The planning team should explore
whether or not it is appropriate to devote a portion of the site to
one or more community facilities such as a school, community
center or National Guard training and recreation center.
4. In order to ensure that neighborhood residents have access to
the jobs created in the development, public subsidies to
businesses should be tied to their participation in City sponsored
job training and placement services. In anticipation of the
development of the site, the City/School District job training
services should, over the next three years, focus their efforts to
enlist and prepare neighborhood residents for those jobs.
5. In order to increase the possibility that businesses on the site will
,� employ neighborhood residents, plans for an on-site or nearby
a^ child care facility should be developed.
�
.-=
6. Explore the option of reconstructing Pierce Butler Route to bring
it directly onto the site—perhaps under the Dale Street Bridge.
That would improve the access to s+te as well as eliminate the
awkward terminus of Pierce Butler at Minnehaha and allow for
the expansion of the Minnehaha Recreation Center site.
Implementing Partners
Frogtown Action Alliance, Convener
District 6 Planning Council
North End Area Revitalization (NEAR)
Saint Paul Port Authority
District 7 Planning Council
City of Saint Paul
Midway Chamber of Commerce
University UNITED
Western Initiatives for Neighborhood Development (WIND)
Wifder Foundation
B. Take advantage of the planned widening of Dafe Street to revitalize
it as a neighborhood scale commercial center for the community.
Specifically:
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft 3
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The new roadway should be designed to create a safe,
pedestrian-friendly environment with reduced traffic speeds
through the neighborhood. Specific elements may include:
linear park on the east side of the street, attractive fencing to
shield neighboring homes from the corridor, uniform design
features to tie the eight block stretch together, and on-street
parking on the west side.
2. The west side of Dale should be characterized by pedestrian
oriented commercial uses—with automobile related uses
encouraged to locate on University Avenue. Residential uses on
the frontage should be phased out although mixed use structures
with residential units above commerciai uses are e�couraged.
(Suggested amendments to the City's Zoning Code consistent
with this recommendation are detailed later in the plan.)
The east side of Dale should retain the resident+al character that
has emerged as businesses were bought and relocated to provide
right of way for the street widening.
4. Business incubator space shouid be developed at appropriate
locations.
f
?� 5. Vacant lots should be evaluated for their use as interim parking--
r� until the market provides for additional commercia! uses.
Alternative neighborhood non-profit ownership of these parcels
should be considered with the land being leased to adjoining
business owners for parking purposes. That would maximize the
flexibility of the land and minimize the likelihood that it would
be permanently used for parking. Community design guidelines
should govern the establishment of parking lots.
Implementing Partners
Frogtown Action Alliance, Convener
Department of Public Works
Distrid 7 Planning Council
Midway Chamber of Commerce
WIND
C. Strengthen University Avenue as an attractive and healthy
commerciai center, serving both as a neighborhood retail area for
those who live within the neighborhood and as a destination for the
surrounding region. Specific measures should include:
4 THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Dmft
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Encourage new retail development—especially the variety of
services needed by neighborhood residents—to cluster at the
intersections of University and Dale, Rice, Marion, Western and
Victoria. A full service hardware store and drug store, for
instance, might be encouraged to locate on University Avenue.
2. A program of street scape improvements for University Avenue
should be developed with area business owners based on the
guidelines recommended in the University Avenue Corridor
Study. Consideration should be given to: creating a landscaped
center median, planting trees in the median and in the
sidewalks, and installing decorative lighting.
3. To the extent that additional off-street parking is required to
support University Avenue businesses, shared lots should be
developed with frontage on University Avenue.
Careful attention should be given to the design, landscaping,
lighting and maintenance of existing and proposed parking lots
to ensure that they support a positive image for surrounding
businesses.
5. University UNITED should seek appropriate capital funds on an
;�� annual basis to implement the coordinated program of facade
. improvements, tree planting, lighting, signage and street
furniture or decor.
6. Alternatives to improve the appearance of the corner of
University and Victoria should be explored—to include reducing
the number of cars on and around the site, using landscaping the
screen the site, or establishing a more intensive alternative use.
Reduce the number of liquor stores on University Avenue,
confining them as much as possible to the major retail centers
where management and security services can help reduce the
incidence of inappropriate behavior on the premises.
Implementing Partners
Frogtown Action Alliance, Convener
District 7 P{anning Councii
Midway Chamber of Commerce
University UNITED
Modef Cities
D. Support efforts by the Frogtown Action Alliance and Frogtown
Merchants Association to upgrade and strengthen Minnehaha
Center. While located outs+de the study area boundary,
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PIAN: City Councii Review Drak 5
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enhancements to the Center would enabie it to provide important
services to study area residents.
implementing Partners
Frogtown Action Alliance, Convener
Frogtown Merchants Association
Minnehaha Center Owners and Businesses
Develop Micro Entergrises and Small Businesses
A. Ensure that existing and potential small businesses have access
to the space, capital, training and information necessary for
their success. Specific initiatives include:
Provide incubator space with related training, technical
assistance and mentoring for emerging small businesses, The
existing micro-entrepreneur training and loan program is a good
model.
2. Market the availability of small business loans througi� PED
programs.
3. Secure funds—through the City's Sales Tax Revitalization
i� Program (STAR) or similar program—for facade improvement
loans and grants to enable the rehabilitation of storefronts for
small business use.
4. PED's Small Business Center, the Lexington Library and WlND,
Inc. should collaborate on the development of small business
assistance programs and materials — seminars, pamphlets, open
Ffouses, canvasses or other means of ensuring that business
owners and potential business owners are aware of the variety of
resources available to them.
5. Encourage ne+ghborhood residents to patronize and be
supportive of area businesses. At the same time, encourage
neighborhood businesses to recognize—through their pricing
policies, merchandise selection and marketing strategies—the
particular role they can play in strengthening the community and
supporting its residents.
Implementing Partners
Frogtown Action Alliance, Convener
Lexington Library Small Business Center (PED)
Midway Chamber of Commerce University UNfTED
Model CiTies WIND
fi THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft
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B. Market the neighborhood as a place for commercial development
and business opportunities consistent with the needs of area
residents.
Ensure that organizations supporting emerging entrepreneurs
understand Thomas Dale's strengths as a centrally Iocated
community with easy access and a diverse cons�mer market.
Seek out firms offering personal services that recent surveys have
indicated are under represented in Thomas Dale.
Encourage investment by firms representing growth industries
such as printing/publishing and medical services and refated
suppliers.
Implementing Partners
Frogtown Action Alliance University UNITED
District 7 Planning Council Mode1 Cities
Midway Chamber of Commerce
Work Towards Full Em {�o�ment
>.' A. Neighborhood residents shoufd be aware of and adequatefy
' prepared to fill available jobs throughout the metropofitan area.
Available training resources through the public schools, the
Ronald M. Hubbs Center for Lifelong Learning, community
colleges and Metro State University should continue to be
marketed through area agencies such as the Frogtown Family
Resource Center, Wilder Family and Children Services,
Headstart and the Model Cities Health Clinic.
2. Opportunities for offering training/education programs at
additional neighborhood locations should be explored.
3. Fully develop opportunities for community service for young
people that offer payments toward college tuition or other post
high school training programs for participants.
G. A central clearinghouse for employment opQortunities that is
linked with other such establishments in the metro area as well
as a network of neighborhood agencies and organizations
should be established.
5. Job fairs should be held in the community or residents
transported to such events hefd throughout the metropolitan
area.
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PtAN: City Council Review Draft 7
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Impfemenfing Partners
Frogtown Action Alliance, Convener
St. Paul Workforce Develapment Center
Saini Paul Public School Center for Employment and Training
St. Paul Urban League Mode! Cities
Community Education Wilder Foundation
Frogtown Family Resource Center
Ronald M. Hubbs Center for Lifelong Learning
Midway Chamber of Commerce
University UNITED
District 7 Planning Council
B. Public or quasi-public fransportation should be available to
transport area residents to employment centers throughout the
metropol+tan area.
1. The Frogtown Action Alliance should work wiYh major suburban
employers to coordinate the employment of area residents with
the provision of transportation. Alternatives include organizing
potential employees into carpools, contracting with MCTO or
private transit providers to provide once a day transportation
from the neighborhood to regional employment centers and
back or subsidizing monthly bus passes when using the existing
y� transit system is practical. Neighborhood based smafl businesses
: should be encouraged to participate in the provision of private
transit services.
2. The City and community should continue to advocate for
improved transit services throughout the metropolitan area at
affordable rates.
Implementing Partners
Frogtown Action Alliance, Convener
District 7 Planning Co�ncil
Metropolitan Council Transit Operations (MCTO)
Private Transit Services
University UNITED
Provide Basic Com�unit� Services
A. Explore alternative arrangements that give neighborhood residents
access to grocery products at affordable prices.
Develop community gardens to provide fresh produce during
severa( months of the year. The establishment of gardens should
THOMAS DALE SMAIL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft
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be consistent with the parks/green space strategy recommended
later iR the pian. Priority sites should 6e those larger spaces that
often exist near bus lines and between major land uses. Specific
provisions should be made for soil testing to ensure the land is
not contaminated and the provision of water.
Create attractive Farmers Market opportunities for the sale of
produce in central—and accessible—locations in the community.
Explore with interested entrepreneurs the possibility of
developing "mobile" grocery outlets—refrigerated vans or small
trucks from which basic groceries (milk, fruits and vegetables,
breads and cereals) could be sold to neighborhood residents.
4. Explore the possibility of establishing a cooperative grocery store
where residents could exchange their labor for quality food at
affordable prices.
Impiementing Partners
Frogtown Action Alliance, Convener
Model Cities
B. Encourage and seek resources to subsidize the development of small
child care homes to enable parents to seek employment as well as
provide smalt business opportunities for neighborhood residents.
fmplementing Pariners
Frogtown Action Afliance
THOMAS DALE SMALL ARfA PIAN: CAy Counci{ Review Draft 9
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Thomas Dale should represent an attractrve residential option for
households across the wider community's racial, cultural and socio-
economic spectrums. That is its heritage and its pride. Significant
disinvestment in recent years, however, has placed the neighbo�hood at
rrsk of being home only to those who have few options and in danger of
being caught in a cantinurng cycle of disrnvestment and isolation.
Healthy neighborhoods require conYinuing invesYment in the
maintenance, repair and rehabilitation of their residential and
commercial properties. A variety of tools are avarlable to the City and
the neighborhood in their efforts to generate that investment. Thomas
Dale's housing strategy should involve some of each.
Mandate compliance with community standards through code
enforcement. Mandates, understandably, raise concerns about
outside enforcement agencies establishing unattainab/e standards
that represent a hardship for community residents. It will be very
important, because of the limited economic means of many property
owners, that the standards be established through a community
process and be tied directly to resolving significant health and safety
concerns.
• Stimulate and encourage private rnvestment with a varie[y of
strategies to include offering public subsidies, developing appropriate
, tax policies, and amending underwriting standards. Financing
mechanisms will, in many cases, need to be specifically designed for
Thomas Dale—with considerable emphasis on outreach, hands-on
assistance and flexibility.
Encourage re-investment through the establishment of an identity in
the marketplace attractive to those who have the resources to invest.
One asset on which Thomas Dale can capitalize in defining such a
niche is its rich stock of historic homes in a traditionally designed
neighborhood. Research and the marketplace itself have
demonstrated that not only do people value older housing in older
neighborhoods, but that the design characteristics associated with
those neighborhoods serve to enhance public safety, neighborhood
involvement and community identity and pride.
Build relationships within the community, encouraging
neighborhood ownershrp and prida There are a variety of strategies
related to building connections between people and between people
and neighborhood institutions, building capacity and leveraging
neighborhood talents. In the broadest sense, investment is
encouraged by a sense of community in a sustaining/nurturing
environment.
�Q THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft
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Among the risks of any strategy is that the market may be stimulated to
the point where property values are raised to a level that low income
and working class households cannot afford. Code enforcement,
rehabilitation and preservation efforts need not, however, displace low
income renters or homeowners. Displacement may occur, however, if
property values rise to the extent that owners of housing occupied by
lower income households either sell their property or raise rents.
Avoiding displacement will require that the neighborhood's housing
strategy include intentional efforts to secure a portion of the housing
stock at affordable levels.
Increase Level of Home Ownership
A. Ensure a sufficient stock of quality homes available for purchase.
1. Encourage the construction of new ownership housing on
individual vacant lots throughout the neighborhood. Priority sites
for new construction should be those on blocks with a significant
number of vacant lots, those where a new house would provide
the necessary investment to encourage other property owners to
make improvements, and those large enough to allow for the
construction of three and four bedroom homes to meet the
;'` needs of large families.
rt
� 2. Establish and maintain a revolving loan fund to finance the
acquisition of problem properties for rehabilitation and resale by
the Greater Frogtown Community Development Corporation.
3. Focus public resources on efforts that would not get done but for
the public financing.
4. Ensure that the construction and design of new homes do not
create a visual conflict with neighboring structures.
5. Advise and involve neighboring residents in the process of
sefecting sites for new housing construction and the design of
the housing units themselves when pu6lic development funds
are used.
6. Recognizing thai homes and properties of various sizes are
important to the diversity oi the community and can help to
provide and preserve affordable housing within the
neighborhood, construction of new homes on smaller lots (under
40 feet wide or less than 5,000 square feet) should be allowed
by the Board of Zoning Appeals if the following conditions are
met and followed:
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft 11
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The community and the district council support the
proposed construction; and
Provisions are made for adequate back yard and open space
on the lot.
Implementing Partners
Greater Frogtown Community Development Corporation
Saint Paul Housing and Redevelopment Authority
Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC)
Habitat for Humanity
West Side Neighborhood Housing Services
District 7 Planning Council
Board of Zoning Appeals
B. Provide suitable financing mechanisms and other support services
to ensure that present Thomas Dale residents can and do take full
advantage of mortgage and rehabilifafion financing programs.
Partner with agencies that provide support services to new
homeowners, including home maintenance training, increasing
the probability of success for new homeowners.
; 2. Work with the Saint Paul Public Housing Agency to identify
�� appropriate homes for the Homeward Program that provides
. home ownership opportunities for selected low income
households.
Collaborate with the existing Mortgage Foreclosure Prevention
program operated by the City's Housing Information Office and
funded by the Northwest Area Foundation and the City to ensure
the program has the necessary flexibility to meet the needs of
Thomas Dale residents.
Work with PED to develop and market non-traditional rehab and
first mortgage loan programs that are more likely to be successful
for neighborhood residents who may have poor credit histories
making them ineligible for private financing.
5. PED should ascertain why applicants fail to complete the process
of securing rehab or first mortgage loans as a means of
identifying those aspects of the process that represent barriers tor
iower income households. That information should be used tc
make adjustments in the various public programs.
� 2 THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft
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6. PED should continue to work on streamlining its application and
review processes for pubfic financing.
7. Design innovative alternative lending structures and financing
mechanisms—such as reverse mortgages, limited equ+ty
cooperatives and land trusts—to serve the needs of first time low
and moderate income home buyers.
8. Where necessary, lobby the State 4egislature to change housing
finance and public assistance policies that serve as barriers to
low income home ownership.
Implementing Partners
Greater Frogtown Community Development Corporation
Habitat for Humanity
Saint Paul PED
Housing information Office
Local lending institutions
People's Network of Minnesota
C. Support efforts of prospective homeowners interested in
,: rehabilitating a home in the community.
1. Target some rehabilitation loans and grants to owners willing to
deconvert small duplexes and triplexes to their originaf single
family status.
2. Prevent the use of rehabilitation loans and grants for the
subdivision of existing structures to establish additional units.
3. Help to develop and/or promote classes through the Saint Paul
Home Improvement Program and Community Education that
assist homeowners in making home repairs and doing more
significant rehabilitation.
Organize small groups of interested homeowners to plan and
take advantage of these educational opportunities.
Implementing Partners
Greater Frogtown Community Development Corporation
Saint Paul Housing and Redevelopment Authority
Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC)
Community Education
THOMAS DALE SMALL ARfA PLAN: City Councii Review Draft 13
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Im�rove Condition of Housing Stock
A. Strengthen mechanisms that improve management and discourage
deferred maintenance in rental buitdi�gs before there is serious
deterioration.
1. Extend the Certificate of Occupancy inspection program to rental
buildings with one or two units. The program should be
carefully designed to ensure the privacy of tenants, possibly by
restricting inspections to time periods between tenants or by
agreement with the tenant.
2. Secure community based non-profit ownership and/or
management of a significant proportion of the neighborhood's
rental housing. The esta6lishment of limited equity or leasehold
co-ops should be explored where appropriate_
3. Promote development of a Frogtown association of property
owners and managers. The association—that may be affiliated
with the Saint Paul Association of Responsible Landlords—would
provide training and technical assistance to association
members.
4. Support tenant advocacy, assistance and training programs
promoting residential stab+lity and preventing homelessness.
Implementing Partners
Greater Frogtown Community Development Corporation
Model Cities
Saint Pau! Association of Responsible Landlords
District 7 Planning Council
Department of Licenses, Inspections and Environmental
Protection (LIEP)
B. Identify serious health and safety code violations and work with
property owners to secure the resources to make necessary
improvements.
Seek public, private or phiianthropic funds to provide home
improvement grants to eligible households.
Enrofl efigible vacant structures in the Fiouses to Homes
program.
Explore opportunities in conjunction with the Saint Paul
Technical UniversiYy, the Trades and Labor Unions and the
�4 THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft
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various smal{ bnsiness assistance programs to provide
neighborhood based education and training opportunities for
adults and young people interested in home repair and
remodeling.
4. Demolition shau(d be considered a last resort and pursued only
when properties cannot be reused. To reduce the instances of
demolition, the City's Division of Public Health and community
development corporations should work together to:
• Improve communications so that CDCs are aware of
potential demolitions as early as possible;
• Take appropriate measures to obtain input from neighboring
residents and block clubs;
• Evaluate individual buildings in context;
• Stre�gthen programs that allow vacant houses to become
available at a negligible cost for purchase and rehabilitation
(e.g. Dollar Houses); and
• Develop mechanisms whereby the City can obtain title to
vacant properties and convey them to a community
organization for rehabilitation.
Implementing Partners
,�> Department of Licenses, Inspection and Environmenta�
=' Protection (LIEP)
= District 7 Planning Council
Greater Frogtown Community Development Corporation
Saint Paul Division of Public Health
Maintain Affordability of Rental Housing
A. Coupled with the strategies to support home ownership for area
residents, systematic efforts must be made to ensure that a portion
of the renfal housing in ihomas Dale remains affordable to tower
income households.
Expfore the feasibifity of expanding or replicating programs such
as the United Way's Families First that rehabilitated small rental
buildings, financing the purchase and rehabilitation in such a
way as to permanently write down the operating costs borne by
the tenants.
2. Explore the development of new rental apartment and
townhome complexes along University Avenue, Minnehaha
Avenue and Pierce Butler.
3. Ensure that rent certificate and voucher programs are tied closely
to local market conditions so as not create windfall profits for
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Cou�cil Review Draft 1$
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landlords and, therefore, a concentration of participating
properties.
4. Encourage the development of residential units on the second
and third floors above new commercial development on
University Avenue.
Implementing Partners
Greater Frogtown Community Development Corporation
Frogtown Action Alliance
Model Cities
Project for Pride in Living
District 7 Planning Council
Identify, Preserve and Market Neighborhood
Attribu
A. Build an understanding of the neighborhood's historic character.
1. Develop public education materials on tf�e historic va�ue of the
neighborhood, the attributes of neighborhood buildings, how to
recognize and protect the value of individua� properties.
Implementing Partners
` District 7 Planning Council
Saint Paul Heritage Preservation Commission
B. Ensure that the public infrastructure +s supportive of the area's
historic character.
Advocate for the installation of public improvements — sidewalks
and curbs, lighting, trees, signage etc — supportive of the area's
character.
Lantern style street lights should be the standard for the area with
provisions made to waive or secure alternative financing for the
related assessments.
Implementing Partners
Distrid 7 Planning Council
Saint Pau( Department of Public Works
C. Encourage the sensitive rehabilitation of area structures as well as
compatible new construction on individual vacant lots.
1 fi THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft
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1. Develop rehab financing programs designed to encourage the
protection or restoration of the historic character of individual
structures.
2. Explore appropriate reuses for traditional corner store buildings
as artist housing/studios or small businesses.
3. Owners of twenty-five properties identified in the 1983 Historic
Sites Survey for Sainf Paul and Ramsey Counfy should be
encouraged to seek formal designation as local and/or National
Register sites and the Heritage Preservation Commission should
support those applications.
.�-
h w.
4. Explore ways to take advantage of the concentration of unique
historical or architectural structures in the area bounded by
Mackubin and Dale, Sherburne and Van Buren. Potential
mechanisms include the creation of demonstration or
conservation district within which special efforts would be made
to educate property owners about the value of their buildings,
provide guidance on making structural changes, and secure
resources to ensure the protection of the most important
structures. Such a district would not be designed primarily as a
regulatory tool though there may be guidelines associated with
resources and other incentives. Any policies governing such a
district should be carefully tuned to balance the resources of
property owners and the value of particular structures.
Amend the Saint Paul Zoning Code to support the continued use
of the several historic "alley houses" in the neighborhood.
Present and prospective owners have a difficult time securing
mortgage or rehabilitation financing because the structures are
considered "nonconforming uses" in the code and cannot be re-
established in the event of serious structural damage without the
permission of the Pianning Commission. The following
amendment would allow their reconstruction and, thus, reassure
potential lenders.
Sec. 62.102.(e) (-)
In any residentiai district,
lot may be reconstructed
an existing second dwelling on a single
�rovided that the number of total
dwelling units on the lot is not increased. The structure may not
be structurally enlarged or extended.
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft 17
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Implementing Partners
Greater Frogtown Community Development Corporation
District 7 Planning Counci!
Saint Paul Heritage Preservation Commission
Saint Paul Planning Commission
D. Market the neighborhood.
(n partnership with area realtors, market the neighborhood, its
houses and available financing mechanisms to potential market
niches.
Impiementing Partners
District 7 Planning Council
Frogtown Times
Saint Paul Area Association of Realtors
Build Community Ownership
A. Develop, support and link together a variety of neighborhood based
associations to strengthen a sense of community.
Voluntary community associations are the most powerful mechanism
' by whicfi people are tinked to their neighborhoods. They provide a
,-�.
sense of belonging as well as a vehicle for bringing resources and
peop(e togeYher to make things happen. They also provide a means
for people from different racial, economic and social groups to work
together for common ends.
Examples of voluntary community associations include PTAs,
churches, friends of the local library, park and school booster clubs,
loca! business associations, district councils, block clubs and
crimewatch chapters, mutual aid associations, landlord, homeowner,
renter or resident associations, community fair and festival sponsors,
garden clubs and beautification groups, Iocal hiseorical societies,
youth groups, focal development companies, civic clubs and support
groups.
B. Establish a Frogtown Neighborhood Improvement and Training
Center in conjunction with any of a number of existing community
organizations to work in conjunction with community development
and other revitalization initiatives.
The program would:
• Strengthen organizational capacity within the neighborhood.
� 8 THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft
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Promote partnerships, particulariy among organizations that
promote revitalization.
increase the skills and invofvement of residents, including youth,
to improve their lives through self-help, feadership development,
political and other strategies.
Integrate a variety of programs or initiatives such as:
Youth Employment and Training
Public Service Work Crews
Community and Home Maintenance Education
Home Owner Finance Training
Tooi Lending Library
Micro-Enterprise Development
Skilfs Bank Exchange
Community Steward Program
Strengthening Voluntary Community Associations
Keystone Housing and Commercial Development
Positive Neighborhood images Program
Implementing Partners
District 7 Planning Councif
Thomas Dale Block Cfubs
Community Education
z�� Frogtown Action Alliance
frogtown Festival, Inc.
Saint Pauf Division of Parks and Recreation
Neighborhood businesses
Community agencies and organizations
7HOMA5 DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Gouncif Review Draft 1�3
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Nealthy families are the buildrng 6locks of a strong communrty. To the
extent, therefore, that the other chapters of this pian re/ate to ensuring
access to safe and affordable housing, productive employment
appropriate education and the range of amenitres offered by Iibraries,
parks, recreation and cultura! opporiunities, the enfire small area plan is
part and parcel of a community building strategy.
The strength of a community, however, is more than the sum of
individuafs and their well being. A community is stronger when its
residents are linked together around shared concerns and common
purpose. A community is more effective when its services and voluntary
associations are carefully integrated. And a community is safer when
people look out for eadi other and wl�en t/�e community as a whole
ensures that the needs of all are met.
The followrng strategy, therefore, is built upon eacfl of the other chapters
of t/�e plan, but specifically addresses issues of linkage, integration and
capacity through a discussion of two concerns: community services and
community places.
Strengthen Community Services
A. Area agencies and service providers should continually look for
ways to more carefulty integrate new and existing services and
� ensure that those services are consistent with the needs of
neighborhood residents.
There are dozens of organizations involved in providing essential
services to the community: public and private schools, churches,
Model Cities Health Center, businesses, Frogtown Action Alliance,
Thomas Dale Block Ciubs, District 7 Planning Council, Wilder
Foundation, West Minnehaha Recreation Center, Scheffer Recreation
Center, Catholic Charities, Frogtown Family Resource Center. A!I are
doing good and important work. This strategy identifies ways that
existing services might be better integrated to ensure that limited
resources are used Yo maximum advantage.
Community service providers should meet on a regular basis to
share information, address common issues and provide mutual
support.
2. New services should be designed in collaboration with existing
programs to increase effectiveness and avoid duplication.
2� THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft
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Programs should take advantage of the network of b�ock clubs
and community organizations to disseminate information and
receive feedback in their planning and program development.
4. Neighborhood residents shouid be invited to participate in the
design, delivery and evaluation of community programs.
B. Develop, support and link together a variety of neighborhood based
voluntary associations to strengthen a sense of community.
Voluntary community associations are the most powerful mechanism
by which people are linked to their neighborhoods. They provide a
sense of belonging as well as a vehic{e for bringing resources and
people together to make things happen. They also provide a means
for people from different raciaf, economic and social groups to work
together for common ends.
Examples of voluntary community associations include PTAs,
churches, friends of the local library, park and school booster clubs,
Iocal business associations, district councils, block clubs and
crimewatch chapters, mutual aid associations, landford, homeowner,
renter or resident associations, community fair and festiva{ sponsors,
garden clubs and beautification groups, local historical societies,
�;�' youth groups, local development companies, civic clubs and support
,,, groups.
Launch a five year initiative to build the capacity of
neighborhood based organizations to assess community assets,
design collaborative projects and nurture community leadership.
2. Continue to develop and support block clubs throughout the
community as the most basic unit of neighborhood organization.
fmplementing Partners
Frogtown Neighborhood Network, Convener
Thomas Dale Block Clubs
Wilder Foundation
Bigelow Foundation
Neighborhood based organizations
C. Existing organizations should support community-wide efforts that
celebrate the neighborhood and its residents.
Support a neighborhood newspaper as a critical communication
link with virtually every household in the neighborhood.
THOMAS DALE SMALL ARfA PIAN: City Councif Review Draft 21
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2. Strengthen the annual Frogtown Festival with financial and
inkind contributions and volunteer support. The City of Saint
Paul should consider subsidizing police services or providing
additional financial support for community festivals in
neighborhoods such as Thomas Dale that have fewer potential
sponsors.
Take advantage of opportunities to recognize the talents and
contributions of neighborhood residents.
4. Encourage "neighboriiness." Recognize that there is often
nothing more powerful in the process of community building
than the individual acts of kindness among neigh6ors—shoveling
a neigh6or's walk, listening to a child, offering encouragement to
a teenager or greeting a stranger.
Implementing Partners
Neighborhood based organizations
Neighborhood residents
University UNITED
D. In developing new services, priority should be given to the
<
following:
� • Initiatives that support the capacities of families to nurture
. children
• Services addressing the needs of children and youth
• Programs focussed on physical neighborhood improvements
Several initiatives are already underway:
Frogtown Famrly Center - Established under the auspices of the
Saint Paul Chiidren's fnitiative, tf�e Frogtown Family Center is a
network of services where residents find or are referred to the
full range of family services (e.g. family education, health care,
employment and training). Administered by a community-based
board, the Family Center relates closely to the existing Frogtown
Family Resource center, a school districY—commu�ity
co!laboration focusing on early childhood and family education.
After Schoo! Actrvities - The State of Minnesota inciuded $2
million in its 6iennial bonding bill to provide facifities within
which to provide after school programs. Additional funds are
available from the federal government.
Charter School - Planning funds for new charter schools were
allocated by the 1996 legis�ature. The St. Pau! Family Learning
22 THOMAS DALE SMAtL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft
9�-3�3
Center Charter Schoo( opened in the fall of 1996 and serves
families in the study area. There are hopes that additional
s+milar schools can be established in the Thomas Dale
community.
Implementing Partners
Neighborhood based organizations
Create Communit� Places
A. Pursue a community wide planning process to establish a
cammunity center (or a principal center with satellite service
centers) that would:
• Be accessible to as high a percentage of the community as
possible
• Integrate multiple services (family education, health,
recreation)
• Be developed and managed by a collaboration of
community organizations
Gathering places play an important role in the life of any
community. They are the places where people come to know
' each other as neighbors, where important information is
°� availabfe and shared, and where the community's story is
' shaped and recounted to old-timers and new-comers alike. They
may be formally designated or simply emerge out of the rhythm
of daily life.
Among the challenges for the new community-building
initiatives now being planned is the acute lack of appropriate
space. There is, therefore, considerable interest in the
establishment of a community center at which a number of
services could be {ocated.
The difficulty, of course, in a iarge geographic area with poor
transit services where few people have access to cars, is
selecting one place that "works" for the whole community. An
alternative might be to establish a major center and link it—
through telecommunications, vans and/or joint programming—
with a select number of existing "satellite" centers.
Implementing Partners
Wilder Foundation, Convener
Neighborhood based organizations
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PtAN: City Council Review Drak 23
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Neighborhood transportation issues are not defined—nor are they
resolved—in a vacuum. The transportation system that serves Thomas
Dafe is a regional system. The streets, highways, bus routes and,
potentiall y, Iight rail lines, that run through Thomas Dale connect it with
the metropolitan area. Metropolitan decisions to invest rn one mode of
transportation over against another have a profound impact on the
health and vitality of neighborhoods such as Thomas Date. Thomas
Dale, in the final analysis, would be best served by a regiona(
transpo�tation and (and use policy that limics suburban development and
strengthens local transit services in inner city communities. The
community's cha(Ienge, therefore, is to identify forums in which those
decisions are being made and become an effective advocate for
neighborf�ood interests.
Within the neighborhood, however, the condition and design of three
major arterials as well as the neighborhood street system and the quality
of public transit service are the defining issues for the Traffrc and
7ransportation Strategy. Most of the issues, however, are discussed in
the Economic Development Strategy (page 2). The proposed redesign of
Universrty Avenue and Dale Street is intended to make t/�em more
attractive and pedestrian-friendly commercia! streets. While University
Avenue serves a regiona! market and Da/e Street a more local market,
botfl can be enhanced by trees, street lights and traffic calming
measures. Pierce Butler, if slighdy rerouted, could provide direct access
to the Dale Street Shops/Maxson Steel site, making it a more attractive
site for industrial redevelopment.
The balance of the strategy, discussed in this sectron, focuses on (a) the
improvement of neighborhood streets in ways that enhance the character
of the residential environment and support public and private investment
in rehabilitation and redevelopment and (b) the improvement of public
transit services.
Improve Neighborhood Street an Trails
A. Complete the improvement of the neighborF�ood street system with
the installafion of curbs, gutters, street lights and boulevard trees.
Encourage the Department of Public Works to program the
paving of and installation of curbs, gutters and street lights on the
tollowing street segments north of University Avenue:
• Mackubin
• KenT
• Arundel
24 THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Drafr
`��- 3�3
Improvements along these street segments will enhance efforts
made by the Greater Frogtown Community Development
Corporation to build or rehabilitate homes in the area for
purchase by new homeowners.
2. Replace missing boulevard trees in the area either by adjusting
the citywide replacement schedule or allowing for the planting
of donated trees in the boulevard.
Encourage private piantings in the boulevards through
promotional material, plant give-aways, and/or award programs
such as the Minneapolis Center for the Urban EnvironmenYs
"Blooming Soulevards" program,
B. In planning improvements for neighborhood streets, identify
opportunities for traffic calming. For instance, intersections where
extra land might allow the installation of a traffic circle should be
identified. Four to six circles could be considered for the study area
as a means of both slowing traffic through the neighborhood and
contributing to the neighborhood character. The circles should be
attractively landscaped and could be sites for sculptures or other
public art.
: C. Create bicycle and pedestrian trails linking the neighborhood with
^ key amenities such as downtown, the Mississippi River, Como Park
attd the University of Minnesota.
Implementing Partners
District 7 Planning Council
Saint Paul Department of Public Works
University UNITED
A. The level of service presently offered by the 16A bus line on
University Avenue should at least he maintained if not expanded.
The bus provides an essential service to many neighborhood
residents who use it to make relatively short trips to grocery stores,
health clinics, child care and employment.
The preservation of the 16A Iine takes on a particular importance i�
light of plans to co�struct a light rail line in the freeway corridor. It
should be emphasized that light rail—as currently envisioned—will be
designed to move people quickly between the two cities and,
therefore, will not replace the 16A Yhat carries people relatively short
distances along University Avenue.
THOMAS DAtE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft 2rj
�7-��3
B. Bus service should be increased on Dale Street where buses run
only every haff hour.
Many of the clients of Model Cities rely on the bus tor Yransportation
to and from their appointments. This iine a(so offers direct access to
suburban jobs and shopping.
C. Service on the number 7 and 34 bus lines shoutd be maintained or
increased.
The number 7 bus that serves area schools, playgrounds and the Rice
Marion apartments as well as the number 34 bus that wi(I be
instrumental in serving any new industria� or multi-family
development along Minnehaha also play a critical role in the
neighborhood's transportation system. Service on these lines shouid
be maintained or increased.
D. The area also needs circulator bus service thaY runs through the
neighborhood, linking residenfs to local services such as the grocery
sYore and health clinic.
Implementing Partners
District 7 Planning Council
, Wilder Foundation
Frogtown Family Center
Metropolitan Council Transit Operations (MCTO)
Midway Chamber of Commerce
Advocate for Supportive Regional
Trans rta i n nd U Poli ie
A. Ensure that regional transportation systems are supportive of
Thomas Dale's redevelopment and renewal efforts.
The District 7 Planning Council should advocate for a coherent
regional transportation policy that integrates the construction of
highways and rail systems with a land use and growth
management policy that discourages sprawi.
2. In the event the light rail transit system in constructed in the
freeway corridor and includes a station at Dale Street, the
District 7 Planning Council should be involved in its design.
The stop should not inciude a"park and ride" lot.
2fi THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft
�'�- 3�3
Implementing Partners
District 7 Planning Council
Metropolitan Council
Ramsey Couniy Regional Rail Authority
Midway Chamber of Commerce
University UNITED
Resolve Neighborhood Parking Iss�ies
A. in consultation with surrounding property owners and commun+ty
organizations, reso{ue parking issues at the tollowing locations in a
manner that minimizes the parking's impact on surrounding
residential properties and the character of the neighborhood:
• Northwest corner of University and Dale
• Kim Hung's Grocery
• International Marketplace
• Blues Saloon i601 North Western)
• Hmong Funeral Home
Implementing Partners
District 7 Planning Council
University UNITED
Individual Susiness Owners
; Affected Residents and Bfock Clubs
Midway Chamber of Commerce
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft 27
n_
Successful communitres encourage and support lifefong learning fhaf
begins with preparing rts youngest members for school and, at the same
time, ensures that its adults are prepared to participate in a rapidly
changing economy. Thomas Dale is home to a wide variety of
educationa! institutions and programs—from the Frogtown Family
Resource Center and Ramsey Action Program's Headstart focused on
early childhood and parent education, to two public elementary schools,
St. Agnes School, the Ronald Hubbs Center for Lifelong Learning, Saint
Paul Rehabilitation Center and the CitylSchool District's community
education program. In addition, a Model Cities program serves tl�e
preschool education needs of children born with chemical addictions
and the Thunder Spirit Lodge focuses on the care of tf�ose afflicted with
Feral Alcohol Syndrome. Each has its o�n�n mission, agenda and method
of rela[ing with the community. Whife the other sections of the plan
include recommendations that, if implemented, would strengthen the
environment for education — such as reducing transiency, creating
spaces for recreation, emphasizing �ob training/preparation — the
following recommendations focus specifically on how the communrty
can support the individual and common efforts of the educational
institutions to meet the needs of its residents.
Build Communit� Support for Education
A. Encourage community involvement in the schools.
Encourage investment in volunteer training and suppori. The
schools are eager to have parents and other community
members involved in school programs during and after school.
Reading wich chiidren, providing enrichment programs or simply
being an extra set of hands in a classroom are all important
contributions. For some, that may come naturally. Others may
want or need the support of a certain level of training,
recognition or other incentive to encourage their participation.
Secure sponsorship of individual schools by corporations and/or
organizations both from within and outside the neighborhood.
Sponsor equipment retycling drives to ensure students have
access to appropriate equipment to participate in athlefic and
artistic programs.
4. encourage schools to be welcoming places tor parents and
community members.
2$ THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA p1AN: City Council Review DraR
47�3�3
Implementing Partners
District 7 Planning Council
Parent Teacher Organizations
Frogtown Family Resource Center
Community Education
Individual Schools
Univers+ty UNITED
B. Strengthen collaboration among educational programs within the
neighborhood.
Expand participation in networking activities. A monthly lunch
meeting for Thomas Daie human service agencies is a good
beginning, but doesn't provide enough time or space for the
collaboration that needs to take place. Other opportunities
should be identified.
2. Ensure that participants in individual human service programs
are aware of—and can refer participants to--the services of the
various educational institutions.
3. Develop multi-faceted programming to take advantage of
community resources and meet multiple needs. Coliaboration
between the Frogtown Family Resource Center and )ackson
, School, for instance, has increased parental participatio� in the
school's evening programs for families inasmuch as the Resource
Center encourages participation, assists with transportation and
provides programs for the children while parents are involved in
meetings or conferences.
4. Strengthen the relationships between area child care providers
and elementary schools in order to develop ways to ease the
child's transition between day care and school, strengthen
school readiness and, without jeopardizing the privacy of the
child and his/her family, prevent any lapse in critical support
services.
Encourage schooi principals and staff to become involved in
community organizations as a means of improving collaboration.
Implementing Partners
Public and private schoois and education agencies
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft 29
�7� �( �
C. Encourage the estabiishment of one or more charter schools in the
community.
Ensure that planning for new schools involves collaboration with
existing schools and human service providers.
Particular encouragement should be given to organizaTions
willing to develop charter schoois that emphasize cross cultural
education.
Impiementing Partners
District 7 Planning Council
Potential school boards and administrators
People's Network of Minnesota
Public and private schools
Wilder Foundation
D. Expand options and opportunities for pre-school and elementary
school age children and their families.
Ensure that quality after school activities are available for all
children who need them.
2. Support programming for pre-school and elementary school
, children that encourages peaceful conflict resolution.
3. Support additiona! resources £or Headstart programs in the
community in order that alI who qualify can participate.
Implementing Partners
Public and private schools and learning centers
Headstart
Saint Pau! Division of Parks and Recreation
Saint Pau( Pubfic Library
Wilder Foundation
Parent Teacf�er Organizations
E. Expand options for junior and senior high age students.
Support and strengthen programs such as those offered by local
churches and schools, Frogtown Future, Save our Cities Kids and
the Leadership Training Program of the Thomas Dale Block
Clubs that involve young people in positive association with
significant adults whi�e helping them to develop their own
potential.
30 THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft
`�7-3�3
Explore sources of private and philanthropic support to enable
young people from Thomas Dale to participate in programs such
as those offered by the Science Museum, local colleges and
universities, theatres or summer camps.
Implementing Partners
Public and private schools and learning centers
Saint Paui Division of Parks and Recreation
Thomas Dale Block Clubs
Community Education
University UNITED
7HOMA5 DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Councii Review Draft $�
Access to quality affordable health care is a national issue. It is of
particular concern for 7homas Da/e where such a high percentage of
citizens are not covered by employer sponsored hea(th insurance,
making them especially vulnerable to changes in pu6fic support for
health care. Data analyzed by the City's Division of Public Health
reveal Thomas Dale to be among the city's medically underserved
communities. Critical issues include a low rmmunization rate, (�igher
than average infant mortality rates and /ead poisoning of children.
Secure 8asic Health Services for All Residents
A. Strengthen the Model Cities Heatth Center as fhe primary provider
of communify based medical and dental services.
Advocate for funding formulas that recognize the unique needs
of community health centers that serve a high proportion of
uninsured citizens.
Support funding app(ications that serve to stabilize the financial
status of the health center.
Explore partnerships that might bring professional services to the
health center at below market costs.
Implementing Partners
- Model Cities Health Center
Public Health Agencies
Foundations
B. Strengthen the sense of partnership among health care providers in
and around the Thomas Dale community.
Organize a formal community health care coalition to meet on
regular basis.
2. Develop and prioritize strategies around building community
awareness relative to health issues and ensuring a higher tevel of
preventative care.
Implementing Partners
Model Cities
Saint Paul Division of Public Health
Frogtown Action Alfiance
Private health care/alternative medicine services
Saint Paul/Ramsey Medical Center
32 THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Countil Review Draft
q-�_a�a
Emnhasize Pr v n inn
A. Ensure widespread access to immunizations, screening and well
child care.
Support public health initiatives including the mobile delivery—
with a van or other mobi! clinic arrangement—of specific services
including immunizations and health screening. Services to
Thomas Dale could be integrated with those to other similar
neighborhoods.
Implementing Partners
Saint Paul Division of Public Health
Model Cities Health Center
Frogtown Action Alliance Health Task Force
B. Etiminate the incidence of lead poisoning.
Increase screening of children at risk.
2. Continue educational program in multiple languages and in
collaboration with the Frogtown Family Resource Center and
other programs with high participation of neighborhood families.
�
;` 3. Continue to abate affected homes, taking particular care to
secure public funding for low and moderate income property
owners.
4. Identity and advocate for alternative ameliorative measures—such
as encapsulation with paint rather than complete abatement—that
reduce lead exposure to more acceptable levels while avoiding
excessive costs beyond the means of low and moderate income
households.
5. Secure a"lead free" house in which families can live while the
contamination is being removed from their homes.
lmplementing Partners
Saint Paul Division of Public Heafth
Greater Frogtown Community Development Corporation
DistricT 7 Planning Council
Area health agencies
Department of Licenses, Inspections and Environmental
Protection
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft 33
2�-3► `�
C. Substantia(ly reduce the amount of trash and garbage in
neighborhood yards and alleys.
Explore alternatives to the present garbage hauling system that
will ensure universal collection.
Increase City financia( support for neighborhood clean-up
activities.
Implementing Partners
District 7 Pianning Council
City of Saint Paul
Private garbage haufers
Block clubs
�
:�
34 7HOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft
�
As a central city neighborhood with houses bui(t on re(atively small lots,
Thomas Da/e has among the smallest amount of green space per resident
of any neighborhood in the city. /t is a(so an area whe�e the housing is
in high demand and the fabric of the neigh6orhood is vulnerable to any
wholesa�e demoiition of housing units. The chal/enge is to carefu!ly
leverage usefuf open space through the revitalization process. The plan
addresses the need for three types of open space: (1) Singie iots that are
within view—o� earshot—of most of the households on a block where
children can safe(y play; (2) Medium size parks (7/2 block in size) with
playground equrpment and/or a backstop to be used by familres within a
2-4 block radius; and (3) Expansion of West Mrnnehaha Recreation
Center that serves the entire community.
A. Develop a community wide plan for the establisfiment of different
types of parks and greenspaces.
1. The plan should include:
• A full imentory of the present system;
• An assessment of what types of parks(green spaces and traiis
are needed in the various parts of the neighborhood to
complete the system;
• A designation of specific vicinities where additional
parks/green spaces might be established. These
designations should consider accessibility to the site,
population density in the surrounding blocks, and
relationship to redevelopment activities; and
• A policy that the demolition of existing structures should be
avoided.
• A� identification of funding sources for acquisition and
maintenance of parkland(green spaces.
An outline for the plan is proposed in the recommendations
befow.
Implementing Partners
District 7 Planning Council, Convener
Frogtown Action Alliance
Thomas Dale Block Clubs
Greater Frogtown Community Development Corporation
Individuai b4ock clubs
Saint Paul Division of Parks and Recreation
Parks and Recreation Commission
Pubiic Art Saint Paui
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft S5
��- 3��
B. Create more small "green spaces" within the neighborhood.
Consider the establishment of neighborhood play spaces and/or
gardens on individual lots, especially on blocks with narrow lots
or in instances where new construction is unlikely in the short
term. Lots in the middie of blocks, rather than on the corners,
are generally preferred.
Acquisition, design, maintenance and supervision of these lots
would provide an opportunity for neighbors to work Together.
Indeed, the initiative of block residents would be essential to
their success—and, therefore, should be a prerequisite.
Develop a neighborhood-wide strategy for identifying
opportunities for single lot green spaces and doing the necessary
organizing. The strategy should include a system for handling
insurance issues.
3. Consider finking lots on individual blocks into a neighborhood
system by creating a walking—or exercise—tour that highlights the
uniqueness of each lot and its surrounding community.
Implementing PaMners
•' District 7 Planning Council
�� Block clubs
i Minnesota Green
Sustainabfe Agriculture Resource Center
C. Establish one or two other half block sized parks to complement
Ryan Park located in the southwest quadrant of the study area.
7. Improve the landscaping and play facilities on the Jackson
School grounds to encourage its use by the communiYy in the
southeast quadrant of The study area after school and on
weekends.
2. integrate the establishment of up to two other parks with the
rehabilitation of neighboring houses, the piacement of traffic
circles or the creation of some other amenity in order to enhance
the impact of eacfi improvement.
Implementing Partners
District 7 Planning Council
Saint Paul Division of Parks and Recreation
Saint Pau! School District
36 THOMAS DALE SMALL AREq p(qN: City Council Review Draft
��-3�3
A. Expand fhe services provided by West Minnehaha Recreation
Center.
Expfore opportunities to expand the size of the recreation center
site, possibly through the realignment of Pierce Butler Road.
2. Strengthen programming at the recreation center itself through
closer coliaboration with neighborhood residents in establishing
priorities and designing programs consistent with their needs and
interests.
B. Extend recreation programming into alternative sites throughout the
neighborhood such as at Ryan Park, Jackson School, community
churches or storefronts.
Implementing Partners
Thomas Dale Block Clubs
Saint Paul Division of Parks and Recreation
Parks and Recreation Commission
West Minnehaha Booster C1ub
District 7 Planning Council
Frogtown Action Alliance
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft 3]
r.r
Thomas Dale is a fully developed neighborhood with only occasional
reasons—or opportunities—to change the existing land use patterns. A
review of the entire pfanning district reveals a rich mixture of housing
types, commercial uses and industrial developments. The easiernmost
part of the planning district is the Mt. Airy public housing site.
Immediately to the east of the study area are the Rice Marion
apartments; to the west is a mixed use residential area developed by the
Wilder Foundation. At the northern border is a sizab/e industria! site; at
the southern border rs University Avenue, one of the city's most
significant commercia! strips. Within t/�e study area, however, the vast
majoricy of residentia! structures are smaller houses originally built as
single family residences. It is within that context that the plan makes
recommendations relative to land use controls in the study area.
There are two p�incipal recommendations. The frrst is to rezone most of
t/�e study area, now zoned for two family use, to single famil y use. This
is �ecommended largely as a measure to curtail the conversion of
structures built as relatively sma!! single family l�omes to two or more
famil y homes. The experrence in the neighborhood has been that an
increasing demand for affordable rental housing is being met through the
conversion of single family homes by landlords who rent a space
designed for one family to two or three families. The structures
themselves, many of them more than 100 years old, are not able to
withstand the level of wea� and tear that comes with higher occupancy.
The neighborhood's schools and social service agencies are straining to
meet the needs of the existing residents and, for the most part, do not
have the capacity to serve an increasing population. And increasing the
concentration of lower income households in a siRgle neighborhood is
not in the best rnterests of the households themselves or the
neighborhood.
Some areas—a/ong tf�e major arterials where transportatron rs most
accessib/e—are recommended for apartment or town(�ome development
rn order to meet the need for well-managed and well-maintarned renta!
(�ousing. It is recognized thar—as market conditions rmprove—
opportunitres may emerge where additiona! areas would be
appropriately developed evith two family housing or town homes.
Through thrs plan, the district council and the City signa! their
willingness to positive(y consider rezonrng if subsequently needed and
approprrate to a!(ow for development compatible wrth neighborhood
character and design.
Tne second ma�or change recommended 6y [hrs plan relates to the
��idening of Dale Street. /nasmuch as the land on the east side of Dale
has been acquired for the right of way, it should no longer be zoned for
commercial use. The west side of Dale, on the other hand, should be
38 THOMAS DACE SMALL AREA PLqN: City Council Review Drah
a �-�c�
zoned exclusively for neighborhood leve! comme�cial uses. �is discussed
previously, residential uses should be phased out and the zoning
recommended here is consistent with that polrcy.
A. Ensure that adopted land use regulations are supportive of the
community's revitalization efforts.
The study area shouid be rezoned as indicated on the following
maps.
2. The community encourages higher density residential
development along major transportation corridors--University
Avenue, Minnehaha Avenue and Pierce Butier—provided that it
meets the following standards:
a. Its scale is consistent with the surrounding character of the
neighborhood. Pedestrian scale dupiexes and townhouses
are preferred.
b. Its design and orientation to the street are consistent with the
surrounding neighborhood.
�• Provisions aee made for play areas and green space.
d. Parking and traffic issues are adequately addressed.
The consiste�cy of the proposed redevelopment with these
t : standards will be the focus of the district councii's review of a
petition for rezoning.
Rezonings of properties for higher density new construction or
rehabilitation in the balance of the study area wiii be considered
on a case by case basis. The district council will support those
applications that represent high quality development in keeping
with the character of the neighborhood.
4. Mixed resideniial/commerciaVoffice structures are encouraged
along University Avenue and Dale Street. Reiatedly, it is
recommended that the Planning Commission study and propose
appropriate amendments to the Zoning Code to encourage
mixed use development in the B-2 zoning district.
5. There should be no additional expansion of commercial uses or
parking onto Sherburne Avenue within the study area except on
the biock west of Dale between Universiry and Sherburne
Avenues where additional parking may be required to ailow the
establishment of commerciai uses on the west side of Da�e Street
between University and Sherburne Avenues. In cases where
parking expansion is approved, existing policies related to
setbacks, landscaping and access should be enforced.
Shouid the market on University Avenue begin to require
THOMAS DALE SMALL qREA PLqN; City Council Review Draft
39
��-����
significant additiona! space, and there is no alternative to an
expansion to the south side of Sherburne Aven�e, potential
developers could work with the district council to develop a
mutua(fy acceptable plan and propose an amendment to the
comprehensive plan that would allow such an expansion.
Imptementing Partners
Saint Paul Planning Commission
District 7 Planning Council
Midway Chamber of Commerce
University UNITED
,
40 THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Courtci! Review Drak
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THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Councfl Review Dra(t �}1
V
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'1S
� ( �-3(3
Saint Paul Planning Commission
Peg 1. Sirk )oyce Maddox
)oseph P. Chavez Timothy Mardell
Esperanza Duarte David McDonell, Chair
Carole Faricy Gladys Morton
Litton Field, Jr. Richard Nowlin
Anne Flaxman Geisser Kurt Schwichtenberg
Stephen D. Gordon Michael Sharpe
Frank Gurney �mogene Treichel
Richard J.F. Kramer Mark Vaught
Michael Lee Barbara A. Wencl
Eileen ). Lund-Johnson
Thomas Dale Smal! Area P{an Task Force
Kevin Kittilson, Co-chair Pat Lindgren
Kurt Schwichtenberg, Co-chair Lengchy Lor
Brenda Alexander Morris Manning
Christopher Coleman Mary Milliner
David Colwell Bill Pepar
Elizabeth Colwell Secky Rice
Beverly Hawkins Margaret Romero
Duane }ohnson Janet Marie Shane
Mazi)ohnson Ron Stevens
Kevin Kajer Connie Stewart
,: Kristen Kidder Barbara Strommer
Victoria Kittilson Sandy Unger
�`� • Tou Sue Lee Andy Wiiliams
David Liset Clare Wilson
District 7 Planning Council
Michael Samuelson Joanne Tooley
Sallie Sheppheard Kenrie Williams
Spencer Blaw
Department of Planning and Economic Development
Pamefa Wheelock, Director Ken Ford, Pianning Administrator
Hope Melton, Planner Nancy Homans, Planner
Katy Lindblad, Project Manager Joan Hagen Chinn, Graphic Artist
The District 7 Planning Council and the City of Saint Pau! gratefu)fy acknowledge the
contributio� made by the Bigelow Foundation to this planning process.
The Gty of Saint Paul does not discriminate on tne basis of disa6ihty, race, sex, sexuaf or
affechonaf onentation, age, wlor, aeed, naUOnaf ongin or ancestry, marital status, religior,,
veteran status, or status with regard to pubhc assutance in the admission or access to, or treatmen�
or employment m, its programs or activities.
The City of Saint Paul Norm Coleman, Mayor
THOMAS DAiE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft 43
. . �� ���
Thomas Dale
Smalt Area P(an
Community Letters of Commitment
�..:
. ..,�
��-�i�
� , �
V
�I
November 15, 1996
David McDonell, Chair
St. Paul Planning Commission
c/o Nancy Holmans
Department of Planning and Economic Development
25 West Fourth Street
St. Paul, Minnesota 55102
Dear Mr. McDonneli:
Thomas • Dale
IIistrict 7 Community Council, Inc.
369 University Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55103
PH:(612)298-5065
FAX:(612)298-5072
At its September 26, 1996 board of directors meeting, the Thomas{Dale District 7 Planning Council
passed a morion expressing its unanimous support for the draft Thomas Dale Small Area Plan that is
now in before the St. Paul Planning Commission for your review, comments and approval.
This document has been carefully developed over the past three years by our community. We have
worked hand-in-hand with one common goal in mind - to help biaze a path where our residents,
businesses, public agencies and our many neighborhood partners can travel in order to assist with the
preservation and revitalization of the Thomas Dale community. This plan represents the hopes and
dreams many of us have for this very important portion of central St. Paul. We feel that it can be a
plan that we and our partners can all use each and everyday in order to ensure that the Thomas Dale
area continues to be a great piace to live, work and raise our families.
Now that this particular planning process at the community level has been completed the real work is
aboui to begin. We have already started the implementarion of some key components of this plan.
For example, a community visioning process on the future reuse of the former Dale Street Burlington
Northero train yards begins this month. Its task is to develop a plan for what this possible industrial
park would look like and more importantly how it can help to sdmulate the further revitalization of ow
community. We expect to be busy for many years to come maldng sure that this plan is an active
guidepost for our community and the city to foilow.
As you may know, the primary task that our district council took during this process was to help
coordinate the community-based task force which actually developed this dra8 Small Area Plan.
Upon review of this document you will see why we feel that we did our job quite well. We wish to
acknowledge the fine support and guidance our task force received from your staff. Both Ms.
Homans and Melton were invaluabie resources to this planning process and our simple thanks could
never be enough to express the debt we owe to their work on this draft Small Area Plan.
Thank you for yow thoughtful review and, we hope, your eventual approval of this very important
document. If you have need for any further infonnation please contact me at 298-5068.
Sincerely,
�� �
/�
Michael Samuelson, Executive Director
Thomas/Dale District 7 Planning Council
��-�t3
Frogtown Action Alliance
r r•. 1l�-
��
September 20, 1996
Barry Madore, Board Chair
Thomas-Dale District 7 Council
369 University Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55103
Deaz Mr. Madore:
689 NORTH DALE STREET
ST. PAUL, MN 55103
(612) 22a-�i sa
SEP 2 4 RECD
The Frogtown Action Alliance (FAA) mission is to bring together the diverse individuals and
organizations in Frogtown to create and carry out a responsive neighborhood initiated plan for sustained
action that addresses and provides solutions for the issues and problems the neighborhood faces. FAA
is committed to fostering the broadest possible representation and participation in a neighborhood
decision making by all Frogtown residents regardless of ethnicity, economically disadvantaged, or other
distinctions.
FAA supports the Small Area Plan with the following three modifications:
♦ Page 1, Economic Development section under subtitle Capitalize on Redevelopmer:t Opporlurtitres
section (A). Add as follows:
"7. Collaborate with Wilder Foundation and other implementing partners to collaborate and
develop an industrial site that includes a National Guard Armory, Charter School, Neighborhood
Center and other business development to encouragejob stimulation and growth."
♦ Page 3, . Add the Wilder Foundation as an Implementing Partner.
♦ Additional clarification should be added relating to the unplementation plan for the objectives in tha
Small Area Plan.
Thank you for the opponunity to meet with you, however, FAA staff has been involved and made
recommendations to the board. Please contact me at 645-6445 if you have any questions related to this
matter.
Sincerefy,
`.'v�JL �,.���1Q�
Ike Welborn
Board Chair
cc: Michael Samuatson
Shem Shakir
District 7 Boazd of Directors
FAA Board of Directors
-M Equal Opportunity Empioyer-
�i-�i3
0
u
Great Fr Comm 'ty Develop Corporati
Telephone (bl2] 298-8980
689 North Dale Sireet
Si. Pau�, MN 55103
September 23, 1996
Mr. Kevin Kittilson, Co-Chair
Mr. Kurt Schwichtenberg, Co-Chair
Thomas Dale Small Area Plan Task Force
c\o Thomas Dale District 7 Planning Council
369 University Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55103
Dear Mr. Kittilson and Mr. Schwichtenberg:
S�p 2 6 REC'D
The Greater Frogtown Community Development CorQoration's Board of Directors and
Staff are pleased to offer their support of the Thomas-Dale Small Area P[an.
The Small Area Plan, was reviewed and approved by the GFCDC Board of Directors
during their last meeting on September 16, 1996. As the mission of GFCDC calls for the
deve(opment and rehab of high quality affordable housing, as well as the improvement of
rental and homeownership opportunities, we concur with the goals identified in the Plan's
Housing Strategy, such as increasing the level of homeownership, improving the
condition of the housing stock, and maintaining the affordability of rental housing.
Our Board Members and Staffwill be incorporating pieces ofthe Small Area Plan into
our organization's strategic plan and work plans at our upcoming retreat in November.
The Small Area Plan will certainly be beneficial to the Frogtown community.
Sincerely,
Denis �%� <
President
����c�
Amherst H.
VV'ilder
Foundation
Siace 1906
SEP 2 6 REC'D
Executive Office
919 Lafond Avenue Saent Paal, MN 55104 (612) 642-4098 FAX (6t2) 642-4068
September 24, 1996
Spencer Biaw
Thomac-T�ale Sr1a11 Area Plan Taek. p����
c/o District 7 Plam�ing Council
369 University Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55103
Dear Spencer:
I am writing on behalf of the Amherst H. Wilder Foundation to express strong support
for the Thomas-Dale small area plan. We are most anxious to assist in the
implementation plan along with other members of the Thomas-Dale community.
I have been particularly impressed with your attempts to get input from all of the
difEerent interested groups in the community.
Please extend our appreciation for this plan to the District 7 Planning Council and our
offer to participate in the implementation of the plan.
Sincerely,
Q � ` '� �
� S�
Thomas W. Kin ston
President
TWK:ae
President
Thomas W. Kings[on
Board of Directors
Kennon V. Rothcfiild, Chair; IIi7abeth M. Kiemaz, First Ytce Chtic; Anthony L. Andeisen, Second Yice Chair;
MaicoUn W. McDonald, Secretazy. ITrec[ors Charl[on Dietz, Eiisabeth W. Doe�mann,
Chariu M. Osbome, Mary Thomroo Phillips, Pe[er B. Ridder, Bazbara B. Roy
�"d' �J[�
' � ` SEP 2 6 R�C't�
�!!� 11 � - -
MODEL CITIES
OF ST. PAUL. INC.
September 26, 1996
Kevin 1Cittilson and I<urt Sch�vichtenberg, co-chairs
District 7 Planning Council
369 University Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55103
Dear Chaicpersons:
This letter is to express our support for the Thomas-Dale Small Area Plan in
recognition of the many hours that city staff and community volunteers
committed to its development. Model Cities' staff were among those who
par[icipated on the Small Area Plan Task Force. We are happy �vith the result
of the many hours of dedicated work and look fozward to the final adoption of
the Thomas-Dale Small Area Plan.
We support the recommendations described in die plan. We are committed to
working with other implementing paz tners to rea]ize the plan's vision of
'Thomas-Dale as a community where families can live in decent, affordable
housing and find opportunities for employznent and ownership; and a
neighborhood dtat is a clean and safe place to live, where a11 are valued.
Thank you for the opportunity to review than.
Sincerely,
�� GI ��� l�4���1�
Beverley Oliver Hawk�ns, Ph.D.
Chief Executive Officer
�;:.� � t�.�,. . ; ;�� ��, � � - �' 13
.
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� _: _ �_; ��� �]�` :� �� �,_`,}^ 7'win Cities Habitat for Humanity
`Building Community"
September 26, 1996
Mc Spencer Blaw
District 7 Planni�g Council
369 University Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55103
Dear Mr. Btaw,
I am pleased to provide to you tl�is letter of support for the work that you and your Task Force have done
to produce the Thomas Dale Small Area Plan. It is an excellent example of the kind of vision and
creativity that exists in our communities, and which is so critical to the revitalization of our
neighborhoods.
We are particularly impressed by ttie range of options outlined in the section on housing strategies. While
Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity conducts a padicular rype of owner occupied hous+ng development, we
recognize that neighborhoods and households need a range of options in order to meet their individual and
community housing needs. We are very pleased to be listed as a potential implementor of some of these
strategies, and we stand ready to work with the District Council, the Greater Frogtown Community
Development Corporation and the other key leadership groups in the Thomas Dale area to deliver both
new construction and renovated houses of an ownership nature to families with modest incomes.
Jost this week we began the rehabilitation of a home at 78t Lafond. This home is being rehabilitated in
partnership with many community groups and is being sponsored by the Wilder Foundation. At the
neighborhood festival that was held to celebrate the kick off of this home last Saturday, we realized that
there are many families in the Fro�town neighborhood who would appreciate the chance to purchase a
home in the community. Habitat for Humanity stands ready to respond to those needs as long as we are
able to work in partnership with the District Council, the CDC, and all of the other organizations
providing leadership and direction to the Thomas Dale community.
I regret that an unexpected commitment �vill keep me away from your gathering Yonight where tha Small
Area Plan will be presented to the District CounciL It is my hope that this Jetter will fully convey to you,
and to the Council, Habitat for Humanity's strong commitment to helping the community fulfill the
potential it has for being a model neighborhood in the City of St. Pau(. Please do not hesitate to call me
if you should have any questions or if you or the District Council wish to further pursue collaborative
ideas involving Habitat for Humanity in the months to come.
Very truly yours, -�
.� r 'E'�
Stephen Seidel
Executive Director
SS/kmc
3001 Four[h Street S.E. • Minneapo('u, MN55414 •(612) 331-4090 •(612) 331-1540 Fax
�►`� � aE �
VVI iV D
Western initiatives for Neighborfitaod Oevelopment
65� �/: UNIVERSITY AVENUE
September 26, 1996
Mr. Revin Kittilson, co-chair
• ST. PAUL, MN 55104 • PHONE: 291-2480 • FAX: 29'14597
Kurt Schwichtenberg, co-chair
Thomas D&le Small Area Plan Committee
c(o I?istrict 7 Planning Council
369 University Avenue
St. Paui, Msnnesota 55104
Dear Kevin, Kurt and Committee members:
SEP 2 6 REC'Q
I would like to congratulate all of you ott the tremendous job you did on the Small Area Plan fot
Thomas Dale. The amount of work and thvught you put into it is very apparant, and the pian wi11
be a very valuable tool for this community for many years.
I have not had time to review a11 of your draft plan, but I have looked over my area of
involvement, ecnomic development. I have the following comments:
1. Inciuding in the vision statement the creation of "vibrant productive businesses" is a strong
positive messa$e &bout their importance t0 tltis commu[uty,
2. Putting FAA as the tead organization on most of these recommendations is consistent with the
roles in the community, as I have seen them evolve ovet the past few years. It is good to re-state
this You may want to inc(ude them on page 2, item tt3, as part of the contmunity planning team
for t'ae Dale Street Shops site, since later you list them in the lead on the project.
3. Your connection between businesses getting public subsidies and their participation with City
jobs and training progams is good. A stronger point could be made about the need for advanced
training provided to area residencs, which would be trig$ered by vety early notification from new
bvsinesses about the nature of skilis needed for their upcoming jobs.
4. Regarding Aale Street, some of the thought I have heard involves the west side sidewalk being
wider than average and used for autdoor seating, displ�ys, etc. for the businesses. The wideness
creates a zone of comfort and ambiance that enhances the businesses and community feel.
5. FAA and the Neighborhood Development Center have offered an eactensive micro-
entrepreneur training and loan program to Frogtawst residents for over two years now. Over 50
persons have atready gone through this training, and many have started businesses here in thJs
communiry. This training, at least in a generic form, should be mentioned on page 5 or 6, in your
seaaon on micro business development.
WIND Is a Communify Oavelopment Corporailon subsidiary of Western Bank.
������
I liked the corttent of the rast of yonr economic devetapment section. There is much Yo do in this
communify, and I believe your vision for it is comprehensive and exciting. Now lets ai! work
together to flchieve it.
Ttiank you for your great work.
Sincerely,
' Mike Temal
WIND
D
, . i . 61
��-�i�
ASIAN AMERICAN PR
4I7 Universi[y Avenue O S�. Paul, MN 55103 ❑ Phone (6 t2) 224-6570 ❑ FAX (612) 224-7032
�'0� (� 5 REC'D
November 4, 1996
Mr. Michael Samuelson
District 7 Planning Council
369 Univecsity Avenue
Saint Paul, MN 55103
Dear Michael,
Thank you for including Asian American Press as a participant in [he presentation of the Thomas-Dale
Small Area Plan on September 26, 1996.
Aher listening to thc diswssions and reviewing the draft, I feel very good about the plan. I fee] this will
have a very �positive impact on [he neighborhood.
We a[ the Asian American Press and the Asian Business & Community foundation fully support the
Planning Council's goals.
I believe our community truly appreciates this initiatve. The Task Force has put together an esceilent plan.
/ l/"`� N�
V
Nghi Huynh
Publisher/Editor Asian American Press
President Asian Business & Communit} Foundation
�-,���3
r.�ars r ��t � i � r+� �r .-a a�Trrv
;,4ryi�-�u�rc�a-��'-��,a � �. �� � �r�
HNOY 4ViLLIAMS JR
EXECUTiVE CNRECTOR
765 P:QRTH MlLTQb! STP.EET
S? FAUL 551C4,RAMSEY
Telapttone Ei12-033-� G ��;
:�ia�i Septe�nbe: t6, 1496
tl�ichaet Santuelson, Ezecuiive I�irecror
District Seven Plarzning Council
_?69 Lhaiversity.4venue
Sr. Paul. MIJ 55103
Deur A�ichael,
i x�ould like io sF�are our suppori for the Thomas- _Tiate Sma11 �1rea Plan Tasic Force draftPJan. I rnrt
confrclent th�7t, give�i the time m. d cara put i:ato d�elopirig this pinn, it has the sarppost of the
cem.nruni!y I B77CD2llllgP Ij1P DJSIl7CI CDdIIILII JD P)7fIDCSP II]P lllP.f1�JTIItT Ql:Cl fOY7NQTYI I170 II:P PIQPlT171T
Commission and Citv Counczl for adoption. .4s Execurive Director of Save Our City`s Kids, a men:ber
of rr:e 7'ask Force and n neighbor arrd con:munrty activisi I kr�ow that the plan re.flect the needs and
wishes of the corrtmuriity arrd will provide a solid policy framework for future comn:unity 5uilding ancl
pla}°srcal development.
G�'e a: e grateful for tke leadership shm�7i bv t:�e Task Force in developing ihe Pkr:r. F�'e are also
?hank,�el for tf�e s��}3port ar.d i�alerest s.hotvrt lr� rhe rr.m.:y prrrlicipcmts 61 the visiort conae true. I would
also tike to acknowledgs the critical stgflf sunoort the Disrrict Seven Plrnining Counci! and the Citv
Picarer:in� artci Eco�ton�ic D��2Jopm2nr L'ie�rzrtmant hcn�e �rm�ided io tlee ?'ask rorce mtd iis work.
Please do not hesitate fo call uvon S D.C.K. ar my�seli`to suppart tFie Plan cmd its' imptementation
Roc�o��il��� Pp��r�
f37]
Exeeutive Director
�� � �, �;�. v �' �
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��''!�`/ � ♦ • • '
.
Frogtown Family Resource Center
377 University Avenue (at Western),
PHONE: (612) 290-8376 FAX:
September 24, 1996
ThomasDale District 7
P�d.^.!7l!?s �QU!lCl�
369 University Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55103
Dear Planning Council members:
Saint Paul, MN 55103
(612) 293-5260
��' 3� aJ
The staff of Frogtown Family Resource Center want you to know that we support your
work on the Small Area Plan for our neighborhood. We share this vision of strengthening
families, seeing that housing is decent and affordable, and want to do our part to
provide educational opportunites for Frogtown families. We value all our neighbors
and consider it a privilege to work in this neighborhood.
Please know that we support the policy framework as laid out in the summary. Any modi-
fications agreed upon at the September 26th mecting, we hope, will enhance the work,
you've already done. Thanks for a good job!
In partnership,
��'�
Todd Seabury-Kolod
� � 'p' '
]��� Sa3nt Paul Public Schools Community Education
hCj'-21-96 7u� �'02 i'M ii;�il'. UNiiE�%1,fiDV;AI' CE6M. FAF, ii0. EL76711
Universi�y UN�T�D
A COALITfOX OF �SIAWAY CSTIZE!�5 AI:D BUSI\ESS
November 20,1996
Michae) Samuelson
Executive Dircctor
Thomas-Dale
Distnct 7 Planning Councll
369 Elniversity Avenue
Sf. Paul, MN 55103
Dear Mr. Sam�ulsvci.
Posf-it Fax Note 7677
P� 1
��-3�3
At it's October Board meeting, University UNITED's Board of pirectors vated to
pnr.niirape and si ipp�rt the anals of the Thomas-l�a1Q Smail Are2 F'lan, which do
not conflict with the Midway Chambers' 40 Acre Study.
Specificaily, UNITED supports the pfans' Economic Development Strategy, as an
implementing partner. I Me boartl and statt wou�d a(so like to be mciuded as
either a resoufce or implementing paftner in the foilowing categories:
1. Micro Enterprise and Smali Business, /1 and B
2. Work Towards �ull �mpfoyment, A and B
3. Community Building, C
4. Traffic and Transportation, A and C
5. Regional Transportation and Land use Policies
6. Building Community Support for Education, A and E
7. Land Use and Rezoning, A
In your Vision Statement you refer fo making the area a ssfe place to live,
however there are na crime and safety strategies listed. UNITED would
See itself As an im�lement+nc� partner on crime strateg+as
Sincerely,
� �� �����
Irene Rodriguez
University UNITED
University Nelghborhood (nveslment Through �conomic �evelopment
Spnice Stee Ceiitie • 1607 U�iivers$y Avenue • Sutte 4• 54 Pzul, tJ1N 55104-3623 •(612) 847�6711 • Fa�c (61� 6462297
�`l��c�
�
7honu�Dslo 3m�t1 Area Plaa Tadc Forao
C/O Di�trkt Saven plamniae Catncil
369:�aivwsity Avoeua
Sfint paul, MN SS 10�t
EtE: DreR ThOmaa-Bale Small Aros Plen
t�ar'!'aak X�orce 1�fambas,
The Frogu►wn Merct�s Aasaaariou eupporu the 6mei drr8 of ehe 7'hoarta-Dale 5mall
.Ana Platt. 'Wa appc�oi+tte the tims and � ttut tuk £orw m�aib«s have gsvae
tLis pLu We ftal that F:ogtaan'a �il Atee Pl�a it aa emPo�tant [aoi that wiU $ive thir
cotnnwnRy the dlrealon it aeed�.
Sincet'dY,
���,��� �L��
potar E Ryan
�
FtogWvm i4lachaate Associatioa
CJ() D�dwny Ivt'mi SWru�+
458 Dimttp 3t. S.
S�int Paul, MN. 55104
m�raup�dcx
��t =3��
ST. PAUL FAMILY LEARPtiNG CENTER CHARTER SCHOOL
INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 4019
September 20, 1996
Kevin Kittilson and Kurt Schwichtenberg, Co-Chairs
District 7 Planning Council
369 University Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55103
Dear Chairpersons:
� � � �SEP
�
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��`��� ��
LEAEtNINGCENtEK
2 4 R�L'D
This letter is to express my support for the Thomas-Dale Small Area Plan, and especially the education
strategy outlined in the draft Plan. Collaboration among the various groups and organizations that make
up the communiry is essential for the positive economic developmen[ of urban neighborhoods. The
Famity Leaming Center school works with community members and organizations. The charter school
planning group met several times with the Frogtown Networking Group and the Thomas-Date Block
Club to get input into the design of our new school. Our basic school program is very much in tune
with the Plan's education strategy, including elements such as conflic[ resolution, parental involvement
in setting the course of each child's learning, and extensive use of volunteers in the school. We
currently offer an early-moming program and hope to provide after-school programming as well.
The Family Learning Center school is not physically located in the Thomas-Dale neighborhood (we
wanted to find a facility in Frogtown but were unable to find a suitable facility) but includes this
section of the city in its enrollment area, which comprises the whole of the 55103 and 55104 zip codes.
We opened as a K-4 school on September 3 and hope to expand to a pre-K-12 program over the next
few years. The school has recruited a number of students from the Small Area Plan neighborhood and
will continue involvement in the area.
On behalf of the St. Paul Family L,earning Center Charter School, I want to express my wholehearted
support for the Thomas-Dale Small Area Plan. The school is committed to working with the
community and will collaborate with other organizations to implement the Small Area Plan.
Sincerely,
�yQ�yh�
/
Wayne B. Jennings
School Director
Independent Schooi District #4019 • 1355 Pierce Butier Route, St. Paul, MN 55104-1359 • Ph. 612 644-5052 • Fax 612
645-0240
Y Y
-9f�:
:�ii, HealthPartners
St. Paul-Ramsey Medical Center
840 Jackson Sveet
St Paui, MN 55707-2595
612221.3456
August 30, 1996
Spencer Blaw
Thomas Dale Smali Area Plan Task Force
c/o District Seven Planning Council
369 University Avenue
St. Paui, MN 55103
S�P 0 � RfC'D
Dear Mr. Blaw and the Thomas Dale Small Area Plan Task Force:
��-���
Thank you for the opportunity to review the Thomas Dale Small Area Plan. I
have reviewed the plan and congratulate the Task Force on a job well done.
You can count on our support for the recommendations outlined in the Plan, and
I will plan on attending the meeting on September 26th.
We support the recommendations outlined and look forward to working with the
other implementing partners on the specific strategies, particularly in the areas of
community building and health care. As you probably know, we are strong
supporters of the Model Cities Health Center as the primary provider of
community based medical and dental services, and have a long history of
working together with the Health Center. We certainiy will be active participants
in a formal community health care coalition organized by the community and
agree with the focus on preventative care, immunizations and weli child care.
We are also committed to working with other providers and agencies in the
Thomas Dale community to find ways to integrate services and find new,
coliaborative ways ofi serving our communiiy and expand tne use of our limited
resources. Real and anticipated funding cuts from both federal and local levels
wili require all of us to work more closely together to better leverage the
resources we can retain.
Sincerely,
�
'U'�Gi,l�'`�CC ���
����
Gabrielle Lawrence
Vice President, Community Partnerships
` HcnithPartners' mission is to improve the health of our members and our communiry
�-3 ��
��
CATHOLIC
CHARITIES
Advocacy and
Outreach Division
Frog[o�vn Cen[ec
September 24, 1996
Q �T 3 0 REC'�
fi33 Univzrsiry Avznue Kurt Schwichtenberg and Kevin KittiLson
Sc. P.ud, MN Si10i-480? Co-Chairs Thomas-Dale Small Area Plan Task Force
eiz-zzz-tzsa c/o I?istrict Seven Plannuig Counc�7
f�s 6t2-222-0198 369 University Avenue West
Saint Paul, MN 55103
Dear Mr. Schwichtenberg and Mr. Kittilson,
Sen�wg the Aand�aase of
St Paul and bLnneap�lis
Sipporced Jnoug6 pnwre
mnniLutioru, UrtirrdWay, and
Anmml CadwLrAppral.
Ameditrd by CouHi( on
AnndimBOn of Servi<es
f . Families arzd CXddren
An Equal Opportunitp Enployn
arcd Smire Pron'der
I am writing Yo e�cpress the support of Catho]ic Charities Frogtown Center
for the Thomas Dale Small Area Plan. I would like to commend the Task
Force and the District Seven Planning Council for your hard work and
persistence in developing this Plan. I k�ave reviewed the Plan and spoken
with our staff and various community members about it. We Snd that the
Plan reflects the input and interests of our couununity and it provides a
solid framework for guiding future physical development and community
building efforts in the neighborhood.
We at Catholic Charities are committed to being a pro-active and peaceful
player in the community. It follows that we aze committed to supporting
the Thomas-Dale Small Area Plan Task Force, the District Seven Planning
Council, and the other community partners in implementing the Plan and
it's various strategies in the convng years. We look forward to working
with you to strengthen our community.
With Sincere and Peaceful Thoughts,
. '
� �, �
�����,_-_
Me vi''m Giles
Prograni Manager
'
� m e �� � _ '-i � a � �'�
- ? q r � . . ,, i E°`s
.� ' ��a_.. } �.J
4 �'� . . : '� .
RESOLUTION
CITY OF SAi1�T PAUL, MINt,�ES
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Presented Hy
Council File # `�•l
Green Sheet # ����
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Referred To / �� Committe� Date
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RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN AS AN AMENDMENT
TO THE SAINT PAUL COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
WFIEREAS, the City of Saint Paul is authorized under Minnesota Statutes, Secdon 462353, to carry on
comprehensive municipal planning activities in order to guide the future development and improvement of
the city; and
WHEREAS, the City of Saint Paul as a local government unit within the metropolitan area is required under
Minnesota Statues, Section 473.858, to prepare a Comprehensive Pian; and
WIiEREAS, the Council of the Ciry of Saint Paul is authorized under Minnesota Statutes, Section 462355, to
adopt or amend a Comprehensive Plan or portion thereof after a recommendation by the Planning
Commission; and
WHEREAS, a neighborhood based task farce appointed by the Planning Commission and the District Seven
Planning Council prepared, for consideration by the Planning Commission, the Thomas Dale Smalt Area Plan
as an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission has, on December 20, 1996, after a public hearing held on November
22, 1996, recommended the adoption of the Thomas Dale Small Area Plan; and
WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Saint Paul has reviewed the Thomas Dale Small Area Plan for
consistency with the elements of the Comprehensive Plan previously adopted, as well as the health, safety
and welfare needs of the residents of the City of Saint Paul and the metropolitan azea;
29 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Saint Paul, as recommended by the
30 Planning Commission, hereby adopts the Thomas Dale Small Area Plan as an amendment to the
31 Comprehensive Plan, subject to such review by the Metropolitan Council as may be required by law; and
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Amev�t� - `t��-ia� 9 `Z " 3i3
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the recommendations included in the plan restricting the expansion of
University Avenue commercial uses to the south side of Sherburne Avenue within the study azea supercede
those adopted by the City Council as part of the University Avenue Corridor Study on May 17, 1940.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the plan be amended tio incorporate the following clarifications:
On Page 37
and its si
On Paee 30
the es
the
SE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that PED staff
an overall
resources already commiYt
nrioritv action items in
the
in the
Year I
act
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Requested by Department of:
Plannin s Econc�mic Develo ie t
Byc
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By:
er
Form Approved by City Attorney
$Y: �0'�/.f��-- Z-/7 -�-�
Approved�Mayo�ubmission to Council
By:
Adoption Certified by Council Secretary
9�-�1�
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GREEN SH�T
INITIA INRIAUOATE
� �EPARTMENT OIRE GITY COUNqL
� CINATTORNE�' � CITYCLERK
FOA BUDGET DIRECTOR � FIN. & MGT. SERVICES �IR.
. � MAYOR (OFi ASSISTANTJ /�,—.� � .Fcrd �
TOTAL # OF SIGNATIfRE PAGES
ALL LOCATIONS FOR SIGMATURE)
Adopt resolution to adopt the Thomas Dale Small Area PZan as an amendment to the Coinprehensive Plan.
[COMMENOATION5: Approve jA) or Rejec[ (R)
� PLHNNMG COMMISSION _ CIVIL SERVICE
CIB COMMI7TEE
� STAfF _
_ 01S1RICTCOURT _
IPPOp7S WHICH C01iNCIL O&IECTVET
�
PEHSONAL SERYICE CONTflACTS MUST ANSWER TtIE FOLLOWING DUESTIONS:
7. Has this personRirm ever worketl under a contrad for this department?
YES NO
2 Has this personffirm ever heen a city employee? �
YES NO
3. Does this persoNfirm possess a skiil not normally possessed by any current ciry emplqree?
YES NO
Ezpinin all yes enswers on separate sheet and attaeh to green aheet
The Thomas Date Small Area Pdan was developed by a communiry based task force to address a series of issues
and concerns identified by neighborhood residents and business owners, ��� � k'" '< r_ a� E
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The City of Saint Paul will signal its support of the recommendations outlined an the plan and tt� ��nscmisib�a >�* ��a �
will have a broadly shared investment strategy through which to address neighborhood issues.
; ��v`s�'EG
WANTAGES IF APPqOVED. y � � - (1 �]
I �D {� �JJS
None����1 �esearch Cer+ter����� � � ���{
Y G�/ � � �v"LY
DISADVANTAGES
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The City's planning, budgeting and administrative processes will not have the benefit of a clearly articulated
investment strategy for the Thomas Dale corrununity.
TOTAL AMOUNT OF TRANSACTION $
--•
COST/REVENUE BUDGETED jCIRCLE ONE�
YES NO
FUNOIfiG SOURCE ACTIYITY NUMBER
�INANGAL INFORfhATION: (EXPLAIN)
r,
R'�-�l�
� m��� e � � �-Y S � c; �
��,r:1 ���\`la�
Thomas-Dale
Smafl Area P{an
and
Forty Acre Study
,
Recommended by the
Thomas Dale Smail Area Plan Task Force
July 29, 1996
Recommended by the
District Seven Pianning Council
September 26, 1996
Recommended by the
Saint Paul Planning Commission
December 20, 1996
Adopted by the
City Council
April 2, 1997
�
Introduction .......................................1
Economic Development Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Housing Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Community Building Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Traffic and Transportation Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Education Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Heaith Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Parks and Recreation Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Land Use and Zoning Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Credits .........................................43
j1 THOMASDALESMALLAREAPLAN
The study area for the Thomas Dale Small Area Plan and Forty Acre
Study lies between Westem and Vctoria Avenues, University Avenue
on the south and the raiiroad tracks on the northem boundary, It is one
of Saint Paul's older neighborhoods, settied between 1870 and 1890 by
German, Polish, Irish and Scandinavian immigrants who built the
Victorian vemacular working- and middle-cfass homes and comer
stores that stili give the area its smal4-town atmosphere. Today, the
seventy block area is characterized mainly by one and two family homes
though it is bordered by intensive commercial, industrial and multi-family
uses. Immigrants continue to find a home in Thomas Dale whose 6,700
residents represent a rich variety of races, ages, socio-economic
classes and household types.
The Thomas Da►e Smal/ Area Plan is the de�nition of a vision
shared by neighborhood residents and business owners and City
o�cials as well as a strafegy for bringing this vision to reality. /ts
effecfiveness will depend o» ifs "adoption" as a policy fiamework
by the key community organizations in the area, ongoing efforts
by those organizations to discuss and jointiy formulate policies in
each of the subject areas identified in the plan, and support for
and co//aboration with the key implementing organizations
identified with each strategy.
Vision Statement
The Thomas-Dale Community realizes that racial, economic and culturai
diversity enriches our lives. We, therefore, work together to:
• Strengthen families;
• See that everyone can live in decent, affordable, owned or rented
homes;
• Provide opporkunities for employment, education and ownership;
• Create vibrant productive businesses;
• Make Thomas-Daie a safe, ciean place to live where all are valued;
and
• Remember that beauty, humor and fun are as important to the soul
as food is to ihe body.
THOMASDALESMALLAREAPLAN
Q�-3i3
Economic developmenf is di�cult to define—especialiy as the national
and international economies undergo a transition not unlike fhe indusfrial
revolufion of the last century. It involves finding new uses for old sites
once used, and often polluted, by heavy industry. It indudes the
preparation of a work force for new kinds of jobs and circuitous career
paths. Recent history has demonsfrafed that economic development in
Saint Pau! is linked fo fhe success of smaller businesses and
entrepreneurs. !n Thomas Dale, if ineans deciding how besf to meet the
consumer needs of an inner city community in an economic environment
that favors warehouse grocery stores and su6ur6an shopping maiJs.
Implementing neighborhood policy and programs related to economic
development is part of the mission of fhe Frogtown Acfion Alliance. A
four pronged strategy--consistent wifh that proposed by fhe Economic
Development Task Force of the Alliance—forms the basis of the small
area plan`s recommendafions relafive to economic devefopmenf.
Ca�itaiize on Redevelopment Opportunities
A. Redevelop tfie Dale Sfreet Shops site (bounded by Minnehaha,
the Burlington Northern tracks, Dale and Arundel), the
neighboring Maxson Steel site and any other contiguous non-
residentia! parcels with industria! uses capable of employing a
sizable number of employees at family-supporting wages.
5pecificalty:
Responsible paRies should compiete the clean-up of the site
within three to five years.
2. The district council should seek fund+ng to organize and
advocate for the clean up and development of the site.
3. The design of the site should be a neighborhood asset. A
community based planning team including representatives
selected by the District 7 Planning Council, Frogtown Action
Alliance and North End community organizations should be
convened to woric with the Port Authority on the redeve(opment
of the site. Specific issues of concem include:
Parking. In order to allow maximum space for the industries
themselves and encourage development pattems that make
effective use of land and suppoR transit services, efforts should
be made to minimize the amount of off-street parking provided
on the site.
2 THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN
��'�l�
Historic structures. Buildings that give the site its character
should be restored and reused where possible.
Landscaping. The site should be carefully landscaped and
consideration given to providing for some passive recreational
space and bike and pedestrian trails that could be connected to
neighborhood, citywide andlor regional trails.
Community facilities. The planning team shouid explore
whether or not it is appropriate to devote a portion of the site to
one or more community facilities such as a school, community
center or National Guard training and recreation center.
4. In order to ensure that neighborhood residents have access to
the jobs created in the development, pubtic subsidies to
businesses should be tied to their participation in City
sponsored job training and placement services. In anticipation
of the development of the site, the City/School District job
ttaining services should, over the next three years, focus their
efforts to enlist and prepare neighbofiood residents for those
jobs.
5. In order to increase the possibility that businesses on the site
will employ neighborhood residents, plans for an on-site or
nearby chiid care facility should be developed.
6. Explore the option of reconstructing Pierce Butier Route to bring
it directiy onto the site--perhaps under the Dale S4reet 8ridge.
That would improve the access to site as well as eliminate the
awkward terminus of Pierce Butler at Minnehaha and atiow for
the expansion of the Minnehaha Recreation Center site.
Implementing Partners
Frogtown Action Alliance, Convener
District 6 Planning Council
North End Area Revitalization (NEAR)
Saint Paul Port Authority
District 7 Planning Cowci!
City of Saint Paul
Midway Chamber of Gommerce
University UNITED
Western Initiatives for Neighborhood Development (WIND)
Wiider Foundation
B. Take advantage of the planned widening of Dale Street to
revitalize it as a neighborhood scale commerciai center for the
community. Speci�caily:
THOMASDALESMALLAREAPLAN 3
�'1
1. The new roadway should be designed to create a safe,
pedestrian-friendly environment with reduced traffic speeds
through the neighborhood. Specific elements may include: a
-- linear park on the east side of the street, attractive fencing to
shield neighboring homes from the corridor, uniform design
features to tie the eight block stretch together, and on-street
parking on the west side.
2. The west side of Dale should be characterized by pedestrian
oriented commercial uses—with automobite retated uses
encouraged to locate on University Avenue. Residentiai uses
on the frontage should be phased out although mixed use
structures with residential units above commercial uses are
encouraged. (Suggested amendments to the City's Zoning
Code consistent with this recommendation are detailed later in
the plan.)
3. The east side of Dale shouid retain the residential character
that has emerged as businesses were bought and relocated to
provide right of way for the street widening.
4. Business incubator space should be developed at appropriate
locations.
5. Vacant lots should be evaluated for their use as interim parking-
-until the market provides for additional commercial uses.
Alternative neighborhood non-profit ownership of these parcels
should be considered with the land being leased to adjoining
business owners for parking purposes. That would maximize
the flexibility of the land and minimize the likelihood that it would
be permanently used for parking. Community design guidefines
shoufd govern the estabiishment of parking lots.
Implementing Partners
Frogtown Action Ailiance, Convener
Department of Public Works
District 7 Planning Council
Midway Chamber of Commerce
WIND
C. Strengthen University Avenue as an attractive and healthy
commerciai center, serving both as a neighborhood retai! area
for those who live within the neighborhood and as a
destination for the surrounding region. Specific measures
should include:
THOMASDALE5MALLAREAPLAN
q�-�i�
Encourage new retail development—especially the variety of
services needed by neighborhood residents—to cluster at the
intersections of University and Dale, Rice, Marion, Westem and
Victoria. A fuil service hardware store and drug store, for
instance, might be encouraged to locate on University Avenue.
2. A program of street scape improvements for University Avenue
shoufd be developed with area business owners based on the
guidelines recommended in the University Avenue Corridor
Study. Consideration should be given to: creating a landscaped
center median, planting trees in the median and in the
sidewalks, and installing decorative lighting.
3. To the extent that additional off-street parking is required to
support University Avenue businesses, shared lots should be
developed with frontage on University Avenue.
4. Careful attention should be given to the design, landscaping,
lighting and maintenance of existing and proposed parking lots
to ensure that they support a positive image for surrounding
businesses.
5. University UNITED shouid seek appropriate capital funds on an
annuai basis to impiement the coordinated program of facade
improvements, tree planting, lighting, signage and street
furniture or decor.
6. Alternatives to improve the appearance of the comet of
University and Victoria should 6e explored--to inciude reducing
the number of cars on and around the site, using landscaping to
screen the site, or establishing a more intensive aiternative use.
7. Reduce the number of liquor stores on University Avenue,
confining them as much as possibie to the major retail centers
where management and security services can help reduce the
incidence of inappropriate behavior on the premises.
Implementing Partners
Frogtown Action Alliance, Convener
District 7 Planning Council
Midway Chamber of Commerce
University UNITED
Model Cities
D. Support efforts by the Frogtown Action Alliance and Frogtown
Merchants Association to upgrade and strengthen Minnehaha
Center. Whiie located outside the study area boundary,
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN S
��-���
enhancements to the Center would enable it to provide
important services to study area residents.
Implementing Partners
Frogtown Action Alliance, Convener
Frogtown Merchants Association
Minnehaha Center Owners and Businesses
Develop Micro Enter�rises and Small Businesses
A. Ensure that existing and potentiai smatl businesses have
access to the space, capital, training and information
necessary for Yheir success. Specific initiatives include:
Provide incubator space with related training, technicai
assistance and mentoring for emerging small businesses. The
existing micro-entrepreneur training and loan program is a good
model.
2. Market the availability of smali business loans through PED
programs.
3. Secure funds--through the City's Sales Tax Revitalization
Program (STAR) or similar program—for facade improvement
loans and grants to enable the rehabilitation of storefronts for
small business use.
4. PED's Small Business Center, the Lexington Library and WIND,
Inc. should collaborate on the development of small business
assistance programs and materials — seminars, pamphlets,
open houses, canvasses or other means of ensuring that
business owners and potential business owners are aware of
the variety of resources available to them.
5. Encourage neighborhood residents to patronize and be
supportive of area businesses. At the same time, encourage
neighborhood businesses to recognize—through their pricing
policies, merchandise selection and marketing strategies—the
particular role they can play in strengthening the community and
supporting its residents.
Implementing Partners
Frogfown Action Alfiance, Convener
Lexington Library SmaN Business Center (PED)
Midway Chamber of Commerce University UNITED
Model Cities WIND
6 THOMASDALESMALLAREAPLAN
q�����
B. Market the neighborhood as a place for commerciai
development and business opportunitles consisteat with the
needs of area residents.
Ensure ihai organizations supporting emerging enirepreneurs
understand Thomas Dale's strengths as a centrally located
community with easy access and a diverse consumer market.
2. Seek out firms offering personai services ihat recent surveys
have indicated are under represented in Thomas Dale.
3. Encourage investment by firms representing growth industries
such as printingipublishing and medical services and related
suppliess.
Implementing Partners
Frogtawn Action Alliance University UNITED
District 7 Ptanning Council Model Cities
Midway Chamber of Commerce
Work Towards Full Em�loyment
A. Neighborhood residents should be aware of and adequately
prepared to fiti availabie jobs throughout the metropolitan area.
Available training resources through the public schools, the
Ronaid M. Hubbs Center for Lifelong Leaming, community
colfeges and Metro State University shouid continue to be
marketed through area agencies such as the Frogtown Family
Resource Center, Wilder Family and Children Services,
Headstart and the Model Cities Health Clinic.
2. Opportunities for offering trainingJeducation programs at
additional neighborhood locations shouid be explored.
3. Fully develop opportunities for community service for young
people that offer payments toward co{lege tuition or other post
high school training programs for participants.
4. A central ciearinghouse for employment opportunities that is
linked with other such establishments in the metro area as well
as a network of neighborhood agencies and organizations
shouid be established.
5. Job fairs should be heid in the community or residents
transported to such events held throughout the metropolitan
area.
THOMA5DALESMALLAREAPLAN
��- 3� 3
Impiementing Partners
Frogtown Action Alliance, Convener
St. Paul Workforce Development Center
Saint Paul Public School Center for Employment and Training
St. Paul Urban League Model Cities
Community Education Wilder Foundation
Frogtown Family Resource Center
Ronald M. Hubbs Center for Lifelong Leaming
Midway Chamber of Commerce
University UNITED
District 7 Planning Council
B. Public or quasi-public transportation shoutd be available to
transport area residents to employment centers throughout the
metropolitan area.
The Frogtown Action Ailiance should work with major suburban
employers to coordinate the employment of area residents with
the provision of transportation. Altematives include organizi�g
potential employees into carpools, contracting with MCTO or
private transit providers to provide once a day transportation
from the neighborhood to regional employment centers and
back or subsidizing monthly bus passes when using the existing
transit system is practical. Neighborhood based small
businesses shoufd be encouraged to participate in the provision
of private transit services.
2. The City and community should continue to advocate for
improved transit services throughout the metropolitan area at
affordable rates.
Implementing Partners
Frogtown Acfion Afliance, Convener
District 7 Planning Council
Metropolitan Council Transit Operations (MCTO)
Private Transit Services
University UNITED
Provide Basic Communit� Services
A. Explore alternative arrangements that give neighborhood
residents access to grocery products at affordable prices.
Develop community gardens to provide fresh produce during
several months of the year. The estabtishment of gardens
should be consistent with the parks/green space strategy
recommended later in the plan. Priority sites should be those
THOMASDALESMALLAREAPLAN
�l�-�i `�
larger spaces that often exist near bus lines and between major
land uses. Specific provisions should be made for soil testing to
ensure the land is not contaminated and the provision of water.
2. Create attractive Farmers Market opportunities for the sale of
produce in centrai--and accessibie—locations in the community.
3. Expiore with interested entrepreneurs the possibility of
devefoping "mobiie" grocery outlets—refrigerated vans or small
trucks from which basic groceries (miik, fruits and vegetables,
breads and cereals) could be sold to neighborhood residents.
Explore the possibility of establishing a cooperative grocery
store where residents could exchange their labor for quality
food at affordable prices.
Implementing Partners
Frogtown Action AOiance, Convener
Model Cities
B. Encourage and seek resources to subsidize the development of
smail child care homes to enable parents to seek employment
as well as provide small busi�ess oppo�tunities for
neighborhood residents.
Impiementing Partners
Frogtown Action A1liance
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN 9
�11.�i
Thomas Dale should represent an attractive residential option for
households across the wider community's racial, cultural and socio-
economic spectrums. That is its heritage and its pride. Significant
disinvestment in recent years, however, has placed the neighborhood at
risk of being home only to those who have few options and in danger of
being caught in a continuing cycle of disinvesfinent and isolation.
Healthy neighborhoods require confinuing fnvestment in fhe
maintenance, repair and rehabilitation of their residential and commercial
properties. A variety of tools are availabie to the City and the
neighborhood in their effoRs to generate that investment. Thomas
Dale's housing strategy should involve some of each.
Mandate compliance with community standards through code
enforcement. Mandates, understandably, raise concerns about
outside enforcement agencies esfa6lishing unattainable standards
that represent a hardship for community residents. If will be very
important, because of the limifed economic means of many properfy
owners, that the standards 6e established through a community
process and be tied directly to resolving significanf healfh and safety
concerns.
Stimulate and encourage private investment with a variety of
strategfes to inciude offerJng public su6sidies, developing appropriate
fax policies, and amending undenwriting standards. Financing
mechanisms will, in many cases, need to be specifically designed for
Thomas Dale--with considerable emphasis on outreach, hands-on
assistance and flexibifity.
Encourage re-investment through the establishment of an identity in
the marketplace attractive to those who have the resources to
invesf. One asset on which Thomas Dale can capitalize in defining
such a niche is its rich stock of historic homes in a fraditionally
designed neighborhood. Research and the marketplace ifse/f flave
demonstrated that not only do people value o/der housing in older
neighborhoods, but that the design characteristics associafed w'dh
those neighborhoods serve to enhance public safety, neighborhood
involvement and community identity and pride.
8uild relationships within the community, encouraging neigh6orhood
ownership and pride. There are a variety of strategies related to
building connections between people and befween people and
neighborhood institufions, 6uilding capacity and leveraging
neighborhood talents. In fhe broadest sense, invesfinent is
encouraged by a sense of community in a sustaining/nurturing
environment.
1O THOMASDALESMALLAREAPLAN
��'�l�
Among the risks of any strategy is that the market may 6e sfimulated to
the point where property values are raised to a level that low income and
working dass households cannot afford. Code enfo�cement,
rehabilitation and preservation effo�ts need not, however, displace low
income renters or homeowne�s. Displacement may occur, however, if
property values rise fo fhe extent fhaf owners of housing occupied by
lower income households either se// their property or raise rents.
Avoiding displacement will require thaf the neighborhood's housing
strategy include intentional etforfs fo secure a portion of the housing
stock af affordable levels.
Increase Level of Home Ownership
A. Ensure a sufficient stock of quality homes available for
purchase.
Encourage the construction of new ownership housing on
individuai vacant lots throughout the neighborhood. Priority
sites 4or new construction should be those on blocks with a
significant number of vacant lots, those where a new house
would provide the necessary investment to encourage other
property owners to make improvements, and those large
enough to allow for the construction of three and four bedroom
homes to meet the needs of large families.
2. Establish and maintain a revolving loan fund to finance the
acquisition of problem properties for rehabilitation and resale by
the Greater Frogtown Community Development Corporation.
3. Focus pubiic resources on efforts that would not get done but
for the pu6lic financing.
4. Ensure that the construction and design of new homes do not
create a visual conflict with neighboring structures.
5. Advise and involve neighboring residents in the process of
selecting sites for new housing consiruction and the design of
the housing units themselves when public development funds
are used.
6. Recognizing that homes and properties of various sizes are
important to the diversity of the community and can help to
provide and preserve affordabie housing within the
neighborhood, construction of new homes on smaller lots
(under 40 feet wide or less than 5,000 square feet) should be
allowed by the Board of Zoning Appeals if the following
conditions are met and followed:
THOMASDALESMALLAREAPLAN 11
�1��13
• The community and the district council suppoR the
proposed construction; and
• Provisions are made for adequate back yard and open space
on the lot.
(mplementing Partners
Greater Frogtown Community Development Corporation
Saint Paul Housing and Redevelopment Authority
Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC)
Habitat for Humanity
West Side Neighborhood Housing Services
District 7 Planning Council
Board of Zoning Appeals
B. Provide suitable financing mechanisms and other support
services to ensure that present Thomas Dale residents can and
do take full advantage of mortgage and rehabilitation financing
programs.
Partner with agencies that provide support services to new
homeowners, including home maintenance training, increasing
the probability of success for new F�omeowners.
2. Work with the Saint Paul Public Housing Agency to identify
appropriate homes for the htomeward Program that provides
home ownership opportunities for selected Iow income
households.
3. Collaborate with the existing Mortgage Foreclosure Prevention
program operated by the City`s Housing Information O�ce and
funded by the Northwest Area Foundation and the City to
ensure the program has the necessary flexibility to meet the
needs of Thomas Dale residents.
4. Work with PED to develop and market non-traditional rehab and
f+rst mortgage loan programs that are more likely to be
successful for neighborhood residents who may have poor
credit histories making them ineligible for private financing.
5. PED should ascertain why applicants fail to complete the
process of securing rehab or first mortgage loans as a means
of identifying those aspects of the process that represent
barriers for lower income households. That infortnation should
be used to make adjustments in the various public programs.
12 THOMASDALESMALLAREAPLAN
q i -�� 3
6. PED should continue to work on streamlining its application and
review processes for public financing.
7. Design innovative altemative lending structures and financing
mechanisms--such as reverse mortgages, limited equity
cooperatives and land trusts--to serve the needs of first time
low and moderate income home buyers.
8. Where necessary, lobby the State legislature to change
housing finance and public assistance policies that serve as
barriers to low income home ownership.
Implementing Partners
Greater Frogtown Community Devetopment Corporation
Habitat for Humanity
Saint Paul PED
Housing Information Office
Local lending institutions
People's Network of Minnesota
C. Support efforts of prospective homeowners interested in
rehabilitating a home in the community.
Target some rehabilitation loans and grants to owners willing to
deconvert small duplexes and triplexes to their original single
family status.
2. Prevent the use of rehabilitation loans and grants for the
subdivisian of existing structures to estabiish additional units.
3. Help to develop and/or promote classes through the Saint Paul
Home improvement Program and Community Education that
assist homeowners in making home repairs and doi�g more
significant rehabilitation.
4. Organize sma(I groups of interested homeowners to plan and
take advantage of these educational opportunities.
Implementing Pattners
Greater Frogtown Community Development Corporation
Saint Paul Housing and Redevelopment Authority
Local Initiatives Support Corporation {LISC)
Community Education
THOMASDALESMALLAREAPLAN 13
g�-���
Lmprove Condition of Housing Stock
A. Strengthen mechanisms that improve management and
discourage deferred maintenance in rental buildings before
there is serious deterioration.
Extend the Certificate of Occupancy inspection program to
rental buildings with one orlwo units. The program should be
carefully designed to ensure the privacy of tenants, possibly by
restricting inspections to time periods between tenants or by
agreement with the tenant.
2. Secure community based non-profit ownership and/or
management of a significant proportion of the neighborhood's
rental housing. The establishment of limited equity or leasehold
co-ops should be explored where appropriate.
3. Promote development of a Frogtown association of property
owners and managers. The association—that may be affiliafed
with the Saint Paul Association of Responsible Landlords—
would provide training and technical assistance to association
members.
4. Support tenant advocacy, assistance and training programs
promoting residential stability and preventing homelessness.
Implementing Partners
Greater Frogtown Community Development Corporation
Model Cities
Saint Paul Association of Responsible Landlords
District 7 Planning Council
Department of Licenses, Inspections and Environmental
Protection (LIEP)
B. Identify serious healYh and safety code violations and work
with property owners to secure the resources to make
necessary improvements.
Seek public, private or philanthropic funds to provide home
improvement grants to eligible househoids.
2. Enroll eligible vacant structures in the Houses to Homes
program.
3. Expiore opportunities in conjunction with the Saint Paul
Technical University, the Trades and Labor Unions and the
14 THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN
q���1�
various small business assistance programs to provide
neighborhood based education and training opportunities for
aduits and young peopte interested in home repair and
remodeling.
4. Demolition should be considered a last resort and pursued only
when properties cannot be reused. To reduce the instances of
demolition, the City's Division of Pubiic Health and community
development corporations should work together to:
• Improve communications so that CDCs are aware of
potentiai demolitions as early as possible;
• Take appropriate measures to obtain input from
neighboring residents and block clubs;
• Evaluate individual buildings in conte�;
• Strengthen programs that ailow vacant houses to become
avaitable at a negiigibie cost for purchase and rehabifitation
(e.g. Dol4ar Houses); and
• Develop mechanisms whereby the City can obtain title to
vacant properties and convey them to a community
organization for rehabilitation.
Impiementing Partners
Department of Licenses, Inspection and Environmental
Protection (LIEP)
District 7 Planning Councii
Greater Frogtown Community Devefopment Corporation
Saint Paul Division of Pubiic Heafth
Maintain Affordability of Rental Housinq
A. Coupled with the strategies to support home ownership
for area residents, systematic effiorts must be made to
ensure that a portion of the rental housing in Thomas Dale
remains affordable to lower income households.
Explore the feasibility of expanding or replicating programs
such as the United Way's Families First that rehabilitated smal{
cental buildings, financing the purchase and rehabilitation in
such a way as to permanently write down the operating costs
borne by the tenants.
2. Explore the development of new rental apartment and
townhome complexes along University Avenue, Minnehaha
Avenue and Pierce Butier.
3. Ensure ihat rent certificate and voucher programs are tied
c{osely to focai market conditions so as not create windfall
THOMASDALESMALLAREAPLAN 15
qC-�(3
profits for landlords and, therefore, a concentration of
participating properties.
4. Encourage the development of residential units on the second
and third floors above new commercial development on
University Avenue.
Implementing Partners
Greater Frogtown Community Development Corporation
Frogtown Action Alliance
Model Cities
Project for Pride in Living
District 7 Pianning Council
Identify, Preserve and Market
Nei�hborhood Attributes
A. Build an understanding of the neighborhood's historic
character.
Develop pub(ic education materials on the historic vafue of the
neighborhood, the attributes of neighbofiood buildings, how to
recognize and protect the value of individual properties.
implementing Partners
District 7 Ptanning Councii
Saint Paul Heritage Preservation Commission
B, Ensure that the public infrastructure is supportive of the area's
historic character.
Advocate for the installation of public improvements --
sidewalks and curbs, lighting, trees, signage etc -- supportive of
the area's.character.
2. Lantem style street lights shouid be the standard for the area
with provisions made to waive or secure altemative financing
. for the related assessments.
Implementing Partners
District 7 Pianning Councit
Saint Paul Department of Public Works
C. Encourage the sensitive rehabilitation of area structures as
well as compatible new construction on individuai vacant lots.
16 THOMAS DALE SMe1LL AREA PLA1V
q�
Develop rehab financing programs designed to encourage the
protection or restoration of the historic character of individual
structures.
2. Expiore appropriate reuses for traditional comer store buildings
as artist housing/studios or small businesses.
3. Owners of twenty-five properties identified in the 1983 Historic
Sites Survey for Saint Paul and Ramsey Counfy should be
encouraged to seek forrnal designation as local and/or National
Register sites and the Heritage Preservation Commission
shouid support those applications.
4. Explore ways to take advantage of the concentration of unique
historical or architectural structures in the area bounded by
Mackubin and Dale, Sherburne and Van Buren. Potential
mechanisms inciude the creation of demonstration or
conservation district within which special efforts would be made
to educate property owners about the value of their buildings,
provide guidance on making structural changes, and secure
resources to ensure the protection of the most important
structures. Such a district would not be designed primarily as a
regulatory tooi though there may be guidelines associated with
resources and other incentives. Any policies governing such a
district should be carefully tuned to balance the resources of
property owners and the value of particular structures.
5. Amend the Saint Paul Zoning Code to support the continued
use of the several historic "alley houses" in the neighborhood.
Present and prospective owners have a difficult time securing
mortgage or rehabilitation financing because the structures are
considered "nonconforming uses" in the code and cannot be re-
estab(ished in the event of serious structural damage without
the permission of the Pianning Commission. The foilowing
amendment would allow their reconstruction and, thus, reassure
potential lenders.
Sec. 62.102.(e) (-)
In any residential district, an existing second dwelling on a
single lot may be reconstructed provided that the number of
total dwelling units on the lot is not increased. The structure
may not be structurally eniarged or extended.
THOMASDALESMALLAREAPLAN 17
�7-3� �
Implementing Partne�s
Greater Frogtown Community Development Corporation
District 7 Planning Council
Sai�t Paul Heritage Preservation Commission
Saint Paul Planning Commission
D. Market the neighborhood.
In partnership with area realtors, market the neighborhood, its
houses and availabte financing mechanisms to potential market
niches.
Implementing Partners
Disfrict 7 Planning Councii
Frogfown Times
Saint Paul Area Association of Realtors
Build Communiiy Ownership
A. Develop, support and link together a variety of neighborhood
based associations to strengthen a sense of community.
Voluntary community associations are the most powerful mechanism
by which people are linked to their neighborhoods. They provide a
sense of belonging as well as a vehicle for bringing resources and
people together to make things happen. They also provide a means
for people from different raciai, economic and social groups to work
together for common ends.
Examples of voluntary community associations include PTAs,
churches, friends of the local library, park and school booster clubs,
local business associations, district councils, block clubs and
crimewatch chapters, mutual aid associations, landlord, homeowner,
renter or resident associations, community fair and festival
sponsors, garden clubs and beautification groups, local historical
societies, youth groups, iocal deve(opment companies, civic clubs
and support groups.
B. Estabiish a Frogtown Neighborhood Improvement and Training
Center in conjunction with any of a number of existing
community organizations to work in conjunction with
community development and other revitalization initiatives.
The program would:
• Strengthen organizational capacity within the neighborhood.
18 THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLATV
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Promote partnerships, particularly among organizations that
pramote revita4ization.
Increase the skills and involvement of residents, including
youth, to improve their lives through self-help, leadership
development, politicai and other strategies.
Integrate a variety of programs or initiatives such as:
Youth Employment and Training
Public Service Work Crews
Community and Home Maintenance Education
Home Owner Finance Training
Tool Lending Library
Micro-Enterprise Development
Skilfs Bank Exchange
Community Steward Program
Strengthening Votuntary Community Associations
Keystone Housing and Commercial Development
Positive Neighborhood Images Program
Implementing Partners
District 7 Planning Council
Thomas Dale Block Clubs
Community Education
Frogtown Action Alliance
Frogtown Festivai, Inc.
Saint Paul Division of Parks and Recreation
Neighborhood businesses
Community agencies and organizations
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN 19
����13
Healthy families are the building b/ocks of a strong community. To the
extenf, therefore, fhat fl�e other chapters of ff�is plan relate fo ensuring
access to safe and affordable housing, productive employment,
appropriate education and the range of amenities offered by libraries,
parks, recreation and culfural opportunities, the entire small area plan is
part and parcel of a community building strategy.
The strength of a community, however, is more than the sum of
individuals and their well being. A communify is stronger when its
residents are linked fogether around shared concerns and common
purpose. A community is more effective when its services and voluntary
associations are carefully integrated. And a community is safer when
people look out for each other and when the community as a whole
ensures that the needs of all are met.
TI�e following strategy, fherefore, is built upon eacl� of the ofher chapters
of the plan, but specifically addresses issues of linkaqe, integretion and
capacity through a discussion of two concerns: community services and
communify places.
Strengthen Communit�[Services
A. Area agencies and service providers shouid continuatly fook
tor ways to more carefully integrate new and existi�g services
and ensure that those services are consistent with the needs of
neighborhood residents.
There are dozens of organizations invoived in providing essentiai
services to the community: public and private schools, churches,
Model Cities Health Center, businesses, Frogtown Action Alliance,
Thomas Dale Block Clubs, District 7 Planning Council, Wilder
Foundation, West Minnehaha Recreation Center, Scheffer
Recreation Center, Catholic Charities, Frogtown Family Resource
Center. AU are doing good and important work. This strategy
identifies ways that existing services might be better integrated to
ensure that limited resources are used to maximum advantage.
Community service providers should meet on a regular basis to
share information, address common issues and provide mutuai
support.
2. New services should be designed in collaboration with existing
programs to increase effectiveness and avoid duplication.
2O THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN
���3�3
3. Programs should take advantage of the network of block clubs
and community organizations to disseminate information and
receive feedback in their planning and program deveiopment.
4. Neighbofiood residents shou4d be invited to participate in the
design, delivery and evaluation of community programs.
B. Develop, support and link together a variety of neighborhood
based voluntary associations to strengthen a sense of
community.
Voluntary community associations are the most powerful mechanism
by which people are linked to their neighborhoods. They provide a
sense of belonging as well as a vehicle for bringing resources and
peop{e together to make things happen. They also provide a means
for people from different racial, economic and sociaf groups to work
togethe� for common ends.
Examples of voluntary community associations inciude PTAs,
churches, friends of the local library, park and school booster clubs,
local business associations, district councils, block clubs and
crimewatch chapters, mutual aid associations, landlord, homeowner,
renter or resident associations, community fair and festival
sponsors, garden clubs and beaulification groups, local historical
societies, youth groups, local deve4opment companies, civic clubs
and support groups.
Launch a five year initiative to build the capacity of
neighborhood based organizations to assess community
assets, design coilaborative projects and nurture community
leadership.
2. Continue to develop and support block clubs throughout the
community as the most basic unit of neighborhood organization.
Implemeoting Partners
Frogtown Neighborhood Network, Co�vener
Thomas Dale Block Clubs
Wilder Foundation
Bigelow Foundation
Neighborhood based organizations
C. Existing organizations should support community-wide efforts
that celebrate the neighborhood and its residenis.
Support a neighborhood newspaper as a critical communication
link with virtually every househo{d in the neighbofiood.
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAPI 21
��-�� 3
Strengthen the annual Frogtown Festival with financial and
inkind contributions and volunteer support. The City of Saint
Paul shouid consider subsidizing police services or providing
additional financial support for community festivais in
neighborhoods such as Thomas Dale that have fewer potentiaf
sponsors.
3. Take advantage of opportunities to recognize the talents and
contributions of neighborhood residents.
4. Encourage "neighborliness:' Recognize that there is often
nothing more powe�fiul in the process of community building
than the individual acts of kindness among neighbors—
shoveling a neighbor's walk, listening to a child, offering
encouragement to a teenager or greeting a stranger.
Implementing Partners
Neighborhood based organizations
Neighborhood residents
University UNITED
D. In developing new services, priority should be given to the
following:
• Initiatives that support the capacities of families to nurture
chiidren
• Services addressing the needs of children and youth
• Programs focussed on physical neighborhood improvements
Severa! initiatives are aiready undenvay:
Frogtown Family Cenfer- Established under the auspices of the
Saint Paul Children's Initiative, the Frogtown Family Center is a
network of services where residents find or are referred to the
full range of family services (e.g. family education, health care,
employment and training). Administered by a community-based
board, the Family Center relates closely to the existing
Frogtown Fami(y Resource center, a school district—community
coitaboration focusing on early childhood and family education.
After School Activities - The State of Minnesota included $2
miilion in its biennial bonding bill to provide facilities within which
to provide after school programs. Additional funds are available
from the federal govemment.
Charter Schoo!- Pianning funds for new charter schools were
allocated by the 1996 legislature. The 5t. Paul Family Leaming
Center Charter School opened in the fall of 1996 and serves
22 THOMASDALESMALLAREAPLAN
a�-���
families in the study area. There are hopes that additional
similar schools can be established in the Thomas Dale
community.
{mptementing Partners
Neighborhood based organizations
Create Communitv Places
A. Pursue a community wide planning process to estabiish a
community center (or a principai center with sateflite
service centers) that wouid:
• Be accessible to as high a percentage of the
community as possibie
• integrate muttiple services �family education, health,
recreation)
• Be developed and managed by a collaboration of
community organizations
Gathering piaces piay an important role in the life of any
community. They are the places where people come to know
each other as neighbors, where important information is
available and shared, and where the community's story is
shaped and recounted to o{d-timers and new-comers alike.
They may be formally designated or simply emerge out of the
rhythm of daily life.
Among the chailenges for the new community-buiiding initiatives
now 6eing planned is the acute lack of appropriate space.
There is, therefore, considerable interest in the establishment of
a community center at which a number of services could be
located.
The difficulty, of course, in a large geographic area with poor
transit services where few people have access to cars, is
selecting one piace that "works" for the whoie community. An
aiternative might be to establish a major center and link it--
through telecommunications, vans and/orjoint programming--
with a select number of existing "satellite" centers.
Implementing Partners
Wilder Foundation, Convener
Neighborhood based organizations
THOMP.S DALE SMALL AREA PLAN 23
R�- ��3
s , i � i � � � i i. ���
Neighborhood transporfation issues are not defined—nor are fhey
resolved—in a vacuum. The transporfation sysfem fhaf serves Thomas
Dale is a regional system. The streets, highways, bus routes and,
potentially, light rail lines, that run through Thomas Dale connect it wifh
the metropolitan area. Metropolitan decisions to invest in one mode of
transportation over against anofher have a profound impact on the
healfh and vita/ity of neighborhoods such as Thomas Dale. Thomas
Dale, in the final analysis, would be besl served 6y a regiona!
transportation and land use policy that Iimifs subur6an developmenf and
strengthens local transit services in inner city communities. The
communifys challenge, tl�erefore, is fo identify forums in which fhose
decisions are being made and become an effective advocate for
neighborhood interesfs.
Within the neighborhood, however, the condition and design offhree
major arterials as well as the neigh6orhood sfreet system and the quality
of pu6lic transit service are the defining issues for the Tra�c and
Transportation Strategy. Most of the issues, however, are discussed in
fhe Economic Development Strategy (page 2). The proposed redesign
of University Avenue and Dale Street is intended fo make them more
attractive and pedestrian-friendly commercia! streets. While University
Avenue serves a regional market and Dale Sfreet a more local market,
both can be enhanced by trees, street lights and tra�c calming
measures. Pierce Bufler, if slightly rerouted, could provide direcf access
to the Dale Sfreet Shops/Maxson Steel sife, making it a more atfracfive
site for industrial redevelopment.
The balance of the strategy, discussed in this section, focuses on (a) the
improvement of neighborhood streets in ways tirat enhance the
character of the residenfial environment and support public and private
investment in rehabilitation and redevelopment and (b) the improvement
of public transit services.
Improve Neighborhood Streets and Trai(s
A. Complete the improvement of the neighborhood street system
with fhe installation of curbs, gutters, street lights and
boulevard trees.
Encourage the Department of Public Works to program the
paving of and installation of curbs, gutters and street Iights on
the following street segments north of University Avenue:
• Mackubin
• Kent
• Arundel
24 THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN
a -���
Improvements along these street segments wiil enhance efforts
made by the Greater Frogtown Community Development
Corporation to build or rehabilitate homes in the area for
purchase by new homeowners.
2. Replace missing boulevard trees in the area either by adjusting
the citywide repiacement schedule or ailowing for the planting of
donated trees in the boulevard.
3. Encourage private plantings in the boulevards through
promotional material, plant give-aways, and/or award programs
such as the Minneapolis Center for the Urban EnvironmenYs
"Blooming Boulevards" program.
B. In planning improvements for neighborhood streets, identify
opportunities for traffic calming. For instance, intersections
where extra land might altow the installation of a traffic circle
should be identified. Four to six circles could be considered
for the study area as a means of both sfowing traffic through
the neighborhood and contributing to the neighborhood
character. The circles should be attractively landscaped and
could be sites for sculptures or other public art.
C. Create bicycie and pedestrian trails linking the neighborhood
with key amenities such as downtown, the Mississippi River,
Como Park and the University of Minnesota.
Implementing Partners
District 7 Planning Council
Saint Paui Department of Public Works
University UNITED
lmprove Bus Service
A. The level of serviee present{y oTfered by the 16A bus line or►
University Avenue should at least be maintained if not
expanded.
The bus provides an essential service to many neighborhood
residents who use it to make refatively short trips to grocery stores,
health clinics, child care and empioyment.
The preservation of the 16A line takes on a particular importance in
light of plans to construct a light rail line in the freeway corridor. It
should be emphasized that fight rail--as currentfy envisioned--wiil be
designed to move peopie quickly between the two cities and,
therefore, wili not replace the 16A that carries people relatively short
distances along University Avenue.
THOMASDALESMALLAREAPLAN 25
`��-���
B. Bus service should be increased on Dale Street where buses
run only every half hour.
Many of the clients of Model Cities rely on the bus for transportation
to and from their appointments. This line also offers direct access to
suburban jobs and shopping.
C. Service on the number 7 and 34 bus Iines should be maintained
orincreased.
The number 7 bus that serves area schools, playgrounds and the
Rice Marion apartments as well as the number 34 bus that will be
instrumental in serving any new industrial or multi-family
devefopmenf afong Minnehaha also p(ay a crificaf rofe in the
neighborhood's transportation system. Service on these lines
should be maintained or increased.
D. The area also needs circulator bus service that runs through
the neighborhood, linking residents to local services such as
the grocery store and health ciinic.
Implementing Partners
District 7 Planning Council
Wilder Foundation
Frogtown Family Center
Metropolitan Councii Transit Operations (MCTO)
Midway Chamber of Commerce
Advocate for Supportive Regional
Transportation and Land Use Policies
A. Ensure that regionat transportation systems are supportive of
Thomas Dale's redevelopment and renewal efforts.
The District 7 Planning Councii should advocate for a coherent
regional transportation policy that integrates the construction of
highways and rail systems with a land use and growth
management policy that discourages sprawl.
2. In the event the light rail transit system in constructed in the
freeway corridor and includes a station at Dale Street, the
District 7 Planning Council should be invo(ved in its design.
The stop shouid not inciude a"park and ride" lot.
26 THOMASDALESMALLAREAPLAN
��i - � 13
Implementing Partners
District 7 Planning Council
Metropolitan Council
Ramsey County Regional Rail Authority
Midway Chamber of Commerce
University UNITED
Resolve Neighborhood Parking Issues
A. In consultation with surrounding property owners and
community organizations, resolve parking issues at the
following locations in a manner that minimizes the parking's
impact on surrounding residential properties and the character
of the neighborhood:
• Northwest comer of University and Dale
• Kim Hung's Grocery
• International Marketplace
• Blues Saloon (601 North Westem)
• Hmong Funeral Home
Implementing Partners
District 7 Planning Council
University UNITED
Individual Business Owners
Affected Residents and Block Clubs
Midway Chamber of Commerce
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN 27
��-�i�
Successful communities encourage and support lifelong learning that
begins with preparing its youngest members for school and, at the same
time, ensures that its adulfs are prepared to participate in a rapidly
changing economy. Thomas Dale is home to a wide variety of
educational institutions and programs--from the Frogtown Family
Resource Center and Ramsey Action Program's Headstart focused on
early childhood and parent education, to two public elementary schools,
St. Agnes School, the Ronald Hubbs Center for Lifelong Learning, Saint
Paul Rehabilitation Center and fhe City/School Districf's communify
education program. In addition, a Model Cities program serves the
preschool education needs of children born with chemical addictions and
the Thunder Spirit Lodge focuses on the care of those afflicfed with Fetal
Alcohof Syndrome. Each has its own mission, agenda and method of
relating with the communify. While the other secfions of the plan indude
recommendafions thaf, if implemented, would strengthen the
environment for education — such as reducing transiency, creating
spaces for recreation, emphasizing job training/preparation — the
following recommendations focus specificafly on how the community can
support the individual and common efforts of fhe educational institutions
to meet the needs of its residents.
Build Community Su�port for Education
A. Encourage community invoivement in the schoois.
Encourage investment in volunteer training and support. The
schools are eager to have parents and other community
members involved in schooi programs during and after school.
Reading with children, providing enrichment programs or simply
being an extra set of hands in a classroom are all important
contributions. For some, that may come naturally. Others may
want or need the support of a certain level of training,
recognition or other incentive to encourage their participation.
2. Secure sponsorship of individual schools by corporations
and/or organizations both from within and outside the
neighborhood.
3. Sponsor equipment recycling drives to ensure students have
access to appropriate equipment to participate in athletic and
artistic programs.
4. Encourage schools to be welcoming places for parents and
community members.
2S THOMASDALESMALLAREAPLAN
��-�1��..
Impiementing Partners
District 7 Planning Council
Parent Teacher Organizations
Frogtown Family Resource Center
Community Education
Individual Schoois
University UNITED
B. Strengthen collaboration among educational programs within
the neighborhood.
Expand participation in neiworking activiiies. A monthiy lunch
meeting for Thomas Dale human service agencies is a good
beginning, but doesn't provide enough time or space for the
coilaboration that needs to take place. Other opportunities
should be identified.
2. Ensure that participants in individual human service programs
are aware of--and can refer participants to—the services of ths
various educational institutions.
3. Develop multi-faceted programming to take advantage of
community resources and meet muitiple needs. Coliaboration
between the Frogtown Family Resource Center and Jackson
School, for instance, has increased parental participation in the
schooi's evening programs for families inasmuch as the
Resource Center encourages participation, assists with
transportation and provides programs for 1he chifdren while
parents are involved in mee6ngs or conferences.
4. Strengthen the relationships between area child care providers
and efementary schools in order to develop ways to ease the
chitd's transition between day care and school, strengthen
school readiness and, without jeopardizing the privacy of the
child and his/her family, prevent any lapse in critical support
services.
5. Encourage school principals and staff to become involved in
community organizations as a means of improving
collaboration.
Implementing Partners
Public and private schools and education agencies
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN 29
��-� � �-
C. Encourage the estabiishment of a community schoot and one
or more charter schoois in the community.
Ensure that pianning for new schools involves coliaboration with
exisfing schools and human service providers.
2. Particular encouragement should be given to organizations
willing to develop charter schools that emphasize cross cultural
educafion.
Impiementing Partners
District 7 Planning Council
Potentiaf school boards and administrators
Peopie's Network of Minnesoia
Public and private schools
Wilder Foundation
D. Expand options and opportunities for pre-school and
elementary schoo� age children and their families.
Ensure that quality after school activities are available for all
children who need them.
Support programming for pre-school and elementary school
children that encourages peaceful conflict resolution.
3. Support additionai resources for Headstart programs in the
community in order that all who qualify can participate.
Implementing Partners
Pubiic and private schools and leaming centers
Headstart
Saint Paui Division of Parks and Recreation
Saint Paul Public Library
Wilder Foundation
Parent Teacher Organizations
E. Expand options for junior and senior high age students.
Support and strengthen programs such as those offered by
local churches and schools, Frogtown Future, Save our Cities
Kids and the Leadership Training Program of the Thomas Dale
Block Clubs that involve young people in positive associaYion
with significant adults while helping them to develop their own
potential.
$O THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN
a�.- �� �
2. Explore sources of private and philanthropic support to enab{e
young people from Thomas Dale to participate in programs
such as those offered by the Science Museum, local colleges
and universities, theatres or summer camps.
Implementing Partners
Public and private schools and leaming centers
Saint Paui Division of Parks and Recreation
Thomas Da4e Block Clubs
Community Education
University UNITED
THOMASDALESMALLAREAPLAN 31
�- 3i �
Access to quality affordable health care is a national issue. It is of
particufarconcem forThomas Dale where such a high percenfage of
citizens are not covered by employer sponsored health insurance,
making them especially vulnerable to changes in public support for
health care. Dafa analyzed by the City's Division of Pubfic Health reveal
Thomas Dale to be among the city's medically underserved
communities. Critical issues include a low immunization rate, higher
than average infant mortality rates and Iead poisoning of children.
�ecure Basic Health Services for All
Residents
A. Strengthen the Model Cities Health Center as the primary
provider of community based medical and dental services.
Advocate for funding tormulas thaf recognize the unique needs
of community health centers that serve a high proportion of
uninsured citizens.
2. Support funding applications that serve to stabilize the financial
status of the health center.
3. Explore partnerships that might bring professional services fo
the healYh cenYer at below market costs.
Implementing Partners
Model Cities Health Center
Public Health Agencies
Foundations
B. Strengthen the sense of partnership among health care
providers in and around the Thomas Date community.
Organize a formal community health care coalition to meet on a
regular basis. .
2. Develop and prioritize strategies around building community
awareness relative to health issues and ensuring a higher level
of preventative care.
ImplemenYing Partners
Model Cities
Saint Paul Division of Public Heaith
Frogtown Action A(liance
Private health care/altemative medicine services
Saint Paul/Ramsey Medical Center
32 THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN
��-���
Emphasize Prevention
A. Ensure widespread access to immunizations, screening and
well child care.
Support public health initiatives inciuding the mobile delivery--
with a va� or other mobil clinic arrangement -of specific
services including immunizations and health screening.
Services to Thomas Dale cou{d be integrated with those to
other similar neighborhoods.
Implementing Partners
Saint Paul Division of Public Health
Model Cities Hea(th Center
Frogtown Action Alliance Heaith Task Force
B. Etiminate the incidence of lead poisoning.
Increase screening of children at risk.
2. Continue educational program in multiple languages and in
collaboration with the Frogtown Family Resource Center and
other programs with high participation of neighborhood families.
3. Continue to abate affected homes, taking particular care to
secure public funding for low and moderate income property
owners.
4. Identity and advocate for alternative ameliorative measures--
such as encapsulation with paint rather than complete
abatement--that reduce lead exposure to more acceptable
feveis while avoiding excessive costs beyond the means of low
and moderate income households.
5. Secure a"lead free" house in which families can live while the
contamination is being removed from their homes.
Implementing Partners
5aint Paul Division of Pubiic Health
Greater Frogtown Community Development Corporation
District 7 Planning Council
Area health agencies
Department of Licenses, Inspections and Environmental
Protection
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN 33
��-3��
C. Substantially reduce the amount of trash and garbage in
neighborhood yards and alieys.
Explore altematives to the present garbage hauling system that
will ensure universal collection.
2. Increase Cify financia! support for neighborhood clean-up
activities.
Implementing Partners
District 7 Planning Council
City of Saint Paul
Private garbage haulers
Block clubs
34 THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAIV
� �
As a central city neighborhood with houses built on relatively smal/ /ofs,
Thomas Dale has among the smallest amount of green space per
resident of any neighborhood in the city. lt is a/so an a�ea where the
housing is in high demand and the fabric of the neighborhood is
vulnerable to any wholesale demolition of housing units. The challenge
is to carefulty leverage useful open space through the revitalization
process. The pian addresses the need for three types of open space:
(1) Single lots that are within view—or earshot—of most of fhe
households on a block where child�en can safely play,� (2) Medium size
parks (1/2 block in size) with playground equipment and/or a backstop to
be used by families wifhin a 2-4 block radius,� and (3) Expansion of West
Minnehaha Recreation Center fhat serves the entire communify.
Establish a System of Parks in the
Communitk
A. Develop a community wide plan for the establishment of
different types of parks and greenspaces.
The plan should inciude:
• A full inventory of the present system;
• An assessment of what types of parksigreen spaces and
trails are needed in the various parts of the neighborhood
to complete the system;
• A designation of specific vicinities where additional
parkslgreen spaces might be established. These
designations should consider accessibility to the site,
population density in the surrounding blocks, and
relationship to redevelopment activities; and
• A policy that the demolition of existing structures should be
avoided.
• An identification of funding sources for acquisition and
maintenance of parkland/gree� spaces.
An outline for the plan is proposed in the recommendations
below.
Implementing Partners
District 7 Pianning Council, Convener
Frogtown Action Alliance
Thomas Dale Block Clubs
Greater Frogtown Community Development Corporation
4ndividual b{ock clubs
Saint Paul Division of Parks and Recreation
Parks and Recreation Commission
Public Art Saint Paul
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN 35
��-�� �-
B. Create more small "green spaces" within the neighborbood.
Consider the establishment of neighborhood play spaces and/or
gardens on individual lots, especially on blocks with narrow lots
or in instances where new construction is unlikely in the short
term. Lots in the middle of blocks, rather than on the comers,
are generally preFerred.
Acquisition, design, maintenance and supervision of these lots
would provide an opportunity for neighbors to work together.
lndeed, the initiative of block residenis would be essential to
their success--and, therefore, should be a prerequisite.
2. Develop a neighborhood-wide strategy for identifying
opportunities for single lot green spaces and doing the
necessary organizing. The strategy should include a system for
handling insurance issues.
3. Consider linking lots on individual blocks into a neighborhood
system by creating a walking--or exercise—tour that highlights
the uniqueness of each lot and its surrounding community.
Implementing Partners
DisVict 7 Planning Council
Block clubs
Minnesota Green
Sustainable Agricuiture Resource Center
C. Establish one or two other half block sized parks to
compiement Ryan Park located in the southwest quadrant of
the study area.
Improve the landscaping and play facilities on the Jackson
School grounds to encourage its use by the community in the
southeast quadrant of the study area after school and on
weekends.
2. Integrate the estabiishment of up to two other parks with the
rehabilitation of neighboring houses, the placement of traffic
circles or the creation of some other amenity in order to
enhance the impact of each improvement.
Implementing Partners
District 7 Planning Council
Saint Paul Division of Parks and Recreation
Saint Paul School District
36 THOMASDALESMALLAREAPLAN
�l�- 3i�
Expand Recreation Services
A. Expand the services provided by West Minnehaha Recreation
Center.
Explore opportunities to expand the recreation center and its
site, possibiy through the realignment of Pierce Butier Road.
2. Strengthen programming at the recreation center itself through
cioser collaboration with neighborhood residents in estabiishing
priorities and designing programs consistent with their needs
and interests.
B. Extend recreation programming into alternative sites
throughout the neighborhood such as at Ryan Park, Jackson
School, community churches or storefronts.
Implementing Partners
Thomas Dale Biock Ciubs
Saint Paul Division of Parks and Recreation
Parks and Recreation Commission
West Minnehaha Booster Club
District 7 Planning Councii
Frogtown Action Alliance
THOMASDALESMALLAREAPLAN 37
��- 3� �
. i � i � � � i � . . � �
Thomas Dale is a ful(y developed neighborhood with only occasiona/
reasons--or opportunities--to change the existing land use patterns. A
review of the entire planning district reveals a rich mixture of housing
types, commercial uses and industrial developments. The easternmosf
part of the planning disfrict is the Mk Airy public housing site.
lmmediately to the east of fhe study area are the Rice Ma�an
aparfinents; to the west is a mixed use residential area developed by the
�Ider Foundation. At the northern 6order is a sizable industriai site; at
the southern borderis Universi(y Avenue, one of the cify's most
sign�cant commercial strips. Within the study area, however, the vast
majority of residential structures are smaller houses originally built as
single family residences. It is withrn that context that fhe plan makes
recommendafions relative to land use controls in the study area.
There are two principal recommendafions. The firsf is to rezone mosf of
the study area, now zoned for two family use, to single family use. This
is recommended largely as a measure to curfail the conversion of
sfructures builf as relatively small single family homes to two or more
family homes. The experience in the neighborhood has been that an
increasing demand for affordable rental housing is being mef through the
conversion of single family homes by landlords who rent a space
designed for one family to two or three families. The structures
themselves, many of them more than 100 years old, are not able to
withstand the level of wear and tear that comes with higher occupancy.
The neighborhood's schools and social seivice agencies are sfraining to
meet the needs of the existing residents and, for the mosf part, do not
have the capacity to serve an increasing population. And increasing the
concentration of lower income households in a single neighborhood is
not in the best interests of the households themselves or the
neighborhood.
Some areas—a/ong the major arterials where transportation is most
accessib/e--are recommended for apartment or townhome development
in order to meet the need for well-managed and well-maintained rental
housing. It is recognized that—as market conditions improve--
opportunities may emerge where additiona! areas would be
appropriafefy developed with rivo family housing or town homes.
Through this plan, the district council and fhe City signal their willingness
fo positively consider rezoning if subsequently needed and appropriafe
to allow for development compafible with neighborhood character and
design.
The second major change recommended 6y this plan relates to the
widening of Dale Street. Inasmuch as the land on the east side of Dale
has been acquired for the right of way, it shouid no longer be zoned for
commerciai use. The west side of Dale, on the other hand, should be
zoned exclusively fo� neighborhood /evel commercial uses. As
$R THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN
��'�JI�J
discussed previously, residentia! uses shou(d 6e phased out and fhe
zoning recommended he�e is consisterrt with that policy.
A. Ensure that adopted land use regulations are supportive of the
community's revitalization efforts.
The study area should be rezoned as indicated on the following
maps.
2. The community encourages highe� density residential
development along major transportation corridors--University
Avenue, Minnehaha Avenue and Pierce Butler--provided that it
meets the foilowing standards:
a. its scale is consistent with the surrounding character of the
neighborhood. Pedestrian scale duptexes and townhouses
are preferred.
b. Its design and orientation to the street are consistent with
the surrounding neighborhood.
c. Provisions are made for play areas and green space.
d. Parking and tra�c issues are adequately addressed.
The consistency of the proposed redeveiopment with these
standards will be the focus of the district council's review of a
petition for rezoning.
3. Rezonings of properties for higher density new construction or
rehabilitation in the balance of the study area will be considered
on a case by case basis. The district council will support those
applications that represent high quality development in keeping
with the character of the neighborhood.
4. Mixed residential/commercial/o�ce structures are encouraged
along University Avenue and Dale Street. Relatediy, it is
recommended that the Planning Commission study and
propose appropriate amendments to the Zoning Code to
encourage mixed use development in the B-2 zoning district.
5. There shou{d be no additional expansion of commerciai uses or
parking onto Sherburne Avenue within the study area except on
the b�ock west of Dale between University and Sherbume
Avenues where additionai parking may be required to allow the
establishment of commercial uses on the west side of Dale
Street between University and Sherbume Avenues. In cases
where parking expansion is approved, existing policies related
to setbacks, landscaping and access should be enforced.
Should the market on University Avenue begin to require
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN 39
R�-3t�
significant additiona! space, and there is no altemative to an
expansion to the south side of Sherbume Avenue, potential
developers could work with the district council to develop a
mutually acceptable plan and propose an amendment to the
comprehensive pian that would allow such an expansion.
Implementittg Partners
Saint Paul Planning Commission
DisUict 7 Planning Council
Midway Chamber of Commerce
University UNITED
4O THOMAS DALE SMe1LL AREA PLAN
`��'J��
Saint Paui Planning Commission
Peg J. Birk
Joseph P. Chavez
Esperanza Duarte
Carole Faricy
Litton Field, Jr.
Anne Flaxman Geisser
Stephen D. Gordon
Frank Gumey
R+chard J.F. Kramer
Michael Lee
Eileen J. Lund-Johnson
Thomas Dale Smail Area Plan
Kevin Kittilson, Co-chair
Kurt Schwichtenberg, Co-chair
Brenda Alexander
Christopher Coleman
David Colwell
Elizabeth Colwell
Beverly Hawkins
Duane Johnson
Mazi Johnson
Kevin Kajer
Kristen Kidder
Victoria Kittiison
Tou Sue Lee
David Liset
Joyce Maddox
Timothy Mardell
David McDonell, Chair
Gladys Morton
Richard Nowlin
Kurt Schwichtenberg
Michael Sharpe
Imogene Treichel
Mark Vaught
Barbara A. Wencl
Task Force
Pat Lindgren
Lengchy Lor
Morris Manning
Mary Miiliner
Bilt Pepar
Becky Rice
Margaret Romero
Janet Marie Shane
Ron Stevens
Connie Stewart
Barbara Strommer
Sandy Unger
Andy Wiiliams
Clare Wilson
District 7 Planning Council
Michael Samuelson
Sailie Sheppheard
Spencer Blaw
Joanne Tooley
Kenrie Williams
Department of Planning and
Pamela Wheelock, Director
Hope Metton, Planner
Katy Lindblad, Project Manager
Economic Development
Ken Ford, Planning Administrator
Nancy Homans, Planner
Joan Hagen Chinn, Graphic Artist
The Distiict 7 Planning Council and the City of Saint Paul gratefully acknowledge
the confribution made by ihe Bigelow Foundation to fhis planninq process.
The City of Saint Paul does not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, sex, sexuai or
affectional orientation, age, color, creed, national origin or ancestry, marital status, religion,
veteran status, or status with regard to public assistance in the admission or access to, or
treatment or employment in, its programs or activities.
The City of Saint Paul
Norm Coleman, Mayor
THOMASDALESMALLAREAPLAN 43
,a
�.}
Thomas Dale
- Small Area Plan
Community Letters of Commitment
<,.
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November 15, 1996
David McDonell, Chair
St. Paul Planning Commission
c/o Nancy Holmans
Department of Planning and Economic Development
25 West Fourth Sireet
St. Paul, Minnesota 55102
Deaz Mr. McDonnell:
u�- ��3
Thomas • Dale
District 7 Community Council, Inc.
369 University Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55103
PA:(612)298-5065
FAX:(612)298-5072
At its September 26, 1996 board of directors meeting, the Thomas/Dale IJistrict 7 Planning Council
passed a modon expressing its unanimous support for the draft Thomas Dale Small Area Plan that is
now in before the St. Paul Planning Commission for your review, comments and approval.
This document has been carefully developed over the past three years by our community. We have
worked hand-in-hand with one common goal in mind - to heip blaze a path where our residents,
businesses, public agencies and our many neighborhood partners can iravel in order to assist with the
preservarion and revitalization of the Thomas Dale communiry. This plan represents the hopes and
dreams many of us have for this very important pomon of central St. Paul. We feel that it can be a
pian that we and our pazmers can all use each and everyday in order to ensure that the Thomas Dale
area continues to be a great place to live, work and raise our families.
Now that this particulaz planning process at the community level has been completed the real work is
about to begin. We have already started the implementation of some key components of this plan.
For exampie, a community visioning process on the future reuse of the former Dale Street Burlington
Northern train yards begins this month. Its task is to develop a plan for what this possible industrial
pazk would look like and more importantly how it can help to sdmulate the further revitalizarion of our
community. We expect to be busy for many yeazs to come maidng sure that this plan is an active
guidepost for our community and the city to foliow.
As you may know, the primary task that our district council took during this process was to help
coordinate the communiry-based task force which actually developed this draft Small Area Plan.
Upon review of this document you will see why we feel that we did our job quite well. We wish to
acknowledge the fine support and guidance our task force received from your staf£ Both Ms.
Homans and Melton were invaluable resources to this planning pmcess and our simple thanks could
never be enough to express the debt we owe to their work on this draft Small Area Plan.
Thank you for your thoughtfui review and, we hope, your eventual approval of this very important
document. If you have need for any further inforxnation please contact me at 298-5068.
Sincerely,
1ti�� G
�1�
Michael Samuelson, Executive Director
Thomas/Dale District 7 Planning Council
°�����-
Frogtown Action Alliance
�~�
� ��
September 20, 1996
Bany Madore, Boazd Chair
Thomas-Dale District 7 Council
369 University Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55103
Dear Mr. Madore:
689 NORTH DALE STREET
ST. PAUL, MN 55103
(612) 2247184
SEP 2 4 REC'D
The Frogtown Action Alliance (FAA) mission is to bring together the diverse individuals and
organizations in Frogtown to create and carry out a responsive neighborhood initiated plan for sustained
action that addresses and provides solutions for the issues and problems the neighborhood faces. FAA
is committed to fostering the broadest possible representation and participation in a neighborhood
decision making by all Frogtown residents regardiess of ethnicity, economically disadvantaged, or other
distinctions.
FAA supports the Small Area Plan with the following three modifications:
♦ Page 1, Economic Development section under subtitle Capitalize on Redevelopment Opportur:ities
section (A). Add as follows:
"7. Collaborate with Wilder Foundation and other implementing partners to collaborate and
develop an industrial site that includes a National Guard Armory, Charter School, Neighborhood
Center and other business development to encourage job stimulation and growth."
♦ Page 3, . Add the Wilder Foundation as an Implementing Partner.
�1 Additional clarification should be added relating to the implementation plan for the objectives in the
Small Area Plan.
Thank you for the opporiunity to meet with you, however, FAA staff has been involved and made
recommendations to the board. Please contact me at 645-6445 if you have any questions related to this
matter.
Sincerely,
� '+, f
ti %� n !%��
�: � ,'� ' 'Z'
Ike Welborn
Board Chair
cc: Michael Samualson
Shem Shakir
District 7 Board of Directors
FAA Board of Directors
-An Equal Opportuniry Employer-
�
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��-313
Greater Frogtown Community Development Corpor
Telephone �612J 298-8980
689 Norih Dale $freet
Si. Paul, MN 55103
September 23, 1996
Mr. Kevin Kittilson, Co-Chair
Mr. Kurt Schwichtenberg, Co-Chair
Thomas Dale Small Area Plan Task Force
c�o Thomas Da1e District 7 Plauuiug Council
369 University Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55103
Dear Mr. Kittilson and Mr. Schwichtenberg:
SEP 2 6 �
The Greater Frogtown Community Development Corporation's Boazd of Directors and
Staff are pleased to offer their support of the Thomas-Dale Small Area Plan.
The Small Area Plan, was xeviewed and approved by the GFCDC Boazd of Directors
during their last meeting on September 16, 1996. As the mission of GFCDC calls for the
development and rehab of high quality affordable housing, as well as the improvement of
rental and homeownership opportunities, we concur with the goals identified in the Plan's
Housing Strategy, such as increasing the level of homeownership, improving the
condition of the housing stock, and maintaining the affordability of rental housing.
Our Board Members and Staff will be incorparating pieces of the Small Area Plan into
our organization's strategic plan and work plans at our upcoming retreat in November.
The Small Area PZan will certainly be beneficial to the Frogtown community.
Sincerely,
/; �
� �
'� �� .%�—� �
Denise M. Harris
President
VV�il Foundation SEP 2 6 REC'0
Since 1906
Executive Office
919 Lafond Avenue Saint Paul_ MN 55104 (612) 642-4098 FAX (612) 642-4068
September 24, 1996
Spencer Blaw
Thou?a�-Dale Srxal] Area P?an Task F�-��
c/o District 7 Planning Council
369 University Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55103
Deaz Spencer:
I azn writing on behalf of the Amherst H. Witder Foundation to express strong support
for the Thomas-Dale small azea plan. We are most anxious to assist in the
unplementation plan along with other members of the Thomas-Dale community.
I have been particularly impressed with your attempts to get input from all of the
different interested groups in the community.
PIease extend our appreciation for this plan Eo the DistricE 7 Plaiuung Council and our
offer to participate in the implementation of the plan.
Sincerely,
� � �
� `` s _
—_ >
Thomas W. Kingston
President
TWK:ae
Presidenr
Thonas Vr. Kinesron
Board of Direciors
Kennon V. Rothchild, Chair. Elizabe[h M. Kiema[, Fast Vice Chair: Anthony L. Andersen. Second V�ce Cha�r.
Malcolm R� McDonald. Secretary. Ihrec[ors Chazlton Die¢. Elisabeth W. Dcermann.
Chazles �f Osbome. Mary Thornton Phillips, Peter B. Ridder. Bazbara B- Roy
�� ' J� �
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MODEL CITIE$
OF 5T. PAUL. INC.
September 26, 1996
I<evin ICittilson and I<urt Schwichtenberg, co-chairs
District 7 Plazuung Council
369 University Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55103
Dear Chairpersons:
This letter is to express our support for the Thomas-Dale Small Area Plan in
recognition of the many hours that city staff and community volunteexs
committed to its development. Model Cities' sta£f were among those who
participated on the Small Area Plan Task Force. We are happy with the result
of the many hours of dedicated work and look foivvard to the final adoption of
the Thomas-Dale Small Area Plan.
We support the recommendations described in the plan. We are committed to
t��orking with other implementing partners to realize the plan's vision of
Thomas-Dale as a community where families can live in decent, af£ordable
housing and find opportunities for employment and ownership; and a
neighborhood that is a clean and safe place to live, where all are valued.
Thank you for the opportunity to review than.
SincerelV,
(l ���ltJ !`q�(,1,1�
��
Beverlev Ohver Hawkins, Ph.D.
!
Chief Executive Officer
�� -�l �
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`Building CommuniZy"
September 26, 1996
Mr. Spencer Blaw
District 7 Planning Council
369 University Avenue
St, Paul, MN 55103
Dear Mr. Blaw,
Twin Cities Habitatfor Humanity
I am pleased to provide to you this letter of support for the work thaz you and your Task Force have done
to produce the Thomas Dale Small Area Plan. It is an excellent example of the kind of vision and
creativity that exists in our communities, and which is so critical to the revitali�ation of our
neighborhoods.
We are particulazly impressed by the range of options outlined in the section on housing strategies. While
Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity conducts a particulaz type of owner occupied housing development, we
recognize that neighborhoods and households need a range of options in order to meet their individual and
community housing needs. We aze very pleased to be listed as a potential implementor of some of these
strategies, and we stand ready to work with ti7e Dishict Council, the Greater Frogtown Community
Deve]opment Corporation and the other key leadership groups in the Thomas Dale area to deliver both
new conshuction and renovated houses of an ownership nature to fami]ies with modest incomes.
Just this week we began the rehabilitation of a home at 781 Lafond. This home is being rehabilitated in
partnership with many community groups and is being sponsored by the Wilder Foundation. At the
neighborhood festival that was held to celebrate the kick off of this home ]ast Saturday, we realized that
there are many families in the Frogtown neighborhood who would appreciate the chance to purchase a
home in the community. Habitat for Humanity stands ready to respond to those needs as long as we are
able to work in parmership with the District Council, the CDC, and ali of the other organizaYions
providing leadership and direction to the Thomas Dale community.
1 regret that an unexpected commitment will keep me away from your gathering tonight where the Small
Area Plan will be presented to the District Council. It is my hope that this letter will fully convey to you,
and to the Council, Habitat for Humanity's strong commihnent to helping the community fulfill the
potentia! it has for being a rrcodel neighborhood in the City of St. PauL Please do not hesitate to call me
iF you should have any questions or if you or the District Counci] wish to further pursue collaborative
ideas involving Habitat for Humanity in the months to come.
Very truly yours,
_ ___. . ��
' -- _ �.._ � �.
Stepl�en Seidel
Executive Director
SSlkmc
>001 F�trrtU Streel S,E • dlanneaJ�olas. d7R55474 •(612) 331-4090 •!"672) j3J-2540Fax
q`���i3
V1lt N D
Western 1nit+atives far Neighbarhoad I}evelopment
65'I �/z UNIVERSI7Y AVENUE
September 26, 1996
• ST. PAUL, MN 551Q4 • PHOlVE: 291-2480 • FAX: 29�-2597
Mr. xevin Kittilson, co-ahair
Kurt Schwichtenberg, co-chair
Thomas Dale Small Area Plan Committee
cio District � Planning Council
369 University Avenue
St. Pau1,lV�innesota 55104
Dear Kevin, Kurt and Committee members:
SEP 2 6 RfC`D
I wrnild like to cangratulate �ll of you on the tremendous job you did on the Small Area Flan for
Thomas Dale. The aznount of work aztd thvugirt you put into it is very apparant, and the pian will
be a very valuable tool for this community for many years.
I have not had time to review all of your draft pfan, but T have lool:ed over my area of
involvement, ecnomic development. I have the following comments:
i. Inciuding in the vision statement the creation of "vibrant productive businesses" is a strong
positive message about their importance to this community,
2. Putting FAA as the Iead organization an raost of these recommendations is consistent with tf�e
roles in the commuzuty, as I have seen them evolve over the past few years. It is good to re-state
tius. You may wani to inciude them on page 2, item A3, as par[ of the communify plaruzing tearn
for-i:�e Dale Street Shops site, since later you list them in the tead on the project.
3. Your connection between businesses gettin� pu�lic subsidies and their participation with City
jobs and training progarns is good. A stronger point could be made about the need for advanced
training provided to area residents, which would b� triggered by very early notification from new
businesses about the nature of skiils needed for the'u upcoming jobs.
4. Regarding Aale Street, some of the thought I have heard involves the west side sidewalk bein�
wider than average, and used for outdoor seating, displays, etc. for the businesses. The wideness
creates a zane of comfort and ambiance that enhances the businesses and community feel.
5 FAA and the Neighborhood Devetopment Center have offered an extensive micro-
entrepreneur training and loan program to Frogtown residents for over two years now. Over 5a
persons have atready gone t}�rough this training, and many have started businesses here in thls
community. This training, ai least in a generic form, should be mentioned on page 5 or 6, in your
section on micra business development.
W IND 15 8 Cammumiy Oevelopment Corporailon Subsid�ary of Western Bank
R�-�r� .
I liked the content ofthe rost ofyo�r economic development section. T'her� is much To do in this
cammunity, and I believe your vision for it is comprehensive and e�cciting. Now lets a21 work
iogether to achitve it.
Thank you fflr your great work.
Sincerely,
r
' Milce '�emati
iWIND
r
ASIAN AMERICAN PRESS
417 University Avenue � SG Paul, MN 55103 ❑ Phone (612) 224�570 D FAX (612) 224-7Q32
��'�'� � 5 REC'D
November 4, 1996
Mr. Michael Samuelson
Distric[ 7 Planning Council
369 University Avenue
Saint Paul, MN 55103
Dear Michael,
Thank you for including Asian American Press as a participant in the presentation of the Thomas-Dale
Small Area Plan on September 26, 1996.
After listening [o the discussions and reviewing the draft, I feel very good about the plan. I feel tlus will
have a very positive impact on the neighborhood.
We at the Asian American Press and the Asian Business & Communiry foundation fully support the
Planning CounciPs goals.
I believe our community tiuly appreciates this initiatve. The Task Force has put together an escellent pian.
�T�_
Sincerely,
Nghi Huynh
Publisher/Editor Asian American Press
President Asian Business & Community Foundation
l �i�(� .
��CK-V�C��tK-iT-t,�tfT �ENTER
ANOY WILLIAMS JR.
EXECUTIVE DIRECfOR
785 NORTH MIL70N STREET
ST. PAUL 55744 RAMSEY
Telephorta 6i21188-7036
.. �. :.u.- . •••
Michael Smnuelson, Ezecutive I3irector
Districr Seven Plamm�g Councit
369 UniversityAvemte
St Pmt� MN 55103
Dear�clrQe�
I would like to share our support for the Thomas I3ate SmallArea Plan ToskForce drafrPlan. I mn
canfrderet that gi+'en the time rnrd care put into devetoping thisglan, it has the support vf the
communi�y�. I encourage the Distrlct Counctt to endorse the draft plan a►id forward it ro the Plmming
Commission and City Coundl fos �doption. As Fxecutive Direcwr of Save Our Ciry`s Kids, a member
of ihe Tirsk F'oree and a neighbor and community activist I know tltat the plan re, fiect the needs and
wishes of tlae community mrd will provide a solid po&cy framework for future community building and
p3n�sical development.
F�Ye erre grateful for th� leadership shown by the Task Force m developir�g tfee P1mt. R'e are alsa
?�n?�.r! f�r ?3;e s��pport mxl tnterest shmsm hl.� the mmry purticipartts in the vision come true. I would
also lrke to acLrtowledge the cNtical sia�t''supFort the Dfstrict Seven P/rlrming Councit and the Citv
Ptrnertine and Economic I3evelapmeni I3eprtrhnent have provided io tlie Task Force and irs worl�
P��ase do not hesitctte fo cal! upon SO.C.K or myseljto support the Plan cmd its' implementation
kcr»artf::lh• Fny�r�
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Executive Director
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Frogtown Family R,esource Center
377 University Avenue (at Western), Saint Paul, MN 55103
PHONE: (612) 290-8376 FAX: (612) 293-5260
September 24, 1996
ThomasDale District 7
P�3R.^.7C.j �^U;1C11
369 University Avenue
St. Pau7, MN 55103
Dear Planning Council members:
��-���
The staff of Frogtown Family Resource Center want you to know that we support your
work on the Small Area Plan for our neighborhood. We share this vision of strengthening
families, seeing that housing is decent and affordable, and want to do our part to
provide educational opportunites for Frogtown families. We value all our neighbors
and consider it a privilege to work in this neighborhood.
Please know that we support the policy framework as
fications agreed upon at the September 26th meeting,
you've already done. Thanks for a good job!
In partnership,
/`�
Todd Seabury-Kolod
laid out in the summary. Any modi-
we hope, will enhance the work
�
�����b•� Saiat Paut Public Schools Community Education
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Universi�y UNIT�D
A CO�LITIOR OF MIDWAY CIflIE�S .iT'D BUSt\ESS
November 20,1996
Nfichael Samuelsan
Executive Director
Thomas-Dale
Distnct 7 Planning CounCil
369 University Avenue
St. PauE, MN 55103
Dear Mc Sameulso��.
At iYs Qctober Board mee6ng, University UN)TED's Board o4 pirectors voted to
enrnurapP and siipp�M thP paa�s of the Thomas-nala Smali Area Pian, which da
not conflict with the Midvway Chambers' 40 Acre Study.
5pecificaily, UhIITED suppor#s the plans' Economic Development Strategy, as an
implementing partner. ! he boartl and statt would afso IiKe to be mcluded as
either a resource or implementing parknec in the folfowing categories:
1. Micro Enterprise and Small Business, /t and B
2. Work Towards Fui! Employment, A and B
3. Cammunity Buildtng, C
4. Traffio and Transportation, A and C
5. Regional Transportation and L&nd use Potic+es
6. Building Community Support for Education, A and E
7. Land Use and Rezoning, A •
In your Vision Statement you refer to makinq the area a safe place to live,
however there are no crime and safety strategies listed. UNITED would
see itself Ss an im�lementinc� partner on crime stralegiaS
Sincerely,
�� �� �t��d
4rena Rodr+guez
University UNITED
Nelghborhood �nvestment �hrough �conomic
Spf;x:e T�3e CeiiGti •�BD7 U+iiversYy kveaue � 5U11e 4• 54 Pxul, IdN 55704-3E25! (612} 547•6T11 • Fax (612) 64622°7
��-��� .
ST. PAUL FAMILY LEARNING CENTER CHARTER SCHOOL
INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 4019
September 20, 1996
Kevin Kitiilson and Kurt Schwichtenberg, Co-Chairs
District 7 Planning Council
369 University Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55103
Dear Chairpersons:
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This letter is to express my support for the Thomas-Dale Smal] Area Plan, and especiatly the education
strategy outlined in the draft Plan. Collaboration among the various groups and organizations that make
up the community is essential for the positive economic development of urban neighborhoods. The
Family Leaming Center school works with community members and organizations. The charter school
planning group met several times with the Frogtown Networking Crroup and the Thomas-Dale Block
Club to get input into the design of our new school. Our basic school pmgram is very much in tune
with the Plan's education strategy, including elements such as conflict resolution, parental involvement
in setting the course of each child's learning, and extensive use of volunteers in the school. We
currently offer an early-moming program and hope to provide after-school programming as well.
The Fami]y Leaming Center school is not physicatly located in the Thomas-Dale neighborhood (we
wanted to find a facility in Frogtown but were unable to find a suitable facility) but includes this
section of the city in its enroliment azea, which comprises the whole of the 55103 and SSI04 zip codes.
We opened as a K-4 school on September 3 and hope to expand to a pre-K-12 program over the next
few years. The school has recruited a number of students from the Small Area Plan neighborhood and
will continue involvement in the azea.
On behalf of the St. Paul Family Leaming Center Charter School, I want to express my wholehearted
support for the Thomas-Dale Small Area Plan. T'he school is committed to working with the
community and will collaborate with other organizations Yo implement the Small Area Plan.
Sincerely,
�JG�J�hr
/
Wayne B. Jennings
School Director
-...
lr�dependertt School District #4019 • i 355 Pierce BuUer Route, St. Paul, MN 55104-1359 • Ph. 612 644-5052 • Fau 612
645-0240
�
.
:;��;: HealthPartners
St. Paul-Ramsey Medical Center
640 Jackson Street
St Paul, MN 55701-2595
672221.3456
August 30, 1996
Spencer Blaw
Thomas Dale Small Area Plan Task Force
c/o District Seven Planning Council
369 University Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55103
��-3i3
S�P 0 � RfC`D
Dear Mr. Blaw and the Thomas Dale Small Area Plan Task Force:
Thank you for the opportunity to review the Thomas Dale Small Area Plan. I
have reviewed the plan and congratulate the Task Force on a job well done.
You can count on our suppoR for the recommendations outlined in the Plan, and
I will plan on attending the meeting on September 26th.
We support the recommendations outlined and look forward to working with the
other implementing partners on the specific strategies, particularly in the areas of
community building and health care. As you probably know, we are strong
supporters of the Model Cities Health Center as the primary provider of
community based medical and dental services, and have a long history of
working together with the Health Center. We certainly will be active participants
in a formal community health care coalition organized by the community and
agree with the focus on preventative care, immunizations and well child care.
We are also committed to working with other providers and agencies in the
Thomas Dale community to find ways to integrate services and find new,
coiiaborative ways of serving our communi'ry anci expanci tne use ofi our limited
resources. Real and anticipated funding cuts from both federal and local levefs
will require all of us to work more closely together to better leverage the
resources we can retain.
Sincerely,
(/ I � ` ,
.,- , F � i, i�./ ` l, l �'�%, i.' V'L(���
Gabrielle Lawrence
Vice President, Community Partnerships
H:_:;tl'.`'.::.':• m-pror,rbenealtL+.�,`oan�rxer.+ber'sarzdo¢vcomm:nttti�
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CATHOLIC
CHARITIES
Advocacy and
Outreach Division
Frogown Cenrer
633 Umveisty Avenue
Sc Paul. MN 55104-4802
September 24, 1996
Kurt Schwichtenberg and Kevin KittiLson
Co-Chaus Thomas-Dale Small Area Plan Task Force
eiz-zzz-i2so c% District Seven Pl�wnmg Counc�l
fas 612-222-0198 369 University Avenue West
Saint Paul, MN 55103
Dear Mr. Schwichtenberg and Mr. Kittilson,
V M f V V 9t�ta
I am writing to e�ress the support of Catholic Charities Frogtown Center
for the Thomas Dale Small Area Plan. I would l�ke to commend the Task
Force and the I7istrict Seven Planning Council for your hard work and
persistence m developing this Plan. I have reviewed the Plan and spoken
with our staff and various community members about it. We find that the
Plan reflects the input and 'mterests of our community and it provides a
solid framework for guiding future physical development and community
buiiding efforts in the neighborhood
We at Catholic Charities are committed to bemg a pro-active and peaceful
player in the community. It follows that we are committed to supporting
the Thomas-Dale Small Area Plan Task Force, the District Seven Planning
Council, and the other community partners in implementing the Plan and
it's various strategies m the comrog yeazs. We look forward to woskmg
with you to strengthen our communiry.
With Sincere and Peaceful Thoughts,
._ , • c��
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Metvm Giles
Program Manager
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d..irrJrt�n Fp Cn��nd on
i�,n w:.:n. u q' Sanarc.
rm Fanuh� rtnd Clufdren
in Equal Oppnrt«ioq' Emplaper
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PROPOSED AMENDME S TO RESOLUTION 97-313 - Adopting the Thomas Dale
Small Area Plan as an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan
BE IT FURTHER RFSOLVED, that the plan be amended to incorporate the following
clarifications:
on page 37: Explore opportunities to expand the m_ _�; recreation center and its
site, possibly through the realignment of Pierce Butler Route.
on page 30: Bncourage the establishment of a community.,school and one or more
charter schools in the community.
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that PED staff is directed to submit to the City Council within
six weeks a work program for the implementation of the plan. The work program should be
developed in collaboration with the partner organizations and agencies listed in the plan and
should include an overall timeline for the implementation of key recommendations as well as a
Year I Agenda for 1997-48. The Year I Agenda should specifically identify: (1) resources
already committed by public, private and community agencies and organizations to priority
action items in 1997 and 1998; and (2) those action items for which resources need to be
secured. ,
ct� -� ��
CIT'Y OF SAINT' PAUL 390 City Hall Te[ephone: 6Z2-266-8570
NormColeman,Mayor ISWestKelloggBoulev¢rd F¢csimi[e:6I2-22&8513
Saviz Poul. MN55102
January 21, 1997
Council President Dave Thune
and Members of the City Council
310B City Hall
Saint Paul, MN 55102
Dear Council President Thune and Members of the City Council:
I am pleased to transmit for your consideration the Thomas Dale Sma// Area Plan and
Forty Acre Study recently recommended by the Saint Paul Planning Commission. The
plan, developed by a neighborhood-based task force, sets forth a series of strategies
including those related to economic development, housing, and community building.
__ Whether it is the redevelopment of the Dale Street Shops/Maxson Stee{ site as a modern
industrial park, the rehabilitation of individua{ homes in one of Saint Paul's oldest
neighborhoods, or support far the Model Cities Nealth Center as a critical neighborhood
resource, the plan takes seriously the neeci for an integrated response to the full range of
neighborhood concerns. Identified with each strategy is a list of organizations and
agencies who have agreed to work toward its implementation. A packet of letters
reflecting that commiYment accompanies the plan. { urge the CounciPs adoption of the
Thomas Dale Small Area P/an as an amendment to the City's comprehensive plan,
signaling the City's own commitment to this effort.
You will also receive, with a separate green sheet, a draR ordinance that would
implement the rezonings recommended in the plan's land use strategy.
Thank you, in advance, for your prompt consideration of these two items. Please feel
free to call Ken Ford (266-6577} or Nancy Homans (266-6557) of our planning staff if you
have any questions or need additional information.
Mayor
Enclosures
PLANNIhIG CObIMISSION \ 1 ^ � � �
David McDonell, C/tair
CITY OF SAINT PAUL iiooct�x�ra,�
Norm Co[eman, Mayor 25 West Fourth S[reet Telephone: 612-266-6565
SaintPaul, MNSSIO2 F¢csimi[e: 6I2-228-3374
January 2, 1997
Mayor Norm Coleman
390 City Hall
Saint Paul, MN 55102
Dear Mayor Coleman:
Enclosed is the Thomas Dale Small Area Plan and 40 Acre Study certified on
December 20, 1996 by the Planning Commission for adoption as an amendment to the
Saint Paul Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Code. The accompanying Commission
resolution asks that you transmit the plan to the City Council with your recommendation
that it be adopted.
The Thomas Dale Small Area Plan and 40 Acre Study is the product of an extensive
community process spearheaded by a task force jointly convened by the Planning
Commission and District Seven Planning Council and co-chaired by Kevin Kittilson and
Commissioner Kurt Schwichtenberg. ln their monthly meetings, special workshops and
neighborhood-wide forums, residents, business owners and organizational
representatives developed specific strategies in eight key areas of community life from
economic development to health care. The accompanying letters of commitment from
those charged with implementing the plan's specific recommendations is testimony to
depth and breadth of involvement in this process.
We look forward to your support--on behalf of the City's administrative departments--of
this important community planning initiative. Please call Ken Ford (255-6577) or Nancy
Homans (266-6557) of the planning division staff if you have any questions or concerns
about specific recommendations.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
,�Z�-������
David McDonell
Chair
Enclosures
�- � 3 �
,
q�i-3i3
Thomas-Dale
Smalt Area Plan
and
Forty Acre Study
City Council Review Draff
Recommended by the
Thomas Dale Small Area Plan Task Force
July 29, 1996
Recommended by the
District Seven Planning Council
September 26, 1996
Recommended by fhe
Saint Paul Planning Commission
December 20, 1996
p ai
9�-3i3
Introduction ......................................1
Economic Development Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Housing Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Community Building Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . : . . . . . . 20
Traffic and Transportation Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Education Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Health Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Parks and Recreation Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Land Use and Zoning Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
C redits .........................................43
11 THOMAS DALE SMAtL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft
Q�-�i3
The study area for the Thomas Dale Smal! Area Plan and Forty Acre
Study lies between Western and Victoria Avenues, University Avenue on
the south and the railroad tracks on the northern boundary. It is one of
Saint Paul's older neighborhoods, settied between 1870 and 1890 by
German, Polish, Irish and Scandinavian immigrants who built the
Victorian vernacular working- and middle-class homes and corner stores
that still give the area its small-town atmosphere. Today, the seventy
block area is characterized mainly by one and two family homes though
it is bordered by intensive commerciaf, industriaf and mulii-family uses.
Immigrants continue to find a home in Thomas Dale whose 6,700
residents represent a rich variety of races, ages, socio-economic classes
and household types.
The Thomas Date Small Area Plan is the definifion of a vision shared by
neighborhood residents and business owners and City officials as wel/
as a strategy for bringing this vision to rea/ity. /ts etfectiveness wi//
depend on its "adoption" as a policy framework by the key community
organizations in the area, ongoing efforts by those orga�izations to
discuss and jointly formulate policies in each of the subject areas
identified in the plan, and support for and co//aborafion with the key
implementing organizafions identified wifh each strafegy.
Vision Statement
The Thomas-Dale Community realizes that racial, economic and cultural
diversity enriches our lives. We, therefore, work together to:
• Strengthen families;
• See that everyone can live in decent, affordable, owned or rented
homes;
• Provide opportunities for employment, education and ownership;
• Create vibrant productive businesses;
• Make Thomas-Dale a safe, clean place to live where all are valued;
and
• Remember that beauty, humor and fun are as important to the soul as
food is to the body.
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft
Economic development is difficult to define—especially as the national
and internationa! economies undergo a transiYion not unlike the
industria! revolution of the last century. !t involves finding new uses for
old sites once used, and often polluted, by heavy industry. !t includes
the preparation of a work force for new kinds of jobs and circuitous
career pachs. Recent history has demonstrated that economic
development in Saint Paul is linked to the success of sma/ler businesses
and entrepreneurs. In Thomas Dale, it means deciding how best to meet
the consumer needs of an inner city community in an economic
environment that favors warehouse grocery stores and suburban
shopping malls. lmplementing neighborhood policy and programs
related to economic development is part of the mission of the Frogtown
Action Alliance. A four pronged strategy—consistent with that proposed
by the fconomic Devefopment Task Force of the Alliance—forms the
basis of the smal! area plan's recommendations relative to economic
development.
Capitalize on Redevelonment O��ortunities
A. Redevelop the Dale Street Shops site (bounded by Minnehaha, the
Burtington Northern tracks, Dale and Arundel), tRe neighboring
Maxson Steel site and any other contiguous non-residentia( parcels
with industrial uses capable of employing a sizable number of
employees at family-supporting wages. Specifically:
Responsible parties should complete the clean-up of the site
within Yhree to five years.
The d+strici council should seek funding to organize and
advocate for the ciean up and development of the site.
The design of the site should be a neighborhood asset. A
community based planning team including representatives
selected by the District 7 Planning Council, Frogtown Action
Alliance and North End community organizations should be
convened to work with the Port Authority on the redevelopment
of the site. Specific issues of concern include:
Parking. In order to allow maximum space for the industries
themselves and encourage development patterns that make
effective use of land and support transit services, efforts should
be made to minimize the amount of off-street parking provided
on the site.
2 THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft
� �
q�-3i3
Historic structures. Buildings that give the site its character
should be restored and reused where possibie.
Landscaping. The site should be carefully landscaped and
consideration given to providing for some passive recreational
space and bike and pedestrian trails that could be connected to
neighborhood, citywide and(or regional trails.
Community facilities. The planning team should explore
whether or not it is appropriate to devote a portion of the site to
one or more community facilities such as a school, community
center or National Guard training and recreation center.
4. In order to ensure that neighborhood residents have access to
the jobs created in the development, public subsidies to
businesses shouid be tied to their participation in City sponsored
job training and placement services. In anticipation of the
development of the site, the City/School District job training
services should, over the next three years, focus their efforts to
enlist and prepare neighborhood residents for those jobs.
5. in order to increase the possibility that businesses on the site will
empioy neighborhood residents, plans for an on-site or nearby
child care facility should be developed.
6. Explore the option of reconstructing Pierce Butier Route to bring
it directly onto the site—perhaps under the Dale Street Bridge.
That would improve the access to site as well as eliminate the
awkward terminus of Pierce Butler at Minnehaha and allow for
the expansion of the Minnehaha Recreation Center site.
implementing Partners
Frogtown Action Alliance, Convener
District 6 Planning Council
North End Area Revitalization (NEAR)
Saint Paui Port Authority
District 7 Planning Council
City of Saint Paul
Midway Chamber of Commerce
University UNITED
Western Initiatives for Neighborhood Development (WIND)
Wilder Foundation
B. Take advantage of the planned widening of Dale Street to revitalize
it as a neighborhood scale commercial center for the community.
Specifically:
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft $
a7��i�
7he new roadway should be designed to create a safe,
pedestrian-friendly environment with reduced traffic speeds
through the neighborhood. Specific elements may inciude;
linear park on the east side of the street, attractive fencing to
shield neighboring homes from the corridor, uniform design
features to tie the eight block stretch together, and on-street
parking on the west side.
2. The west side of Dale should be characterized by pedestrian
oriented commercial uses—with automobile related uses
encouraged to locate on University Avenue. Residential uses on
the frontage should be phased out although mixed use structures
with residential units above commercial uses are encouraged.
(Suggested amendments to the City's Zoning Code consistent
with this recommendation are detailed later in the plan.)
3. The east side of Dale should retain the residential character that
has emerged as businesses were bought and relocated to provide
right of way for the street widening.
4. Business incubator space shouid be developed at appropriate
locations.
Vacant lots should be evaluated for their use as interim parking—
until the market provides for additional commercial uses.
Alternative neighborhood non-profit ownership of these parcefs
should be considered with the land being leased to adjoining
business owners for parking purposes. That would maximize the
flexibility of the land and minimize the likelihood that it would
be permanently used for parking. Community design guidelines
should govern the establishment of parking lots.
tmplemenfing Parfners
Frogtown Action Alliance, Convener
Department of Public Works
District 7 Planning Council
Midway Chamber of Commerce
WIND
C. Strengthen University Avenue as an attractive and healthy
commercial center, serving both as a neighborhood retail area for
those who live within the neighborhood and as a destination for the
surrounding region. Specific measures should include:
$ THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PIAN: City Council Review Draft
q�-3��
Encourage new �etail development—especially the variety of
services needed by neighborhood residents—to cluster at the
intersections of University and Dale, Rice, Marion, Western and
Victoria. A full service hardware store and drug store, for
instance, might be encouraged to locate on University Avenue.
2. A program of street scape improvements for University Avenue
should be developed with area 6usiness owners based on the
guidelines recommended in the University Avenue Corridor
Study. Consideration should be given to: creating a landscaped
center median, planting trees in the median a�d in the
sidewalks, and installing decorative lighting.
3. To the extent that additional off-street parking is required to
support University Avenue businesses, shared lots shoufd be
developed with frontage on University Avenue.
4. Careful attention should be given to ihe design, landscaping,
lighting and maintenance of existing and proposed parking lots
to ensure that tfiey support a positive image for surrounding
businesses.
5. University UNITED should seek appropriate capital funds on an
annual basis to implement the coordinated program of facade
improvements, tree planting, lighting, signage and street
furniture or decor.
6. Altematives to improve the appearance of the comer of
University and Victoria should be explored—to include reducing
the number of cars on and around the site, using landscaping the
screen the site, or establishing a more intensive alternative use.
Reduce the number of fiquor stores on University Avenue,
confining them as much as possible to the major retail centers
where management and security services can help reduce the
incidence of inappropriate behavior on the premises.
Implementing Partners
Frogtown Action Afiiance, Convener
District 7 Planning Council
Midway Chamber of Commerce
University UNITED
Model Cities
D. Support efforts by the Frogtown Action Alliance and Frogtown
Merchants Association to upgrade and strengthen Minnehaha
Center. Whi{e located outs+de tfie study area boundary,
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft
g�1-�i�
enhancements to ihe Center would enable it Yo provide important
services to study area residents.
Implementing Partners
Frogtown Action Alliance, Convener
Frogtown Merchants Association
Minnehaha Center Owners and Businesses
Develop Micro Enterprises and Small Businesses
A. Ensure that existing and potentia( sma(I businesses have access
fo the space, capital, fraining and information necessary for
their success. Specific initiatives include:
Provide incubator space with related training, technical
assistance and mentoring for emerging small businesses. The
existing micro-entrepreneur training and loan program is a good
model.
2. Market the availability of small business loans through PED
programs.
Secure funds—through the City's Sales Tax Revitalization
Program (STAR) or similar program—for facade improvement
loans and grants to enable the rehabilitation of storefronts for
small business use.
4. PED's Smal! Business Center, the Lexington Library and WIND,
Inc. should collaborate on the development of small business
assistance programs and materials — seminars, pamphlets, open
houses, canvasses or other means of ensuring that business
owners and potential business owners are aware ot the variety of
resources available to them.
5. Encourage neighborhood residents to patronize and be
supportive of area businesses. At The same time, encourage
neighborhood businesses to recognize—through their pricing
policies, merchandise selection and marketing strategies—the
particular role they can play in strengthening the community and
supporting its residents.
Implementing Partners
Frogtown Action Alliance, Convener
Lexington Library Small Business Center (PED)
Midway Chamber of Commerce Universiry UNITED
Model Cities WIND
fi THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review praft
��-�i�
B. Market the neighborhood as a place for commercial development
and business opportunities consistent with the needs of area
residents.
Ensure that organizations supporting emerging entrepreneurs
understand Thomas Dale's strengths as a centrally located
community with easy access and a diverse consumer market.
2. Seek out firms offering personal services that recent surveys have
indicated are under represented in Thomas Da1e.
3. Encourage investment by firms representing growth industries
such as priniing/publishing and medical services and related
suppliers.
Implementing Partners
Frogtown Action Alliance University UNITED
District 7 Planning Council Model Cities
Midway Chamber of Commerce
Work Towards Full Em I�oyment
A. Neighborhood residents should be aware of and adequately
prepared to fifi availabfe jobs throughout the metropolitan area.
Available training resources through the public schools, the
Ronald M. Hubbs Center for Lifelong Learning, community
colleges and Metro State University should continue to be
marketed through area agencies such as the Frogtown Family
Resource Center, Wilder Family and Children Services,
Headstart and the Model Cities Health Clinic.
2. Opportunities for offering training/education programs at
additional neighborhood locations should be explored.
3. Eully develop opportunities for community service For young
peop{e that offer payments toward college tuition or other post
high school training programs for participants.
4. A centra{ clearinghouse for employment opportunities that is
Iinked with other such establishments in the metro area as well
as a network of neighborhood agencies and organizations
should be established.
5. Job fairs should be held in the community or residents
transported to such events held throughout the metropolitan
area.
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PIAN: City Council Review Draft 7
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Implementing Partners
Frogtown Action Ailiance, Convener
St. Paul Workforce Development Center
Saint Paul Public School Center for Employment and Training
St Paul Urban League Model Cities
Community Education Wilder Foundation
Frogtown Family Resource Center
Ronald M. Hubbs Center for Lifelong Learning
Midway Chamber of Commerce
University UNITED
District 7 Pianning Councii
B. Pubfic or quasi-public transportation should be available to
transport area residents to employment centers throughout the
metropolitan area.
The Frogtown Action Alliance should work with major suburban
employers to coordinate the employment of area residents with
the provision of transportation. Alternatives include organizing
potential employees into carpoois, contracting with MCTO or
private transit providers to provide once a day transportation
from the neighborhood to regional employment centers and
back or subsid'+zing monthly bus passes when using the existing
transit system is practical. Neighborhood based small businesses
should be encouraged to participate in the provision of private
transit services.
2. The City and community should continue to advocate for
improved transit services throughout the metropolitan area at
affordable rates.
Implementing Partners
Frogtown Action Alliance, Convener
District 7 Planning Council
Metropolitan Council Transit Operations (MCTO?
Private Transit Services
University UNITED
Provide Basic Communi�y Services
A. Explore alternative arrangements that give neighborhood residents
access to grocery producYs at affordable prices.
Develop community gardens to provide fresh produce during
several months of the year. The esta6lisfiment of gardens should
8 THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Drafr
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be consistent with the parkslgreen space strategy recommended
later in the pian. Priority sites should be those larger spaces that
often exist near bus lines and between major land uses. Specific
provisions should be made for soii testing to ensure the iand is
not contaminated and the provision of water.
Create attractive Farmers Market opportunities for the sale of
produce in central—a�d accessible—locations in the community.
Expfore with interested entrepreneurs the possibility of
developing "mobile" grocery outlets—refrigerated vans or small
trucks from which basic groceries (milk, fruits and vegetables,
breads and cereals) couid be sold to neighborhood residents.
4. Explore the possibility of establishing a cooperative grocery store
where residents could exchange their labor for quality food at
affordable prices.
Implementing Partners
Frogtown Action Alliance, Convener
ivlodel Cities
B. Encourage and seek resources to subsidize the development of small
child care homes to enable parents to seek employment as well as
provide small business opportunities for neighborhood residents.
Implementing Partners
Frogtown Action AIliance
TNOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Drnft 9
Thomas Dale shou(d represent an attractrve residential option for
households across the wider community's racial, cultural and socio-
economic spectrums. T/�at is its heri[age and its pride. Significant
disinvestment in recent years, however, has placed the neighborhood at
risk of being home onfy to those who have few options and in danger ot
being caught in a continuing cycle of disinvestment and isolaYion.
Nealthy neighborhoods require continuing investment in the
maintenance, repair and rehabifitation of their residential and
commercial properties: A variety of tools are available to the City and
the neighborhood in their efforts to generate that investment. Thomas
Dale's housing strategy should involve some of each.
Mandate compliance with community standards through code
enforcement. Mandates, understandably, raise concerns about
outside enforcement agencies establishing unattarnable standards
that represent a hardsf�ip for community residents. It will be very
important, because of the limited economic means of many property
owners, that the standards be established through a community
process and be tied directly to resolving significant health and safety
concerns.
Stimulate and encourage private investment with a variety of
strategies to include offering public subsidies, deve/oping appropriate
tax policies, and amending underwriting standards. Financing
mechanisms will, in many cases, need to be specifically designed for
Thomas Dafe—with considerable emphasis on outreach, hands-on
assistance and flexibility.
Fncourage re-investment through [he establishment of an identity in
the marketp(ace attractive to those who have the resources to invest.
One asset on w1�icF� Thomas Dale can capitalize in defining such a
niche is its rich stock of historic homes in a traditionally designed
neighborhood. Research and the marketplace itself have
demonstrated that not only do people value older housing rn older
neighborhoods, but that the design characteristics associated with
those neighborhoods serve to enhance public safety, neighborhood
rnvolvemenc and community identity and pride.
Build re(ationships within the community, encouraging
neighborhood ownership and pride. There are a variety of strategies
related to building connections between people and between peopJe
and neighborhood institutions, building capacity and leveraging
neighborhood talents. !n the broadest sense, investment is
encouraged by a sense of communify in a sustaining/nurturing
environment.
� 0 THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft
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Among the risks of any strategy is that the market may be stimulated to
the point where property values are raised to a level that low income
and working ciass househoids cannot afford. Code enforcement,
rehabilitation andpreservation efforts need noT, however, displace low
income renters or homeowners. Displacement may occur, however, if
property values rise to the extent that owners of housing occupied by
lower income households either sell their property or raise rents.
Avoiding displacement will require that the neighborhood's housing
strategy include intentional efforts to secure a portion of the housing
stock at affordable levels.
Increase Level of Home Ownership
A. Ensure a sufficient stock of quality homes available for purchase.
Encourage the construction of new ownership housing on
individual vacant lots throughout the neighborhood. Priority sites
for new construction should be those on blocks with a significant
number of vacant lots, those where a new house would provide
the necessary investment to encourage other property owners to
make improvements, and those large enough to allow for the
construction of three and four bedroom homes to meet the
needs of large families.
Establish and maintain a revoiving loan fund to finance the
acquisition of problem properties for rehabi{itation and resale by
the Greater Frogtown Community Development Corporation.
Focus public resources on efforts that would not get done but for
the public financing.
Ensure that the construction and design of new homes do not
create a visual conflict with neighboring structures.
Advise and involve neighboring residents in the process of
selecting sites for new housing construction and the design of
che housing units themsefves when public development funds
are used.
6. Recognizing that homes and properties of various sizes are
important to the diversity of the community and can help to
provide and preserve affordable housing within the
neighborhood, construction of new homes on smalier lots (under
40 feet wide or less than 5,000 square feet) should be allowed
by the Board of Zoning Appeals if the following conditions are
met and followed:
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft 1 l
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The community and the district council support the
proposed construction; and
Provisions are made for adequate back yard and open space
on the lot.
Impiementing Parfners
Greater frogtown Community Deveiopment Corporation
Saint Paul Housing and Redevelopment Authority
Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC)
Habitat for Humanity
West Side Neighborhood Housing Services
District 7 Planning Council
Board of Zoning Appeals
B. Provide suitable financing mechanisms and other support services
to ensure that present Thomas Dale residents can and do take full
advantage of mortgage and rehabilitation financing programs.
Partner with agencies that provide support services to new
homeowners, including i�ome maintenance training, increasing
the probability of success for new fiomeowners.
2. Work with the Saint Paul Public Housing Agency to identify
appropriate homes for the Nomeward Program that provides
home ownership opportunities for selected low income
households.
3. Collaborate with the existing Mortgage Foreclosure Prevention
program operated by the City's Housing Information Office and
funded by the Northwest Area Foundation and the City to ensure
the program has the necessary ftexibility to meet the needs of
Thomas Dale residents.
4. Work with PED to develop and market non-traditional rehab and
first mortgage loan programs that are more likely to be successful
for neighborhood residents who may have poor credit histories
making them ineiigible for private financing.
PED should ascertain why applicants fail to complete the process
of securing rehab or first mortgage loans as a means of
identifying those aspects of the process that represent barriers for
lower income households. That information should be used to
make adjustments in the various public programs.
12 THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft
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6. PED should continue to work on streamlining its application and
review processes for public financing.
7. Design innovative alternative lending structures and financing
mechanisms—such as reverse mortgages, limited equity
cooperatives and land trusts—to serve the needs of first time low
and moderate income home b�yers.
8. Where necessary, lobby the State legislature to change housing
finance and public assistance policies that serve as barriers to
low income home ownership.
Implementing Partners
Greater Frogtown Community Development Corporation
Habitat for Humanity
Saint Paul PED
Housing Information Office
Local lending institutions
People's Network of Minnesota
C. Support efforts of prospective homeowners interested in
rehabilitating a home in the community.
Target some rehabilitation loans and grants to owners willing to
deconvert small duplexes and triplexes to their original single
family status.
2. Prevent the use of rehabilitation loans and grants for the
subdivision of existing structures to establish additional units.
3. Help to develop and/or promote classes through the Saint Pau1
Nome Improvement Program and Community Education that
assist homeowners in making home repairs and doing more
significant rehabilitation.
4. Organize small groups of interested homeowners to plan and
take advantage of these educational opportunities.
Implemertti�g Partners
Greater Frogtown Community Qevelopment Corporation
Saint Paul Housing and Redevelopment Authority
Local Initiatives Support Corporation (L1SC)
Community Education
SHOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: C"rty Council Review Draft 13
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Imprave Condition of Housin�Stock
A. Strengthen mechanisms that improve management and discourage
deferred maintenance in rental buildings before there is serious
deterioration.
1. ExYend the Certificate of Occupancy inspection program to rental
buildings with one or two units. The program should be
carefully designed to ensure the privacy of tenants, possibly by
restricting inspections to time periods 6etween tenants or by
agreement with the tenant.
2. Secure community based non-profit ownership and/or
management of a significant proportion of the neighborhood's
rental housing. The establishment of limited equity or leasehold
co-ops should be explored where appropriate.
3. Promote development of a Frogtown association of property
owners and managers. The association—that may be affiliated
witfi the Saint Paul Association of Responsible Landlords—would
provide training and technical assistance to association
members.
4. Support tenant advocacy, assistance and training programs
promoting residential stability and preventing hometessness.
lmplementing ParYners
Greater Frogtown Community Development Corporation
Model Cities
Saint Paul Association of Responsible Landlords
Distrid 7 Planning Council
Department of Licenses, Inspections and Environmental
Protection (LIEP)
B. Identify serious health and safety code violations and work with
property owners to secure the resources to make necessary
improvements.
Seek public, private or philanthropic funds to provide home
improvement grants to efigible households.
Enroll eligible vacant structures in the Houses to Homes
program,
Explore opportunities in conjunction with the Saint Paul
Technical University, the 7rades and Labor Unions and the
14 THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft
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various small business assistance programs to provide
neighborhood based education and training opportunities for
adults and young peopie interested in home repair and
remodeling.
4. Demolition should be considered a last resort and pursued only
when properties cannot be reused. To reduce the instances of
demolition, the City's Division of Public Heaith and community
development corporations should work together to:
• Improve communications so that CDCs are aware of
potential demofitions as early as possible;
• Take appropriate measures to obtain input from neighboring
residents and biock clubs;
• Evaluate individual buildings in context;
• Strengthen programs that allow vacant houses to become
available at a negligible cost for purchase and rehabilitation
(e.g. Dol{ar Houses); and
• Develop mechanisms whereby the City can obtain title to
vacant properties and convey them to a community
organization for rehabilitation.
implementing Partners
Department of Licenses, Inspection and Environmental
Protection (LIEP)
District 7 Planning Council
Greater Frogtown Community Development Corporation
Saint Paul Division of Public Health
Maintain Affordability of Rental Housing
A. Coupled with the strategies to support home ownership for area
resideats, systematic efforts must be made to ensure that a portion
of the rental housing in Thomas Dafe remains affordable to lower
income households.
Explore the feasibility of expanding or replicating programs such
as the United Way's Families First that rehabi{itated small rental
buildings, financing the purchase and rehabilitation in such a
way as to permanently write down the operating costs borne by
the tenants.
Explore the deve{opment of new rental apartment and
townhome complexes along University Avenue, Minnehaha.
Avenue and Pierce Butler.
Ensure that rent certificate and voucher programs are tied closely
to local market conditions so as not create windfalf profits for
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Dmft � S
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landlords and, therefore, a concentration of participating
properties.
4. Encourage the development of residential units on the second
and third floors above new commercial development on
University Avenue.
Implementing Partners
Greater Frogtown Community Devefopment Corporation
frogtown Action Alliance
Mode! CiTies
Project for Pride in Living
District 7 Planning Council
Identify, Preserve and Market Neighborhood
Attributes
A. Build an understanding of the neighborhood's historic character.
Develop pubiic education materials on the historic value of the
neighborhood, the attributes of neighborhood buildings, how to
recognize and protect the value of individual properties.
tmpiementing Partners
District 7 Planning Councif
Saint Paul Heritage Preservation Commission
B. Ensure that the pubiic i�frastructure is supportive of the area's
historic character,
Advocate for the installation of public improvements — sidewalks
and curbs, lighting, trees, signage etc — supportive of the area's
character.
Lantern style street lights should be the standard for the area with
provisions made to waive or secure alternative financing for the
related assessments.
Implementing Partners
District 7 Planning Council
Saint Paul Department of Public Works
C. Encourage the sensiYive rehabilitation of area structures as well as
compatible new construction on individual vacant lots.
16 THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft
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Develop rehab financing programs designed to encourage the
protection or restoration of the historic character of individual
structures.
2. Explore appropriate reuses for traditional corner store buildings
as artist housinglstudios or small businesses.
Owners of twenty-five properties identified in the 1983 Historic
Sites Survey for Saint Paul and Ramsey Counfy should be
encouraged to seek formaf designation as local and/or National
Register sites and the Heritage Preservation Commission should
support those applications.
4. Explore ways to take advantage of the concentration of unique
historical or architectural structures in the area bounded by
Mackubin and Dale, Sherburne and Van Buren. Potential
mechanisms include the creation of demonstration or
conservation district within which special efforts would be made
to educate property owners about the value of their buildings,
provide guidance on making structurai changes, and secure
resources to ensure the protection of the most important
structures. Such a district would not be designed primarily as a
regulatory tool though there may be guidelines associated with
resources and other incentives. Any policies governing such a
district should he carefully tuned to balance the resources of
property owners and the value of particular structures.
5. Amend the Saint Paul Zoning Code to support the continued use
of the several historic "alley houses" in the neighborhood.
Present and prospective owners have a difficuft time securing
mortgage or rehabilitation financing because the structures are
considered "nonconforming uses" in the code and cannot be re-
established in the event of serious structural damage without the
permission of the Planning Commission. The following
amendment would allow their reconstruction and, thus, reassure
potential lenders.
Sec. 62.102.(e) (-)
In any residential district, an existing second dwelfing on a single
lot may be reconstructed provided that the number of total
dwelling units on the lot is not increased. The structure may not
be structurally enlarged or extended.
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft � 7
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Impiemenfing Partners
Greater Frogtown Community Development Corporation
District 7 Planning Council
Saint Paui Heritage Preservation Commission
Saint Paul Planning Commission
D. Market the neighborhood.
In partnership with area realtors, market the neighborhood, its
houses and available financing mechanisms to potentia( market
niches.
implementing Partners
District 7 Planning Council
frogtown Times
Saint Paul Area Association of Realtors
Build Communit�Ownershi�
A. Deve(op, support and link together a variety of neighborhood based
associations to strengthen a sense of community.
Voluntary community associations are the most powerful mechanism
by which people are linked to their neighborhoods. 7hey provide a
sense of belonging as well as a vehicle for bringing resources and
people together to make things happen. They also provide a means
for people from different racial, economic and social groups to work
together for common ends.
Examples of voluntary community associations include PTAs,
churches, £riends of the local library, park and school booster clubs,
(oca( business associations, district councils, block clubs and
crimewatch chapters, mutual aid associations, landlord, homeowner,
renter or resident associations, community fair and festival sponsors,
garden clubs and beautification groups, Iocal historical societies,
youth groups, local development companies, civic clubs and support
groups.
B. EsYablish a Frogtown Neighborhood Improvement and Training
Center in conjunction with any of a number of existing community
organizations to work in conjunction witf� community development
and other revitalization initiatives.
The program would:
• Strengthen organizational capacity within the neighborhood.
18 THOAIAS DALE SMALL AREA PlAN: City Cou�il Review Draft
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Promote partnerships, particular4y among organizations that
promote revitalization.
Increase the skills and involvement of residents, including youth,
to improve their lives through self-help, leadership development,
political and other strategies.
Integrate a variety of programs or initiatives such as:
Youth Employment and Training
Public Service Work Crews
Community and Home Maintenance Education
Home Owner Finance Training
Too{ Lending Library
Micro-Enterprise Development
Ski{{s Bank Exchange
Community Steward Program
Strengthening Voluntary Community Associations
Keystone Housing and Commercial Devefopment
Positive Neighborhood images Program
fmplementing Partners
District 7 Planning Council
Thomas Dale Block Clubs
Community Education
Frogtown Action Alliance
Frogtown Festival, Inc.
Saint Paui Division of Parks and Recreation
Neighborhood businesses
Community agencies and organizations
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft 19
Healthy families are the building blocks of a strong community. To the
extent, therefore, that the other cl�apters of tf�is plan relate to ensuring
access to safe and afforda6le f�ousing, productive employment,
appropriate education and the range of amenities offered by libraries,
parks, recreation and cultural opportunities, the entire small area plan is
part and parcel of a community building strategy.
The strength of a community, however, is more than the sum of
individuals and their well being. A community is stronger when its
residents are linked together around shared concerns and common
purpose. A community is more effective when its services and voluntary
associations are carefully integrated. And a community is safer when
people look ou[ for each other and when the community as a whole
ensures that the needs of alf are met.
The following strategy, therefore, is built upon each of the other chapters
of the plan, but specifica!!y addresses issues of linkage, integration and
capacity through a discussion of two concerns: community services and
community places.
�tr�n_gthen Community Services
A. Area agencies and service providers should continually look for
ways to more carefully integrate new and existing services and
ensure that those services are consistent with the needs of
neighborhood residents.
There are dozens of organizations involved in providing essential
services to the community: public and private schools, churches,
Model Cities Health Center, businesses, Frogtown Action Alliance,
Thomas Dale Block Clubs, District 7 Planning Council, Wilder
Foundation, West Minnehaha Recreation Center, Scheffer Recreation
Center, Catholic Charities, Frogtown Family Resource Center. Ali are
doing good and important work. This strategy identifies ways that
existing services might be better integrated to ensure that (imited
resources are used to maximum advantage.
Community service providers should meet on a regular basis to
share information, address common issues and provide mutual
support.
2. New services should be designed in collaboration with existing
programs to increase effectiveness and avoid duplication.
20 THOMAS DALE SMALt AREA PLAN: City Counci( Review Draff
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Programs should take advantage of the network of block club<_
and commu�ity organizations to disseminate information and
receive feedback in their planning and program development.
4. Neighborhood residents should be invited to participate in the
design, delivery and evaluation of community programs.
B. Deveiop, support and link together a variety of neighborhood based
voluntary associations to strengthen a sense of community.
Voluntary community associations are the most powerful mechanism
by which people are linked to their neighborhoods. They provide a
sense of be�onging as wel( as a vehicle for bringing resources and
people together to make things happen. They also provide a means
for people from different racial, economic and social groups to work
together for common ends.
Examples of voluntary community associations include PTAs,
churches, friends of the local library, park and school booster clubs,
4ocal business associations, district councifs, block clubs and
crimewatch chapters, mutual aid associations, landlord, homeowner,
renter or resident associations, community fair and festival sponsors,
garden clubs and beautification groups, local historical societies,
youth groups, local development companies, civic clubs and support
groups.
Launch a five year initiative to build the capacity of
neighborhood based organizations to assess community assets,
design collaborative projects and nurture community leadership.
2. Continue to develop and support block clubs throughout the
community as the most basic unit of neighborhood organization.
Implementing Partners
Frogtown Neighborhood Network, Convener
Thomas Dale Block Clubs
Wilder Foundation
Bigelow Foundation
Neighborhood based organizations
C. Existing organizations should support community-wide efforts that
celebrate the neighborhood and its residents.
Support a neighborhood newspaper as a critica{ communication
link with virtually every househofd in the neighborhood.
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft 2�
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2. Strengthen the annuai Frogtown Festival with financial and
inkind contributions and vofunteer support. The City of Saint
Paul should consider subsidizing police services or providing
additional financial support for community festivals in
neighborhoods such as Thomas Dale that have fewer potential
sponsors.
3. Take advantage of opportunities to recognize the talents and
contributions of neighborhood residents.
4. Encourage "neighborliness." Recognize that there is often
nothing more powerful in the process of community building
than the individual acts of kindness among neighbors—shoveling
a neighbor's walk, listening to a child, offering encouragement to
a teenager or greeting a stranger,
Implementing Partners
Neighborhood based organizations
Neighborhood residents
University UNITED
D. In developing new services, priority should be given to the
following:
• Initiatives that support the capacities of families to nurture
children
• Services addressing the needs of children and youth
• Programs focussed on physical neighborhood improvements
Several initiatives are already underway:
Frogtown Family Center- Established under the auspices of the
Saint Paul Children's Initiative, the Frogtown Family Center is a
network of servites where residents find or are referred to the
full range of family services (e.g. family education, health care,
employment and training). Administered by a community-based
board, the Family Center relates close�y to the existing Frogtown
Family Resource center, a school distrid—community
collaboration focusing on early childhood and family education.
After School Activities - The State of Minnesota included $2
million in its biennial bonding bill to provide facilities within
which to provide after school programs. Additional funds are
availa6le from the federal government.
Charter School - Planning funds for new charter schools were
a!located by the 1996 legislature. The St. Paul Family Learning
22 THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft
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Center Charter School apened in the fall of 1996 and serves
famifies in the study area. There are hopes that additional
similar schools can be established in the Thomas Dale
community.
Implementing Partners
Neighborhood based organizations
Create Community Places
A. Pursue a community wide planning process to establish a
community center (or a principal center with satellite service
centers) that would:
• Be accessible to as high a percentage of the community as
possible
• Integrate multiple services (family education, health,
recreation)
• Be developed and managed by a collaboration of
community organizations
GaYhering places play an important role in the life of any
community. They are the places where people come to know
each other as neighbors, where important information is
available and shared, and where the community's story is
shaped and recounted to old-timers and new-comers alike. They
may be formally designated or simply emerge out of the rhythm
of daily life.
i
Among the challenges for the new community-building
initiatives now being planned is the acute lack of appropriate
space. There is, therefore, considerable interest in the
establishment of a community center at which a number of
services could be located.
The difficulty, of course, in a large geographic area with poor
transit services where few people have access to cars, is
selecting one place that "works" for the who{e community. An
alternative might be to establish a major center and link it—
through telecommunications, vans and/or joint programming—
with a select number of existing "satellite" centers.
Implementing Partners
Wilder Foundation, Convener
Neighborhood based organizations
7HOMA5 DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Drah 23
- I ����✓ Neighborhood transportation issues are not defined-nor are they
resoJved-in a vacuum. The transportation system that serves Thomas
Dale is a regiona( system. The streets, highways, bus routes and,
potentially, light rai( lines, that run tl�rougf� Thomas Dale connect it with
the metropo(itan area. Metropolitan decisions to invest in one mode of
[ransportation over against another have a profound impact on the
health and vitality of neighborhoods such as Thomas Dale. Thomas
Dale, in the final analysis, would be best served by a regional
transportation and land use policy that limits suburban development and
strengthens local transit services in inner city communities. The
community's challenge, [l�erefore, is to identify forums in which those
decisions are being made and become an effective advocate for
neighborhood interests.
Within the neighborhood, however, the condition and design of three
major arteriats as wefl as [he neighborhood street system and tl�e quality
of public transit service are the defining issues for the Traffic and
Transportation S[rategy. Most of the issues, however, are discussed in
the Economic Development Strategy {page 2). The proposed redesign of
University Avenue and Dale Street is intended to make them more
attractive and pedestrian-friendly commercial streets. Whi(e University
Avenue serves a regional market and Dale Street a more focal market,
both can 6e enhanced by trees, street /ights and traffic calming
measures. Pierce 8utler, if slightly rerouted, could provide direct access
to the Dale Street Shops/Maxson Steel site, making it a more attractive
site for indus[rial redevelopment.
The balance of the strategy, discussed rn this section, focuses on (a) the
improvemen[ of nerghborhood streecs in ways t/�at enhance tf�e cF�aracter
of [he residential environment and support public and private investment
in ref�abifitation and redevelopment and (b) the improvement of public
transit services.
Improve Neighborhood Streetc and Trail
A. Complete Yhe improvement of the neighborhood street system with
the installation of curbs, gutters, street iights and boulevard trees.
Encourage the Department of Public Works to program the
paving of and installation of curbs, gutters and street lights on the
following street segments north of University Avenue:
• Mackubin
• Kent
• Arundel
24 THOMAS bALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Councif Review Draft
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Improvements along these street segments wili enhance efforts
made by the Greater Frogtown Community Development
Corporation to buiid or rehabilitate homes in the area for
purchase by new homeowners.
Replace missing boulevard trees in the area either by adjusting
the citywide replacement schedule or allowing for the planting
of donated trees in the boulevard.
3. Encourage private plantings in the boulevards through
promotional material, plant give-aways, and/or award programs
such as the Minneapolis Center for the Urban Enviro�ment's
"Blooming Boulevards" program.
B. In planning improvements for neighborhood streets, identify
opportunities for traffic calming. Eor instance, intersections where
extra land might allow the installation of a traffic circle shou�d be
identified. Four to six circles could be considered for the study area
as a means of both slowing traffic througfi the neighborhood and
contributing to the neighborhood character. The circles should be
attractively landscaped and coufd be sites for sculptures or other
public art.
C. Create bicycfe and pedestrian trails linking the neighborhood with
key amenities such as downtown, the Mississippi River, Como Park
and the University of Minnesota.
Implementing Partners
District 7 Planning Council
Saint Paul Department of Public Works
University UNITED
Improve Bu rvi e
A. The level of service presently offered by the 16A bus line on
University Avenue should at least be maintained if not expanded.
The bus provides an essential service to many neighborhood
residents who use it to make relative�y short trips to grocery stores,
health clinics, child care and employment.
The preservation of the 16A line takes on a particular importance in
light of plans to construct a light rail fine in the freeway corridor. ft
should be emphasized that light rail—as currently envisioned—will be
designed to move people quickly between the two cities and,
therefore, will not replace the 16A that carries people relatively short
distances along University Avenue.
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft 25
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B. Bus service should be increased on Dale Street where buses run
oniy every ha(f hour.
Many of the clients of Model Cities rely on the bus for transportation
to and from their appointments. This line also offers direct access to
suburbanjobsand shopping.
C. Service on the number 7 and 34 bus lines should be maintained or
increased.
The number 7 bus that serves area schools, playgrounds and the Rice
Marion apartments as well as the number 34 bus that wii( be
instrumental in serving any new industrial or multi-family
development along Minnehaha also play a critical role in the
neighborhood's transportation system. Service on these lines should
be maintained or increased.
D. The area also needs circulator bus service that runs through the
neighborhood, linking residents to local services such as the grocery
store and health clinic.
Implementing Partners
District 7 Planning Council
Wilder Foundation
Frogtown Family Center
MetropoliYan Council Trans+t Operations (MCTO)
Midway Chamber of Commerce
Advocate for Supportive Regional
Trans�oirtatinn and Land U Polici
A. Ensure that regional transportation systems are supportive of
Thomas Dale's redevelopment and renewal efforts.
The District 7 Planning Council should advocate for a coherent
regional transportation pol icy that integrates the construction of
highways and rail systems with a land use and growth
management policy that discourages sprawl.
In the event the light rail transit system in constructed in the
freeway corridor and includes a station at Dale Street, the
District 7 Planning Council should be involved in its design.
The stop should not include a"park and ride" lot.
26 THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA pLAN: City Council Review Drnft
� I-3i3
imp{ementing Partners
District 7 Planning Council
Metropolitan Council
Ramsey County Regional Rail Authority
Midway Chamber of Commerce
University UNITED
Resolve Neighborhood Parking ISSt�Pc
A. In consultaiion with surrounding property owners and community
organizations, resolve parking issues at the following locations in a
manner that minimizes the parking's impact on surrounding
residential properties and the character of the neighborhood:
• Northwest corner of University and Dale
• Kim Hung's Grocery
• International Marketplace
• Blues Saloon (601 North Western)
• Hmong Funeral Home
Implementing Partners
District 7 Planning Council
University UNlTED
Individual Business Owners
Affected Residents and Block Clubs
Midway Chamber of Commerce
THOMAS DALE SMAtL AREA PLAN: CAy Council Review Draft 27
��' 31 J Successful communities encourage and support lifelong learning that
begins with preparing its youngest members for school and, at the same
time, ensures that its adults are prepared to participate in a rapidly
changing economy. Thomas Dale is home to a wide variety of
educational institu[ions andprograms—from the Frogtown Family
Resource Center and Ramsey Action Program's Headstart focused on
early childhood and parent education, to two public elementaryschools,
St. Agnes School, the Ronald Hubbs Center for Lifelong Learning, Saint
Pau! Rehabilitation Center and the City/School District's community
education program. !n addition, a Mode! Cities program serves the
preschool education needs of children born with chemica! addictions
and the Thunder Spirit Lodge focuses on the care of those afflicted with
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Each has its own mission, agenda and method
of relating with the community. WAile t6e otf�er sections of the plan
include recommendations that, if implemented, would strengthen the
environment for education — such as reducing transiency, creating
spaces for recreation, emphasizing job training/preparation — the
following recommenda[ions focus specifically on how the community
can support the individuaf and common efforts of the educational
institutions to meet the needs of its residents.
Buitd Communit� Su��ort for Education
A. Encourage community involvement in the schools.
Encourage investment in volunteer training and support. The
schools are eager to have parents and other community
members involved in school programs during and after school.
Reading with �hildren, providing enrichment programs or simply
being an extra set of hands in a classroom are all important
contributions. For some, that may come naturally. Others may
want or need the support of a certain level of training,
recognition or otfier incentive to encourage their participation.
2. Secure sponsorship of individual schools by corporations and/or
organizations both from within and outside the neighborhood.
3. Sponsor equipment recycling drives to ensure students have
access to appropriate equipment to participate in athletic and
artistic programs.
4. Encourage schools to be welcoming places for parents and
community members.
28 THOMAS DALE SMALI AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft
q�-�i3
lmplementing Partners
District 7 Planning Council
Parent Teacher Organizations
Frogtown Family Resource Center
Community Education
individual Schools
University UNITED
B. Strengthen coifaboration among educational programs within the
neighborhood.
Expand participation in networking activities. A monthly lunch
meeting for Thomas Dale human service agencies is a good
beginning, but doesn't provide enough time or space for the
collaboration that needs to take place. Other opportunities
should be identified.
Ensure that participants in individual human service programs
are aware of—and can refer participants to—the services of the
various educational institutions.
3. Develop multi-faceted programming to take advantage of
community resources and meet multiple needs. Collaboration
between the Frogtown Family Resource Center and Jackson
School, for instance, has increased parental participation in the
school's evening programs for families inasmuch as the Resource
Center encourages participation, assists with transportation and
provides programs for the children while parents are involved in
meetings or conferences.
4. Strengthen the relationships between area chiid care providers
and elementary schools in order to develop ways to ease the
child's transition between day care and school, strengthen
school readiness and, without jeopardizing the privacy of the
child and his/her family, prevent any lapse in critical support
services.
5. Encourage schooi principals and staff to become involved in
community organizations as a means of improving coilaboration.
Implementing Partners
Public and private schools and education agencies
THOMAS DALE SMqLL pREA PIAN: City Council Review Draft 29
Q�'J � �
C. Encourage fhe estabfishment of one or more charter schools in the
community.
Ensure that planning for new schools involves collaboration with
existing schools and human service providers.
2. Particular encouragement should be given to organizations
willing to develop charter schools that emphasize cross culturai
education.
implementing Partners
District 7 Planning Council
Potential school boards and administrators
People's t4etwork of Minnesota
Public and private schoofs
Wilder Foundation
D. Expand options and opportunities for pre-school and elementary
school age children and their families.
Ensure that quality after school activities are available for all
children who need Them.
2. Support programming for pre-school and elementary school
children that encourages peace£ul conflict resolution.
Support additional resources for Headstart programs in the
community in order that all who qualify can participate.
Implementing Partners
Public and private schools and learning centers
Headstart
Saint Paul Division of Parks and Recreation
Saint Paul Public Library
Wilder Foundation
Parent Teacher Organizations
E. Expand options for junior and senior high age students.
Support and strengthen programs such as those offered by local
churches and schools, Frogtown Future, Save our Cities Kids and
the Leadership Training Program of the Thomas Dale Block
Ciubs that involve young people in positive association with
significant adults while helping them to develop their own
potential.
30 7HOA1A5 DALE SMALL AREA PLAN; City Council Review Oraft
��-3�3
2. Exp{ore sources of private and phifanthropic support to enable
young people from Thomas Dale to participate in programs such
as those offered by the Science Museum, local coileges and
universities, theatres or summer camps.
Implementing Partners
Public and private schools and learning centers
Saint Paul Division of Parks and Recreation
Thomas Dale Block Ciubs
Community Education
University UNITED
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Drah $ �
Access to quality affordable health care is a national issue. It is of
particular concern for Thomas Dale where such a high percentage of
citizens are not covered by employer sponsored health insurance,
making them especially vulnerable to changes in publre support for
heal[h care. Data analyzed by the City's Division of Pubfic Health
reveal Thomas Dale to be among the city's medical(y underserved
communities. Critica! issues include a low immunization rate, higher
than average infant mortality rates and lead poisoning of children.
Secure Basic Health ervicec for All Residents
A. Strengthen the Model Cities Health Center as the primary provider
of community based medical and dental services.
Advocate for funding formulas that recognize the unique needs
of community health centers that serve a high proportion of
uninsured citizens.
2. Support funding applications that serve to stabilize the financial
status of the health center.
3. Explore partnerships that might bring professional services to the
health center at below market costs.
Implementing Partners
Model Cities Health Center
Public Health Agencies
Foundations
B. StrengYhen the sense of partnership among health care providers in
and around the Thomas Date community.
Organize a formal community heaith care coaiition to meet on a
regufar basis.
2. Develop and prioritize strategies around building community
awareness relative to health issues and ensuring a higher level of
preventative care.
Implementing Partners
Model Cities
Saint Paul Division of Public Nealth
Frogtown Action Alliance
Private health care/alternative medicine services
Saint Paul/Ramsey Medical Center
32 THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: CiTy Cauncil Review Draft
R�-3�3
A. Ensure widespread access to immunizations, screening and well
child care.
Support public health initiatives inciuding the mobile delivery—
with a van or other mobil clinic arrangement—of specific services
including immunizations and health screening. Services to
Thomas Dale could be integrated with those to other similar
neighborhoods.
implementing Partners
Saint Paul Division of Public Health
Model Cities Health Center
Frogtown Action Alliance Health Task Force
B. Eliminate the incidence of lead poisoning.
Increase screening of chi�dren at risk.
2. Continue educational program in multiple fanguages and in
collaboration wiih the Frogtown Family Resource Center and
other programs with high participation of neighborhood families.
3. Continue to abate affected homes, taking particular care to
secure public funding for low and moderate income property
owners.
4. Identity and advocate for alternative ameliorative measures—such
as encapsulation with paint rather than complete abatement—that
reduce lead exposure to more acceptable �evels while avoiding
excessive costs beyond the means of low and moderate income
households.
Secure a"lead free" house in which families ca� five while the
contamination is being removed from their homes.
Implementing Partners
Saint Paul Division of Public Health
Greater Frogtown Community Development Corporation
District 7 Planning Council
Area health agencies
Department of Licenses, fnspedions and Environmental
Protection
THOMAS DALE SMALL pREA PL4N: City Counci� Review Drak 33
��-�t�
C. Substantially reduce the amount of trash and garbage in
neighborhood yards and alleys.
Explore alternatives Yo the present garbage hauling system that
will ensure universal collection.
2. Increase City financial support for neighborhood clean-up
activities.
Implementing Partners
Districc 7 P(anning Council
City of Saint Paul
Private garbage haulers
Block clubs
34 THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft
q�-�i3
As a centra� city neighborhood with houses built on relatively small lots,
Thomas Dale has among the smallest amount of green space per resident
of any neighborhood in tf�e city. !t is also an area where the l�ousing is
in high demand and the fabric of the neighborhood is vulnerable to any
wholesale demolition of housing units. The cha//enge is to carefully
leverage useful open space through the revitalization process. The plan
addresses the need for three types of open space: {7) Single lots that are
within view–or earshot–af most of the househo/ds on a block where
children can safely play; (2) Medium size parks (112 bfock in size) with
playground equipment andfor a backstop to be used by families within a
2-4 block radius; and (3) Expansion of West Minnehaha Recreation
Center that serves the entire community.
A. Develop a community wide plan for the establishment of d ifferent
types of parks and greenspaces.
The plan should include:
• A full inventory of the present system;
• An assessment of what types of parks/green spaces and trails
are needed in the various parts of the neighborhood to
complete the system;
• A designation of specific vicinities where additional
parks/green spaces might be established. These
designations shouid consider accessibifity to the site,
population density in the surrounding blocks, and
relationship to redevelopment activities; and
• A policy that the demolition of existing structures should be
avoided.
� An identification of funding sources for acquisition and
maintenance of parkland/green spaces.
An outline for the plan is proposed in the recommendations
below.
Implementing Partners
District 7 Planning Council, Convener
Frogtown Action Alliance
Thomas Dale Block Clubs
Greater Frogtown Community Development Corporation
Individual block clubs
Saint Paul Division of Parks and Recreation
Parks and Recreation Commission
PublicArtSaint Paul
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft 35
� 1-3J3
B. Create more small "green spaces" within the neighborhood.
Consider the establishment of neighborhood play spaces and/or
gardens on individual lots, especially on blocks with narrow lots
or in instances where new construction is unlikely in the short
term. Lots in the middle of blocks, rather than on the corners,
are generally preferred.
Acquisition, design, maintenance and supervision of these lots
would provide an opportunity for neighbors to work together.
lndeed, the initiative of block residents would be essential to
their success—and, therefore, should be a prerequisite.
2. Develop a neighborhood-wide strategy for identifying
opportunities for single lot green spaces and doing the necessary
organizing. The strategy should include a system for handling
insurance issues.
3. Consider linking lots on individual b(ocks into a neighborhood
system by creating a wafking—or exercise—tour that highlights the
uniqueness of each lot and its surrounding community.
Implementing Partners
District 7 Planning Council
Block clubs
Minnesota Green
Sustainable Agriculture Resource Center
C. Establish one or two ofher ha(f bfock sized parks to complement
Ryan Park located in the southwest quadrant of the study area.
Improve the landscaping and play facilities on the )ackson
School grounds to encourage its use by the community in the
southeast quadrant of the study area after school and on
weekends.
2. Integrate the establishment of up to two other parks with the
rehabilitation of neighboring houses, the pfacement of traffic
circles or the creation of some other amenity in order to enhance
the impact of each improvement.
Implementing Partners
District 7 Planning Council
Saint Paul Division of Parks and Recreation
Saint Paul School District
36 THOMAS DACE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Dmft
q i��l�
Expand Recrea i�n rvic
A. Expand the services provided by West Minnehaha Recreation
Center.
Explore opportunities to expand the size of the recreation center
site, possibly through the realignment of Pierce Butler Road.
2. Strengthen programming at the recreation center itself through
closer collaboration with neighborhood residents in establishing
priorities and designing programs consistent with their needs and
interests.
B. Extend recreation programming into afte�native sites throughout the
neighborhood such as at Ryan Park, Jackson School, �ommunity
churches or storefronts.
Impleme�ting Partners
Thomas Dale Block Clubs
Saint Paul Division of Parks and Recreation
Parks and Recreation Commission
West Minnehaha Booster Club
District 7 Planning Council
Frogtown Action Alliance
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft 37
��-�i�
Thomas Dale is a fufly developed neighborhood with onl y occasional
reasons—o� oppo�tunities—to change the existing land use patterns. A
review of the entire planning district reveals a rich mixture of housing
types, commercial uses and industrial developments. The easternmost
part of the planning district is the Mt. Airy public housing site.
lmmediafel y to the east of ihe study area are the Rice Marion
apartmentr, to the west is a mixed use residential a�ea developed by the
Wilder Foundation. At the northe�n border is a sizable industrial site; at
the southern border is University Avenue, one of the city's most
significant commercial strips. Within the study area, however, the vast
majority of residential structures are smaller houses originally built as
single family residences. !t is within t/�at context that the plan makes
recommendations relative to land use controls in the study area.
There are two principal recommendations. 7he first is to rezone most of
Yhe study area, now zoned for two family use, [o single {amily use. This
is recommended largely as a measure to curtail the conversion of
structures built as relativel y small single famil y homes to two or more
family homes. The experience in the neighborhood has been that an
increasing demand for affordable rental housing is being met through the
conversion of single family homes by landlords who rent a space
designed for one famil y to two or tAree families. The structures
themselves, many of them more than 100 years old, are not able to
withstand the leve! of wear and tear that comes with higher occupancy.
TI�e neighborhood's schoo(s and social service agencies are straining to
meet the needs of the existing residents and, for the most part, do not
have the capacity to serve an increasing population. And increasing the
concentration of lower income households in a srngle neighborf�ood is
not in the best interests of the households themselves or the
neighborhood.
Some areas—along the major arterials where transportation is most
accessible—are recommended for apartment or townhome development
in order to meet the need for well-managed and well-maintained renta!
f�ousing. /t is recognized that—as market conditions improve—
opportunities may emerge where additional areas would be
approprrately developed wrth two family housing or town homes.
Through this plan, the district council and the City signal their
willingness to positively consider rezoning if subsequently needed and
appropriate to allow for development compatible with neighborhood
character and design.
The second major change recommended by this plan relates to the
widening of Dale Street. Inasmuch as the land on the east side of Dale
has been acquired for the right of way, it should no longer be zoned for
commercial use. Tf�e west side of Dale, on the other hand, should be
38 THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft
q�-3i 3
zoned exclusively for neighborhood level commercial uses. As discussed
previously, residential uses should be phased out and the zoning
recommended here is consistent with thaY po�icy.
A. Ensure that adopted Iand use regulations are supportive of the
community's revitalization efforts.
The study area should be rezoned as indicated on the following
maps.
2. The community encourages higher density residential
development along major transportation corridors—University
Avenue, Minnehaha Avenue and Pierce Butler—provided that it
meets the following standards:
a. Its scale is consistent with the surrounding character of the
neighborhood. Pedestrian scale duplexes and townhouses
are preferred.
b. Its design and orientation to the street are consistent with the
surrounding neighborhood.
c. Provisions are made for play areas and green space.
d. Parking and traffic issues are adequately addressed.
The consistency of the proposed redevelopment with these
standards will be the focus of the district councif's review of a
petition for rezoning.
Rezonings of properties £or higher density new construciion or
rehabilitation in the bafance of the study area will be considered
on a case by case basis. The district council will support those
applications that represent high quality development in keeping
with the character of the neighborhood.
4. Mixed residential/commercial/office structures are encouraged
along UniversityAvenue and Dale Street. Relatedly, it is
recommended that the Planning Commission study and propose
appropriate amendments to the Zoning Code to encourage
mixed use development in the B-2 zoning district.
There should 6e no additional expansion of commerciaf uses or
parking onto Sherburne Avenue within the study area except on
the biock west of Dale between University and Sherburne
Avenues where additional parking may be required to allow the
establishment of commercial uses on the west side of Dale Street
between University and Sherburne Avenues. in cases where
parking expansion is approved, existing policies related to
setbacks, landscaping and access should be enforced.
Should the market on University Avenue begin to require
THOMAS DALE SMAL� AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft 39
Gt-���
significant additional space, and there is no alternative to an
expansion to the south side of Sherburne Avenue, poterttiai
developers could work with Yhe district council to develop a
mutually acceptable plan and propose an amendment to the
comprehensive plan that would allow such an expansion.
Implementing Partners
Saint Paul Planning Commission
District 7 Planning Councif
Midway Chamber of Commerce
University UNITED
40 7HOMA5 DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: Cify Councif Review Draft
�I�`�J��
Saint Paul Planning Commission
Peg J. Birk )oyce Maddox
}oseph P. Chavez Timothy Mardell
Esperanza Duarte David McDonell, Chair
Carole Faricy Gladys Morton
Litton Field, Jr. Richard Nowlin
Anne Flaxman Geisser
Stephen D. Gordon
Frank Gurney
Richard ).F. Kramer
Michael Lee
Eileen J. Lund-Johnson
Kurt Schwichtenberg
Michael Sharpe
Imogene Treichel
Mark Vaught
Barbara A. Wencl
Thomas Dale Small Area Plan Task Force
Kevin Kittilson, Co-chair
Kurt Schwichtenberg, Co-chair
Brenda Alexander
Christopher Coleman
David Co{well
Elizabeth Colwell
Beverly Hawkins
DuaneJohnson
MaziJohnson
Kevin Kajer
Kristen Kidder
Victoria Kittiison
Tou Sue Lee
David Liset
Pat Lindgren
Lengchy Lor
Morris Manning
Mary Milliner
Bill Pepar
Becky Rice
Margaret Romero
Janet Marie Shane
Ron Stevens
Connie Stewart
Barbara Strommer
Sandy Unger
Andy Williams
Clare Wilson
District 7 Planning Counci{
Michael Samuelson
Sallie Sheppheard
Spencer Blaw
Joanne Tooley
Kenrie Williams
Department of Pfanning and Economic Devetopment
Pamela Wheelock, Director
Hope Melton, Planner
Katy Lindblad, Pro}ect Manager
Ken Ford, Planning Administrator
Nancy Homans, Planner
Joan Hagen Chinn, Graphic Artist
The pist�ict 7 Planning Council and the City of Saint Pau1 gratefully acknowledge the
contribution made by the Bigelow Foundation fo this planning process.
The City of Saint Paul does not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, sex, sexual or
affeciional orientation, age, color, creed, national origin or ancestry, marital sTatus, religion,
veteran status, or status with regard to pubfic assistance in the admission or access to, or treatment
or employment in, its programs or activities.
The City of Saint Paul
Norm Coleman, Mayor
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft 43
��
Thomas Dale
Smalf Area Plan
Community Letters of Commitment
q� -3i 3
� , �
V
��
November 15, 1996
David McDonell, Chair
St. Paul Planning Commission
cio Nancy Holmans
Deparnnent of Planning and Economic Development
25 West Fourth Sueet
St. Paul, Minnesota 55102
Deaz Mr. McDonnell:
T6omas • Dale
District 7 Community Council, Inc.
3b9 University Avenue
St. Pau1, MN 55103
PH:(612)298-5068
FAX: {612) 298-5072
At its September 26, 1996 board of directors meeting, the ThomasjDale District 7 Planning Council
passed a motion expressing its unanimous support for the draft Thomas Dale Small Area Plan that is
now in before the St. Paui Planning Commission for your review, comments and approval.
This document has been cuefuliy developed over the past three yeazs by our community. We have
worked hand-in-hand with one common goal in mind - to he]p blaze a path where our residents,
businesses, public agencies and our many neighborhoocl parcners can a in order to assist with the
preservation and revitalization of the Thomas Dale community. This plan represents the hopes and
dreams many of us have for this very important portion of cenaal St. Paui. We feel that it can be a
plan that we and our paRners can a11 use each and everyday in order to ensure that the Thomas Dale
area continues to be a great place to live, work and raise our families.
Now that this parriculaz planning process at the community level has been compieted the real work is
about to begin. We have already started the implementadon of some key components of this plan.
For example, a community visioning process on the future reuse of the former Dale Street Suriington
Northern train yazds begins this month. Its task is to develop a plan for what this possible indusirial
pazk would look like and more importantly how it can help to sdmulate the further revitalization of our
community. We expect to be busy for many yeazs to come making sure that this plan is an active
guidepost for our community and the city to follow.
As you may know, the primary task that our district council took during this process was to help
coordinate the community-based task force which actually developed this draft Small Area Plan.
Upon review of this document you will see why we feel that we did our job quite we11. We wish to
acknowledge the fine support and guidance our task force received from your staff. Both Ms.
Homans and Melton were invaluable resources to this planning process and our simple thanks could
never be enough to express the debt we owe to their work on this draft Small A.rea Plan.
Thank you for your thoughtful review and, we hope, your evenmal approval of this very important
document. If you have need for any further infonnation please contact me at 298-5068.
Si�cerely,
\- ��J�/ �
/�
Michael Samuelson, Executive Director
Thomas/Dale District 7 Planning Council
��"��J
Frogtown Action Altiance
r r•. it�-
IN i
Saptember 20, 1996
Barry Madore, Board Ckair
Thomas-Dale District 7 Council
369 University Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55103
Dear Mr. Madore:
689 NORTH DALE STREET
ST. PAUL, MN 55103
(612) 224-7184
SEP 2 � REC'D
The Frogtown Action Alliance (FAA) mission is to bring together the diverse individuals and
organizations in Frogtown to create and carty out a responsive neighborhood initiated plan for sustained
action that addresses and provides solutions for the issues and problems the neighborhood faces. FAA
is committed to fostering the broadast possible representation and participation in a neighborhood
decision making by all Frogtown residents regardless of ethnicity, economically disadvantaged, or other
distinctions.
FAA supports the Small Area Plan with the following three modifications:
♦ Page l, Economic Development section under subtitle Capitalize oit Redeuelopmetit Op[�oruuii[ies
section (A). Add as follows:
"7. Collaborate with Wilder Foundation and other implemeating partners to collaborate and
develop an industrial site that includes a National Guard Armory, Charter Schoot, Neighborhood
Center and other business development to encourage job stimulation and growth."
�► Page 3, . Add the Wilder Foundation as an Implementing Partner.
♦ Additional clarification should be added relating to the implementation plan for the objectives in the
Small Area Plan.
Thank you for the opportunity to meet with you, however, FAA staff has been involved and made
recommendations to the board. Please contact me at 645-6445 if you have any questions related to this
matter.
Sincerely,
�V�-� �V���ti�l�r✓
Ike Welbom
Board Chair
cc: Michael Samualson
Shem Shakir
Dismict 7 Board ofDirectors
FAABoard ofDirectors
-An Equal Opportunity Empioyer-
n
u
�`7-3►.�
Gr eater Fr Com muni Devel Co�o __
Telephone (612) 29&8980
d89 North Dale Street
St. Pavl, MN 55103
September 23, 1996
Mr. Kevin Kittilson, Co-Chair
Mr. Kurt Schwichtenberg, Co-Chair
Thomas Dale Small Area Plan Task Force
c\o Thomas Dale District 7 Planning Council
369 University Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55103
Dear Mr. Kittilson and Mr. Schwichtenberg:
SEP 2 6 REC'0
The Greater Frogtown Community Aevelopment Corporation's Board of Directors and
Staff are pleased to offer their support of the Thomas-Dale Small Area Plan.
The Small Area Plan, was reviewed and approved by the GFCDC Board of Directors
during their last meeting on September 16, 199b. As the mission of GFCDC calls for the
development and rehab of high quality affordable housing, as well as the improvement of
rentai and homeownership opportunities, we concur with the goals identified in the Plan's
Housing Strategy, such as increasing the 1eve1 of homeownership, improving the
condition of the housing stock, and maintaining the affordability of rental housing.
Our Board Members and Staff will be incorporating pieces of the Small Area Plan into
our organization's strategic plan and work plans at our upcoming retreat in November.
The Sma11 Area Plan wiil certainly be beneficiai to the Frogtown community.
Sincerely,
/ �X�.- �
Denise M. Ha��ls f � �
President
��1
Amherst H.
Wi�der Foundation
Since 1906
SEP 2 6 REC'D
Executive Office
919 Lafond Avenue Saint Paul, MN 55104 (612) 642-4093 FAX (612) 642-4068
September 24, 1996
Spencer Blaw
Thema�-Dale Smal] Area Plan Ts�k Force
c/o District 7 Planning Council
369 University Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55103
Dear Spencer:
I am writing on behalf of the Amherst H. Wilder Foundation to express strong support
for the Thomas-Dale small area plan. We are most anxious to assist in the
implementation plan along with other members of the Thomas-Dale community.
I have been particularly impressed with your attempts to get input from all of the
different interested groups in the community.
Please extend our appreciation for this plan to the District 7 Planning Council and our
offer to participate in the implementarion of the plan.
Sincerely,
� � � ` S �—�
Thomas W. Kin�ston
President
TWK:ae
Presiden[
Thomas W. Kingston
Board ofDirectors
Ke�non V. Rothchild, Ctta'u; Elizabeth M. Kiemat, Fixst V'ice Chair; Aathony L. Mdecsen, Second Y¢e Chair;
Malcolm W. MeDo�ald, Secre[ary. Direc[ocs Charl[on Dietz, Elisabett� W. Dcermann,
Charles M. Osbome, Mazy i'homton Philtips, Peter B. Ridder, Bazbarn B. Roy
q�- 3i�
� SEP 2 6 REC°�
���
MODEL CITIES
OF 5T. PAUL. INC.
September 2b, 1996
ICevin IGttilson and I<urt Sch�vichtenberg, co-chaizs
District 7 Planning Council
369 University Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55103
Dear Chairpersons:
This letter is to eacpress our support foc the Thomas-Dale Small Area Plan in
recognition of die many hours that city staff and community volunteers
coitmiitted to its development. Model Cities' staff were among those who
participated on die Sinall Area Plan Task Force. We are happy with the result
of die many hours of dedicated work and look fonvard to the final adoption of
the Thomas-Dale Small Area Plan.
We support the recommendations described in the plan. We are committed to
wosking �vith ather implementing partners to realize the plan's vision of
Thomas-Dale as a community where families can live in decent, affordable
housing and find opport.uniries for employ�nent and ownership; and a
neighborhood that is a clean and safe place to li�re, where all aze valued.
Thank you for the opponunity to re��ie�v than.
Sincerely,
�� (,� ��1 !�4!��,L1�
Beverley Ohver Ha�vkins, Ph.D.
Chief Executive Of£icec
.k ;
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„ -,. .-_.. NORT-H DALE 57dtEET,ST PAUL. NiN�NESJTA SSYOJ �ki (bb2) 89�p-9Lt0 ("X 4lrF51�.2.9tl-92C1 ar-�c�o- - ,
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'Building Commz�ntty"
Septeinber 26, 1996
Mr. Spencer Blaw
DistricY 7 Planning Counci!
369 University AvenUe
St. Paut, MN 55103
Dear Mr. Blaw,
Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity
I am pleased to provide to you this letter of support for the work that you and your Task Force �ave done
to produce tlie Thomas Dale Small Area Plan. It is an excel(ent example of the kind of vision and
creativity tliat exists in our communities, and wliich is so critical to tiie revitalization of our
neighborhoods.
We are particularly impressed by the range of options outlined in the section on housing strategies. While
Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity conducts a particular type of owner occupied �iousing development, we
recognize that neighborhoods and households need a range of options in order to meet tiieir individual and
community housing needs. We are very pleased to be listed as a potential implementor of some of these
strategies, and we stand ready to work with the District Council, the Greater Frogtown Community
Development Corporation and the other key leadership groups in the Thomas Dale area to deliver both
new construction and renovated houses of an ownership nature to families witli modest incomes.
Just this week we began the rehabilitation of a home at 781 Lafond. This home is being refiabilitated in
partnership �vith many community groups and is bein� sponsored by the Wilder Foundation. At the
neiohborhood festival tha[ was l�eld to celebrate the kick off of this home last Saturday, we realized that
there are many families in the Froatown neiahborhood who would appreciate the chance to purchase a
home in the community. Habitat for Humanity stands ready to respond to those needs as long as �ve are
able to work in partnership with tlie Bistrict Council, the CDC, and al1 of the other organizations
providine leadership and direction to the Thomas Dale community.
l regret that an unespected commitment will keep me away from your gathering tonight where the Small
Area Plan will be presented to the District Council, lt is my hope that this letter will fully coavey to you,
and to the Council, Habitat for Humaniry's strong commitment to helping the community fuifll the
potential it has for being a modei neighborhood Sn the City of St. PauL Please do not hesitate to cali me
if you should have any questions or if you or the District Council wish to further pursue collaborative
ideas involvina Habitat for Humaniry in the months to come.
Very truty yours, —
���.c^
Stephen Seidel
$xecutive Director
SS/kmc
3�01 Fourth Street S.E. • Minneapo[u, MN55414 •(G12) 331-4090 •(622) 331-j540 Fccz
��-3j�
Vi/1 iV D
Western inl49attvas for Neighbarhaod Oevelopment
851'/: UNIVERSITY AVENUE
• ST. PAUL, MN 55104 •
PHONE:291-2480 • FAX:291-2597
September 26, 1496
Mr. Kevin Kittilson, co-chair
Kurt Schwichtenberg, co-chair
Thomas Dale SmalS Area Plan Committee
c/o I?istrict 7 Pianning Council
369 University Avenue
St. Paul, Minnesota 55104
llear Kevin, Kurt and Committee members:
SEP 2 6 RfC'D
I woutd like to congratulate s]] of you on the tremendous job you did on the Small Area Ptan far
7homas Dale. The amount of work and thvught you put into it is very apparant, and the plan will
be a very valuable tool for this community for many years.
I have noi had time to review all of your draft plan, but I k�ave looked over my area of
involvement, ecnomic development. I have the fotlowing comments:
1. Inc(uding in the vision statement the creation of "vibrant productive businesses" is a strong
positive message about their importance to this commucuty.
2. Putting FAA as the lead organization on most of these recommendations is consistent with the
roles in the community, as I have seen them evolve over the past few yeus. It is good to re-state
this You msy want to inctude them on page 2, item A'i, as part of the conununity planning teazn
for.t�e Dale Street Shops site, since later you list them in the lead on the project.
3. Your connection between businesses getting pu�lic subsidies atxd their participation with City
jobs and training prograrns is good. A stronger point could be made about the need for advanced
training provided to area residents, which woutd be triggered by vety early notification from new
businesses about the nature of skills needed for their upCOming jo6s.
4. Regardi�lg Da1e Street, some of the thought I have heard involves the west side sidewalk bein�
wider than average, and used for outdoor seating, displays, etc. for the bus�nesses. The wideness
creates a zone of comfort and ambiance that enhances the businesses and community feel.
5. FAA and the Neighborhood Development Center have offered zn extensive micra
entrepreneur training and loan program to Frogtown residents for over two years now. Over 50
persons have atready gone ttuough this training, and many have started businesses here in thls
community. This training, at least in a generic form, shoutd be mentioned on page 5 or b, in your
section on micro business developmenx.
WIHD Is a Community Oevelopment Corporatlon subsid�ary af Western Bank
��-�l�
I liked the content ofthe rost ofyour economic development seciion. There is awch to do in tEus
community, anc! I believe your vision for it is comprehensive and exciting. Now lets al1 work
together to achicve it.
Thank you for your great work.
Sincerely,
" Mtke Temal�
W1ND
r
�
� �-
ASIAN AMERICAN PRESS
4!7 Univec�i[y Avenue � St. Paul, MN SSt03 � Phonc {612) 224-6570 Q FAX (612) 224-7032
��ov � 5 aEe�Q
November A, 1996
Mr. Michael Samuelson
District 7 Planning Council
369 Universiry Avenue
Saint Paul, MN 55103
Dear Michaet,
Thank you for including Asian American Press as a participant in the presentation of the Thomas-Dale
Smali Area Plan on September 26, 1996.
After Iistening to ttie discussions and reviewing the draft, I feel very good about the glan. I feel this tvi11
have a very positive impact on the neighborhood.
We at ihe Asian Ainerican Press and Ihe Asian Business & Community foundation fulty support the
Planning Council's goals.
I believe our community truLy appreciates this initiat�e. The Task Force has put together an e�celtent plan.
Sincerely,
Nghi Huynh
PublisherJEdiror Asian American Press
President Asian Business & Communit} Foundation
�i��31�
nNDr vNLLIAh1SJR
E%tECUFiVE DIRECTOR
765 NOR?H PAIL70P: STREET
S7 �q� �L.55tQ4.RAhiSEY
eas-aes r ea� r� s� rss i-- ea m-ra•-s-�
��.a��-v����-��-�r� t ���� � ��
�iz-�a�7-�:,;��
;�loada Septztut� 16, 1945
niicha2t Samuelsort, Execuiive Direcror
D:srrict Severt Plannir�g Council
3�9 �.h�iti�ersity.4venue
St, Pau1,1v1N SSI03
De^r?Sfichael,
i would like ro share our support jor the Tho»aas-T�aie Small Area Plar� Task Force drajt Plan. I rnn
CGi f i i i11 I��1C<{ give:i the ti;�7e cr.Td ca, e put i��tc d�stap�yg this plcrn, rt has the s�rp�ort of the
C^7:1,':i: n?n�. I C71CD71fG�gP 1�2E �ISIf7L'1 CDE:Y:CII10 P17�A!:4° ��1° L�l'C�.t�3�i1 R.':��OY}S'.^.PCj 1? �O t�:a P
Commission and Cin� Council fvr adoptrorc. .4s Executive Director ofSme Our Crty's Kids, a memher
oi'rire Task Force crncl a neigi�bor arld commr��riry activisr 1 X fhai rhe plan ref7ecr the naeds m�d'
�i is,'ies of rt�e cornmuriiiv and wifl provide a solid policy frcnnewon'c for future cammunity buildir�g aud
phvsrcc:l �levelopme�:t.
rr P«r'e" �FCslEfti� fvi 1i 1B11t�QYS�11]J S�t0i471 I3j% li 1 C1JN I V iCE 17i CiE'J��0�7tit� u2e P�t. �r'@ cZi E«iSG
tl�n>j1,-fi„( fer f1�o S»' 1'tQt?!�Ffly.°Y°S?ST2/J!17: 7i�� it)D TH/�I:V �'.^.Y�:CItY.TP7!S 1?2 tF12V1StOF1 COAIE t7Yt°. 1 S6'O2t�Lj
also lrk� ro ack.nasvt�dge rFie crlrical stal`i su�rnor! the Drsirict Seven Ptannirrg Cauricil rnrd llle Cih�
; aar�r�irr= nndEc�r<ornic u�v�lo�nnenr�a{x�rtmariitFm�e nrovitied ro v'�2 Task rorce m,�d rrs worr.
Please do rzot hssitafe to cat! upon s O.C.K or m}�self ta support t3re Plizn rmd its' irnp!etTrantntiari
Rnrnortf�i:ll�r Qnxirr
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Exeerrtn�a Direclor
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Frogtown Family Resource Center
377 University Avenue (at Western), Saint Paul, MN 55103
PIiONE: (612} 290•8376 FAX: (612) 293-5260
September 24, 1996
ThomasDale District 7
(�lannjrS fn�nrl�
369 University Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55103
Dear Planning Council members:
The staff of Frogtown Family Resource Center want you to know that we support your
work on the Small Area Plan for our neighborhood. We share this vision of strengthening
families, seeing that housing is decent and affordable, and want to do our part to
provide educational opportunites for Frogtown families. We value all our neighbors
and consider it a privilege to work �n this neighborhood.
Please know that we support the policy framework as
fications agreed upon at the September 26th meeting,
you've already done. Thanks for a good job!
In partnership,
��'�
Todd Seabury-Kolod
laid out in the summary. Any modi-
we hope, will enhance the work
��F�
�-'� Sa.int Paul Public Schools Community Education
n.s.on«. ...e.�
��-�i3
November 20,1996
Universi�r UNITER
A COALtTIO� OF 11lAWAY CSTIZf!�5 J.,RA BUSt�E55
Mic�ael S3rnuefson
Executive Dircc#or
Thomas-Dale
Distnct 7 Planning CounCil
369 Univarsity Avenue
Sf. Paul, MN 55103
D�ar Mr. Sam�utsvn.
Ai iYs Qctober goard meeting, University UNITED's Board of pirectors voted to
ancnurape and s� �pport the pnalS of tfie Th�mas-nale SmAll Araa ('12n, which do
not conflict with the Midway Chambers' 40 Acte Study.
Specificatly, UNITED supports the ptans' Economic Development Strategy, as an
implementmg partner. 1 he boartl and statt would aiso I+ke to be mclucled as
either a resource or impMementing partnet in the foilowing categories:
1. Micro Enterprise and Smali Business, �l and 8
2. Work Towards �ull Employment, A errd B
3. Community Buiiding, C
4. TraffiC and Transportation, A and C
5. Regionai Transportation and tand use Potic�es
6. Building Community 5upport for Education, A and E
7. Land Use and Rezoning, A
In your Vision Statemant you refer to making the area 8 safe place to live,
however there are no arime and satety strategies listed. UNITED would
�ea its�if as an im{�lementinc� �aftner on crime stratec,�ies
Sincerely,
� �� �t���
Icene Rodriguez
University UMTED
�nveslmen2 �hraugh �conomic
Sprx,e 7�ee Cer�t�e •�Stn U+irvers�y Aveave • SollS 4• 5t, Pe�i, MN SSi6i-3C25 •(612) 6Q7�6Iit • Fzx (612) 646-2297
g� �1.�
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Thomas-Date 3m�1! Area Ptsn'Taalc Foraa
GODiarict SavenPlamm�p Cauroil
364;Uaiv+uairy AvCeuo
3eun}paul,i�t SS10a
�tE: Dr�#t T7Wmaa-Dalo 9ma11 Aton Plap
txer'faak �o�rca Mem�a�s,
T4m Fmgtown Mm�nta Asao�tiao euyporte ihe Saici drrB of the 7'homaa-Dnk 5mt11
Ar+n Plan. Wo apptraato the fims and acn�idmrdoP tlu�t ta�tc Sorn manb�ra hava grnn
tlu» pls�s. wa fca aaa I�hogcows►•: sau�n Area Pf�a i� aat emroctant caot ch.c wiu aive thia
coinnnudty the direcdoA ic aeeds.
Sinca'dY,
V-l.�i � �
r� E �ty8a
�
Fsngtown Machants Associatioa
�tCF M'idwny 1VS'mi Stcxs�{n
45$ Ikmiap St. S.
S�int Psul, MN- SSX04
��d�c
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ST. PAUL FAMILY LEARNING CENTER CHARTER SCHOOL
tNDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 40i 9
���$
� i
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September 20, 1996
Kevin Kittilson and Kurt Schwichtenberg, Co-Chairs
District 7 Planning Council
369 University Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55103
Dear Chairpersons:
�
���
Q��
!
� r
I
�SEP 2 4 R�C'D
This [etter is to express my support for the Thomas-Dale Small Area Plan, and especiatly the education
strategy outlined in the draft Plan. Collaboration among the various groups and organizations that make
up the community is essential for the posiiive economic development of urban neighborhoods. The
Family Leaming Center school works with community members and organizations. The charter school
pianning group met severai times with the Frogtown Networking Group and the Thomas-Date Block
Club to get inp�t into the design of our new school. Our basic school program is very much in tune
with the Plan's education strategy, including elements such as conflict reso]ution, parental involvement
in setting the course of each chitd's leaming, and extensive use of volunteers in the school, We
currently offer an early-morning program and hope to provide after-school programming as well.
The Family L.eaming Center school is not physically located in the Thomas-Dale neighborhood (we
wanted to find a facility in Frogtown but were unable to find a suitable facility) but includes this
section of the city i» its enrollment area, which comprises the whole of the 55103 and 55104 zip codes.
We opened as a K-4 school on Saptember 3 and hope to expand to a pre-K-12 program over the next
few years. The school has recruited a number of students from the Small Area Plan neighborhood and
will continue involvement in the area.
On behalf of the St. Paul Family L.eaming Center Charter School, I want to express my wholehearted
support for the Thomas-Dale Small Area Plan. The school is committed to working with the
community and will collaborate with other organizations to implement the Sma11 Area Plan.
Sincerely,
�jQ �h.
Wayne B. Jennings
Schooi Director
Independent School District #40i 9• 1355 Pierce Butler Aoute, St Paul, MN 55104-1359 • Ph. 612 644-5052 • Fax 612
645-0240
� ., t
_��,_
:,n, HealthPartners
St. Paul-Rarnsey Medical Center
640 Jackson Street
St Paui, MN 55707-2595
612221.3456
August 30, 1996
Spencer Blaw
Thomas Dale Small Area Plan Task Force
c/o District Seven Planning Council
369 University Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55103
°�'1-31�
S�P 0 � RECD
Dear Mr. Blaw and the Thomas Dale Small Area Plan Task Force:
Thank you for the opportunity to review the Thomas Dale Small Area Plan. I
have reviewed the plan and congratulate the Task Force on a job well done.
You can count on our support fior the reeommendations outlined in the Plan, and
I wil! plan on attending the meeting on September 26th.
We support the recommendations outlined and look forward to working with the
other impVementing partners on the specific strategies, particularly in the areas of
community building and health care. As you probably know, we are strong
supporters of the Model Cities Health Center as the primary provider of
community based medical and dental services, and have a long history of
working together with the Heaith Center. We certainiy wi{I be active participants
in a formal community heaith care coalition organized by the community and
agree with the focus on preventative care, immunizations and weil child care.
We are also committed to working with other providers and agencies in the
Thomas Dale community to find ways to integrate services and find new,
coiiaborative ways ofi serving our communi'ty and expanci tne use of our limited
resources. Reai and anticipated funding cuts from both federal and local leveis
wili require all of us to work more closely together to better leverage the
resources we can retain.
Sincerely,
�
�i
��G���,�� C �
��.
Gabrielle Lawrence
Vice President, Community Partnerships
HeakfiPardeers' m.ission u to imp�ove the health of our members anAous communlry
q���I �
�
CATHOLIC
CHARITIES
Advocacy and
Outreach Division
Froyno�a'n Centec
633 Univrain�Avenur
Sc Pau1,MN SStOJ-i802
September 24, ] 996
Kurt Schwichtenberg and Revin KittiLson
Co-Chairs Thomas-Dale Small Area Plan Task Force
et_ zz>-izso do District Seven Planning Council
car ei� zzz-oi9s 369 University Avenue West
Saint Paul, MN 55103
Deaz Mr. Schwichtenberg and Mr. KittiLson,
0 CT 3 0 REC'D
I am writing to express the support of Catholic Charities Frogtown Center
for ihe Thomas Dale Small Area Plan. I woutcl like to commend the Task
Force and the District Seven Ptanning Council for yoar hard work and
persistence in developing this Plan_ I have reviewed the Plan and spoken
with our staff and various community members about it. We Snd that the
Plan reflects the input and interests of our commw�ity and it provides a
solid framework for guiding future physical development and community
building efforts in the neighborhood.
We at Cathotic Charities are committed to being a pro-active and peaceful
player in the community. It follows that we are coaunitted fo supporting
the Thomas-Dale Small Area Plan Task Force, the District Seven Planning
Council, and the other community partners in implementing the Plan and
it's vazious strategies in the comic� years. We look forward to working
with you to strengthen our community.
With Sincere and Peaceful Thoughts,
� 5����� ��_ �
Me}vin Giles
• .�.�� . ._-
Serving thr Arzhdm<esr of
Sa Pa�dand.NmrteapuGs
Suppottedth�ougl�privarc
mnmbunung Gfiited i�y, ond
Ar�rzuai CathuLrAppeal
RttrcCrcrd by Coum! on
Aaredimnun af Srrvires
for Famifin and Chddm�
An Egua! Opparcumty Empbya
and Servi<e Aovidn.
.,
q`1-�1�
city of saint paul
planning commission resolution
fite number 96- ��
�te December 2�, 1996
RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission is authorized under Minnesota Statues Section
462.355(2) and Chapter 107 of the Saint Paul Administrative Code to recommend to
the Mayor and City Counci4 amendments to the Comprehensive Plan; and
WHEREAS, the P{anning Commission on June 12, 1992 initiated the Thomas Dafe
Small Area Plan and requested that the Thomas Dale Community Council establish a
neighborhood task fiorce to prepare a draft plan for Planning Commission consideration;
and
WHEREAS, the task force prepared a draft plan and published it for community-wide
review, holding a public meeting on April 23, 1996; and
WHEREAS, the task force recommended the plan to the District Seven Planning
Council on July 29, 1996; and
WHEREAS, the District Seven P{anning Counci{, after additional community review and
discussion, recommended, on September 26, 1996, the Thomas Dale Small Area Plan
and FortyAcre Study to the Planning Commission for review and adoption; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission held a public hearing on the Thomas Dale Small
Area Plan and FortyAcre Sfudy on November 22, 1996, notice of which was duly given
in the Saint Paul Legal Ledger on November 7, 1996 and November 8, 1996; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission recommended changes to the Thomas Dale
Smal! Area P/an and Forty Acre Study after considering public testimony;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Planning Commission hereby certifies
the Thomas Dale Small Area Plan and ForfyAcre Study as an amendment to Saint
PauPs Comprehensive Plan and recommends its adoption by the City Council; and
moved by �isser
seconded by
in favor �nanimous
against
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the recommendations included in the plan related to
the expansion of University Avenue commercial uses to the south side of Sherburne
Avenue should supercede those adopted by the City Council as part of the University
Avenue CorridorStudyon May 97, 9990; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Planning Commission directs the Pianning
Administrator to forward the plan and this resolution to the Mayor and City Council; and
BE I7 FINALLY RESOLVED, that the Planning Commission expresses its gratitude to
all those who participated in the development of the Thomas Dale Small Area Plan and
Forty Acre Study and commits itself to continued involvement in community efforts to
implement its recommendations.
�
�.�_ . �, � � � � �
Thomas=Dale
Smatl ?�rea Plan
and
Acre Study
City Co�ficil Review Draft
�
�
Recommended by the
Thomas Date Small Area Plan Task Fovice
july 29, 1996
Recommended by the
District Seven Planning Councii
September 26, 199b
Recommended by the
Saint Paul Planning Commission
December 20, 1996
T ' ' �� �r3
.
Introduction ......................................1
Economic Development Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Housing Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Community Building Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Traffic and Transportation Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Education Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Heaith Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Parks and Recreation Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Land Use and Zoning Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Credits .........................................43
4'
11 THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft
°��-3i�
The study area for the Thomas Dale Small Area Plan and forty Acre
Study lies between Western and Victoria Avenues, University Avenue on
the south and the railroad tracks on the northern boundary. It is one of
Saint Paul's oider neighborhoods, settied between 1870 and 1890 by
German, Polish, Irish and Scandinavian immigrants who built the
Victorian vernacu{ar working- and middle-class homes and corner stores
that still give the area its small-town atmosphere. Today, the seventy
block area is characterized mainly by one and two famiiy homes though
it is bordered by intensive commercial, industrial and multi-family uses.
immigrants continue to find a home in Thomas Da1e whose 6,700
residents represent a rich variety of races, ages, socio-economic classes
and household types.
The Thomas Dale Small Area P/an is the definition of a vision shared by
neighborhood residents and business owners and City officia/s as wel/
as a strategy for bringing this vision to reality. /ts effectiveness will
depend on its "adoption" as a policy framework by the key community
organizafions in the area, ongoing efforts by those organizations to
discuss and jointly formulate policies in each of the subject areas
idenfified in the plan, and supporf for and coIlaboration with the key
implementing organizations identified with each sfrategy.
��
Vision Statement
The Thomas-Dale Community realizes that racial, economic and cultural
diversity enriches our lives. We, therefore, work together to:
• Strengthen families;
• See that everyone can live in decent, affordable, owned or rented
homes;
• Provide opportunities for employment, education and ownership;
• Create vibrant productive businesses;
• Make Thomas-Dale a safe, clean place to live where all are valued;
and
• Remember that beauty, humor and fun are as important to the soul as
food is to the body.
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft
��-3��
Economic development is difficult to define—especially as the national
and rnternational economies undergo a transition not unlike tF�e
industrial revolution of the last century. It involves finding new uses for
oId sites once used, and often polluted, by heavy industry. It includes
the preparation of a work force for new kinds of jobs and circuitous
career paths. Recent history has demonstrated that economic
development in Saint Paul is 1 inked [o the success of smaller businesses
and entrepreneurs. In Thomas Dale, it means deciding how best to meet
the consumer needs of an inner city community in an economic
environment that favors warehouse grocery stores and suburban
shopping malls. Implementing neighborhood policy and programs
related to economic development is part of the mission of the Frogtown
Action Alliance. A four pronged strategy—consistenT with that proposed
by [he Economic Deve(opment Task force of the Alliance—forms the
basis of the small area plan's recommendations relative to economic
development.
Capitalize on RedeveloRment O�portunities
A. Redevelop the Dale Street Shops site (bounded by Minnehaha, the
Burlington Northern tracks, Dale and Arundel), the neighboring
Maxson Steel site and any otf�er contiguous non-residential parcels
with industrial uses capable of employing a sizable number of
employees at family-supporting wages. Specifically:
.r
u
1. Responsible parties should complete the clean-up of the site
'' within three to five years.
The district council should seek funding to organize and
advocate for the clean up and development of the site.
The design of the site should be a neighborhood asset. A
community based planning team including representatives
selected by the District 7 Planning Council, Frogtown Action
Alliance and North End community organizations should be
convened to work with the Port Authority on the redevelopment
of the site. Specific issues of concern incfude:
Parking. In order to allow maximum space for the industries
themselves and encourage development patterns that make
effective use of land and support transit services, efforts should
be made to minimize the amount of off-street parking provided
on the site.
2 THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft
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Historic structures. Buildings that give the site its character
should be restored and reused where possible.
Landscaping. The site should be carefully landscaped and
consideration given to providing for some passive recreational
space and bike and pedestrian trails that could be connected to
neighborhood, citywide and/or regional trails.
Community facilities. The planning team should explore
whether or not it is appropriate to devote a portion of the site to
one or more community facilities such as a school, community
center or National Guard training and recreation center.
4. In order to ensure that neighborhood residents have access to
the jobs created in the development, public subsidies to
businesses should be tied to their participation in City sponsored
job training and placement services. In anticipation of the
development of the site, the City/School District job training
services should, over the next three years, focus their efforts to
enlist and prepare neighborhood residents for those jobs.
5. In order to increase the possibility that businesses on the site will
,� employ neighborhood residents, plans for an on-site or nearby
a^ child care facility should be developed.
�
.-=
6. Explore the option of reconstructing Pierce Butler Route to bring
it directly onto the site—perhaps under the Dale Street Bridge.
That would improve the access to s+te as well as eliminate the
awkward terminus of Pierce Butler at Minnehaha and allow for
the expansion of the Minnehaha Recreation Center site.
Implementing Partners
Frogtown Action Alliance, Convener
District 6 Planning Council
North End Area Revitalization (NEAR)
Saint Paul Port Authority
District 7 Planning Council
City of Saint Paul
Midway Chamber of Commerce
University UNITED
Western Initiatives for Neighborhood Development (WIND)
Wifder Foundation
B. Take advantage of the planned widening of Dafe Street to revitalize
it as a neighborhood scale commercial center for the community.
Specifically:
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft 3
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The new roadway should be designed to create a safe,
pedestrian-friendly environment with reduced traffic speeds
through the neighborhood. Specific elements may include:
linear park on the east side of the street, attractive fencing to
shield neighboring homes from the corridor, uniform design
features to tie the eight block stretch together, and on-street
parking on the west side.
2. The west side of Dale should be characterized by pedestrian
oriented commercial uses—with automobile related uses
encouraged to locate on University Avenue. Residential uses on
the frontage should be phased out although mixed use structures
with residential units above commerciai uses are e�couraged.
(Suggested amendments to the City's Zoning Code consistent
with this recommendation are detailed later in the plan.)
The east side of Dale should retain the resident+al character that
has emerged as businesses were bought and relocated to provide
right of way for the street widening.
4. Business incubator space shouid be developed at appropriate
locations.
f
?� 5. Vacant lots should be evaluated for their use as interim parking--
r� until the market provides for additional commercia! uses.
Alternative neighborhood non-profit ownership of these parcels
should be considered with the land being leased to adjoining
business owners for parking purposes. That would maximize the
flexibility of the land and minimize the likelihood that it would
be permanently used for parking. Community design guidelines
should govern the establishment of parking lots.
Implementing Partners
Frogtown Action Alliance, Convener
Department of Public Works
Distrid 7 Planning Council
Midway Chamber of Commerce
WIND
C. Strengthen University Avenue as an attractive and healthy
commerciai center, serving both as a neighborhood retail area for
those who live within the neighborhood and as a destination for the
surrounding region. Specific measures should include:
4 THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Dmft
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Encourage new retail development—especially the variety of
services needed by neighborhood residents—to cluster at the
intersections of University and Dale, Rice, Marion, Western and
Victoria. A full service hardware store and drug store, for
instance, might be encouraged to locate on University Avenue.
2. A program of street scape improvements for University Avenue
should be developed with area business owners based on the
guidelines recommended in the University Avenue Corridor
Study. Consideration should be given to: creating a landscaped
center median, planting trees in the median and in the
sidewalks, and installing decorative lighting.
3. To the extent that additional off-street parking is required to
support University Avenue businesses, shared lots should be
developed with frontage on University Avenue.
Careful attention should be given to the design, landscaping,
lighting and maintenance of existing and proposed parking lots
to ensure that they support a positive image for surrounding
businesses.
5. University UNITED should seek appropriate capital funds on an
;�� annual basis to implement the coordinated program of facade
. improvements, tree planting, lighting, signage and street
furniture or decor.
6. Alternatives to improve the appearance of the corner of
University and Victoria should be explored—to include reducing
the number of cars on and around the site, using landscaping the
screen the site, or establishing a more intensive alternative use.
Reduce the number of liquor stores on University Avenue,
confining them as much as possible to the major retail centers
where management and security services can help reduce the
incidence of inappropriate behavior on the premises.
Implementing Partners
Frogtown Action Alliance, Convener
District 7 P{anning Councii
Midway Chamber of Commerce
University UNITED
Modef Cities
D. Support efforts by the Frogtown Action Alliance and Frogtown
Merchants Association to upgrade and strengthen Minnehaha
Center. While located outs+de the study area boundary,
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PIAN: City Councii Review Drak 5
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enhancements to the Center would enabie it to provide important
services to study area residents.
implementing Partners
Frogtown Action Alliance, Convener
Frogtown Merchants Association
Minnehaha Center Owners and Businesses
Develop Micro Entergrises and Small Businesses
A. Ensure that existing and potential small businesses have access
to the space, capital, training and information necessary for
their success. Specific initiatives include:
Provide incubator space with related training, technical
assistance and mentoring for emerging small businesses, The
existing micro-entrepreneur training and loan program is a good
model.
2. Market the availability of small business loans througi� PED
programs.
3. Secure funds—through the City's Sales Tax Revitalization
i� Program (STAR) or similar program—for facade improvement
loans and grants to enable the rehabilitation of storefronts for
small business use.
4. PED's Small Business Center, the Lexington Library and WlND,
Inc. should collaborate on the development of small business
assistance programs and materials — seminars, pamphlets, open
Ffouses, canvasses or other means of ensuring that business
owners and potential business owners are aware of the variety of
resources available to them.
5. Encourage ne+ghborhood residents to patronize and be
supportive of area businesses. At the same time, encourage
neighborhood businesses to recognize—through their pricing
policies, merchandise selection and marketing strategies—the
particular role they can play in strengthening the community and
supporting its residents.
Implementing Partners
Frogtown Action Alliance, Convener
Lexington Library Small Business Center (PED)
Midway Chamber of Commerce University UNfTED
Model CiTies WIND
fi THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft
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B. Market the neighborhood as a place for commercial development
and business opportunities consistent with the needs of area
residents.
Ensure that organizations supporting emerging entrepreneurs
understand Thomas Dale's strengths as a centrally Iocated
community with easy access and a diverse cons�mer market.
Seek out firms offering personal services that recent surveys have
indicated are under represented in Thomas Dale.
Encourage investment by firms representing growth industries
such as printing/publishing and medical services and refated
suppliers.
Implementing Partners
Frogtown Action Alliance University UNITED
District 7 Planning Council Mode1 Cities
Midway Chamber of Commerce
Work Towards Full Em {�o�ment
>.' A. Neighborhood residents shoufd be aware of and adequatefy
' prepared to fill available jobs throughout the metropofitan area.
Available training resources through the public schools, the
Ronald M. Hubbs Center for Lifelong Learning, community
colleges and Metro State University should continue to be
marketed through area agencies such as the Frogtown Family
Resource Center, Wilder Family and Children Services,
Headstart and the Model Cities Health Clinic.
2. Opportunities for offering training/education programs at
additional neighborhood locations should be explored.
3. Fully develop opportunities for community service for young
people that offer payments toward college tuition or other post
high school training programs for participants.
G. A central clearinghouse for employment opQortunities that is
linked with other such establishments in the metro area as well
as a network of neighborhood agencies and organizations
should be established.
5. Job fairs should be held in the community or residents
transported to such events hefd throughout the metropolitan
area.
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PtAN: City Council Review Draft 7
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Impfemenfing Partners
Frogtown Action Alliance, Convener
St. Paul Workforce Develapment Center
Saini Paul Public School Center for Employment and Training
St. Paul Urban League Mode! Cities
Community Education Wilder Foundation
Frogtown Family Resource Center
Ronald M. Hubbs Center for Lifelong Learning
Midway Chamber of Commerce
University UNITED
District 7 Planning Council
B. Public or quasi-public fransportation should be available to
transport area residents to employment centers throughout the
metropol+tan area.
1. The Frogtown Action Alliance should work wiYh major suburban
employers to coordinate the employment of area residents with
the provision of transportation. Alternatives include organizing
potential employees into carpools, contracting with MCTO or
private transit providers to provide once a day transportation
from the neighborhood to regional employment centers and
back or subsidizing monthly bus passes when using the existing
y� transit system is practical. Neighborhood based smafl businesses
: should be encouraged to participate in the provision of private
transit services.
2. The City and community should continue to advocate for
improved transit services throughout the metropolitan area at
affordable rates.
Implementing Partners
Frogtown Action Alliance, Convener
District 7 Planning Co�ncil
Metropolitan Council Transit Operations (MCTO)
Private Transit Services
University UNITED
Provide Basic Com�unit� Services
A. Explore alternative arrangements that give neighborhood residents
access to grocery products at affordable prices.
Develop community gardens to provide fresh produce during
severa( months of the year. The establishment of gardens should
THOMAS DALE SMAIL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft
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be consistent with the parks/green space strategy recommended
later iR the pian. Priority sites should 6e those larger spaces that
often exist near bus lines and between major land uses. Specific
provisions should be made for soil testing to ensure the land is
not contaminated and the provision of water.
Create attractive Farmers Market opportunities for the sale of
produce in central—and accessible—locations in the community.
Explore with interested entrepreneurs the possibility of
developing "mobile" grocery outlets—refrigerated vans or small
trucks from which basic groceries (milk, fruits and vegetables,
breads and cereals) could be sold to neighborhood residents.
4. Explore the possibility of establishing a cooperative grocery store
where residents could exchange their labor for quality food at
affordable prices.
Impiementing Partners
Frogtown Action Alliance, Convener
Model Cities
B. Encourage and seek resources to subsidize the development of small
child care homes to enable parents to seek employment as well as
provide smalt business opportunities for neighborhood residents.
fmplementing Pariners
Frogtown Action Afliance
THOMAS DALE SMALL ARfA PIAN: CAy Counci{ Review Draft 9
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Thomas Dale should represent an attractrve residential option for
households across the wider community's racial, cultural and socio-
economic spectrums. That is its heritage and its pride. Significant
disinvestment in recent years, however, has placed the neighbo�hood at
rrsk of being home only to those who have few options and in danger of
being caught in a cantinurng cycle of disrnvestment and isolation.
Healthy neighborhoods require conYinuing invesYment in the
maintenance, repair and rehabilitation of their residential and
commercial properties. A variety of tools are avarlable to the City and
the neighborhood in their efforts to generate that investment. Thomas
Dale's housing strategy should involve some of each.
Mandate compliance with community standards through code
enforcement. Mandates, understandably, raise concerns about
outside enforcement agencies establishing unattainab/e standards
that represent a hardship for community residents. It will be very
important, because of the limited economic means of many property
owners, that the standards be established through a community
process and be tied directly to resolving significant health and safety
concerns.
• Stimulate and encourage private rnvestment with a varie[y of
strategies to include offering public subsidies, developing appropriate
, tax policies, and amending underwriting standards. Financing
mechanisms will, in many cases, need to be specifically designed for
Thomas Dale—with considerable emphasis on outreach, hands-on
assistance and flexibility.
Encourage re-investment through the establishment of an identity in
the marketplace attractive to those who have the resources to invest.
One asset on which Thomas Dale can capitalize in defining such a
niche is its rich stock of historic homes in a traditionally designed
neighborhood. Research and the marketplace itself have
demonstrated that not only do people value older housing in older
neighborhoods, but that the design characteristics associated with
those neighborhoods serve to enhance public safety, neighborhood
involvement and community identity and pride.
Build relationships within the community, encouraging
neighborhood ownershrp and prida There are a variety of strategies
related to building connections between people and between people
and neighborhood institutions, building capacity and leveraging
neighborhood talents. In the broadest sense, investment is
encouraged by a sense of community in a sustaining/nurturing
environment.
�Q THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft
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Among the risks of any strategy is that the market may be stimulated to
the point where property values are raised to a level that low income
and working class households cannot afford. Code enforcement,
rehabilitation and preservation efforts need not, however, displace low
income renters or homeowners. Displacement may occur, however, if
property values rise to the extent that owners of housing occupied by
lower income households either sell their property or raise rents.
Avoiding displacement will require that the neighborhood's housing
strategy include intentional efforts to secure a portion of the housing
stock at affordable levels.
Increase Level of Home Ownership
A. Ensure a sufficient stock of quality homes available for purchase.
1. Encourage the construction of new ownership housing on
individual vacant lots throughout the neighborhood. Priority sites
for new construction should be those on blocks with a significant
number of vacant lots, those where a new house would provide
the necessary investment to encourage other property owners to
make improvements, and those large enough to allow for the
construction of three and four bedroom homes to meet the
;'` needs of large families.
rt
� 2. Establish and maintain a revolving loan fund to finance the
acquisition of problem properties for rehabilitation and resale by
the Greater Frogtown Community Development Corporation.
3. Focus public resources on efforts that would not get done but for
the public financing.
4. Ensure that the construction and design of new homes do not
create a visual conflict with neighboring structures.
5. Advise and involve neighboring residents in the process of
sefecting sites for new housing construction and the design of
the housing units themselves when pu6lic development funds
are used.
6. Recognizing thai homes and properties of various sizes are
important to the diversity oi the community and can help to
provide and preserve affordable housing within the
neighborhood, construction of new homes on smaller lots (under
40 feet wide or less than 5,000 square feet) should be allowed
by the Board of Zoning Appeals if the following conditions are
met and followed:
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft 11
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The community and the district council support the
proposed construction; and
Provisions are made for adequate back yard and open space
on the lot.
Implementing Partners
Greater Frogtown Community Development Corporation
Saint Paul Housing and Redevelopment Authority
Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC)
Habitat for Humanity
West Side Neighborhood Housing Services
District 7 Planning Council
Board of Zoning Appeals
B. Provide suitable financing mechanisms and other support services
to ensure that present Thomas Dale residents can and do take full
advantage of mortgage and rehabilifafion financing programs.
Partner with agencies that provide support services to new
homeowners, including home maintenance training, increasing
the probability of success for new homeowners.
; 2. Work with the Saint Paul Public Housing Agency to identify
�� appropriate homes for the Homeward Program that provides
. home ownership opportunities for selected low income
households.
Collaborate with the existing Mortgage Foreclosure Prevention
program operated by the City's Housing Information Office and
funded by the Northwest Area Foundation and the City to ensure
the program has the necessary flexibility to meet the needs of
Thomas Dale residents.
Work with PED to develop and market non-traditional rehab and
first mortgage loan programs that are more likely to be successful
for neighborhood residents who may have poor credit histories
making them ineligible for private financing.
5. PED should ascertain why applicants fail to complete the process
of securing rehab or first mortgage loans as a means of
identifying those aspects of the process that represent barriers tor
iower income households. That information should be used tc
make adjustments in the various public programs.
� 2 THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft
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6. PED should continue to work on streamlining its application and
review processes for pubfic financing.
7. Design innovative alternative lending structures and financing
mechanisms—such as reverse mortgages, limited equ+ty
cooperatives and land trusts—to serve the needs of first time low
and moderate income home buyers.
8. Where necessary, lobby the State 4egislature to change housing
finance and public assistance policies that serve as barriers to
low income home ownership.
Implementing Partners
Greater Frogtown Community Development Corporation
Habitat for Humanity
Saint Paul PED
Housing information Office
Local lending institutions
People's Network of Minnesota
C. Support efforts of prospective homeowners interested in
,: rehabilitating a home in the community.
1. Target some rehabilitation loans and grants to owners willing to
deconvert small duplexes and triplexes to their originaf single
family status.
2. Prevent the use of rehabilitation loans and grants for the
subdivision of existing structures to establish additional units.
3. Help to develop and/or promote classes through the Saint Paul
Home Improvement Program and Community Education that
assist homeowners in making home repairs and doing more
significant rehabilitation.
Organize small groups of interested homeowners to plan and
take advantage of these educational opportunities.
Implementing Partners
Greater Frogtown Community Development Corporation
Saint Paul Housing and Redevelopment Authority
Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC)
Community Education
THOMAS DALE SMALL ARfA PLAN: City Councii Review Draft 13
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Im�rove Condition of Housing Stock
A. Strengthen mechanisms that improve management and discourage
deferred maintenance in rental buitdi�gs before there is serious
deterioration.
1. Extend the Certificate of Occupancy inspection program to rental
buildings with one or two units. The program should be
carefully designed to ensure the privacy of tenants, possibly by
restricting inspections to time periods between tenants or by
agreement with the tenant.
2. Secure community based non-profit ownership and/or
management of a significant proportion of the neighborhood's
rental housing. The esta6lishment of limited equity or leasehold
co-ops should be explored where appropriate_
3. Promote development of a Frogtown association of property
owners and managers. The association—that may be affiliated
with the Saint Paul Association of Responsible Landlords—would
provide training and technical assistance to association
members.
4. Support tenant advocacy, assistance and training programs
promoting residential stab+lity and preventing homelessness.
Implementing Partners
Greater Frogtown Community Development Corporation
Model Cities
Saint Pau! Association of Responsible Landlords
District 7 Planning Council
Department of Licenses, Inspections and Environmental
Protection (LIEP)
B. Identify serious health and safety code violations and work with
property owners to secure the resources to make necessary
improvements.
Seek public, private or phiianthropic funds to provide home
improvement grants to eligible households.
Enrofl efigible vacant structures in the Fiouses to Homes
program.
Explore opportunities in conjunction with the Saint Paul
Technical UniversiYy, the Trades and Labor Unions and the
�4 THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft
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various smal{ bnsiness assistance programs to provide
neighborhood based education and training opportunities for
adults and young people interested in home repair and
remodeling.
4. Demolition shau(d be considered a last resort and pursued only
when properties cannot be reused. To reduce the instances of
demolition, the City's Division of Public Health and community
development corporations should work together to:
• Improve communications so that CDCs are aware of
potential demolitions as early as possible;
• Take appropriate measures to obtain input from neighboring
residents and block clubs;
• Evaluate individual buildings in context;
• Stre�gthen programs that allow vacant houses to become
available at a negligible cost for purchase and rehabilitation
(e.g. Dollar Houses); and
• Develop mechanisms whereby the City can obtain title to
vacant properties and convey them to a community
organization for rehabilitation.
Implementing Partners
,�> Department of Licenses, Inspection and Environmenta�
=' Protection (LIEP)
= District 7 Planning Council
Greater Frogtown Community Development Corporation
Saint Paul Division of Public Health
Maintain Affordability of Rental Housing
A. Coupled with the strategies to support home ownership for area
residents, systematic efforts must be made to ensure that a portion
of the renfal housing in ihomas Dale remains affordable to tower
income households.
Expfore the feasibifity of expanding or replicating programs such
as the United Way's Families First that rehabilitated small rental
buildings, financing the purchase and rehabilitation in such a
way as to permanently write down the operating costs borne by
the tenants.
2. Explore the development of new rental apartment and
townhome complexes along University Avenue, Minnehaha
Avenue and Pierce Butler.
3. Ensure that rent certificate and voucher programs are tied closely
to local market conditions so as not create windfall profits for
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Cou�cil Review Draft 1$
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landlords and, therefore, a concentration of participating
properties.
4. Encourage the development of residential units on the second
and third floors above new commercial development on
University Avenue.
Implementing Partners
Greater Frogtown Community Development Corporation
Frogtown Action Alliance
Model Cities
Project for Pride in Living
District 7 Planning Council
Identify, Preserve and Market Neighborhood
Attribu
A. Build an understanding of the neighborhood's historic character.
1. Develop public education materials on tf�e historic va�ue of the
neighborhood, the attributes of neighborhood buildings, how to
recognize and protect the value of individua� properties.
Implementing Partners
` District 7 Planning Council
Saint Paul Heritage Preservation Commission
B. Ensure that the public infrastructure +s supportive of the area's
historic character.
Advocate for the installation of public improvements — sidewalks
and curbs, lighting, trees, signage etc — supportive of the area's
character.
Lantern style street lights should be the standard for the area with
provisions made to waive or secure alternative financing for the
related assessments.
Implementing Partners
Distrid 7 Planning Council
Saint Pau( Department of Public Works
C. Encourage the sensitive rehabilitation of area structures as well as
compatible new construction on individual vacant lots.
1 fi THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft
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1. Develop rehab financing programs designed to encourage the
protection or restoration of the historic character of individual
structures.
2. Explore appropriate reuses for traditional corner store buildings
as artist housing/studios or small businesses.
3. Owners of twenty-five properties identified in the 1983 Historic
Sites Survey for Sainf Paul and Ramsey Counfy should be
encouraged to seek formal designation as local and/or National
Register sites and the Heritage Preservation Commission should
support those applications.
.�-
h w.
4. Explore ways to take advantage of the concentration of unique
historical or architectural structures in the area bounded by
Mackubin and Dale, Sherburne and Van Buren. Potential
mechanisms include the creation of demonstration or
conservation district within which special efforts would be made
to educate property owners about the value of their buildings,
provide guidance on making structural changes, and secure
resources to ensure the protection of the most important
structures. Such a district would not be designed primarily as a
regulatory tool though there may be guidelines associated with
resources and other incentives. Any policies governing such a
district should be carefully tuned to balance the resources of
property owners and the value of particular structures.
Amend the Saint Paul Zoning Code to support the continued use
of the several historic "alley houses" in the neighborhood.
Present and prospective owners have a difficult time securing
mortgage or rehabilitation financing because the structures are
considered "nonconforming uses" in the code and cannot be re-
established in the event of serious structural damage without the
permission of the Pianning Commission. The following
amendment would allow their reconstruction and, thus, reassure
potential lenders.
Sec. 62.102.(e) (-)
In any residentiai district,
lot may be reconstructed
an existing second dwelling on a single
�rovided that the number of total
dwelling units on the lot is not increased. The structure may not
be structurally enlarged or extended.
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft 17
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Implementing Partners
Greater Frogtown Community Development Corporation
District 7 Planning Counci!
Saint Paul Heritage Preservation Commission
Saint Paul Planning Commission
D. Market the neighborhood.
(n partnership with area realtors, market the neighborhood, its
houses and available financing mechanisms to potential market
niches.
Impiementing Partners
District 7 Planning Council
Frogtown Times
Saint Paul Area Association of Realtors
Build Community Ownership
A. Develop, support and link together a variety of neighborhood based
associations to strengthen a sense of community.
Voluntary community associations are the most powerful mechanism
' by whicfi people are tinked to their neighborhoods. They provide a
,-�.
sense of belonging as well as a vehicle for bringing resources and
peop(e togeYher to make things happen. They also provide a means
for people from different racial, economic and social groups to work
together for common ends.
Examples of voluntary community associations include PTAs,
churches, friends of the local library, park and school booster clubs,
loca! business associations, district councils, block clubs and
crimewatch chapters, mutual aid associations, landlord, homeowner,
renter or resident associations, community fair and festival sponsors,
garden clubs and beautification groups, Iocal hiseorical societies,
youth groups, focal development companies, civic clubs and support
groups.
B. Establish a Frogtown Neighborhood Improvement and Training
Center in conjunction with any of a number of existing community
organizations to work in conjunction with community development
and other revitalization initiatives.
The program would:
• Strengthen organizational capacity within the neighborhood.
� 8 THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft
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Promote partnerships, particulariy among organizations that
promote revitalization.
increase the skills and invofvement of residents, including youth,
to improve their lives through self-help, feadership development,
political and other strategies.
Integrate a variety of programs or initiatives such as:
Youth Employment and Training
Public Service Work Crews
Community and Home Maintenance Education
Home Owner Finance Training
Tooi Lending Library
Micro-Enterprise Development
Skilfs Bank Exchange
Community Steward Program
Strengthening Voluntary Community Associations
Keystone Housing and Commercial Development
Positive Neighborhood images Program
Implementing Partners
District 7 Planning Councif
Thomas Dale Block Cfubs
Community Education
z�� Frogtown Action Alliance
frogtown Festival, Inc.
Saint Pauf Division of Parks and Recreation
Neighborhood businesses
Community agencies and organizations
7HOMA5 DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Gouncif Review Draft 1�3
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Nealthy families are the buildrng 6locks of a strong communrty. To the
extent, therefore, that the other chapters of this pian re/ate to ensuring
access to safe and affordable housing, productive employment
appropriate education and the range of amenitres offered by Iibraries,
parks, recreation and cultura! opporiunities, the enfire small area plan is
part and parcel of a community building strategy.
The strength of a community, however, is more than the sum of
individuafs and their well being. A community is stronger when its
residents are linked together around shared concerns and common
purpose. A community is more effective when its services and voluntary
associations are carefully integrated. And a community is safer when
people look out for eadi other and wl�en t/�e community as a whole
ensures that the needs of all are met.
The followrng strategy, therefore, is built upon eacfl of the other chapters
of t/�e plan, but specifically addresses issues of linkage, integration and
capacity through a discussion of two concerns: community services and
community places.
Strengthen Community Services
A. Area agencies and service providers should continually look for
ways to more carefulty integrate new and existing services and
� ensure that those services are consistent with the needs of
neighborhood residents.
There are dozens of organizations involved in providing essential
services to the community: public and private schools, churches,
Model Cities Health Center, businesses, Frogtown Action Alliance,
Thomas Dale Block Ciubs, District 7 Planning Council, Wilder
Foundation, West Minnehaha Recreation Center, Scheffer Recreation
Center, Catholic Charities, Frogtown Family Resource Center. A!I are
doing good and important work. This strategy identifies ways that
existing services might be better integrated to ensure that limited
resources are used Yo maximum advantage.
Community service providers should meet on a regular basis to
share information, address common issues and provide mutual
support.
2. New services should be designed in collaboration with existing
programs to increase effectiveness and avoid duplication.
2� THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft
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Programs should take advantage of the network of b�ock clubs
and community organizations to disseminate information and
receive feedback in their planning and program development.
4. Neighborhood residents shouid be invited to participate in the
design, delivery and evaluation of community programs.
B. Develop, support and link together a variety of neighborhood based
voluntary associations to strengthen a sense of community.
Voluntary community associations are the most powerful mechanism
by which people are linked to their neighborhoods. They provide a
sense of belonging as well as a vehic{e for bringing resources and
people together to make things happen. They also provide a means
for people from different raciaf, economic and social groups to work
together for common ends.
Examples of voluntary community associations include PTAs,
churches, friends of the local library, park and school booster clubs,
Iocal business associations, district councils, block clubs and
crimewatch chapters, mutual aid associations, landford, homeowner,
renter or resident associations, community fair and festiva{ sponsors,
garden clubs and beautification groups, local historical societies,
�;�' youth groups, local development companies, civic clubs and support
,,, groups.
Launch a five year initiative to build the capacity of
neighborhood based organizations to assess community assets,
design collaborative projects and nurture community leadership.
2. Continue to develop and support block clubs throughout the
community as the most basic unit of neighborhood organization.
fmplementing Partners
Frogtown Neighborhood Network, Convener
Thomas Dale Block Clubs
Wilder Foundation
Bigelow Foundation
Neighborhood based organizations
C. Existing organizations should support community-wide efforts that
celebrate the neighborhood and its residents.
Support a neighborhood newspaper as a critical communication
link with virtually every household in the neighborhood.
THOMAS DALE SMALL ARfA PIAN: City Councif Review Draft 21
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2. Strengthen the annual Frogtown Festival with financial and
inkind contributions and volunteer support. The City of Saint
Paul should consider subsidizing police services or providing
additional financial support for community festivals in
neighborhoods such as Thomas Dale that have fewer potential
sponsors.
Take advantage of opportunities to recognize the talents and
contributions of neighborhood residents.
4. Encourage "neighboriiness." Recognize that there is often
nothing more powerful in the process of community building
than the individual acts of kindness among neigh6ors—shoveling
a neigh6or's walk, listening to a child, offering encouragement to
a teenager or greeting a stranger.
Implementing Partners
Neighborhood based organizations
Neighborhood residents
University UNITED
D. In developing new services, priority should be given to the
<
following:
� • Initiatives that support the capacities of families to nurture
. children
• Services addressing the needs of children and youth
• Programs focussed on physical neighborhood improvements
Several initiatives are already underway:
Frogtown Famrly Center - Established under the auspices of the
Saint Paul Chiidren's fnitiative, tf�e Frogtown Family Center is a
network of services where residents find or are referred to the
full range of family services (e.g. family education, health care,
employment and training). Administered by a community-based
board, the Family Center relates closely to the existing Frogtown
Family Resource center, a school districY—commu�ity
co!laboration focusing on early childhood and family education.
After Schoo! Actrvities - The State of Minnesota inciuded $2
million in its 6iennial bonding bill to provide facifities within
which to provide after school programs. Additional funds are
available from the federal government.
Charter School - Planning funds for new charter schools were
allocated by the 1996 legis�ature. The St. Pau! Family Learning
22 THOMAS DALE SMAtL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft
9�-3�3
Center Charter Schoo( opened in the fall of 1996 and serves
families in the study area. There are hopes that additional
s+milar schools can be established in the Thomas Dale
community.
Implementing Partners
Neighborhood based organizations
Create Communit� Places
A. Pursue a community wide planning process to establish a
cammunity center (or a principal center with satellite service
centers) that would:
• Be accessible to as high a percentage of the community as
possible
• Integrate multiple services (family education, health,
recreation)
• Be developed and managed by a collaboration of
community organizations
Gathering places play an important role in the life of any
community. They are the places where people come to know
' each other as neighbors, where important information is
°� availabfe and shared, and where the community's story is
' shaped and recounted to old-timers and new-comers alike. They
may be formally designated or simply emerge out of the rhythm
of daily life.
Among the challenges for the new community-building
initiatives now being planned is the acute lack of appropriate
space. There is, therefore, considerable interest in the
establishment of a community center at which a number of
services could be {ocated.
The difficulty, of course, in a iarge geographic area with poor
transit services where few people have access to cars, is
selecting one place that "works" for the whole community. An
alternative might be to establish a major center and link it—
through telecommunications, vans and/or joint programming—
with a select number of existing "satellite" centers.
Implementing Partners
Wilder Foundation, Convener
Neighborhood based organizations
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PtAN: City Council Review Drak 23
���3(3
Neighborhood transportation issues are not defined—nor are they
resolved—in a vacuum. The transportation system that serves Thomas
Dafe is a regional system. The streets, highways, bus routes and,
potentiall y, Iight rail lines, that run through Thomas Dale connect it with
the metropolitan area. Metropolitan decisions to invest rn one mode of
transportation over against another have a profound impact on the
health and vitality of neighborhoods such as Thomas Date. Thomas
Dale, in the final analysis, would be best served by a regiona(
transpo�tation and (and use policy that limics suburban development and
strengthens local transit services in inner city communities. The
community's cha(Ienge, therefore, is to identify forums in which those
decisions are being made and become an effective advocate for
neighborf�ood interests.
Within the neighborhood, however, the condition and design of three
major arterials as well as the neighborhood street system and the quality
of public transit service are the defining issues for the Traffrc and
7ransportation Strategy. Most of the issues, however, are discussed in
the Economic Development Strategy (page 2). The proposed redesign of
Universrty Avenue and Dale Street is intended to make t/�em more
attractive and pedestrian-friendly commercia! streets. While University
Avenue serves a regiona! market and Da/e Street a more local market,
botfl can be enhanced by trees, street lights and traffic calming
measures. Pierce Butler, if slighdy rerouted, could provide direct access
to the Dale Street Shops/Maxson Steel site, making it a more attractive
site for industrial redevelopment.
The balance of the strategy, discussed in this sectron, focuses on (a) the
improvement of neighborhood streets in ways that enhance the character
of the residential environment and support public and private investment
in rehabilitation and redevelopment and (b) the improvement of public
transit services.
Improve Neighborhood Street an Trails
A. Complete the improvement of the neighborF�ood street system with
the installafion of curbs, gutters, street lights and boulevard trees.
Encourage the Department of Public Works to program the
paving of and installation of curbs, gutters and street lights on the
tollowing street segments north of University Avenue:
• Mackubin
• KenT
• Arundel
24 THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Drafr
`��- 3�3
Improvements along these street segments will enhance efforts
made by the Greater Frogtown Community Development
Corporation to build or rehabilitate homes in the area for
purchase by new homeowners.
2. Replace missing boulevard trees in the area either by adjusting
the citywide replacement schedule or allowing for the planting
of donated trees in the boulevard.
Encourage private piantings in the boulevards through
promotional material, plant give-aways, and/or award programs
such as the Minneapolis Center for the Urban EnvironmenYs
"Blooming Soulevards" program,
B. In planning improvements for neighborhood streets, identify
opportunities for traffic calming. For instance, intersections where
extra land might allow the installation of a traffic circle should be
identified. Four to six circles could be considered for the study area
as a means of both slowing traffic through the neighborhood and
contributing to the neighborhood character. The circles should be
attractively landscaped and could be sites for sculptures or other
public art.
: C. Create bicycle and pedestrian trails linking the neighborhood with
^ key amenities such as downtown, the Mississippi River, Como Park
attd the University of Minnesota.
Implementing Partners
District 7 Planning Council
Saint Paul Department of Public Works
University UNITED
A. The level of service presently offered by the 16A bus line on
University Avenue should at least he maintained if not expanded.
The bus provides an essential service to many neighborhood
residents who use it to make relatively short trips to grocery stores,
health clinics, child care and employment.
The preservation of the 16A Iine takes on a particular importance i�
light of plans to co�struct a light rail line in the freeway corridor. It
should be emphasized that light rail—as currently envisioned—will be
designed to move people quickly between the two cities and,
therefore, will not replace the 16A Yhat carries people relatively short
distances along University Avenue.
THOMAS DAtE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft 2rj
�7-��3
B. Bus service should be increased on Dale Street where buses run
only every haff hour.
Many of the clients of Model Cities rely on the bus tor Yransportation
to and from their appointments. This iine a(so offers direct access to
suburban jobs and shopping.
C. Service on the number 7 and 34 bus lines shoutd be maintained or
increased.
The number 7 bus that serves area schools, playgrounds and the Rice
Marion apartments as well as the number 34 bus that wi(I be
instrumental in serving any new industria� or multi-family
development along Minnehaha also play a critical role in the
neighborhood's transportation system. Service on these lines shouid
be maintained or increased.
D. The area also needs circulator bus service thaY runs through the
neighborhood, linking residenfs to local services such as the grocery
sYore and health clinic.
Implementing Partners
District 7 Planning Council
, Wilder Foundation
Frogtown Family Center
Metropolitan Council Transit Operations (MCTO)
Midway Chamber of Commerce
Advocate for Supportive Regional
Trans rta i n nd U Poli ie
A. Ensure that regional transportation systems are supportive of
Thomas Dale's redevelopment and renewal efforts.
The District 7 Planning Council should advocate for a coherent
regional transportation policy that integrates the construction of
highways and rail systems with a land use and growth
management policy that discourages sprawi.
2. In the event the light rail transit system in constructed in the
freeway corridor and includes a station at Dale Street, the
District 7 Planning Council should be involved in its design.
The stop should not inciude a"park and ride" lot.
2fi THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft
�'�- 3�3
Implementing Partners
District 7 Planning Council
Metropolitan Council
Ramsey Couniy Regional Rail Authority
Midway Chamber of Commerce
University UNITED
Resolve Neighborhood Parking Iss�ies
A. in consultation with surrounding property owners and commun+ty
organizations, reso{ue parking issues at the tollowing locations in a
manner that minimizes the parking's impact on surrounding
residential properties and the character of the neighborhood:
• Northwest corner of University and Dale
• Kim Hung's Grocery
• International Marketplace
• Blues Saloon i601 North Western)
• Hmong Funeral Home
Implementing Partners
District 7 Planning Council
University UNITED
Individual Susiness Owners
; Affected Residents and Bfock Clubs
Midway Chamber of Commerce
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft 27
n_
Successful communitres encourage and support lifefong learning fhaf
begins with preparing rts youngest members for school and, at the same
time, ensures that its adults are prepared to participate in a rapidly
changing economy. Thomas Dale is home to a wide variety of
educationa! institutions and programs—from the Frogtown Family
Resource Center and Ramsey Action Program's Headstart focused on
early childhood and parent education, to two public elementary schools,
St. Agnes School, the Ronald Hubbs Center for Lifelong Learning, Saint
Paul Rehabilitation Center and the CitylSchool District's community
education program. In addition, a Model Cities program serves tl�e
preschool education needs of children born with chemical addictions
and the Thunder Spirit Lodge focuses on the care of tf�ose afflicted with
Feral Alcohol Syndrome. Each has its o�n�n mission, agenda and method
of rela[ing with the community. Whife the other sections of the plan
include recommendations that, if implemented, would strengthen the
environment for education — such as reducing transiency, creating
spaces for recreation, emphasizing �ob training/preparation — the
following recommendations focus specifically on how the communrty
can support the individual and common efforts of the educational
institutions to meet the needs of its residents.
Build Communit� Support for Education
A. Encourage community involvement in the schools.
Encourage investment in volunteer training and suppori. The
schools are eager to have parents and other community
members involved in school programs during and after school.
Reading wich chiidren, providing enrichment programs or simply
being an extra set of hands in a classroom are all important
contributions. For some, that may come naturally. Others may
want or need the support of a certain level of training,
recognition or other incentive to encourage their participation.
Secure sponsorship of individual schools by corporations and/or
organizations both from within and outside the neighborhood.
Sponsor equipment retycling drives to ensure students have
access to appropriate equipment to participate in athlefic and
artistic programs.
4. encourage schools to be welcoming places tor parents and
community members.
2$ THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA p1AN: City Council Review DraR
47�3�3
Implementing Partners
District 7 Planning Council
Parent Teacher Organizations
Frogtown Family Resource Center
Community Education
Individual Schools
Univers+ty UNITED
B. Strengthen collaboration among educational programs within the
neighborhood.
Expand participation in networking activities. A monthly lunch
meeting for Thomas Daie human service agencies is a good
beginning, but doesn't provide enough time or space for the
collaboration that needs to take place. Other opportunities
should be identified.
2. Ensure that participants in individual human service programs
are aware of—and can refer participants to--the services of the
various educational institutions.
3. Develop multi-faceted programming to take advantage of
community resources and meet multiple needs. Coliaboration
between the Frogtown Family Resource Center and )ackson
, School, for instance, has increased parental participatio� in the
school's evening programs for families inasmuch as the Resource
Center encourages participation, assists with transportation and
provides programs for the children while parents are involved in
meetings or conferences.
4. Strengthen the relationships between area child care providers
and elementary schools in order to develop ways to ease the
child's transition between day care and school, strengthen
school readiness and, without jeopardizing the privacy of the
child and his/her family, prevent any lapse in critical support
services.
Encourage schooi principals and staff to become involved in
community organizations as a means of improving collaboration.
Implementing Partners
Public and private schoois and education agencies
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft 29
�7� �( �
C. Encourage the estabiishment of one or more charter schools in the
community.
Ensure that planning for new schools involves collaboration with
existing schools and human service providers.
Particular encouragement should be given to organizaTions
willing to develop charter schoois that emphasize cross cultural
education.
Impiementing Partners
District 7 Planning Council
Potential school boards and administrators
People's Network of Minnesota
Public and private schools
Wilder Foundation
D. Expand options and opportunities for pre-school and elementary
school age children and their families.
Ensure that quality after school activities are available for all
children who need them.
2. Support programming for pre-school and elementary school
, children that encourages peaceful conflict resolution.
3. Support additiona! resources £or Headstart programs in the
community in order that alI who qualify can participate.
Implementing Partners
Public and private schools and learning centers
Headstart
Saint Pau! Division of Parks and Recreation
Saint Pau( Pubfic Library
Wilder Foundation
Parent Teacf�er Organizations
E. Expand options for junior and senior high age students.
Support and strengthen programs such as those offered by local
churches and schools, Frogtown Future, Save our Cities Kids and
the Leadership Training Program of the Thomas Dale Block
Clubs that involve young people in positive association with
significant adults whi�e helping them to develop their own
potential.
30 THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft
`�7-3�3
Explore sources of private and philanthropic support to enable
young people from Thomas Dale to participate in programs such
as those offered by the Science Museum, local colleges and
universities, theatres or summer camps.
Implementing Partners
Public and private schools and learning centers
Saint Paui Division of Parks and Recreation
Thomas Dale Block Clubs
Community Education
University UNITED
7HOMA5 DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Councii Review Draft $�
Access to quality affordable health care is a national issue. It is of
particular concern for 7homas Da/e where such a high percentage of
citizens are not covered by employer sponsored hea(th insurance,
making them especially vulnerable to changes in pu6fic support for
health care. Data analyzed by the City's Division of Public Health
reveal Thomas Dale to be among the city's medically underserved
communities. Critical issues include a low rmmunization rate, (�igher
than average infant mortality rates and /ead poisoning of children.
Secure 8asic Health Services for All Residents
A. Strengthen the Model Cities Heatth Center as fhe primary provider
of communify based medical and dental services.
Advocate for funding formulas that recognize the unique needs
of community health centers that serve a high proportion of
uninsured citizens.
Support funding app(ications that serve to stabilize the financial
status of the health center.
Explore partnerships that might bring professional services to the
health center at below market costs.
Implementing Partners
- Model Cities Health Center
Public Health Agencies
Foundations
B. Strengthen the sense of partnership among health care providers in
and around the Thomas Dale community.
Organize a formal community health care coalition to meet on
regular basis.
2. Develop and prioritize strategies around building community
awareness relative to health issues and ensuring a higher tevel of
preventative care.
Implementing Partners
Model Cities
Saint Paul Division of Public Health
Frogtown Action Alfiance
Private health care/alternative medicine services
Saint Paul/Ramsey Medical Center
32 THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Countil Review Draft
q-�_a�a
Emnhasize Pr v n inn
A. Ensure widespread access to immunizations, screening and well
child care.
Support public health initiatives including the mobile delivery—
with a van or other mobi! clinic arrangement—of specific services
including immunizations and health screening. Services to
Thomas Dale could be integrated with those to other similar
neighborhoods.
Implementing Partners
Saint Paul Division of Public Health
Model Cities Health Center
Frogtown Action Alliance Health Task Force
B. Etiminate the incidence of lead poisoning.
Increase screening of children at risk.
2. Continue educational program in multiple languages and in
collaboration with the Frogtown Family Resource Center and
other programs with high participation of neighborhood families.
�
;` 3. Continue to abate affected homes, taking particular care to
secure public funding for low and moderate income property
owners.
4. Identity and advocate for alternative ameliorative measures—such
as encapsulation with paint rather than complete abatement—that
reduce lead exposure to more acceptable levels while avoiding
excessive costs beyond the means of low and moderate income
households.
5. Secure a"lead free" house in which families can live while the
contamination is being removed from their homes.
lmplementing Partners
Saint Paul Division of Public Heafth
Greater Frogtown Community Development Corporation
DistricT 7 Planning Council
Area health agencies
Department of Licenses, Inspections and Environmental
Protection
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft 33
2�-3► `�
C. Substantia(ly reduce the amount of trash and garbage in
neighborhood yards and alleys.
Explore alternatives to the present garbage hauling system that
will ensure universal collection.
Increase City financia( support for neighborhood clean-up
activities.
Implementing Partners
District 7 Pianning Council
City of Saint Paul
Private garbage haufers
Block clubs
�
:�
34 7HOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft
�
As a central city neighborhood with houses bui(t on re(atively small lots,
Thomas Da/e has among the smallest amount of green space per resident
of any neighborhood in the city. /t is a(so an area whe�e the housing is
in high demand and the fabric of the neigh6orhood is vulnerable to any
wholesa�e demoiition of housing units. The chal/enge is to carefu!ly
leverage usefuf open space through the revitalization process. The plan
addresses the need for three types of open space: (1) Singie iots that are
within view—o� earshot—of most of the households on a block where
children can safe(y play; (2) Medium size parks (7/2 block in size) with
playground equrpment and/or a backstop to be used by familres within a
2-4 block radius; and (3) Expansion of West Mrnnehaha Recreation
Center that serves the entire community.
A. Develop a community wide plan for the establisfiment of different
types of parks and greenspaces.
1. The plan should include:
• A full imentory of the present system;
• An assessment of what types of parks(green spaces and traiis
are needed in the various parts of the neighborhood to
complete the system;
• A designation of specific vicinities where additional
parks/green spaces might be established. These
designations should consider accessibility to the site,
population density in the surrounding blocks, and
relationship to redevelopment activities; and
• A policy that the demolition of existing structures should be
avoided.
• A� identification of funding sources for acquisition and
maintenance of parkland(green spaces.
An outline for the plan is proposed in the recommendations
befow.
Implementing Partners
District 7 Planning Council, Convener
Frogtown Action Alliance
Thomas Dale Block Clubs
Greater Frogtown Community Development Corporation
Individuai b4ock clubs
Saint Paul Division of Parks and Recreation
Parks and Recreation Commission
Pubiic Art Saint Paui
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft S5
��- 3��
B. Create more small "green spaces" within the neighborhood.
Consider the establishment of neighborhood play spaces and/or
gardens on individual lots, especially on blocks with narrow lots
or in instances where new construction is unlikely in the short
term. Lots in the middie of blocks, rather than on the corners,
are generally preferred.
Acquisition, design, maintenance and supervision of these lots
would provide an opportunity for neighbors to work Together.
Indeed, the initiative of block residents would be essential to
their success—and, therefore, should be a prerequisite.
Develop a neighborhood-wide strategy for identifying
opportunities for single lot green spaces and doing the necessary
organizing. The strategy should include a system for handling
insurance issues.
3. Consider finking lots on individual blocks into a neighborhood
system by creating a walking—or exercise—tour that highlights the
uniqueness of each lot and its surrounding community.
Implementing PaMners
•' District 7 Planning Council
�� Block clubs
i Minnesota Green
Sustainabfe Agriculture Resource Center
C. Establish one or two other half block sized parks to complement
Ryan Park located in the southwest quadrant of the study area.
7. Improve the landscaping and play facilities on the Jackson
School grounds to encourage its use by the communiYy in the
southeast quadrant of The study area after school and on
weekends.
2. integrate the establishment of up to two other parks with the
rehabilitation of neighboring houses, the piacement of traffic
circles or the creation of some other amenity in order to enhance
the impact of eacfi improvement.
Implementing Partners
District 7 Planning Council
Saint Paul Division of Parks and Recreation
Saint Pau! School District
36 THOMAS DALE SMALL AREq p(qN: City Council Review Draft
��-3�3
A. Expand fhe services provided by West Minnehaha Recreation
Center.
Expfore opportunities to expand the size of the recreation center
site, possibly through the realignment of Pierce Butler Road.
2. Strengthen programming at the recreation center itself through
closer coliaboration with neighborhood residents in establishing
priorities and designing programs consistent with their needs and
interests.
B. Extend recreation programming into alternative sites throughout the
neighborhood such as at Ryan Park, Jackson School, community
churches or storefronts.
Implementing Partners
Thomas Dale Block Clubs
Saint Paul Division of Parks and Recreation
Parks and Recreation Commission
West Minnehaha Booster C1ub
District 7 Planning Council
Frogtown Action Alliance
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft 3]
r.r
Thomas Dale is a fully developed neighborhood with only occasional
reasons—or opportunities—to change the existing land use patterns. A
review of the entire pfanning district reveals a rich mixture of housing
types, commercial uses and industrial developments. The easiernmost
part of the planning district is the Mt. Airy public housing site.
Immediately to the east of the study area are the Rice Marion
apartments; to the west is a mixed use residential area developed by the
Wilder Foundation. At the northern border is a sizab/e industria! site; at
the southern border rs University Avenue, one of the city's most
significant commercia! strips. Within t/�e study area, however, the vast
majoricy of residentia! structures are smaller houses originally built as
single family residences. It is within that context that the plan makes
recommendations relative to land use controls in the study area.
There are two p�incipal recommendations. The frrst is to rezone most of
t/�e study area, now zoned for two family use, to single famil y use. This
is �ecommended largely as a measure to curtail the conversion of
structures built as relatively sma!! single family l�omes to two or more
famil y homes. The experrence in the neighborhood has been that an
increasing demand for affordable rental housing is being met through the
conversion of single family homes by landlords who rent a space
designed for one family to two or three families. The structures
themselves, many of them more than 100 years old, are not able to
withstand the level of wea� and tear that comes with higher occupancy.
The neighborhood's schools and social service agencies are straining to
meet the needs of the existing residents and, for the most part, do not
have the capacity to serve an increasing population. And increasing the
concentration of lower income households in a siRgle neighborhood is
not in the best rnterests of the households themselves or the
neighborhood.
Some areas—a/ong tf�e major arterials where transportatron rs most
accessib/e—are recommended for apartment or town(�ome development
rn order to meet the need for well-managed and well-maintarned renta!
(�ousing. It is recognized thar—as market conditions rmprove—
opportunitres may emerge where additiona! areas would be
appropriately developed evith two family housing or town homes.
Through thrs plan, the district council and the City signa! their
willingness to positive(y consider rezonrng if subsequently needed and
approprrate to a!(ow for development compatible wrth neighborhood
character and design.
Tne second ma�or change recommended 6y [hrs plan relates to the
��idening of Dale Street. /nasmuch as the land on the east side of Dale
has been acquired for the right of way, it should no longer be zoned for
commercial use. The west side of Dale, on the other hand, should be
38 THOMAS DACE SMALL AREA PLqN: City Council Review Drah
a �-�c�
zoned exclusively for neighborhood leve! comme�cial uses. �is discussed
previously, residential uses should be phased out and the zoning
recommended here is consistent with that polrcy.
A. Ensure that adopted land use regulations are supportive of the
community's revitalization efforts.
The study area shouid be rezoned as indicated on the following
maps.
2. The community encourages higher density residential
development along major transportation corridors--University
Avenue, Minnehaha Avenue and Pierce Butier—provided that it
meets the following standards:
a. Its scale is consistent with the surrounding character of the
neighborhood. Pedestrian scale dupiexes and townhouses
are preferred.
b. Its design and orientation to the street are consistent with the
surrounding neighborhood.
�• Provisions aee made for play areas and green space.
d. Parking and traffic issues are adequately addressed.
The consiste�cy of the proposed redevelopment with these
t : standards will be the focus of the district councii's review of a
petition for rezoning.
Rezonings of properties for higher density new construction or
rehabilitation in the balance of the study area wiii be considered
on a case by case basis. The district council will support those
applications that represent high quality development in keeping
with the character of the neighborhood.
4. Mixed resideniial/commerciaVoffice structures are encouraged
along University Avenue and Dale Street. Reiatedly, it is
recommended that the Planning Commission study and propose
appropriate amendments to the Zoning Code to encourage
mixed use development in the B-2 zoning district.
5. There should be no additional expansion of commercial uses or
parking onto Sherburne Avenue within the study area except on
the biock west of Dale between Universiry and Sherburne
Avenues where additional parking may be required to ailow the
establishment of commerciai uses on the west side of Da�e Street
between University and Sherburne Avenues. In cases where
parking expansion is approved, existing policies related to
setbacks, landscaping and access should be enforced.
Shouid the market on University Avenue begin to require
THOMAS DALE SMALL qREA PLqN; City Council Review Draft
39
��-����
significant additiona! space, and there is no alternative to an
expansion to the south side of Sherburne Aven�e, potential
developers could work with the district council to develop a
mutua(fy acceptable plan and propose an amendment to the
comprehensive plan that would allow such an expansion.
Imptementing Partners
Saint Paul Planning Commission
District 7 Planning Council
Midway Chamber of Commerce
University UNITED
,
40 THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Courtci! Review Drak
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THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Councfl Review Dra(t �}1
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Saint Paul Planning Commission
Peg 1. Sirk )oyce Maddox
)oseph P. Chavez Timothy Mardell
Esperanza Duarte David McDonell, Chair
Carole Faricy Gladys Morton
Litton Field, Jr. Richard Nowlin
Anne Flaxman Geisser Kurt Schwichtenberg
Stephen D. Gordon Michael Sharpe
Frank Gurney �mogene Treichel
Richard J.F. Kramer Mark Vaught
Michael Lee Barbara A. Wencl
Eileen ). Lund-Johnson
Thomas Dale Smal! Area P{an Task Force
Kevin Kittilson, Co-chair Pat Lindgren
Kurt Schwichtenberg, Co-chair Lengchy Lor
Brenda Alexander Morris Manning
Christopher Coleman Mary Milliner
David Colwell Bill Pepar
Elizabeth Colwell Secky Rice
Beverly Hawkins Margaret Romero
Duane }ohnson Janet Marie Shane
Mazi)ohnson Ron Stevens
Kevin Kajer Connie Stewart
,: Kristen Kidder Barbara Strommer
Victoria Kittilson Sandy Unger
�`� • Tou Sue Lee Andy Wiiliams
David Liset Clare Wilson
District 7 Planning Council
Michael Samuelson Joanne Tooley
Sallie Sheppheard Kenrie Williams
Spencer Blaw
Department of Planning and Economic Development
Pamefa Wheelock, Director Ken Ford, Pianning Administrator
Hope Melton, Planner Nancy Homans, Planner
Katy Lindblad, Project Manager Joan Hagen Chinn, Graphic Artist
The District 7 Planning Council and the City of Saint Pau! gratefu)fy acknowledge the
contributio� made by the Bigelow Foundation to this planning process.
The Gty of Saint Paul does not discriminate on tne basis of disa6ihty, race, sex, sexuaf or
affechonaf onentation, age, wlor, aeed, naUOnaf ongin or ancestry, marital status, religior,,
veteran status, or status with regard to pubhc assutance in the admission or access to, or treatmen�
or employment m, its programs or activities.
The City of Saint Paul Norm Coleman, Mayor
THOMAS DAiE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft 43
. . �� ���
Thomas Dale
Smalt Area P(an
Community Letters of Commitment
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November 15, 1996
David McDonell, Chair
St. Paul Planning Commission
c/o Nancy Holmans
Department of Planning and Economic Development
25 West Fourth Street
St. Paul, Minnesota 55102
Dear Mr. McDonneli:
Thomas • Dale
IIistrict 7 Community Council, Inc.
369 University Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55103
PH:(612)298-5065
FAX:(612)298-5072
At its September 26, 1996 board of directors meeting, the Thomas{Dale District 7 Planning Council
passed a morion expressing its unanimous support for the draft Thomas Dale Small Area Plan that is
now in before the St. Paul Planning Commission for your review, comments and approval.
This document has been carefully developed over the past three years by our community. We have
worked hand-in-hand with one common goal in mind - to help biaze a path where our residents,
businesses, public agencies and our many neighborhood partners can travel in order to assist with the
preservation and revitalization of the Thomas Dale community. This plan represents the hopes and
dreams many of us have for this very important portion of central St. Paul. We feel that it can be a
plan that we and our partners can all use each and everyday in order to ensure that the Thomas Dale
area continues to be a great piace to live, work and raise our families.
Now that this particular planning process at the community level has been completed the real work is
aboui to begin. We have already started the implementarion of some key components of this plan.
For example, a community visioning process on the future reuse of the former Dale Street Burlington
Northero train yards begins this month. Its task is to develop a plan for what this possible industrial
park would look like and more importantly how it can help to sdmulate the further revitalization of ow
community. We expect to be busy for many years to come maldng sure that this plan is an active
guidepost for our community and the city to foilow.
As you may know, the primary task that our district council took during this process was to help
coordinate the community-based task force which actually developed this dra8 Small Area Plan.
Upon review of this document you will see why we feel that we did our job quite well. We wish to
acknowledge the fine support and guidance our task force received from your staff. Both Ms.
Homans and Melton were invaluabie resources to this planning process and our simple thanks could
never be enough to express the debt we owe to their work on this draft Small Area Plan.
Thank you for yow thoughtful review and, we hope, your eventual approval of this very important
document. If you have need for any further infonnation please contact me at 298-5068.
Sincerely,
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Michael Samuelson, Executive Director
Thomas/Dale District 7 Planning Council
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Frogtown Action Alliance
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September 20, 1996
Barry Madore, Board Chair
Thomas-Dale District 7 Council
369 University Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55103
Deaz Mr. Madore:
689 NORTH DALE STREET
ST. PAUL, MN 55103
(612) 22a-�i sa
SEP 2 4 RECD
The Frogtown Action Alliance (FAA) mission is to bring together the diverse individuals and
organizations in Frogtown to create and carry out a responsive neighborhood initiated plan for sustained
action that addresses and provides solutions for the issues and problems the neighborhood faces. FAA
is committed to fostering the broadest possible representation and participation in a neighborhood
decision making by all Frogtown residents regardless of ethnicity, economically disadvantaged, or other
distinctions.
FAA supports the Small Area Plan with the following three modifications:
♦ Page 1, Economic Development section under subtitle Capitalize on Redevelopmer:t Opporlurtitres
section (A). Add as follows:
"7. Collaborate with Wilder Foundation and other implementing partners to collaborate and
develop an industrial site that includes a National Guard Armory, Charter School, Neighborhood
Center and other business development to encouragejob stimulation and growth."
♦ Page 3, . Add the Wilder Foundation as an Implementing Partner.
♦ Additional clarification should be added relating to the unplementation plan for the objectives in tha
Small Area Plan.
Thank you for the opponunity to meet with you, however, FAA staff has been involved and made
recommendations to the board. Please contact me at 645-6445 if you have any questions related to this
matter.
Sincerefy,
`.'v�JL �,.���1Q�
Ike Welborn
Board Chair
cc: Michael Samuatson
Shem Shakir
District 7 Boazd of Directors
FAA Board of Directors
-M Equal Opportunity Empioyer-
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Great Fr Comm 'ty Develop Corporati
Telephone (bl2] 298-8980
689 North Dale Sireet
Si. Pau�, MN 55103
September 23, 1996
Mr. Kevin Kittilson, Co-Chair
Mr. Kurt Schwichtenberg, Co-Chair
Thomas Dale Small Area Plan Task Force
c\o Thomas Dale District 7 Planning Council
369 University Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55103
Dear Mr. Kittilson and Mr. Schwichtenberg:
S�p 2 6 REC'D
The Greater Frogtown Community Development CorQoration's Board of Directors and
Staff are pleased to offer their support of the Thomas-Dale Small Area P[an.
The Small Area Plan, was reviewed and approved by the GFCDC Board of Directors
during their last meeting on September 16, 1996. As the mission of GFCDC calls for the
deve(opment and rehab of high quality affordable housing, as well as the improvement of
rental and homeownership opportunities, we concur with the goals identified in the Plan's
Housing Strategy, such as increasing the level of homeownership, improving the
condition of the housing stock, and maintaining the affordability of rental housing.
Our Board Members and Staffwill be incorporating pieces ofthe Small Area Plan into
our organization's strategic plan and work plans at our upcoming retreat in November.
The Small Area Plan will certainly be beneficial to the Frogtown community.
Sincerely,
Denis �%� <
President
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Amherst H.
VV'ilder
Foundation
Siace 1906
SEP 2 6 REC'D
Executive Office
919 Lafond Avenue Saent Paal, MN 55104 (612) 642-4098 FAX (6t2) 642-4068
September 24, 1996
Spencer Biaw
Thomac-T�ale Sr1a11 Area Plan Taek. p����
c/o District 7 Plam�ing Council
369 University Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55103
Dear Spencer:
I am writing on behalf of the Amherst H. Wilder Foundation to express strong support
for the Thomas-Dale small area plan. We are most anxious to assist in the
implementation plan along with other members of the Thomas-Dale community.
I have been particularly impressed with your attempts to get input from all of the
difEerent interested groups in the community.
Please extend our appreciation for this plan to the District 7 Planning Council and our
offer to participate in the implementation of the plan.
Sincerely,
Q � ` '� �
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Thomas W. Kin ston
President
TWK:ae
President
Thomas W. Kings[on
Board of Directors
Kennon V. Rothcfiild, Chair; IIi7abeth M. Kiemaz, First Ytce Chtic; Anthony L. Andeisen, Second Yice Chair;
MaicoUn W. McDonald, Secretazy. ITrec[ors Charl[on Dietz, Eiisabeth W. Doe�mann,
Chariu M. Osbome, Mary Thomroo Phillips, Pe[er B. Ridder, Bazbara B. Roy
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MODEL CITIES
OF ST. PAUL. INC.
September 26, 1996
Kevin 1Cittilson and I<urt Sch�vichtenberg, co-chairs
District 7 Planning Council
369 University Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55103
Dear Chaicpersons:
This letter is to express our support for the Thomas-Dale Small Area Plan in
recognition of the many hours that city staff and community volunteers
committed to its development. Model Cities' staff were among those who
par[icipated on the Small Area Plan Task Force. We are happy �vith the result
of the many hours of dedicated work and look fozward to the final adoption of
the Thomas-Dale Small Area Plan.
We support the recommendations described in die plan. We are committed to
working with other implementing paz tners to rea]ize the plan's vision of
'Thomas-Dale as a community where families can live in decent, affordable
housing and find opportunities for employznent and ownership; and a
neighborhood dtat is a clean and safe place to live, where a11 are valued.
Thank you for the opportunity to review than.
Sincerely,
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Beverley Oliver Hawk�ns, Ph.D.
Chief Executive Officer
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`Building Community"
September 26, 1996
Mc Spencer Blaw
District 7 Planni�g Council
369 University Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55103
Dear Mr. Btaw,
I am pleased to provide to you tl�is letter of support for the work that you and your Task Force have done
to produce the Thomas Dale Small Area Plan. It is an excellent example of the kind of vision and
creativity that exists in our communities, and which is so critical to the revitalization of our
neighborhoods.
We are particularly impressed by ttie range of options outlined in the section on housing strategies. While
Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity conducts a padicular rype of owner occupied hous+ng development, we
recognize that neighborhoods and households need a range of options in order to meet their individual and
community housing needs. We are very pleased to be listed as a potential implementor of some of these
strategies, and we stand ready to work with the District Council, the Greater Frogtown Community
Development Corporation and the other key leadership groups in the Thomas Dale area to deliver both
new construction and renovated houses of an ownership nature to families with modest incomes.
Jost this week we began the rehabilitation of a home at 78t Lafond. This home is being rehabilitated in
partnership with many community groups and is being sponsored by the Wilder Foundation. At the
neighborhood festival that was held to celebrate the kick off of this home last Saturday, we realized that
there are many families in the Fro�town neighborhood who would appreciate the chance to purchase a
home in the community. Habitat for Humanity stands ready to respond to those needs as long as we are
able to work in partnership with the District Council, the CDC, and all of the other organizations
providing leadership and direction to the Thomas Dale community.
I regret that an unexpected commitment �vill keep me away from your gathering Yonight where tha Small
Area Plan will be presented to the District CounciL It is my hope that this Jetter will fully convey to you,
and to the Council, Habitat for Humanity's strong commitment to helping the community fulfill the
potential it has for being a model neighborhood in the City of St. Pau(. Please do not hesitate to call me
if you should have any questions or if you or the District Council wish to further pursue collaborative
ideas involving Habitat for Humanity in the months to come.
Very truly yours, -�
.� r 'E'�
Stephen Seidel
Executive Director
SS/kmc
3001 Four[h Street S.E. • Minneapo('u, MN55414 •(612) 331-4090 •(612) 331-1540 Fax
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Western initiatives for Neighborfitaod Oevelopment
65� �/: UNIVERSITY AVENUE
September 26, 1996
Mr. Revin Kittilson, co-chair
• ST. PAUL, MN 55104 • PHONE: 291-2480 • FAX: 29'14597
Kurt Schwichtenberg, co-chair
Thomas D&le Small Area Plan Committee
c(o I?istrict 7 Planning Council
369 University Avenue
St. Paui, Msnnesota 55104
Dear Kevin, Kurt and Committee members:
SEP 2 6 REC'Q
I would like to congratulate all of you ott the tremendous job you did on the Small Area Plan fot
Thomas Dale. The amount of work and thvught you put into it is very apparant, and the pian wi11
be a very valuable tool for this community for many years.
I have not had time to review a11 of your draft plan, but I have looked over my area of
involvement, ecnomic development. I have the following comments:
1. Inciuding in the vision statement the creation of "vibrant productive businesses" is a strong
positive messa$e &bout their importance t0 tltis commu[uty,
2. Putting FAA as the tead organization on most of these recommendations is consistent with the
roles in the community, as I have seen them evolve ovet the past few years. It is good to re-state
this You may want to inc(ude them on page 2, item tt3, as part of the contmunity planning team
for t'ae Dale Street Shops site, since later you list them in the lead on the project.
3. Your connection between businesses getting public subsidies and their participation with City
jobs and training progams is good. A stronger point could be made about the need for advanced
training provided to area residencs, which would be trig$ered by vety early notification from new
bvsinesses about the nature of skilis needed for their upcoming jobs.
4. Regarding Aale Street, some of the thought I have heard involves the west side sidewalk being
wider than average and used for autdoor seating, displ�ys, etc. for the businesses. The wideness
creates a zone of comfort and ambiance that enhances the businesses and community feel.
5. FAA and the Neighborhood Development Center have offered an eactensive micro-
entrepreneur training and loan program to Frogtawst residents for over two years now. Over 50
persons have atready gone through this training, and many have started businesses here in thJs
communiry. This training, at least in a generic form, should be mentioned on page 5 or 6, in your
seaaon on micro business development.
WIND Is a Communify Oavelopment Corporailon subsidiary of Western Bank.
������
I liked the corttent of the rast of yonr economic devetapment section. There is much Yo do in this
communify, and I believe your vision for it is comprehensive and exciting. Now lets ai! work
together to flchieve it.
Ttiank you for your great work.
Sincerely,
' Mike Temal
WIND
D
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ASIAN AMERICAN PR
4I7 Universi[y Avenue O S�. Paul, MN 55103 ❑ Phone (6 t2) 224-6570 ❑ FAX (612) 224-7032
�'0� (� 5 REC'D
November 4, 1996
Mr. Michael Samuelson
District 7 Planning Council
369 Univecsity Avenue
Saint Paul, MN 55103
Dear Michael,
Thank you for including Asian American Press as a participant in [he presentation of the Thomas-Dale
Small Area Plan on September 26, 1996.
Aher listening to thc diswssions and reviewing the draft, I feel very good about the plan. I fee] this will
have a very �positive impact on [he neighborhood.
We a[ the Asian American Press and the Asian Business & Community foundation fully support the
Planning Council's goals.
I believe our community truly appreciates this initiatve. The Task Force has put together an esceilent plan.
/ l/"`� N�
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Nghi Huynh
Publisher/Editor Asian American Press
President Asian Business & Communit} Foundation
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HNOY 4ViLLIAMS JR
EXECUTiVE CNRECTOR
765 P:QRTH MlLTQb! STP.EET
S? FAUL 551C4,RAMSEY
Telapttone Ei12-033-� G ��;
:�ia�i Septe�nbe: t6, 1496
tl�ichaet Santuelson, Ezecuiive I�irecror
District Seven Plarzning Council
_?69 Lhaiversity.4venue
Sr. Paul. MIJ 55103
Deur A�ichael,
i x�ould like io sF�are our suppori for the Thomas- _Tiate Sma11 �1rea Plan Tasic Force draftPJan. I rnrt
confrclent th�7t, give�i the time m. d cara put i:ato d�elopirig this pinn, it has the sarppost of the
cem.nruni!y I B77CD2llllgP Ij1P DJSIl7CI CDdIIILII JD P)7fIDCSP II]P lllP.f1�JTIItT Ql:Cl fOY7NQTYI I170 II:P PIQPlT171T
Commission and Citv Counczl for adoption. .4s Execurive Director of Save Our City`s Kids, a men:ber
of rr:e 7'ask Force and n neighbor arrd con:munrty activisi I kr�ow that the plan re.flect the needs and
wishes of the corrtmuriity arrd will provide a solid policy framework for future comn:unity 5uilding ancl
pla}°srcal development.
G�'e a: e grateful for tke leadership shm�7i bv t:�e Task Force in developing ihe Pkr:r. F�'e are also
?hank,�el for tf�e s��}3port ar.d i�alerest s.hotvrt lr� rhe rr.m.:y prrrlicipcmts 61 the visiort conae true. I would
also tike to acknowledgs the critical stgflf sunoort the Disrrict Seven Plrnining Counci! and the Citv
Picarer:in� artci Eco�ton�ic D��2Jopm2nr L'ie�rzrtmant hcn�e �rm�ided io tlee ?'ask rorce mtd iis work.
Please do not hesitate fo call uvon S D.C.K. ar my�seli`to suppart tFie Plan cmd its' imptementation
Roc�o��il��� Pp��r�
f37]
Exeeutive Director
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Frogtown Family Resource Center
377 University Avenue (at Western),
PHONE: (612) 290-8376 FAX:
September 24, 1996
ThomasDale District 7
P�d.^.!7l!?s �QU!lCl�
369 University Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55103
Dear Planning Council members:
Saint Paul, MN 55103
(612) 293-5260
��' 3� aJ
The staff of Frogtown Family Resource Center want you to know that we support your
work on the Small Area Plan for our neighborhood. We share this vision of strengthening
families, seeing that housing is decent and affordable, and want to do our part to
provide educational opportunites for Frogtown families. We value all our neighbors
and consider it a privilege to work in this neighborhood.
Please know that we support the policy framework as laid out in the summary. Any modi-
fications agreed upon at the September 26th mecting, we hope, will enhance the work,
you've already done. Thanks for a good job!
In partnership,
��'�
Todd Seabury-Kolod
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]��� Sa3nt Paul Public Schools Community Education
hCj'-21-96 7u� �'02 i'M ii;�il'. UNiiE�%1,fiDV;AI' CE6M. FAF, ii0. EL76711
Universi�y UN�T�D
A COALITfOX OF �SIAWAY CSTIZE!�5 AI:D BUSI\ESS
November 20,1996
Michae) Samuelson
Executive Dircctor
Thomas-Dale
Distnct 7 Planning Councll
369 Elniversity Avenue
Sf. Paul, MN 55103
Dear Mr. Sam�ulsvci.
Posf-it Fax Note 7677
P� 1
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At it's October Board meeting, University UNITED's Board of pirectors vated to
pnr.niirape and si ipp�rt the anals of the Thomas-l�a1Q Smail Are2 F'lan, which do
not conflict with the Midway Chambers' 40 Acre Study.
Specificaily, UNITED supports the pfans' Economic Development Strategy, as an
implementing partner. I Me boartl and statt wou�d a(so like to be mciuded as
either a resoufce or implementing paftner in the foilowing categories:
1. Micro Enterprise and Smali Business, /1 and B
2. Work Towards �ull �mpfoyment, A and B
3. Community Building, C
4. Traffic and Transportation, A and C
5. Regional Transportation and Land use Policies
6. Building Community Support for Education, A and E
7. Land Use and Rezoning, A
In your Vision Statement you refer fo making the area a ssfe place to live,
however there are na crime and safety strategies listed. UNITED would
See itself As an im�lement+nc� partner on crime strateg+as
Sincerely,
� �� �����
Irene Rodriguez
University UNITED
University Nelghborhood (nveslment Through �conomic �evelopment
Spnice Stee Ceiitie • 1607 U�iivers$y Avenue • Sutte 4• 54 Pzul, tJ1N 55104-3623 •(612) 847�6711 • Fa�c (61� 6462297
�`l��c�
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7honu�Dslo 3m�t1 Area Plaa Tadc Forao
C/O Di�trkt Saven plamniae Catncil
369:�aivwsity Avoeua
Sfint paul, MN SS 10�t
EtE: DreR ThOmaa-Bale Small Aros Plen
t�ar'!'aak X�orce 1�fambas,
The Frogu►wn Merct�s Aasaaariou eupporu the 6mei drr8 of ehe 7'hoarta-Dale 5mall
.Ana Platt. 'Wa appc�oi+tte the tims and � ttut tuk £orw m�aib«s have gsvae
tLis pLu We ftal that F:ogtaan'a �il Atee Pl�a it aa emPo�tant [aoi that wiU $ive thir
cotnnwnRy the dlrealon it aeed�.
Sincet'dY,
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potar E Ryan
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FtogWvm i4lachaate Associatioa
CJ() D�dwny Ivt'mi SWru�+
458 Dimttp 3t. S.
S�int Paul, MN. 55104
m�raup�dcx
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ST. PAUL FAMILY LEARPtiNG CENTER CHARTER SCHOOL
INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 4019
September 20, 1996
Kevin Kittilson and Kurt Schwichtenberg, Co-Chairs
District 7 Planning Council
369 University Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55103
Dear Chairpersons:
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LEAEtNINGCENtEK
2 4 R�L'D
This letter is to express my support for the Thomas-Dale Small Area Plan, and especially the education
strategy outlined in the draft Plan. Collaboration among the various groups and organizations that make
up the communiry is essential for the positive economic developmen[ of urban neighborhoods. The
Famity Leaming Center school works with community members and organizations. The charter school
planning group met several times with the Frogtown Networking Group and the Thomas-Date Block
Club to get input into the design of our new school. Our basic school program is very much in tune
with the Plan's education strategy, including elements such as conflic[ resolution, parental involvement
in setting the course of each child's learning, and extensive use of volunteers in the school. We
currently offer an early-moming program and hope to provide after-school programming as well.
The Family Learning Center school is not physically located in the Thomas-Dale neighborhood (we
wanted to find a facility in Frogtown but were unable to find a suitable facility) but includes this
section of the city in its enrollment area, which comprises the whole of the 55103 and 55104 zip codes.
We opened as a K-4 school on September 3 and hope to expand to a pre-K-12 program over the next
few years. The school has recruited a number of students from the Small Area Plan neighborhood and
will continue involvement in the area.
On behalf of the St. Paul Family L,earning Center Charter School, I want to express my wholehearted
support for the Thomas-Dale Small Area Plan. The school is committed to working with the
community and will collaborate with other organizations to implement the Small Area Plan.
Sincerely,
�yQ�yh�
/
Wayne B. Jennings
School Director
Independent Schooi District #4019 • 1355 Pierce Butier Route, St. Paul, MN 55104-1359 • Ph. 612 644-5052 • Fax 612
645-0240
Y Y
-9f�:
:�ii, HealthPartners
St. Paul-Ramsey Medical Center
840 Jackson Sveet
St Paui, MN 55707-2595
612221.3456
August 30, 1996
Spencer Blaw
Thomas Dale Smali Area Plan Task Force
c/o District Seven Planning Council
369 University Avenue
St. Paui, MN 55103
S�P 0 � RfC'D
Dear Mr. Blaw and the Thomas Dale Small Area Plan Task Force:
��-���
Thank you for the opportunity to review the Thomas Dale Small Area Plan. I
have reviewed the plan and congratulate the Task Force on a job well done.
You can count on our support for the recommendations outlined in the Plan, and
I will plan on attending the meeting on September 26th.
We support the recommendations outlined and look forward to working with the
other implementing partners on the specific strategies, particularly in the areas of
community building and health care. As you probably know, we are strong
supporters of the Model Cities Health Center as the primary provider of
community based medical and dental services, and have a long history of
working together with the Health Center. We certainiy will be active participants
in a formal community health care coalition organized by the community and
agree with the focus on preventative care, immunizations and weli child care.
We are also committed to working with other providers and agencies in the
Thomas Dale community to find ways to integrate services and find new,
coliaborative ways ofi serving our communiiy and expand tne use of our limited
resources. Real and anticipated funding cuts from both federal and local levels
wili require all of us to work more closely together to better leverage the
resources we can retain.
Sincerely,
�
'U'�Gi,l�'`�CC ���
����
Gabrielle Lawrence
Vice President, Community Partnerships
` HcnithPartners' mission is to improve the health of our members and our communiry
�-3 ��
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CATHOLIC
CHARITIES
Advocacy and
Outreach Division
Frog[o�vn Cen[ec
September 24, 1996
Q �T 3 0 REC'�
fi33 Univzrsiry Avznue Kurt Schwichtenberg and Kevin KittiLson
Sc. P.ud, MN Si10i-480? Co-Chairs Thomas-Dale Small Area Plan Task Force
eiz-zzz-tzsa c/o I?istrict Seven Plannuig Counc�7
f�s 6t2-222-0198 369 University Avenue West
Saint Paul, MN 55103
Dear Mr. Schwichtenberg and Mr. Kittilson,
Sen�wg the Aand�aase of
St Paul and bLnneap�lis
Sipporced Jnoug6 pnwre
mnniLutioru, UrtirrdWay, and
Anmml CadwLrAppral.
Ameditrd by CouHi( on
AnndimBOn of Servi<es
f . Families arzd CXddren
An Equal Opportunitp Enployn
arcd Smire Pron'der
I am writing Yo e�cpress the support of Catho]ic Charities Frogtown Center
for the Thomas Dale Small Area Plan. I would like to commend the Task
Force and the District Seven Planning Council for your hard work and
persistence in developing this Plan. I k�ave reviewed the Plan and spoken
with our staff and various community members about it. We Snd that the
Plan reflects the input and interests of our couununity and it provides a
solid framework for guiding future physical development and community
building efforts in the neighborhood.
We at Catholic Charities are committed to being a pro-active and peaceful
player in the community. It follows that we aze committed to supporting
the Thomas-Dale Small Area Plan Task Force, the District Seven Planning
Council, and the other community partners in implementing the Plan and
it's various strategies in the convng years. We look forward to working
with you to strengthen our community.
With Sincere and Peaceful Thoughts,
. '
� �, �
�����,_-_
Me vi''m Giles
Prograni Manager
'
� m e �� � _ '-i � a � �'�
- ? q r � . . ,, i E°`s
.� ' ��a_.. } �.J
4 �'� . . : '� .
RESOLUTION
CITY OF SAi1�T PAUL, MINt,�ES
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Presented Hy
Council File # `�•l
Green Sheet # ����
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Referred To / �� Committe� Date
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RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN AS AN AMENDMENT
TO THE SAINT PAUL COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
WFIEREAS, the City of Saint Paul is authorized under Minnesota Statutes, Secdon 462353, to carry on
comprehensive municipal planning activities in order to guide the future development and improvement of
the city; and
WHEREAS, the City of Saint Paul as a local government unit within the metropolitan area is required under
Minnesota Statues, Section 473.858, to prepare a Comprehensive Pian; and
WIiEREAS, the Council of the Ciry of Saint Paul is authorized under Minnesota Statutes, Section 462355, to
adopt or amend a Comprehensive Plan or portion thereof after a recommendation by the Planning
Commission; and
WHEREAS, a neighborhood based task farce appointed by the Planning Commission and the District Seven
Planning Council prepared, for consideration by the Planning Commission, the Thomas Dale Smalt Area Plan
as an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission has, on December 20, 1996, after a public hearing held on November
22, 1996, recommended the adoption of the Thomas Dale Small Area Plan; and
WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Saint Paul has reviewed the Thomas Dale Small Area Plan for
consistency with the elements of the Comprehensive Plan previously adopted, as well as the health, safety
and welfare needs of the residents of the City of Saint Paul and the metropolitan azea;
29 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Saint Paul, as recommended by the
30 Planning Commission, hereby adopts the Thomas Dale Small Area Plan as an amendment to the
31 Comprehensive Plan, subject to such review by the Metropolitan Council as may be required by law; and
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Amev�t� - `t��-ia� 9 `Z " 3i3
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the recommendations included in the plan restricting the expansion of
University Avenue commercial uses to the south side of Sherburne Avenue within the study azea supercede
those adopted by the City Council as part of the University Avenue Corridor Study on May 17, 1940.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the plan be amended tio incorporate the following clarifications:
On Page 37
and its si
On Paee 30
the es
the
SE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that PED staff
an overall
resources already commiYt
nrioritv action items in
the
in the
Year I
act
to
Requested by Department of:
Plannin s Econc�mic Develo ie t
Byc
Ey:
iT�
By:
er
Form Approved by City Attorney
$Y: �0'�/.f��-- Z-/7 -�-�
Approved�Mayo�ubmission to Council
By:
Adoption Certified by Council Secretary
9�-�1�
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GREEN SH�T
INITIA INRIAUOATE
� �EPARTMENT OIRE GITY COUNqL
� CINATTORNE�' � CITYCLERK
FOA BUDGET DIRECTOR � FIN. & MGT. SERVICES �IR.
. � MAYOR (OFi ASSISTANTJ /�,—.� � .Fcrd �
TOTAL # OF SIGNATIfRE PAGES
ALL LOCATIONS FOR SIGMATURE)
Adopt resolution to adopt the Thomas Dale Small Area PZan as an amendment to the Coinprehensive Plan.
[COMMENOATION5: Approve jA) or Rejec[ (R)
� PLHNNMG COMMISSION _ CIVIL SERVICE
CIB COMMI7TEE
� STAfF _
_ 01S1RICTCOURT _
IPPOp7S WHICH C01iNCIL O&IECTVET
�
PEHSONAL SERYICE CONTflACTS MUST ANSWER TtIE FOLLOWING DUESTIONS:
7. Has this personRirm ever worketl under a contrad for this department?
YES NO
2 Has this personffirm ever heen a city employee? �
YES NO
3. Does this persoNfirm possess a skiil not normally possessed by any current ciry emplqree?
YES NO
Ezpinin all yes enswers on separate sheet and attaeh to green aheet
The Thomas Date Small Area Pdan was developed by a communiry based task force to address a series of issues
and concerns identified by neighborhood residents and business owners, ��� � k'" '< r_ a� E
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The City of Saint Paul will signal its support of the recommendations outlined an the plan and tt� ��nscmisib�a >�* ��a �
will have a broadly shared investment strategy through which to address neighborhood issues.
; ��v`s�'EG
WANTAGES IF APPqOVED. y � � - (1 �]
I �D {� �JJS
None����1 �esearch Cer+ter����� � � ���{
Y G�/ � � �v"LY
DISADVANTAGES
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The City's planning, budgeting and administrative processes will not have the benefit of a clearly articulated
investment strategy for the Thomas Dale corrununity.
TOTAL AMOUNT OF TRANSACTION $
--•
COST/REVENUE BUDGETED jCIRCLE ONE�
YES NO
FUNOIfiG SOURCE ACTIYITY NUMBER
�INANGAL INFORfhATION: (EXPLAIN)
r,
R'�-�l�
� m��� e � � �-Y S � c; �
��,r:1 ���\`la�
Thomas-Dale
Smafl Area P{an
and
Forty Acre Study
,
Recommended by the
Thomas Dale Smail Area Plan Task Force
July 29, 1996
Recommended by the
District Seven Pianning Council
September 26, 1996
Recommended by the
Saint Paul Planning Commission
December 20, 1996
Adopted by the
City Council
April 2, 1997
�
Introduction .......................................1
Economic Development Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Housing Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Community Building Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Traffic and Transportation Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Education Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Heaith Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Parks and Recreation Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Land Use and Zoning Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Credits .........................................43
j1 THOMASDALESMALLAREAPLAN
The study area for the Thomas Dale Small Area Plan and Forty Acre
Study lies between Westem and Vctoria Avenues, University Avenue
on the south and the raiiroad tracks on the northem boundary, It is one
of Saint Paul's older neighborhoods, settied between 1870 and 1890 by
German, Polish, Irish and Scandinavian immigrants who built the
Victorian vemacular working- and middle-cfass homes and comer
stores that stili give the area its smal4-town atmosphere. Today, the
seventy block area is characterized mainly by one and two family homes
though it is bordered by intensive commercial, industrial and multi-family
uses. Immigrants continue to find a home in Thomas Dale whose 6,700
residents represent a rich variety of races, ages, socio-economic
classes and household types.
The Thomas Da►e Smal/ Area Plan is the de�nition of a vision
shared by neighborhood residents and business owners and City
o�cials as well as a strafegy for bringing this vision to reality. /ts
effecfiveness will depend o» ifs "adoption" as a policy fiamework
by the key community organizations in the area, ongoing efforts
by those organizations to discuss and jointiy formulate policies in
each of the subject areas identified in the plan, and support for
and co//aboration with the key implementing organizations
identified with each strategy.
Vision Statement
The Thomas-Dale Community realizes that racial, economic and culturai
diversity enriches our lives. We, therefore, work together to:
• Strengthen families;
• See that everyone can live in decent, affordable, owned or rented
homes;
• Provide opporkunities for employment, education and ownership;
• Create vibrant productive businesses;
• Make Thomas-Daie a safe, ciean place to live where all are valued;
and
• Remember that beauty, humor and fun are as important to the soul
as food is to ihe body.
THOMASDALESMALLAREAPLAN
Q�-3i3
Economic developmenf is di�cult to define—especialiy as the national
and international economies undergo a transition not unlike fhe indusfrial
revolufion of the last century. It involves finding new uses for old sites
once used, and often polluted, by heavy industry. It indudes the
preparation of a work force for new kinds of jobs and circuitous career
paths. Recent history has demonsfrafed that economic development in
Saint Pau! is linked fo fhe success of smaller businesses and
entrepreneurs. !n Thomas Dale, if ineans deciding how besf to meet the
consumer needs of an inner city community in an economic environment
that favors warehouse grocery stores and su6ur6an shopping maiJs.
Implementing neighborhood policy and programs related to economic
development is part of the mission of fhe Frogtown Acfion Alliance. A
four pronged strategy--consistent wifh that proposed by fhe Economic
Development Task Force of the Alliance—forms the basis of the small
area plan`s recommendafions relafive to economic devefopmenf.
Ca�itaiize on Redevelopment Opportunities
A. Redevelop tfie Dale Sfreet Shops site (bounded by Minnehaha,
the Burlington Northern tracks, Dale and Arundel), the
neighboring Maxson Steel site and any other contiguous non-
residentia! parcels with industria! uses capable of employing a
sizable number of employees at family-supporting wages.
5pecificalty:
Responsible paRies should compiete the clean-up of the site
within three to five years.
2. The district council should seek fund+ng to organize and
advocate for the clean up and development of the site.
3. The design of the site should be a neighborhood asset. A
community based planning team including representatives
selected by the District 7 Planning Council, Frogtown Action
Alliance and North End community organizations should be
convened to woric with the Port Authority on the redeve(opment
of the site. Specific issues of concem include:
Parking. In order to allow maximum space for the industries
themselves and encourage development pattems that make
effective use of land and suppoR transit services, efforts should
be made to minimize the amount of off-street parking provided
on the site.
2 THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN
��'�l�
Historic structures. Buildings that give the site its character
should be restored and reused where possible.
Landscaping. The site should be carefully landscaped and
consideration given to providing for some passive recreational
space and bike and pedestrian trails that could be connected to
neighborhood, citywide andlor regional trails.
Community facilities. The planning team shouid explore
whether or not it is appropriate to devote a portion of the site to
one or more community facilities such as a school, community
center or National Guard training and recreation center.
4. In order to ensure that neighborhood residents have access to
the jobs created in the development, pubtic subsidies to
businesses should be tied to their participation in City
sponsored job training and placement services. In anticipation
of the development of the site, the City/School District job
ttaining services should, over the next three years, focus their
efforts to enlist and prepare neighbofiood residents for those
jobs.
5. In order to increase the possibility that businesses on the site
will employ neighborhood residents, plans for an on-site or
nearby chiid care facility should be developed.
6. Explore the option of reconstructing Pierce Butier Route to bring
it directiy onto the site--perhaps under the Dale S4reet 8ridge.
That would improve the access to site as well as eliminate the
awkward terminus of Pierce Butler at Minnehaha and atiow for
the expansion of the Minnehaha Recreation Center site.
Implementing Partners
Frogtown Action Alliance, Convener
District 6 Planning Council
North End Area Revitalization (NEAR)
Saint Paul Port Authority
District 7 Planning Cowci!
City of Saint Paul
Midway Chamber of Gommerce
University UNITED
Western Initiatives for Neighborhood Development (WIND)
Wiider Foundation
B. Take advantage of the planned widening of Dale Street to
revitalize it as a neighborhood scale commerciai center for the
community. Speci�caily:
THOMASDALESMALLAREAPLAN 3
�'1
1. The new roadway should be designed to create a safe,
pedestrian-friendly environment with reduced traffic speeds
through the neighborhood. Specific elements may include: a
-- linear park on the east side of the street, attractive fencing to
shield neighboring homes from the corridor, uniform design
features to tie the eight block stretch together, and on-street
parking on the west side.
2. The west side of Dale should be characterized by pedestrian
oriented commercial uses—with automobite retated uses
encouraged to locate on University Avenue. Residentiai uses
on the frontage should be phased out although mixed use
structures with residential units above commercial uses are
encouraged. (Suggested amendments to the City's Zoning
Code consistent with this recommendation are detailed later in
the plan.)
3. The east side of Dale shouid retain the residential character
that has emerged as businesses were bought and relocated to
provide right of way for the street widening.
4. Business incubator space should be developed at appropriate
locations.
5. Vacant lots should be evaluated for their use as interim parking-
-until the market provides for additional commercial uses.
Alternative neighborhood non-profit ownership of these parcels
should be considered with the land being leased to adjoining
business owners for parking purposes. That would maximize
the flexibility of the land and minimize the likelihood that it would
be permanently used for parking. Community design guidefines
shoufd govern the estabiishment of parking lots.
Implementing Partners
Frogtown Action Ailiance, Convener
Department of Public Works
District 7 Planning Council
Midway Chamber of Commerce
WIND
C. Strengthen University Avenue as an attractive and healthy
commerciai center, serving both as a neighborhood retai! area
for those who live within the neighborhood and as a
destination for the surrounding region. Specific measures
should include:
THOMASDALE5MALLAREAPLAN
q�-�i�
Encourage new retail development—especially the variety of
services needed by neighborhood residents—to cluster at the
intersections of University and Dale, Rice, Marion, Westem and
Victoria. A fuil service hardware store and drug store, for
instance, might be encouraged to locate on University Avenue.
2. A program of street scape improvements for University Avenue
shoufd be developed with area business owners based on the
guidelines recommended in the University Avenue Corridor
Study. Consideration should be given to: creating a landscaped
center median, planting trees in the median and in the
sidewalks, and installing decorative lighting.
3. To the extent that additional off-street parking is required to
support University Avenue businesses, shared lots should be
developed with frontage on University Avenue.
4. Careful attention should be given to the design, landscaping,
lighting and maintenance of existing and proposed parking lots
to ensure that they support a positive image for surrounding
businesses.
5. University UNITED shouid seek appropriate capital funds on an
annuai basis to impiement the coordinated program of facade
improvements, tree planting, lighting, signage and street
furniture or decor.
6. Alternatives to improve the appearance of the comet of
University and Victoria should 6e explored--to inciude reducing
the number of cars on and around the site, using landscaping to
screen the site, or establishing a more intensive aiternative use.
7. Reduce the number of liquor stores on University Avenue,
confining them as much as possibie to the major retail centers
where management and security services can help reduce the
incidence of inappropriate behavior on the premises.
Implementing Partners
Frogtown Action Alliance, Convener
District 7 Planning Council
Midway Chamber of Commerce
University UNITED
Model Cities
D. Support efforts by the Frogtown Action Alliance and Frogtown
Merchants Association to upgrade and strengthen Minnehaha
Center. Whiie located outside the study area boundary,
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN S
��-���
enhancements to the Center would enable it to provide
important services to study area residents.
Implementing Partners
Frogtown Action Alliance, Convener
Frogtown Merchants Association
Minnehaha Center Owners and Businesses
Develop Micro Enter�rises and Small Businesses
A. Ensure that existing and potentiai smatl businesses have
access to the space, capital, training and information
necessary for Yheir success. Specific initiatives include:
Provide incubator space with related training, technicai
assistance and mentoring for emerging small businesses. The
existing micro-entrepreneur training and loan program is a good
model.
2. Market the availability of smali business loans through PED
programs.
3. Secure funds--through the City's Sales Tax Revitalization
Program (STAR) or similar program—for facade improvement
loans and grants to enable the rehabilitation of storefronts for
small business use.
4. PED's Small Business Center, the Lexington Library and WIND,
Inc. should collaborate on the development of small business
assistance programs and materials — seminars, pamphlets,
open houses, canvasses or other means of ensuring that
business owners and potential business owners are aware of
the variety of resources available to them.
5. Encourage neighborhood residents to patronize and be
supportive of area businesses. At the same time, encourage
neighborhood businesses to recognize—through their pricing
policies, merchandise selection and marketing strategies—the
particular role they can play in strengthening the community and
supporting its residents.
Implementing Partners
Frogfown Action Alfiance, Convener
Lexington Library SmaN Business Center (PED)
Midway Chamber of Commerce University UNITED
Model Cities WIND
6 THOMASDALESMALLAREAPLAN
q�����
B. Market the neighborhood as a place for commerciai
development and business opportunitles consisteat with the
needs of area residents.
Ensure ihai organizations supporting emerging enirepreneurs
understand Thomas Dale's strengths as a centrally located
community with easy access and a diverse consumer market.
2. Seek out firms offering personai services ihat recent surveys
have indicated are under represented in Thomas Dale.
3. Encourage investment by firms representing growth industries
such as printingipublishing and medical services and related
suppliess.
Implementing Partners
Frogtawn Action Alliance University UNITED
District 7 Ptanning Council Model Cities
Midway Chamber of Commerce
Work Towards Full Em�loyment
A. Neighborhood residents should be aware of and adequately
prepared to fiti availabie jobs throughout the metropolitan area.
Available training resources through the public schools, the
Ronaid M. Hubbs Center for Lifelong Leaming, community
colfeges and Metro State University shouid continue to be
marketed through area agencies such as the Frogtown Family
Resource Center, Wilder Family and Children Services,
Headstart and the Model Cities Health Clinic.
2. Opportunities for offering trainingJeducation programs at
additional neighborhood locations shouid be explored.
3. Fully develop opportunities for community service for young
people that offer payments toward co{lege tuition or other post
high school training programs for participants.
4. A central ciearinghouse for employment opportunities that is
linked with other such establishments in the metro area as well
as a network of neighborhood agencies and organizations
shouid be established.
5. Job fairs should be heid in the community or residents
transported to such events held throughout the metropolitan
area.
THOMA5DALESMALLAREAPLAN
��- 3� 3
Impiementing Partners
Frogtown Action Alliance, Convener
St. Paul Workforce Development Center
Saint Paul Public School Center for Employment and Training
St. Paul Urban League Model Cities
Community Education Wilder Foundation
Frogtown Family Resource Center
Ronald M. Hubbs Center for Lifelong Leaming
Midway Chamber of Commerce
University UNITED
District 7 Planning Council
B. Public or quasi-public transportation shoutd be available to
transport area residents to employment centers throughout the
metropolitan area.
The Frogtown Action Ailiance should work with major suburban
employers to coordinate the employment of area residents with
the provision of transportation. Altematives include organizi�g
potential employees into carpools, contracting with MCTO or
private transit providers to provide once a day transportation
from the neighborhood to regional employment centers and
back or subsidizing monthly bus passes when using the existing
transit system is practical. Neighborhood based small
businesses shoufd be encouraged to participate in the provision
of private transit services.
2. The City and community should continue to advocate for
improved transit services throughout the metropolitan area at
affordable rates.
Implementing Partners
Frogtown Acfion Afliance, Convener
District 7 Planning Council
Metropolitan Council Transit Operations (MCTO)
Private Transit Services
University UNITED
Provide Basic Communit� Services
A. Explore alternative arrangements that give neighborhood
residents access to grocery products at affordable prices.
Develop community gardens to provide fresh produce during
several months of the year. The estabtishment of gardens
should be consistent with the parks/green space strategy
recommended later in the plan. Priority sites should be those
THOMASDALESMALLAREAPLAN
�l�-�i `�
larger spaces that often exist near bus lines and between major
land uses. Specific provisions should be made for soil testing to
ensure the land is not contaminated and the provision of water.
2. Create attractive Farmers Market opportunities for the sale of
produce in centrai--and accessibie—locations in the community.
3. Expiore with interested entrepreneurs the possibility of
devefoping "mobiie" grocery outlets—refrigerated vans or small
trucks from which basic groceries (miik, fruits and vegetables,
breads and cereals) could be sold to neighborhood residents.
Explore the possibility of establishing a cooperative grocery
store where residents could exchange their labor for quality
food at affordable prices.
Implementing Partners
Frogtown Action AOiance, Convener
Model Cities
B. Encourage and seek resources to subsidize the development of
smail child care homes to enable parents to seek employment
as well as provide small busi�ess oppo�tunities for
neighborhood residents.
Impiementing Partners
Frogtown Action A1liance
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN 9
�11.�i
Thomas Dale should represent an attractive residential option for
households across the wider community's racial, cultural and socio-
economic spectrums. That is its heritage and its pride. Significant
disinvestment in recent years, however, has placed the neighborhood at
risk of being home only to those who have few options and in danger of
being caught in a continuing cycle of disinvesfinent and isolation.
Healthy neighborhoods require confinuing fnvestment in fhe
maintenance, repair and rehabilitation of their residential and commercial
properties. A variety of tools are availabie to the City and the
neighborhood in their effoRs to generate that investment. Thomas
Dale's housing strategy should involve some of each.
Mandate compliance with community standards through code
enforcement. Mandates, understandably, raise concerns about
outside enforcement agencies esfa6lishing unattainable standards
that represent a hardship for community residents. If will be very
important, because of the limifed economic means of many properfy
owners, that the standards 6e established through a community
process and be tied directly to resolving significanf healfh and safety
concerns.
Stimulate and encourage private investment with a variety of
strategfes to inciude offerJng public su6sidies, developing appropriate
fax policies, and amending undenwriting standards. Financing
mechanisms will, in many cases, need to be specifically designed for
Thomas Dale--with considerable emphasis on outreach, hands-on
assistance and flexibifity.
Encourage re-investment through the establishment of an identity in
the marketplace attractive to those who have the resources to
invesf. One asset on which Thomas Dale can capitalize in defining
such a niche is its rich stock of historic homes in a fraditionally
designed neighborhood. Research and the marketplace ifse/f flave
demonstrated that not only do people value o/der housing in older
neighborhoods, but that the design characteristics associafed w'dh
those neighborhoods serve to enhance public safety, neighborhood
involvement and community identity and pride.
8uild relationships within the community, encouraging neigh6orhood
ownership and pride. There are a variety of strategies related to
building connections between people and befween people and
neighborhood institufions, 6uilding capacity and leveraging
neighborhood talents. In fhe broadest sense, invesfinent is
encouraged by a sense of community in a sustaining/nurturing
environment.
1O THOMASDALESMALLAREAPLAN
��'�l�
Among the risks of any strategy is that the market may 6e sfimulated to
the point where property values are raised to a level that low income and
working dass households cannot afford. Code enfo�cement,
rehabilitation and preservation effo�ts need not, however, displace low
income renters or homeowne�s. Displacement may occur, however, if
property values rise fo fhe extent fhaf owners of housing occupied by
lower income households either se// their property or raise rents.
Avoiding displacement will require thaf the neighborhood's housing
strategy include intentional etforfs fo secure a portion of the housing
stock af affordable levels.
Increase Level of Home Ownership
A. Ensure a sufficient stock of quality homes available for
purchase.
Encourage the construction of new ownership housing on
individuai vacant lots throughout the neighborhood. Priority
sites 4or new construction should be those on blocks with a
significant number of vacant lots, those where a new house
would provide the necessary investment to encourage other
property owners to make improvements, and those large
enough to allow for the construction of three and four bedroom
homes to meet the needs of large families.
2. Establish and maintain a revolving loan fund to finance the
acquisition of problem properties for rehabilitation and resale by
the Greater Frogtown Community Development Corporation.
3. Focus pubiic resources on efforts that would not get done but
for the pu6lic financing.
4. Ensure that the construction and design of new homes do not
create a visual conflict with neighboring structures.
5. Advise and involve neighboring residents in the process of
selecting sites for new housing consiruction and the design of
the housing units themselves when public development funds
are used.
6. Recognizing that homes and properties of various sizes are
important to the diversity of the community and can help to
provide and preserve affordabie housing within the
neighborhood, construction of new homes on smaller lots
(under 40 feet wide or less than 5,000 square feet) should be
allowed by the Board of Zoning Appeals if the following
conditions are met and followed:
THOMASDALESMALLAREAPLAN 11
�1��13
• The community and the district council suppoR the
proposed construction; and
• Provisions are made for adequate back yard and open space
on the lot.
(mplementing Partners
Greater Frogtown Community Development Corporation
Saint Paul Housing and Redevelopment Authority
Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC)
Habitat for Humanity
West Side Neighborhood Housing Services
District 7 Planning Council
Board of Zoning Appeals
B. Provide suitable financing mechanisms and other support
services to ensure that present Thomas Dale residents can and
do take full advantage of mortgage and rehabilitation financing
programs.
Partner with agencies that provide support services to new
homeowners, including home maintenance training, increasing
the probability of success for new F�omeowners.
2. Work with the Saint Paul Public Housing Agency to identify
appropriate homes for the htomeward Program that provides
home ownership opportunities for selected Iow income
households.
3. Collaborate with the existing Mortgage Foreclosure Prevention
program operated by the City`s Housing Information O�ce and
funded by the Northwest Area Foundation and the City to
ensure the program has the necessary flexibility to meet the
needs of Thomas Dale residents.
4. Work with PED to develop and market non-traditional rehab and
f+rst mortgage loan programs that are more likely to be
successful for neighborhood residents who may have poor
credit histories making them ineligible for private financing.
5. PED should ascertain why applicants fail to complete the
process of securing rehab or first mortgage loans as a means
of identifying those aspects of the process that represent
barriers for lower income households. That infortnation should
be used to make adjustments in the various public programs.
12 THOMASDALESMALLAREAPLAN
q i -�� 3
6. PED should continue to work on streamlining its application and
review processes for public financing.
7. Design innovative altemative lending structures and financing
mechanisms--such as reverse mortgages, limited equity
cooperatives and land trusts--to serve the needs of first time
low and moderate income home buyers.
8. Where necessary, lobby the State legislature to change
housing finance and public assistance policies that serve as
barriers to low income home ownership.
Implementing Partners
Greater Frogtown Community Devetopment Corporation
Habitat for Humanity
Saint Paul PED
Housing Information Office
Local lending institutions
People's Network of Minnesota
C. Support efforts of prospective homeowners interested in
rehabilitating a home in the community.
Target some rehabilitation loans and grants to owners willing to
deconvert small duplexes and triplexes to their original single
family status.
2. Prevent the use of rehabilitation loans and grants for the
subdivisian of existing structures to estabiish additional units.
3. Help to develop and/or promote classes through the Saint Paul
Home improvement Program and Community Education that
assist homeowners in making home repairs and doi�g more
significant rehabilitation.
4. Organize sma(I groups of interested homeowners to plan and
take advantage of these educational opportunities.
Implementing Pattners
Greater Frogtown Community Development Corporation
Saint Paul Housing and Redevelopment Authority
Local Initiatives Support Corporation {LISC)
Community Education
THOMASDALESMALLAREAPLAN 13
g�-���
Lmprove Condition of Housing Stock
A. Strengthen mechanisms that improve management and
discourage deferred maintenance in rental buildings before
there is serious deterioration.
Extend the Certificate of Occupancy inspection program to
rental buildings with one orlwo units. The program should be
carefully designed to ensure the privacy of tenants, possibly by
restricting inspections to time periods between tenants or by
agreement with the tenant.
2. Secure community based non-profit ownership and/or
management of a significant proportion of the neighborhood's
rental housing. The establishment of limited equity or leasehold
co-ops should be explored where appropriate.
3. Promote development of a Frogtown association of property
owners and managers. The association—that may be affiliafed
with the Saint Paul Association of Responsible Landlords—
would provide training and technical assistance to association
members.
4. Support tenant advocacy, assistance and training programs
promoting residential stability and preventing homelessness.
Implementing Partners
Greater Frogtown Community Development Corporation
Model Cities
Saint Paul Association of Responsible Landlords
District 7 Planning Council
Department of Licenses, Inspections and Environmental
Protection (LIEP)
B. Identify serious healYh and safety code violations and work
with property owners to secure the resources to make
necessary improvements.
Seek public, private or philanthropic funds to provide home
improvement grants to eligible househoids.
2. Enroll eligible vacant structures in the Houses to Homes
program.
3. Expiore opportunities in conjunction with the Saint Paul
Technical University, the Trades and Labor Unions and the
14 THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN
q���1�
various small business assistance programs to provide
neighborhood based education and training opportunities for
aduits and young peopte interested in home repair and
remodeling.
4. Demolition should be considered a last resort and pursued only
when properties cannot be reused. To reduce the instances of
demolition, the City's Division of Pubiic Health and community
development corporations should work together to:
• Improve communications so that CDCs are aware of
potentiai demolitions as early as possible;
• Take appropriate measures to obtain input from
neighboring residents and block clubs;
• Evaluate individual buildings in conte�;
• Strengthen programs that ailow vacant houses to become
avaitable at a negiigibie cost for purchase and rehabifitation
(e.g. Dol4ar Houses); and
• Develop mechanisms whereby the City can obtain title to
vacant properties and convey them to a community
organization for rehabilitation.
Impiementing Partners
Department of Licenses, Inspection and Environmental
Protection (LIEP)
District 7 Planning Councii
Greater Frogtown Community Devefopment Corporation
Saint Paul Division of Pubiic Heafth
Maintain Affordability of Rental Housinq
A. Coupled with the strategies to support home ownership
for area residents, systematic effiorts must be made to
ensure that a portion of the rental housing in Thomas Dale
remains affordable to lower income households.
Explore the feasibility of expanding or replicating programs
such as the United Way's Families First that rehabilitated smal{
cental buildings, financing the purchase and rehabilitation in
such a way as to permanently write down the operating costs
borne by the tenants.
2. Explore the development of new rental apartment and
townhome complexes along University Avenue, Minnehaha
Avenue and Pierce Butier.
3. Ensure ihat rent certificate and voucher programs are tied
c{osely to focai market conditions so as not create windfall
THOMASDALESMALLAREAPLAN 15
qC-�(3
profits for landlords and, therefore, a concentration of
participating properties.
4. Encourage the development of residential units on the second
and third floors above new commercial development on
University Avenue.
Implementing Partners
Greater Frogtown Community Development Corporation
Frogtown Action Alliance
Model Cities
Project for Pride in Living
District 7 Pianning Council
Identify, Preserve and Market
Nei�hborhood Attributes
A. Build an understanding of the neighborhood's historic
character.
Develop pub(ic education materials on the historic vafue of the
neighborhood, the attributes of neighbofiood buildings, how to
recognize and protect the value of individual properties.
implementing Partners
District 7 Ptanning Councii
Saint Paul Heritage Preservation Commission
B, Ensure that the public infrastructure is supportive of the area's
historic character.
Advocate for the installation of public improvements --
sidewalks and curbs, lighting, trees, signage etc -- supportive of
the area's.character.
2. Lantem style street lights shouid be the standard for the area
with provisions made to waive or secure altemative financing
. for the related assessments.
Implementing Partners
District 7 Pianning Councit
Saint Paul Department of Public Works
C. Encourage the sensitive rehabilitation of area structures as
well as compatible new construction on individuai vacant lots.
16 THOMAS DALE SMe1LL AREA PLA1V
q�
Develop rehab financing programs designed to encourage the
protection or restoration of the historic character of individual
structures.
2. Expiore appropriate reuses for traditional comer store buildings
as artist housing/studios or small businesses.
3. Owners of twenty-five properties identified in the 1983 Historic
Sites Survey for Saint Paul and Ramsey Counfy should be
encouraged to seek forrnal designation as local and/or National
Register sites and the Heritage Preservation Commission
shouid support those applications.
4. Explore ways to take advantage of the concentration of unique
historical or architectural structures in the area bounded by
Mackubin and Dale, Sherburne and Van Buren. Potential
mechanisms inciude the creation of demonstration or
conservation district within which special efforts would be made
to educate property owners about the value of their buildings,
provide guidance on making structural changes, and secure
resources to ensure the protection of the most important
structures. Such a district would not be designed primarily as a
regulatory tooi though there may be guidelines associated with
resources and other incentives. Any policies governing such a
district should be carefully tuned to balance the resources of
property owners and the value of particular structures.
5. Amend the Saint Paul Zoning Code to support the continued
use of the several historic "alley houses" in the neighborhood.
Present and prospective owners have a difficult time securing
mortgage or rehabilitation financing because the structures are
considered "nonconforming uses" in the code and cannot be re-
estab(ished in the event of serious structural damage without
the permission of the Pianning Commission. The foilowing
amendment would allow their reconstruction and, thus, reassure
potential lenders.
Sec. 62.102.(e) (-)
In any residential district, an existing second dwelling on a
single lot may be reconstructed provided that the number of
total dwelling units on the lot is not increased. The structure
may not be structurally eniarged or extended.
THOMASDALESMALLAREAPLAN 17
�7-3� �
Implementing Partne�s
Greater Frogtown Community Development Corporation
District 7 Planning Council
Sai�t Paul Heritage Preservation Commission
Saint Paul Planning Commission
D. Market the neighborhood.
In partnership with area realtors, market the neighborhood, its
houses and availabte financing mechanisms to potential market
niches.
Implementing Partners
Disfrict 7 Planning Councii
Frogfown Times
Saint Paul Area Association of Realtors
Build Communiiy Ownership
A. Develop, support and link together a variety of neighborhood
based associations to strengthen a sense of community.
Voluntary community associations are the most powerful mechanism
by which people are linked to their neighborhoods. They provide a
sense of belonging as well as a vehicle for bringing resources and
people together to make things happen. They also provide a means
for people from different raciai, economic and social groups to work
together for common ends.
Examples of voluntary community associations include PTAs,
churches, friends of the local library, park and school booster clubs,
local business associations, district councils, block clubs and
crimewatch chapters, mutual aid associations, landlord, homeowner,
renter or resident associations, community fair and festival
sponsors, garden clubs and beautification groups, local historical
societies, youth groups, iocal deve(opment companies, civic clubs
and support groups.
B. Estabiish a Frogtown Neighborhood Improvement and Training
Center in conjunction with any of a number of existing
community organizations to work in conjunction with
community development and other revitalization initiatives.
The program would:
• Strengthen organizational capacity within the neighborhood.
18 THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLATV
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Promote partnerships, particularly among organizations that
pramote revita4ization.
Increase the skills and involvement of residents, including
youth, to improve their lives through self-help, leadership
development, politicai and other strategies.
Integrate a variety of programs or initiatives such as:
Youth Employment and Training
Public Service Work Crews
Community and Home Maintenance Education
Home Owner Finance Training
Tool Lending Library
Micro-Enterprise Development
Skilfs Bank Exchange
Community Steward Program
Strengthening Votuntary Community Associations
Keystone Housing and Commercial Development
Positive Neighborhood Images Program
Implementing Partners
District 7 Planning Council
Thomas Dale Block Clubs
Community Education
Frogtown Action Alliance
Frogtown Festivai, Inc.
Saint Paul Division of Parks and Recreation
Neighborhood businesses
Community agencies and organizations
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN 19
����13
Healthy families are the building b/ocks of a strong community. To the
extenf, therefore, fhat fl�e other chapters of ff�is plan relate fo ensuring
access to safe and affordable housing, productive employment,
appropriate education and the range of amenities offered by libraries,
parks, recreation and culfural opportunities, the entire small area plan is
part and parcel of a community building strategy.
The strength of a community, however, is more than the sum of
individuals and their well being. A communify is stronger when its
residents are linked fogether around shared concerns and common
purpose. A community is more effective when its services and voluntary
associations are carefully integrated. And a community is safer when
people look out for each other and when the community as a whole
ensures that the needs of all are met.
TI�e following strategy, fherefore, is built upon eacl� of the ofher chapters
of the plan, but specifically addresses issues of linkaqe, integretion and
capacity through a discussion of two concerns: community services and
communify places.
Strengthen Communit�[Services
A. Area agencies and service providers shouid continuatly fook
tor ways to more carefully integrate new and existi�g services
and ensure that those services are consistent with the needs of
neighborhood residents.
There are dozens of organizations invoived in providing essentiai
services to the community: public and private schools, churches,
Model Cities Health Center, businesses, Frogtown Action Alliance,
Thomas Dale Block Clubs, District 7 Planning Council, Wilder
Foundation, West Minnehaha Recreation Center, Scheffer
Recreation Center, Catholic Charities, Frogtown Family Resource
Center. AU are doing good and important work. This strategy
identifies ways that existing services might be better integrated to
ensure that limited resources are used to maximum advantage.
Community service providers should meet on a regular basis to
share information, address common issues and provide mutuai
support.
2. New services should be designed in collaboration with existing
programs to increase effectiveness and avoid duplication.
2O THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN
���3�3
3. Programs should take advantage of the network of block clubs
and community organizations to disseminate information and
receive feedback in their planning and program deveiopment.
4. Neighbofiood residents shou4d be invited to participate in the
design, delivery and evaluation of community programs.
B. Develop, support and link together a variety of neighborhood
based voluntary associations to strengthen a sense of
community.
Voluntary community associations are the most powerful mechanism
by which people are linked to their neighborhoods. They provide a
sense of belonging as well as a vehicle for bringing resources and
peop{e together to make things happen. They also provide a means
for people from different racial, economic and sociaf groups to work
togethe� for common ends.
Examples of voluntary community associations inciude PTAs,
churches, friends of the local library, park and school booster clubs,
local business associations, district councils, block clubs and
crimewatch chapters, mutual aid associations, landlord, homeowner,
renter or resident associations, community fair and festival
sponsors, garden clubs and beaulification groups, local historical
societies, youth groups, local deve4opment companies, civic clubs
and support groups.
Launch a five year initiative to build the capacity of
neighborhood based organizations to assess community
assets, design coilaborative projects and nurture community
leadership.
2. Continue to develop and support block clubs throughout the
community as the most basic unit of neighborhood organization.
Implemeoting Partners
Frogtown Neighborhood Network, Co�vener
Thomas Dale Block Clubs
Wilder Foundation
Bigelow Foundation
Neighborhood based organizations
C. Existing organizations should support community-wide efforts
that celebrate the neighborhood and its residenis.
Support a neighborhood newspaper as a critical communication
link with virtually every househo{d in the neighbofiood.
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAPI 21
��-�� 3
Strengthen the annual Frogtown Festival with financial and
inkind contributions and volunteer support. The City of Saint
Paul shouid consider subsidizing police services or providing
additional financial support for community festivais in
neighborhoods such as Thomas Dale that have fewer potentiaf
sponsors.
3. Take advantage of opportunities to recognize the talents and
contributions of neighborhood residents.
4. Encourage "neighborliness:' Recognize that there is often
nothing more powe�fiul in the process of community building
than the individual acts of kindness among neighbors—
shoveling a neighbor's walk, listening to a child, offering
encouragement to a teenager or greeting a stranger.
Implementing Partners
Neighborhood based organizations
Neighborhood residents
University UNITED
D. In developing new services, priority should be given to the
following:
• Initiatives that support the capacities of families to nurture
chiidren
• Services addressing the needs of children and youth
• Programs focussed on physical neighborhood improvements
Severa! initiatives are aiready undenvay:
Frogtown Family Cenfer- Established under the auspices of the
Saint Paul Children's Initiative, the Frogtown Family Center is a
network of services where residents find or are referred to the
full range of family services (e.g. family education, health care,
employment and training). Administered by a community-based
board, the Family Center relates closely to the existing
Frogtown Fami(y Resource center, a school district—community
coitaboration focusing on early childhood and family education.
After School Activities - The State of Minnesota included $2
miilion in its biennial bonding bill to provide facilities within which
to provide after school programs. Additional funds are available
from the federal govemment.
Charter Schoo!- Pianning funds for new charter schools were
allocated by the 1996 legislature. The 5t. Paul Family Leaming
Center Charter School opened in the fall of 1996 and serves
22 THOMASDALESMALLAREAPLAN
a�-���
families in the study area. There are hopes that additional
similar schools can be established in the Thomas Dale
community.
{mptementing Partners
Neighborhood based organizations
Create Communitv Places
A. Pursue a community wide planning process to estabiish a
community center (or a principai center with sateflite
service centers) that wouid:
• Be accessible to as high a percentage of the
community as possibie
• integrate muttiple services �family education, health,
recreation)
• Be developed and managed by a collaboration of
community organizations
Gathering piaces piay an important role in the life of any
community. They are the places where people come to know
each other as neighbors, where important information is
available and shared, and where the community's story is
shaped and recounted to o{d-timers and new-comers alike.
They may be formally designated or simply emerge out of the
rhythm of daily life.
Among the chailenges for the new community-buiiding initiatives
now 6eing planned is the acute lack of appropriate space.
There is, therefore, considerable interest in the establishment of
a community center at which a number of services could be
located.
The difficulty, of course, in a large geographic area with poor
transit services where few people have access to cars, is
selecting one piace that "works" for the whoie community. An
aiternative might be to establish a major center and link it--
through telecommunications, vans and/orjoint programming--
with a select number of existing "satellite" centers.
Implementing Partners
Wilder Foundation, Convener
Neighborhood based organizations
THOMP.S DALE SMALL AREA PLAN 23
R�- ��3
s , i � i � � � i i. ���
Neighborhood transporfation issues are not defined—nor are fhey
resolved—in a vacuum. The transporfation sysfem fhaf serves Thomas
Dale is a regional system. The streets, highways, bus routes and,
potentially, light rail lines, that run through Thomas Dale connect it wifh
the metropolitan area. Metropolitan decisions to invest in one mode of
transportation over against anofher have a profound impact on the
healfh and vita/ity of neighborhoods such as Thomas Dale. Thomas
Dale, in the final analysis, would be besl served 6y a regiona!
transportation and land use policy that Iimifs subur6an developmenf and
strengthens local transit services in inner city communities. The
communifys challenge, tl�erefore, is fo identify forums in which fhose
decisions are being made and become an effective advocate for
neighborhood interesfs.
Within the neighborhood, however, the condition and design offhree
major arterials as well as the neigh6orhood sfreet system and the quality
of pu6lic transit service are the defining issues for the Tra�c and
Transportation Strategy. Most of the issues, however, are discussed in
fhe Economic Development Strategy (page 2). The proposed redesign
of University Avenue and Dale Street is intended fo make them more
attractive and pedestrian-friendly commercia! streets. While University
Avenue serves a regional market and Dale Sfreet a more local market,
both can be enhanced by trees, street lights and tra�c calming
measures. Pierce Bufler, if slightly rerouted, could provide direcf access
to the Dale Sfreet Shops/Maxson Steel sife, making it a more atfracfive
site for industrial redevelopment.
The balance of the strategy, discussed in this section, focuses on (a) the
improvement of neighborhood streets in ways tirat enhance the
character of the residenfial environment and support public and private
investment in rehabilitation and redevelopment and (b) the improvement
of public transit services.
Improve Neighborhood Streets and Trai(s
A. Complete the improvement of the neighborhood street system
with fhe installation of curbs, gutters, street lights and
boulevard trees.
Encourage the Department of Public Works to program the
paving of and installation of curbs, gutters and street Iights on
the following street segments north of University Avenue:
• Mackubin
• Kent
• Arundel
24 THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN
a -���
Improvements along these street segments wiil enhance efforts
made by the Greater Frogtown Community Development
Corporation to build or rehabilitate homes in the area for
purchase by new homeowners.
2. Replace missing boulevard trees in the area either by adjusting
the citywide repiacement schedule or ailowing for the planting of
donated trees in the boulevard.
3. Encourage private plantings in the boulevards through
promotional material, plant give-aways, and/or award programs
such as the Minneapolis Center for the Urban EnvironmenYs
"Blooming Boulevards" program.
B. In planning improvements for neighborhood streets, identify
opportunities for traffic calming. For instance, intersections
where extra land might altow the installation of a traffic circle
should be identified. Four to six circles could be considered
for the study area as a means of both sfowing traffic through
the neighborhood and contributing to the neighborhood
character. The circles should be attractively landscaped and
could be sites for sculptures or other public art.
C. Create bicycie and pedestrian trails linking the neighborhood
with key amenities such as downtown, the Mississippi River,
Como Park and the University of Minnesota.
Implementing Partners
District 7 Planning Council
Saint Paui Department of Public Works
University UNITED
lmprove Bus Service
A. The level of serviee present{y oTfered by the 16A bus line or►
University Avenue should at least be maintained if not
expanded.
The bus provides an essential service to many neighborhood
residents who use it to make refatively short trips to grocery stores,
health clinics, child care and empioyment.
The preservation of the 16A line takes on a particular importance in
light of plans to construct a light rail line in the freeway corridor. It
should be emphasized that fight rail--as currentfy envisioned--wiil be
designed to move peopie quickly between the two cities and,
therefore, wili not replace the 16A that carries people relatively short
distances along University Avenue.
THOMASDALESMALLAREAPLAN 25
`��-���
B. Bus service should be increased on Dale Street where buses
run only every half hour.
Many of the clients of Model Cities rely on the bus for transportation
to and from their appointments. This line also offers direct access to
suburban jobs and shopping.
C. Service on the number 7 and 34 bus Iines should be maintained
orincreased.
The number 7 bus that serves area schools, playgrounds and the
Rice Marion apartments as well as the number 34 bus that will be
instrumental in serving any new industrial or multi-family
devefopmenf afong Minnehaha also p(ay a crificaf rofe in the
neighborhood's transportation system. Service on these lines
should be maintained or increased.
D. The area also needs circulator bus service that runs through
the neighborhood, linking residents to local services such as
the grocery store and health ciinic.
Implementing Partners
District 7 Planning Council
Wilder Foundation
Frogtown Family Center
Metropolitan Councii Transit Operations (MCTO)
Midway Chamber of Commerce
Advocate for Supportive Regional
Transportation and Land Use Policies
A. Ensure that regionat transportation systems are supportive of
Thomas Dale's redevelopment and renewal efforts.
The District 7 Planning Councii should advocate for a coherent
regional transportation policy that integrates the construction of
highways and rail systems with a land use and growth
management policy that discourages sprawl.
2. In the event the light rail transit system in constructed in the
freeway corridor and includes a station at Dale Street, the
District 7 Planning Council should be invo(ved in its design.
The stop shouid not inciude a"park and ride" lot.
26 THOMASDALESMALLAREAPLAN
��i - � 13
Implementing Partners
District 7 Planning Council
Metropolitan Council
Ramsey County Regional Rail Authority
Midway Chamber of Commerce
University UNITED
Resolve Neighborhood Parking Issues
A. In consultation with surrounding property owners and
community organizations, resolve parking issues at the
following locations in a manner that minimizes the parking's
impact on surrounding residential properties and the character
of the neighborhood:
• Northwest comer of University and Dale
• Kim Hung's Grocery
• International Marketplace
• Blues Saloon (601 North Westem)
• Hmong Funeral Home
Implementing Partners
District 7 Planning Council
University UNITED
Individual Business Owners
Affected Residents and Block Clubs
Midway Chamber of Commerce
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN 27
��-�i�
Successful communities encourage and support lifelong learning that
begins with preparing its youngest members for school and, at the same
time, ensures that its adulfs are prepared to participate in a rapidly
changing economy. Thomas Dale is home to a wide variety of
educational institutions and programs--from the Frogtown Family
Resource Center and Ramsey Action Program's Headstart focused on
early childhood and parent education, to two public elementary schools,
St. Agnes School, the Ronald Hubbs Center for Lifelong Learning, Saint
Paul Rehabilitation Center and fhe City/School Districf's communify
education program. In addition, a Model Cities program serves the
preschool education needs of children born with chemical addictions and
the Thunder Spirit Lodge focuses on the care of those afflicfed with Fetal
Alcohof Syndrome. Each has its own mission, agenda and method of
relating with the communify. While the other secfions of the plan indude
recommendafions thaf, if implemented, would strengthen the
environment for education — such as reducing transiency, creating
spaces for recreation, emphasizing job training/preparation — the
following recommendations focus specificafly on how the community can
support the individual and common efforts of fhe educational institutions
to meet the needs of its residents.
Build Community Su�port for Education
A. Encourage community invoivement in the schoois.
Encourage investment in volunteer training and support. The
schools are eager to have parents and other community
members involved in schooi programs during and after school.
Reading with children, providing enrichment programs or simply
being an extra set of hands in a classroom are all important
contributions. For some, that may come naturally. Others may
want or need the support of a certain level of training,
recognition or other incentive to encourage their participation.
2. Secure sponsorship of individual schools by corporations
and/or organizations both from within and outside the
neighborhood.
3. Sponsor equipment recycling drives to ensure students have
access to appropriate equipment to participate in athletic and
artistic programs.
4. Encourage schools to be welcoming places for parents and
community members.
2S THOMASDALESMALLAREAPLAN
��-�1��..
Impiementing Partners
District 7 Planning Council
Parent Teacher Organizations
Frogtown Family Resource Center
Community Education
Individual Schoois
University UNITED
B. Strengthen collaboration among educational programs within
the neighborhood.
Expand participation in neiworking activiiies. A monthiy lunch
meeting for Thomas Dale human service agencies is a good
beginning, but doesn't provide enough time or space for the
coilaboration that needs to take place. Other opportunities
should be identified.
2. Ensure that participants in individual human service programs
are aware of--and can refer participants to—the services of ths
various educational institutions.
3. Develop multi-faceted programming to take advantage of
community resources and meet muitiple needs. Coliaboration
between the Frogtown Family Resource Center and Jackson
School, for instance, has increased parental participation in the
schooi's evening programs for families inasmuch as the
Resource Center encourages participation, assists with
transportation and provides programs for 1he chifdren while
parents are involved in mee6ngs or conferences.
4. Strengthen the relationships between area child care providers
and efementary schools in order to develop ways to ease the
chitd's transition between day care and school, strengthen
school readiness and, without jeopardizing the privacy of the
child and his/her family, prevent any lapse in critical support
services.
5. Encourage school principals and staff to become involved in
community organizations as a means of improving
collaboration.
Implementing Partners
Public and private schools and education agencies
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN 29
��-� � �-
C. Encourage the estabiishment of a community schoot and one
or more charter schoois in the community.
Ensure that pianning for new schools involves coliaboration with
exisfing schools and human service providers.
2. Particular encouragement should be given to organizations
willing to develop charter schools that emphasize cross cultural
educafion.
Impiementing Partners
District 7 Planning Council
Potentiaf school boards and administrators
Peopie's Network of Minnesoia
Public and private schools
Wilder Foundation
D. Expand options and opportunities for pre-school and
elementary schoo� age children and their families.
Ensure that quality after school activities are available for all
children who need them.
Support programming for pre-school and elementary school
children that encourages peaceful conflict resolution.
3. Support additionai resources for Headstart programs in the
community in order that all who qualify can participate.
Implementing Partners
Pubiic and private schools and leaming centers
Headstart
Saint Paui Division of Parks and Recreation
Saint Paul Public Library
Wilder Foundation
Parent Teacher Organizations
E. Expand options for junior and senior high age students.
Support and strengthen programs such as those offered by
local churches and schools, Frogtown Future, Save our Cities
Kids and the Leadership Training Program of the Thomas Dale
Block Clubs that involve young people in positive associaYion
with significant adults while helping them to develop their own
potential.
$O THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN
a�.- �� �
2. Explore sources of private and philanthropic support to enab{e
young people from Thomas Dale to participate in programs
such as those offered by the Science Museum, local colleges
and universities, theatres or summer camps.
Implementing Partners
Public and private schools and leaming centers
Saint Paui Division of Parks and Recreation
Thomas Da4e Block Clubs
Community Education
University UNITED
THOMASDALESMALLAREAPLAN 31
�- 3i �
Access to quality affordable health care is a national issue. It is of
particufarconcem forThomas Dale where such a high percenfage of
citizens are not covered by employer sponsored health insurance,
making them especially vulnerable to changes in public support for
health care. Dafa analyzed by the City's Division of Pubfic Health reveal
Thomas Dale to be among the city's medically underserved
communities. Critical issues include a low immunization rate, higher
than average infant mortality rates and Iead poisoning of children.
�ecure Basic Health Services for All
Residents
A. Strengthen the Model Cities Health Center as the primary
provider of community based medical and dental services.
Advocate for funding tormulas thaf recognize the unique needs
of community health centers that serve a high proportion of
uninsured citizens.
2. Support funding applications that serve to stabilize the financial
status of the health center.
3. Explore partnerships that might bring professional services fo
the healYh cenYer at below market costs.
Implementing Partners
Model Cities Health Center
Public Health Agencies
Foundations
B. Strengthen the sense of partnership among health care
providers in and around the Thomas Date community.
Organize a formal community health care coalition to meet on a
regular basis. .
2. Develop and prioritize strategies around building community
awareness relative to health issues and ensuring a higher level
of preventative care.
ImplemenYing Partners
Model Cities
Saint Paul Division of Public Heaith
Frogtown Action A(liance
Private health care/altemative medicine services
Saint Paul/Ramsey Medical Center
32 THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN
��-���
Emphasize Prevention
A. Ensure widespread access to immunizations, screening and
well child care.
Support public health initiatives inciuding the mobile delivery--
with a va� or other mobil clinic arrangement -of specific
services including immunizations and health screening.
Services to Thomas Dale cou{d be integrated with those to
other similar neighborhoods.
Implementing Partners
Saint Paul Division of Public Health
Model Cities Hea(th Center
Frogtown Action Alliance Heaith Task Force
B. Etiminate the incidence of lead poisoning.
Increase screening of children at risk.
2. Continue educational program in multiple languages and in
collaboration with the Frogtown Family Resource Center and
other programs with high participation of neighborhood families.
3. Continue to abate affected homes, taking particular care to
secure public funding for low and moderate income property
owners.
4. Identity and advocate for alternative ameliorative measures--
such as encapsulation with paint rather than complete
abatement--that reduce lead exposure to more acceptable
feveis while avoiding excessive costs beyond the means of low
and moderate income households.
5. Secure a"lead free" house in which families can live while the
contamination is being removed from their homes.
Implementing Partners
5aint Paul Division of Pubiic Health
Greater Frogtown Community Development Corporation
District 7 Planning Council
Area health agencies
Department of Licenses, Inspections and Environmental
Protection
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN 33
��-3��
C. Substantially reduce the amount of trash and garbage in
neighborhood yards and alieys.
Explore altematives to the present garbage hauling system that
will ensure universal collection.
2. Increase Cify financia! support for neighborhood clean-up
activities.
Implementing Partners
District 7 Planning Council
City of Saint Paul
Private garbage haulers
Block clubs
34 THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAIV
� �
As a central city neighborhood with houses built on relatively smal/ /ofs,
Thomas Dale has among the smallest amount of green space per
resident of any neighborhood in the city. lt is a/so an a�ea where the
housing is in high demand and the fabric of the neighborhood is
vulnerable to any wholesale demolition of housing units. The challenge
is to carefulty leverage useful open space through the revitalization
process. The pian addresses the need for three types of open space:
(1) Single lots that are within view—or earshot—of most of fhe
households on a block where child�en can safely play,� (2) Medium size
parks (1/2 block in size) with playground equipment and/or a backstop to
be used by families wifhin a 2-4 block radius,� and (3) Expansion of West
Minnehaha Recreation Center fhat serves the entire communify.
Establish a System of Parks in the
Communitk
A. Develop a community wide plan for the establishment of
different types of parks and greenspaces.
The plan should inciude:
• A full inventory of the present system;
• An assessment of what types of parksigreen spaces and
trails are needed in the various parts of the neighborhood
to complete the system;
• A designation of specific vicinities where additional
parkslgreen spaces might be established. These
designations should consider accessibility to the site,
population density in the surrounding blocks, and
relationship to redevelopment activities; and
• A policy that the demolition of existing structures should be
avoided.
• An identification of funding sources for acquisition and
maintenance of parkland/gree� spaces.
An outline for the plan is proposed in the recommendations
below.
Implementing Partners
District 7 Pianning Council, Convener
Frogtown Action Alliance
Thomas Dale Block Clubs
Greater Frogtown Community Development Corporation
4ndividual b{ock clubs
Saint Paul Division of Parks and Recreation
Parks and Recreation Commission
Public Art Saint Paul
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN 35
��-�� �-
B. Create more small "green spaces" within the neighborbood.
Consider the establishment of neighborhood play spaces and/or
gardens on individual lots, especially on blocks with narrow lots
or in instances where new construction is unlikely in the short
term. Lots in the middle of blocks, rather than on the comers,
are generally preFerred.
Acquisition, design, maintenance and supervision of these lots
would provide an opportunity for neighbors to work together.
lndeed, the initiative of block residenis would be essential to
their success--and, therefore, should be a prerequisite.
2. Develop a neighborhood-wide strategy for identifying
opportunities for single lot green spaces and doing the
necessary organizing. The strategy should include a system for
handling insurance issues.
3. Consider linking lots on individual blocks into a neighborhood
system by creating a walking--or exercise—tour that highlights
the uniqueness of each lot and its surrounding community.
Implementing Partners
DisVict 7 Planning Council
Block clubs
Minnesota Green
Sustainable Agricuiture Resource Center
C. Establish one or two other half block sized parks to
compiement Ryan Park located in the southwest quadrant of
the study area.
Improve the landscaping and play facilities on the Jackson
School grounds to encourage its use by the community in the
southeast quadrant of the study area after school and on
weekends.
2. Integrate the estabiishment of up to two other parks with the
rehabilitation of neighboring houses, the placement of traffic
circles or the creation of some other amenity in order to
enhance the impact of each improvement.
Implementing Partners
District 7 Planning Council
Saint Paul Division of Parks and Recreation
Saint Paul School District
36 THOMASDALESMALLAREAPLAN
�l�- 3i�
Expand Recreation Services
A. Expand the services provided by West Minnehaha Recreation
Center.
Explore opportunities to expand the recreation center and its
site, possibiy through the realignment of Pierce Butier Road.
2. Strengthen programming at the recreation center itself through
cioser collaboration with neighborhood residents in estabiishing
priorities and designing programs consistent with their needs
and interests.
B. Extend recreation programming into alternative sites
throughout the neighborhood such as at Ryan Park, Jackson
School, community churches or storefronts.
Implementing Partners
Thomas Dale Biock Ciubs
Saint Paul Division of Parks and Recreation
Parks and Recreation Commission
West Minnehaha Booster Club
District 7 Planning Councii
Frogtown Action Alliance
THOMASDALESMALLAREAPLAN 37
��- 3� �
. i � i � � � i � . . � �
Thomas Dale is a ful(y developed neighborhood with only occasiona/
reasons--or opportunities--to change the existing land use patterns. A
review of the entire planning district reveals a rich mixture of housing
types, commercial uses and industrial developments. The easternmosf
part of the planning disfrict is the Mk Airy public housing site.
lmmediately to the east of fhe study area are the Rice Ma�an
aparfinents; to the west is a mixed use residential area developed by the
�Ider Foundation. At the northern 6order is a sizable industriai site; at
the southern borderis Universi(y Avenue, one of the cify's most
sign�cant commercial strips. Within the study area, however, the vast
majority of residential structures are smaller houses originally built as
single family residences. It is withrn that context that fhe plan makes
recommendafions relative to land use controls in the study area.
There are two principal recommendafions. The firsf is to rezone mosf of
the study area, now zoned for two family use, to single family use. This
is recommended largely as a measure to curfail the conversion of
sfructures builf as relatively small single family homes to two or more
family homes. The experience in the neighborhood has been that an
increasing demand for affordable rental housing is being mef through the
conversion of single family homes by landlords who rent a space
designed for one family to two or three families. The structures
themselves, many of them more than 100 years old, are not able to
withstand the level of wear and tear that comes with higher occupancy.
The neighborhood's schools and social seivice agencies are sfraining to
meet the needs of the existing residents and, for the mosf part, do not
have the capacity to serve an increasing population. And increasing the
concentration of lower income households in a single neighborhood is
not in the best interests of the households themselves or the
neighborhood.
Some areas—a/ong the major arterials where transportation is most
accessib/e--are recommended for apartment or townhome development
in order to meet the need for well-managed and well-maintained rental
housing. It is recognized that—as market conditions improve--
opportunities may emerge where additiona! areas would be
appropriafefy developed with rivo family housing or town homes.
Through this plan, the district council and fhe City signal their willingness
fo positively consider rezoning if subsequently needed and appropriafe
to allow for development compafible with neighborhood character and
design.
The second major change recommended 6y this plan relates to the
widening of Dale Street. Inasmuch as the land on the east side of Dale
has been acquired for the right of way, it shouid no longer be zoned for
commerciai use. The west side of Dale, on the other hand, should be
zoned exclusively fo� neighborhood /evel commercial uses. As
$R THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN
��'�JI�J
discussed previously, residentia! uses shou(d 6e phased out and fhe
zoning recommended he�e is consisterrt with that policy.
A. Ensure that adopted land use regulations are supportive of the
community's revitalization efforts.
The study area should be rezoned as indicated on the following
maps.
2. The community encourages highe� density residential
development along major transportation corridors--University
Avenue, Minnehaha Avenue and Pierce Butler--provided that it
meets the foilowing standards:
a. its scale is consistent with the surrounding character of the
neighborhood. Pedestrian scale duptexes and townhouses
are preferred.
b. Its design and orientation to the street are consistent with
the surrounding neighborhood.
c. Provisions are made for play areas and green space.
d. Parking and tra�c issues are adequately addressed.
The consistency of the proposed redeveiopment with these
standards will be the focus of the district council's review of a
petition for rezoning.
3. Rezonings of properties for higher density new construction or
rehabilitation in the balance of the study area will be considered
on a case by case basis. The district council will support those
applications that represent high quality development in keeping
with the character of the neighborhood.
4. Mixed residential/commercial/o�ce structures are encouraged
along University Avenue and Dale Street. Relatediy, it is
recommended that the Planning Commission study and
propose appropriate amendments to the Zoning Code to
encourage mixed use development in the B-2 zoning district.
5. There shou{d be no additional expansion of commerciai uses or
parking onto Sherburne Avenue within the study area except on
the b�ock west of Dale between University and Sherbume
Avenues where additionai parking may be required to allow the
establishment of commercial uses on the west side of Dale
Street between University and Sherbume Avenues. In cases
where parking expansion is approved, existing policies related
to setbacks, landscaping and access should be enforced.
Should the market on University Avenue begin to require
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN 39
R�-3t�
significant additiona! space, and there is no altemative to an
expansion to the south side of Sherbume Avenue, potential
developers could work with the district council to develop a
mutually acceptable plan and propose an amendment to the
comprehensive pian that would allow such an expansion.
Implementittg Partners
Saint Paul Planning Commission
DisUict 7 Planning Council
Midway Chamber of Commerce
University UNITED
4O THOMAS DALE SMe1LL AREA PLAN
`��'J��
Saint Paui Planning Commission
Peg J. Birk
Joseph P. Chavez
Esperanza Duarte
Carole Faricy
Litton Field, Jr.
Anne Flaxman Geisser
Stephen D. Gordon
Frank Gumey
R+chard J.F. Kramer
Michael Lee
Eileen J. Lund-Johnson
Thomas Dale Smail Area Plan
Kevin Kittilson, Co-chair
Kurt Schwichtenberg, Co-chair
Brenda Alexander
Christopher Coleman
David Colwell
Elizabeth Colwell
Beverly Hawkins
Duane Johnson
Mazi Johnson
Kevin Kajer
Kristen Kidder
Victoria Kittiison
Tou Sue Lee
David Liset
Joyce Maddox
Timothy Mardell
David McDonell, Chair
Gladys Morton
Richard Nowlin
Kurt Schwichtenberg
Michael Sharpe
Imogene Treichel
Mark Vaught
Barbara A. Wencl
Task Force
Pat Lindgren
Lengchy Lor
Morris Manning
Mary Miiliner
Bilt Pepar
Becky Rice
Margaret Romero
Janet Marie Shane
Ron Stevens
Connie Stewart
Barbara Strommer
Sandy Unger
Andy Wiiliams
Clare Wilson
District 7 Planning Council
Michael Samuelson
Sailie Sheppheard
Spencer Blaw
Joanne Tooley
Kenrie Williams
Department of Planning and
Pamela Wheelock, Director
Hope Metton, Planner
Katy Lindblad, Project Manager
Economic Development
Ken Ford, Planning Administrator
Nancy Homans, Planner
Joan Hagen Chinn, Graphic Artist
The Distiict 7 Planning Council and the City of Saint Paul gratefully acknowledge
the confribution made by ihe Bigelow Foundation to fhis planninq process.
The City of Saint Paul does not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, sex, sexuai or
affectional orientation, age, color, creed, national origin or ancestry, marital status, religion,
veteran status, or status with regard to public assistance in the admission or access to, or
treatment or employment in, its programs or activities.
The City of Saint Paul
Norm Coleman, Mayor
THOMASDALESMALLAREAPLAN 43
,a
�.}
Thomas Dale
- Small Area Plan
Community Letters of Commitment
<,.
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November 15, 1996
David McDonell, Chair
St. Paul Planning Commission
c/o Nancy Holmans
Department of Planning and Economic Development
25 West Fourth Sireet
St. Paul, Minnesota 55102
Deaz Mr. McDonnell:
u�- ��3
Thomas • Dale
District 7 Community Council, Inc.
369 University Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55103
PA:(612)298-5065
FAX:(612)298-5072
At its September 26, 1996 board of directors meeting, the Thomas/Dale IJistrict 7 Planning Council
passed a modon expressing its unanimous support for the draft Thomas Dale Small Area Plan that is
now in before the St. Paul Planning Commission for your review, comments and approval.
This document has been carefully developed over the past three years by our community. We have
worked hand-in-hand with one common goal in mind - to heip blaze a path where our residents,
businesses, public agencies and our many neighborhood partners can iravel in order to assist with the
preservarion and revitalization of the Thomas Dale communiry. This plan represents the hopes and
dreams many of us have for this very important pomon of central St. Paul. We feel that it can be a
pian that we and our pazmers can all use each and everyday in order to ensure that the Thomas Dale
area continues to be a great place to live, work and raise our families.
Now that this particulaz planning process at the community level has been completed the real work is
about to begin. We have already started the implementation of some key components of this plan.
For exampie, a community visioning process on the future reuse of the former Dale Street Burlington
Northern train yards begins this month. Its task is to develop a plan for what this possible industrial
pazk would look like and more importantly how it can help to sdmulate the further revitalizarion of our
community. We expect to be busy for many yeazs to come maidng sure that this plan is an active
guidepost for our community and the city to foliow.
As you may know, the primary task that our district council took during this process was to help
coordinate the communiry-based task force which actually developed this draft Small Area Plan.
Upon review of this document you will see why we feel that we did our job quite well. We wish to
acknowledge the fine support and guidance our task force received from your staf£ Both Ms.
Homans and Melton were invaluable resources to this planning pmcess and our simple thanks could
never be enough to express the debt we owe to their work on this draft Small Area Plan.
Thank you for your thoughtfui review and, we hope, your eventual approval of this very important
document. If you have need for any further inforxnation please contact me at 298-5068.
Sincerely,
1ti�� G
�1�
Michael Samuelson, Executive Director
Thomas/Dale District 7 Planning Council
°�����-
Frogtown Action Alliance
�~�
� ��
September 20, 1996
Bany Madore, Boazd Chair
Thomas-Dale District 7 Council
369 University Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55103
Dear Mr. Madore:
689 NORTH DALE STREET
ST. PAUL, MN 55103
(612) 2247184
SEP 2 4 REC'D
The Frogtown Action Alliance (FAA) mission is to bring together the diverse individuals and
organizations in Frogtown to create and carry out a responsive neighborhood initiated plan for sustained
action that addresses and provides solutions for the issues and problems the neighborhood faces. FAA
is committed to fostering the broadest possible representation and participation in a neighborhood
decision making by all Frogtown residents regardiess of ethnicity, economically disadvantaged, or other
distinctions.
FAA supports the Small Area Plan with the following three modifications:
♦ Page 1, Economic Development section under subtitle Capitalize on Redevelopment Opportur:ities
section (A). Add as follows:
"7. Collaborate with Wilder Foundation and other implementing partners to collaborate and
develop an industrial site that includes a National Guard Armory, Charter School, Neighborhood
Center and other business development to encourage job stimulation and growth."
♦ Page 3, . Add the Wilder Foundation as an Implementing Partner.
�1 Additional clarification should be added relating to the implementation plan for the objectives in the
Small Area Plan.
Thank you for the opporiunity to meet with you, however, FAA staff has been involved and made
recommendations to the board. Please contact me at 645-6445 if you have any questions related to this
matter.
Sincerely,
� '+, f
ti %� n !%��
�: � ,'� ' 'Z'
Ike Welborn
Board Chair
cc: Michael Samualson
Shem Shakir
District 7 Board of Directors
FAA Board of Directors
-An Equal Opportuniry Employer-
�
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��-313
Greater Frogtown Community Development Corpor
Telephone �612J 298-8980
689 Norih Dale $freet
Si. Paul, MN 55103
September 23, 1996
Mr. Kevin Kittilson, Co-Chair
Mr. Kurt Schwichtenberg, Co-Chair
Thomas Dale Small Area Plan Task Force
c�o Thomas Da1e District 7 Plauuiug Council
369 University Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55103
Dear Mr. Kittilson and Mr. Schwichtenberg:
SEP 2 6 �
The Greater Frogtown Community Development Corporation's Boazd of Directors and
Staff are pleased to offer their support of the Thomas-Dale Small Area Plan.
The Small Area Plan, was xeviewed and approved by the GFCDC Boazd of Directors
during their last meeting on September 16, 1996. As the mission of GFCDC calls for the
development and rehab of high quality affordable housing, as well as the improvement of
rental and homeownership opportunities, we concur with the goals identified in the Plan's
Housing Strategy, such as increasing the level of homeownership, improving the
condition of the housing stock, and maintaining the affordability of rental housing.
Our Board Members and Staff will be incorparating pieces of the Small Area Plan into
our organization's strategic plan and work plans at our upcoming retreat in November.
The Small Area PZan will certainly be beneficial to the Frogtown community.
Sincerely,
/; �
� �
'� �� .%�—� �
Denise M. Harris
President
VV�il Foundation SEP 2 6 REC'0
Since 1906
Executive Office
919 Lafond Avenue Saint Paul_ MN 55104 (612) 642-4098 FAX (612) 642-4068
September 24, 1996
Spencer Blaw
Thou?a�-Dale Srxal] Area P?an Task F�-��
c/o District 7 Planning Council
369 University Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55103
Deaz Spencer:
I azn writing on behalf of the Amherst H. Witder Foundation to express strong support
for the Thomas-Dale small azea plan. We are most anxious to assist in the
unplementation plan along with other members of the Thomas-Dale community.
I have been particularly impressed with your attempts to get input from all of the
different interested groups in the community.
PIease extend our appreciation for this plan Eo the DistricE 7 Plaiuung Council and our
offer to participate in the implementation of the plan.
Sincerely,
� � �
� `` s _
—_ >
Thomas W. Kingston
President
TWK:ae
Presidenr
Thonas Vr. Kinesron
Board of Direciors
Kennon V. Rothchild, Chair. Elizabe[h M. Kiema[, Fast Vice Chair: Anthony L. Andersen. Second V�ce Cha�r.
Malcolm R� McDonald. Secretary. Ihrec[ors Chazlton Die¢. Elisabeth W. Dcermann.
Chazles �f Osbome. Mary Thornton Phillips, Peter B. Ridder. Bazbara B- Roy
�� ' J� �
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.
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MODEL CITIE$
OF 5T. PAUL. INC.
September 26, 1996
I<evin ICittilson and I<urt Schwichtenberg, co-chairs
District 7 Plazuung Council
369 University Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55103
Dear Chairpersons:
This letter is to express our support for the Thomas-Dale Small Area Plan in
recognition of the many hours that city staff and community volunteexs
committed to its development. Model Cities' sta£f were among those who
participated on the Small Area Plan Task Force. We are happy with the result
of the many hours of dedicated work and look foivvard to the final adoption of
the Thomas-Dale Small Area Plan.
We support the recommendations described in the plan. We are committed to
t��orking with other implementing partners to realize the plan's vision of
Thomas-Dale as a community where families can live in decent, af£ordable
housing and find opportunities for employment and ownership; and a
neighborhood that is a clean and safe place to live, where all are valued.
Thank you for the opportunity to review than.
SincerelV,
(l ���ltJ !`q�(,1,1�
��
Beverlev Ohver Hawkins, Ph.D.
!
Chief Executive Officer
�� -�l �
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`Building CommuniZy"
September 26, 1996
Mr. Spencer Blaw
District 7 Planning Council
369 University Avenue
St, Paul, MN 55103
Dear Mr. Blaw,
Twin Cities Habitatfor Humanity
I am pleased to provide to you this letter of support for the work thaz you and your Task Force have done
to produce the Thomas Dale Small Area Plan. It is an excellent example of the kind of vision and
creativity that exists in our communities, and which is so critical to the revitali�ation of our
neighborhoods.
We are particulazly impressed by the range of options outlined in the section on housing strategies. While
Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity conducts a particulaz type of owner occupied housing development, we
recognize that neighborhoods and households need a range of options in order to meet their individual and
community housing needs. We aze very pleased to be listed as a potential implementor of some of these
strategies, and we stand ready to work with ti7e Dishict Council, the Greater Frogtown Community
Deve]opment Corporation and the other key leadership groups in the Thomas Dale area to deliver both
new conshuction and renovated houses of an ownership nature to fami]ies with modest incomes.
Just this week we began the rehabilitation of a home at 781 Lafond. This home is being rehabilitated in
partnership with many community groups and is being sponsored by the Wilder Foundation. At the
neighborhood festival that was held to celebrate the kick off of this home ]ast Saturday, we realized that
there are many families in the Frogtown neighborhood who would appreciate the chance to purchase a
home in the community. Habitat for Humanity stands ready to respond to those needs as long as we are
able to work in parmership with the District Council, the CDC, and ali of the other organizaYions
providing leadership and direction to the Thomas Dale community.
1 regret that an unexpected commitment will keep me away from your gathering tonight where the Small
Area Plan will be presented to the District Council. It is my hope that this letter will fully convey to you,
and to the Council, Habitat for Humanity's strong commihnent to helping the community fulfill the
potentia! it has for being a rrcodel neighborhood in the City of St. PauL Please do not hesitate to call me
iF you should have any questions or if you or the District Counci] wish to further pursue collaborative
ideas involving Habitat for Humanity in the months to come.
Very truly yours,
_ ___. . ��
' -- _ �.._ � �.
Stepl�en Seidel
Executive Director
SSlkmc
>001 F�trrtU Streel S,E • dlanneaJ�olas. d7R55474 •(612) 331-4090 •!"672) j3J-2540Fax
q`���i3
V1lt N D
Western 1nit+atives far Neighbarhoad I}evelopment
65'I �/z UNIVERSI7Y AVENUE
September 26, 1996
• ST. PAUL, MN 551Q4 • PHOlVE: 291-2480 • FAX: 29�-2597
Mr. xevin Kittilson, co-ahair
Kurt Schwichtenberg, co-chair
Thomas Dale Small Area Plan Committee
cio District � Planning Council
369 University Avenue
St. Pau1,lV�innesota 55104
Dear Kevin, Kurt and Committee members:
SEP 2 6 RfC`D
I wrnild like to cangratulate �ll of you on the tremendous job you did on the Small Area Flan for
Thomas Dale. The aznount of work aztd thvugirt you put into it is very apparant, and the pian will
be a very valuable tool for this community for many years.
I have not had time to review all of your draft pfan, but T have lool:ed over my area of
involvement, ecnomic development. I have the following comments:
i. Inciuding in the vision statement the creation of "vibrant productive businesses" is a strong
positive message about their importance to this community,
2. Putting FAA as the Iead organization an raost of these recommendations is consistent with tf�e
roles in the commuzuty, as I have seen them evolve over the past few years. It is good to re-state
tius. You may wani to inciude them on page 2, item A3, as par[ of the communify plaruzing tearn
for-i:�e Dale Street Shops site, since later you list them in the tead on the project.
3. Your connection between businesses gettin� pu�lic subsidies and their participation with City
jobs and training progarns is good. A stronger point could be made about the need for advanced
training provided to area residents, which would b� triggered by very early notification from new
businesses about the nature of skiils needed for the'u upcoming jobs.
4. Regarding Aale Street, some of the thought I have heard involves the west side sidewalk bein�
wider than average, and used for outdoor seating, displays, etc. for the businesses. The wideness
creates a zane of comfort and ambiance that enhances the businesses and community feel.
5 FAA and the Neighborhood Devetopment Center have offered an extensive micro-
entrepreneur training and loan program to Frogtown residents for over two years now. Over 5a
persons have atready gone t}�rough this training, and many have started businesses here in thls
community. This training, ai least in a generic form, should be mentioned on page 5 or 6, in your
section on micra business development.
W IND 15 8 Cammumiy Oevelopment Corporailon Subsid�ary of Western Bank
R�-�r� .
I liked the content ofthe rost ofyo�r economic development section. T'her� is much To do in this
cammunity, and I believe your vision for it is comprehensive and e�cciting. Now lets a21 work
iogether to achitve it.
Thank you fflr your great work.
Sincerely,
r
' Milce '�emati
iWIND
r
ASIAN AMERICAN PRESS
417 University Avenue � SG Paul, MN 55103 ❑ Phone (612) 224�570 D FAX (612) 224-7Q32
��'�'� � 5 REC'D
November 4, 1996
Mr. Michael Samuelson
Distric[ 7 Planning Council
369 University Avenue
Saint Paul, MN 55103
Dear Michael,
Thank you for including Asian American Press as a participant in the presentation of the Thomas-Dale
Small Area Plan on September 26, 1996.
After listening [o the discussions and reviewing the draft, I feel very good about the plan. I feel tlus will
have a very positive impact on the neighborhood.
We at the Asian American Press and the Asian Business & Communiry foundation fully support the
Planning CounciPs goals.
I believe our community tiuly appreciates this initiatve. The Task Force has put together an escellent pian.
�T�_
Sincerely,
Nghi Huynh
Publisher/Editor Asian American Press
President Asian Business & Community Foundation
l �i�(� .
��CK-V�C��tK-iT-t,�tfT �ENTER
ANOY WILLIAMS JR.
EXECUTIVE DIRECfOR
785 NORTH MIL70N STREET
ST. PAUL 55744 RAMSEY
Telephorta 6i21188-7036
.. �. :.u.- . •••
Michael Smnuelson, Ezecutive I3irector
Districr Seven Plamm�g Councit
369 UniversityAvemte
St Pmt� MN 55103
Dear�clrQe�
I would like to share our support for the Thomas I3ate SmallArea Plan ToskForce drafrPlan. I mn
canfrderet that gi+'en the time rnrd care put into devetoping thisglan, it has the support vf the
communi�y�. I encourage the Distrlct Counctt to endorse the draft plan a►id forward it ro the Plmming
Commission and City Coundl fos �doption. As Fxecutive Direcwr of Save Our Ciry`s Kids, a member
of ihe Tirsk F'oree and a neighbor and community activist I know tltat the plan re, fiect the needs and
wishes of tlae community mrd will provide a solid po&cy framework for future community building and
p3n�sical development.
F�Ye erre grateful for th� leadership shown by the Task Force m developir�g tfee P1mt. R'e are alsa
?�n?�.r! f�r ?3;e s��pport mxl tnterest shmsm hl.� the mmry purticipartts in the vision come true. I would
also lrke to acLrtowledge the cNtical sia�t''supFort the Dfstrict Seven P/rlrming Councit and the Citv
Ptrnertine and Economic I3evelapmeni I3eprtrhnent have provided io tlie Task Force and irs worl�
P��ase do not hesitctte fo cal! upon SO.C.K or myseljto support the Plan cmd its' implementation
kcr»artf::lh• Fny�r�
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�ndt' �'illiar�s.Ir.
Executive Director
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co:nnatin3ty t6edirec�s►is neads.
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Frogtown Family R,esource Center
377 University Avenue (at Western), Saint Paul, MN 55103
PHONE: (612) 290-8376 FAX: (612) 293-5260
September 24, 1996
ThomasDale District 7
P�3R.^.7C.j �^U;1C11
369 University Avenue
St. Pau7, MN 55103
Dear Planning Council members:
��-���
The staff of Frogtown Family Resource Center want you to know that we support your
work on the Small Area Plan for our neighborhood. We share this vision of strengthening
families, seeing that housing is decent and affordable, and want to do our part to
provide educational opportunites for Frogtown families. We value all our neighbors
and consider it a privilege to work in this neighborhood.
Please know that we support the policy framework as
fications agreed upon at the September 26th meeting,
you've already done. Thanks for a good job!
In partnership,
/`�
Todd Seabury-Kolod
laid out in the summary. Any modi-
we hope, will enhance the work
�
�����b•� Saiat Paut Public Schools Community Education
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Universi�y UNIT�D
A CO�LITIOR OF MIDWAY CIflIE�S .iT'D BUSt\ESS
November 20,1996
Nfichael Samuelsan
Executive Director
Thomas-Dale
Distnct 7 Planning CounCil
369 University Avenue
St. PauE, MN 55103
Dear Mc Sameulso��.
At iYs Qctober Board mee6ng, University UN)TED's Board o4 pirectors voted to
enrnurapP and siipp�M thP paa�s of the Thomas-nala Smali Area Pian, which da
not conflict with the Midvway Chambers' 40 Acre Study.
5pecificaily, UhIITED suppor#s the plans' Economic Development Strategy, as an
implementing partner. ! he boartl and statt would afso IiKe to be mcluded as
either a resource or implementing parknec in the folfowing categories:
1. Micro Enterprise and Small Business, /t and B
2. Work Towards Fui! Employment, A and B
3. Cammunity Buildtng, C
4. Traffio and Transportation, A and C
5. Regional Transportation and L&nd use Potic+es
6. Building Community Support for Education, A and E
7. Land Use and Rezoning, A •
In your Vision Statement you refer to makinq the area a safe place to live,
however there are no crime and safety strategies listed. UNITED would
see itself Ss an im�lementinc� partner on crime stralegiaS
Sincerely,
�� �� �t��d
4rena Rodr+guez
University UNITED
Nelghborhood �nvestment �hrough �conomic
Spf;x:e T�3e CeiiGti •�BD7 U+iiversYy kveaue � 5U11e 4• 54 Pxul, IdN 55704-3E25! (612} 547•6T11 • Fax (612) 64622°7
��-��� .
ST. PAUL FAMILY LEARNING CENTER CHARTER SCHOOL
INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 4019
September 20, 1996
Kevin Kitiilson and Kurt Schwichtenberg, Co-Chairs
District 7 Planning Council
369 University Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55103
Dear Chairpersons:
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This letter is to express my support for the Thomas-Dale Smal] Area Plan, and especiatly the education
strategy outlined in the draft Plan. Collaboration among the various groups and organizations that make
up the community is essential for the positive economic development of urban neighborhoods. The
Family Leaming Center school works with community members and organizations. The charter school
planning group met several times with the Frogtown Networking Crroup and the Thomas-Dale Block
Club to get input into the design of our new school. Our basic school pmgram is very much in tune
with the Plan's education strategy, including elements such as conflict resolution, parental involvement
in setting the course of each child's learning, and extensive use of volunteers in the school. We
currently offer an early-moming program and hope to provide after-school programming as well.
The Fami]y Leaming Center school is not physicatly located in the Thomas-Dale neighborhood (we
wanted to find a facility in Frogtown but were unable to find a suitable facility) but includes this
section of the city in its enroliment azea, which comprises the whole of the 55103 and SSI04 zip codes.
We opened as a K-4 school on September 3 and hope to expand to a pre-K-12 program over the next
few years. The school has recruited a number of students from the Small Area Plan neighborhood and
will continue involvement in the azea.
On behalf of the St. Paul Family Leaming Center Charter School, I want to express my wholehearted
support for the Thomas-Dale Small Area Plan. T'he school is committed to working with the
community and will collaborate with other organizations Yo implement the Small Area Plan.
Sincerely,
�JG�J�hr
/
Wayne B. Jennings
School Director
-...
lr�dependertt School District #4019 • i 355 Pierce BuUer Route, St. Paul, MN 55104-1359 • Ph. 612 644-5052 • Fau 612
645-0240
�
.
:;��;: HealthPartners
St. Paul-Ramsey Medical Center
640 Jackson Street
St Paul, MN 55701-2595
672221.3456
August 30, 1996
Spencer Blaw
Thomas Dale Small Area Plan Task Force
c/o District Seven Planning Council
369 University Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55103
��-3i3
S�P 0 � RfC`D
Dear Mr. Blaw and the Thomas Dale Small Area Plan Task Force:
Thank you for the opportunity to review the Thomas Dale Small Area Plan. I
have reviewed the plan and congratulate the Task Force on a job well done.
You can count on our suppoR for the recommendations outlined in the Plan, and
I will plan on attending the meeting on September 26th.
We support the recommendations outlined and look forward to working with the
other implementing partners on the specific strategies, particularly in the areas of
community building and health care. As you probably know, we are strong
supporters of the Model Cities Health Center as the primary provider of
community based medical and dental services, and have a long history of
working together with the Health Center. We certainly will be active participants
in a formal community health care coalition organized by the community and
agree with the focus on preventative care, immunizations and well child care.
We are also committed to working with other providers and agencies in the
Thomas Dale community to find ways to integrate services and find new,
coiiaborative ways of serving our communi'ry anci expanci tne use ofi our limited
resources. Real and anticipated funding cuts from both federal and local levefs
will require all of us to work more closely together to better leverage the
resources we can retain.
Sincerely,
(/ I � ` ,
.,- , F � i, i�./ ` l, l �'�%, i.' V'L(���
Gabrielle Lawrence
Vice President, Community Partnerships
H:_:;tl'.`'.::.':• m-pror,rbenealtL+.�,`oan�rxer.+ber'sarzdo¢vcomm:nttti�
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CATHOLIC
CHARITIES
Advocacy and
Outreach Division
Frogown Cenrer
633 Umveisty Avenue
Sc Paul. MN 55104-4802
September 24, 1996
Kurt Schwichtenberg and Kevin KittiLson
Co-Chaus Thomas-Dale Small Area Plan Task Force
eiz-zzz-i2so c% District Seven Pl�wnmg Counc�l
fas 612-222-0198 369 University Avenue West
Saint Paul, MN 55103
Dear Mr. Schwichtenberg and Mr. Kittilson,
V M f V V 9t�ta
I am writing to e�ress the support of Catholic Charities Frogtown Center
for the Thomas Dale Small Area Plan. I would l�ke to commend the Task
Force and the I7istrict Seven Planning Council for your hard work and
persistence m developing this Plan. I have reviewed the Plan and spoken
with our staff and various community members about it. We find that the
Plan reflects the input and 'mterests of our community and it provides a
solid framework for guiding future physical development and community
buiiding efforts in the neighborhood
We at Catholic Charities are committed to bemg a pro-active and peaceful
player in the community. It follows that we are committed to supporting
the Thomas-Dale Small Area Plan Task Force, the District Seven Planning
Council, and the other community partners in implementing the Plan and
it's various strategies m the comrog yeazs. We look forward to woskmg
with you to strengthen our communiry.
With Sincere and Peaceful Thoughts,
._ , • c��
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Metvm Giles
Program Manager
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.�r,r��l����«,«. 1 ,��n,i t;,, ar�d
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d..irrJrt�n Fp Cn��nd on
i�,n w:.:n. u q' Sanarc.
rm Fanuh� rtnd Clufdren
in Equal Oppnrt«ioq' Emplaper
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PROPOSED AMENDME S TO RESOLUTION 97-313 - Adopting the Thomas Dale
Small Area Plan as an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan
BE IT FURTHER RFSOLVED, that the plan be amended to incorporate the following
clarifications:
on page 37: Explore opportunities to expand the m_ _�; recreation center and its
site, possibly through the realignment of Pierce Butler Route.
on page 30: Bncourage the establishment of a community.,school and one or more
charter schools in the community.
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that PED staff is directed to submit to the City Council within
six weeks a work program for the implementation of the plan. The work program should be
developed in collaboration with the partner organizations and agencies listed in the plan and
should include an overall timeline for the implementation of key recommendations as well as a
Year I Agenda for 1997-48. The Year I Agenda should specifically identify: (1) resources
already committed by public, private and community agencies and organizations to priority
action items in 1997 and 1998; and (2) those action items for which resources need to be
secured. ,
ct� -� ��
CIT'Y OF SAINT' PAUL 390 City Hall Te[ephone: 6Z2-266-8570
NormColeman,Mayor ISWestKelloggBoulev¢rd F¢csimi[e:6I2-22&8513
Saviz Poul. MN55102
January 21, 1997
Council President Dave Thune
and Members of the City Council
310B City Hall
Saint Paul, MN 55102
Dear Council President Thune and Members of the City Council:
I am pleased to transmit for your consideration the Thomas Dale Sma// Area Plan and
Forty Acre Study recently recommended by the Saint Paul Planning Commission. The
plan, developed by a neighborhood-based task force, sets forth a series of strategies
including those related to economic development, housing, and community building.
__ Whether it is the redevelopment of the Dale Street Shops/Maxson Stee{ site as a modern
industrial park, the rehabilitation of individua{ homes in one of Saint Paul's oldest
neighborhoods, or support far the Model Cities Nealth Center as a critical neighborhood
resource, the plan takes seriously the neeci for an integrated response to the full range of
neighborhood concerns. Identified with each strategy is a list of organizations and
agencies who have agreed to work toward its implementation. A packet of letters
reflecting that commiYment accompanies the plan. { urge the CounciPs adoption of the
Thomas Dale Small Area P/an as an amendment to the City's comprehensive plan,
signaling the City's own commitment to this effort.
You will also receive, with a separate green sheet, a draR ordinance that would
implement the rezonings recommended in the plan's land use strategy.
Thank you, in advance, for your prompt consideration of these two items. Please feel
free to call Ken Ford (266-6577} or Nancy Homans (266-6557) of our planning staff if you
have any questions or need additional information.
Mayor
Enclosures
PLANNIhIG CObIMISSION \ 1 ^ � � �
David McDonell, C/tair
CITY OF SAINT PAUL iiooct�x�ra,�
Norm Co[eman, Mayor 25 West Fourth S[reet Telephone: 612-266-6565
SaintPaul, MNSSIO2 F¢csimi[e: 6I2-228-3374
January 2, 1997
Mayor Norm Coleman
390 City Hall
Saint Paul, MN 55102
Dear Mayor Coleman:
Enclosed is the Thomas Dale Small Area Plan and 40 Acre Study certified on
December 20, 1996 by the Planning Commission for adoption as an amendment to the
Saint Paul Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Code. The accompanying Commission
resolution asks that you transmit the plan to the City Council with your recommendation
that it be adopted.
The Thomas Dale Small Area Plan and 40 Acre Study is the product of an extensive
community process spearheaded by a task force jointly convened by the Planning
Commission and District Seven Planning Council and co-chaired by Kevin Kittilson and
Commissioner Kurt Schwichtenberg. ln their monthly meetings, special workshops and
neighborhood-wide forums, residents, business owners and organizational
representatives developed specific strategies in eight key areas of community life from
economic development to health care. The accompanying letters of commitment from
those charged with implementing the plan's specific recommendations is testimony to
depth and breadth of involvement in this process.
We look forward to your support--on behalf of the City's administrative departments--of
this important community planning initiative. Please call Ken Ford (255-6577) or Nancy
Homans (266-6557) of the planning division staff if you have any questions or concerns
about specific recommendations.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
,�Z�-������
David McDonell
Chair
Enclosures
�- � 3 �
,
q�i-3i3
Thomas-Dale
Smalt Area Plan
and
Forty Acre Study
City Council Review Draff
Recommended by the
Thomas Dale Small Area Plan Task Force
July 29, 1996
Recommended by the
District Seven Planning Council
September 26, 1996
Recommended by fhe
Saint Paul Planning Commission
December 20, 1996
p ai
9�-3i3
Introduction ......................................1
Economic Development Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Housing Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Community Building Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . : . . . . . . 20
Traffic and Transportation Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Education Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Health Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Parks and Recreation Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Land Use and Zoning Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
C redits .........................................43
11 THOMAS DALE SMAtL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft
Q�-�i3
The study area for the Thomas Dale Smal! Area Plan and Forty Acre
Study lies between Western and Victoria Avenues, University Avenue on
the south and the railroad tracks on the northern boundary. It is one of
Saint Paul's older neighborhoods, settied between 1870 and 1890 by
German, Polish, Irish and Scandinavian immigrants who built the
Victorian vernacular working- and middle-class homes and corner stores
that still give the area its small-town atmosphere. Today, the seventy
block area is characterized mainly by one and two family homes though
it is bordered by intensive commerciaf, industriaf and mulii-family uses.
Immigrants continue to find a home in Thomas Dale whose 6,700
residents represent a rich variety of races, ages, socio-economic classes
and household types.
The Thomas Date Small Area Plan is the definifion of a vision shared by
neighborhood residents and business owners and City officials as wel/
as a strategy for bringing this vision to rea/ity. /ts etfectiveness wi//
depend on its "adoption" as a policy framework by the key community
organizations in the area, ongoing efforts by those orga�izations to
discuss and jointly formulate policies in each of the subject areas
identified in the plan, and support for and co//aborafion with the key
implementing organizafions identified wifh each strafegy.
Vision Statement
The Thomas-Dale Community realizes that racial, economic and cultural
diversity enriches our lives. We, therefore, work together to:
• Strengthen families;
• See that everyone can live in decent, affordable, owned or rented
homes;
• Provide opportunities for employment, education and ownership;
• Create vibrant productive businesses;
• Make Thomas-Dale a safe, clean place to live where all are valued;
and
• Remember that beauty, humor and fun are as important to the soul as
food is to the body.
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft
Economic development is difficult to define—especially as the national
and internationa! economies undergo a transiYion not unlike the
industria! revolution of the last century. !t involves finding new uses for
old sites once used, and often polluted, by heavy industry. !t includes
the preparation of a work force for new kinds of jobs and circuitous
career pachs. Recent history has demonstrated that economic
development in Saint Paul is linked to the success of sma/ler businesses
and entrepreneurs. In Thomas Dale, it means deciding how best to meet
the consumer needs of an inner city community in an economic
environment that favors warehouse grocery stores and suburban
shopping malls. lmplementing neighborhood policy and programs
related to economic development is part of the mission of the Frogtown
Action Alliance. A four pronged strategy—consistent with that proposed
by the fconomic Devefopment Task Force of the Alliance—forms the
basis of the smal! area plan's recommendations relative to economic
development.
Capitalize on Redevelonment O��ortunities
A. Redevelop the Dale Street Shops site (bounded by Minnehaha, the
Burtington Northern tracks, Dale and Arundel), tRe neighboring
Maxson Steel site and any other contiguous non-residentia( parcels
with industrial uses capable of employing a sizable number of
employees at family-supporting wages. Specifically:
Responsible parties should complete the clean-up of the site
within Yhree to five years.
The d+strici council should seek funding to organize and
advocate for the ciean up and development of the site.
The design of the site should be a neighborhood asset. A
community based planning team including representatives
selected by the District 7 Planning Council, Frogtown Action
Alliance and North End community organizations should be
convened to work with the Port Authority on the redevelopment
of the site. Specific issues of concern include:
Parking. In order to allow maximum space for the industries
themselves and encourage development patterns that make
effective use of land and support transit services, efforts should
be made to minimize the amount of off-street parking provided
on the site.
2 THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft
� �
q�-3i3
Historic structures. Buildings that give the site its character
should be restored and reused where possibie.
Landscaping. The site should be carefully landscaped and
consideration given to providing for some passive recreational
space and bike and pedestrian trails that could be connected to
neighborhood, citywide and(or regional trails.
Community facilities. The planning team should explore
whether or not it is appropriate to devote a portion of the site to
one or more community facilities such as a school, community
center or National Guard training and recreation center.
4. In order to ensure that neighborhood residents have access to
the jobs created in the development, public subsidies to
businesses shouid be tied to their participation in City sponsored
job training and placement services. In anticipation of the
development of the site, the City/School District job training
services should, over the next three years, focus their efforts to
enlist and prepare neighborhood residents for those jobs.
5. in order to increase the possibility that businesses on the site will
empioy neighborhood residents, plans for an on-site or nearby
child care facility should be developed.
6. Explore the option of reconstructing Pierce Butier Route to bring
it directly onto the site—perhaps under the Dale Street Bridge.
That would improve the access to site as well as eliminate the
awkward terminus of Pierce Butler at Minnehaha and allow for
the expansion of the Minnehaha Recreation Center site.
implementing Partners
Frogtown Action Alliance, Convener
District 6 Planning Council
North End Area Revitalization (NEAR)
Saint Paui Port Authority
District 7 Planning Council
City of Saint Paul
Midway Chamber of Commerce
University UNITED
Western Initiatives for Neighborhood Development (WIND)
Wilder Foundation
B. Take advantage of the planned widening of Dale Street to revitalize
it as a neighborhood scale commercial center for the community.
Specifically:
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft $
a7��i�
7he new roadway should be designed to create a safe,
pedestrian-friendly environment with reduced traffic speeds
through the neighborhood. Specific elements may inciude;
linear park on the east side of the street, attractive fencing to
shield neighboring homes from the corridor, uniform design
features to tie the eight block stretch together, and on-street
parking on the west side.
2. The west side of Dale should be characterized by pedestrian
oriented commercial uses—with automobile related uses
encouraged to locate on University Avenue. Residential uses on
the frontage should be phased out although mixed use structures
with residential units above commercial uses are encouraged.
(Suggested amendments to the City's Zoning Code consistent
with this recommendation are detailed later in the plan.)
3. The east side of Dale should retain the residential character that
has emerged as businesses were bought and relocated to provide
right of way for the street widening.
4. Business incubator space shouid be developed at appropriate
locations.
Vacant lots should be evaluated for their use as interim parking—
until the market provides for additional commercial uses.
Alternative neighborhood non-profit ownership of these parcefs
should be considered with the land being leased to adjoining
business owners for parking purposes. That would maximize the
flexibility of the land and minimize the likelihood that it would
be permanently used for parking. Community design guidelines
should govern the establishment of parking lots.
tmplemenfing Parfners
Frogtown Action Alliance, Convener
Department of Public Works
District 7 Planning Council
Midway Chamber of Commerce
WIND
C. Strengthen University Avenue as an attractive and healthy
commercial center, serving both as a neighborhood retail area for
those who live within the neighborhood and as a destination for the
surrounding region. Specific measures should include:
$ THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PIAN: City Council Review Draft
q�-3��
Encourage new �etail development—especially the variety of
services needed by neighborhood residents—to cluster at the
intersections of University and Dale, Rice, Marion, Western and
Victoria. A full service hardware store and drug store, for
instance, might be encouraged to locate on University Avenue.
2. A program of street scape improvements for University Avenue
should be developed with area 6usiness owners based on the
guidelines recommended in the University Avenue Corridor
Study. Consideration should be given to: creating a landscaped
center median, planting trees in the median a�d in the
sidewalks, and installing decorative lighting.
3. To the extent that additional off-street parking is required to
support University Avenue businesses, shared lots shoufd be
developed with frontage on University Avenue.
4. Careful attention should be given to ihe design, landscaping,
lighting and maintenance of existing and proposed parking lots
to ensure that tfiey support a positive image for surrounding
businesses.
5. University UNITED should seek appropriate capital funds on an
annual basis to implement the coordinated program of facade
improvements, tree planting, lighting, signage and street
furniture or decor.
6. Altematives to improve the appearance of the comer of
University and Victoria should be explored—to include reducing
the number of cars on and around the site, using landscaping the
screen the site, or establishing a more intensive alternative use.
Reduce the number of fiquor stores on University Avenue,
confining them as much as possible to the major retail centers
where management and security services can help reduce the
incidence of inappropriate behavior on the premises.
Implementing Partners
Frogtown Action Afiiance, Convener
District 7 Planning Council
Midway Chamber of Commerce
University UNITED
Model Cities
D. Support efforts by the Frogtown Action Alliance and Frogtown
Merchants Association to upgrade and strengthen Minnehaha
Center. Whi{e located outs+de tfie study area boundary,
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft
g�1-�i�
enhancements to ihe Center would enable it Yo provide important
services to study area residents.
Implementing Partners
Frogtown Action Alliance, Convener
Frogtown Merchants Association
Minnehaha Center Owners and Businesses
Develop Micro Enterprises and Small Businesses
A. Ensure that existing and potentia( sma(I businesses have access
fo the space, capital, fraining and information necessary for
their success. Specific initiatives include:
Provide incubator space with related training, technical
assistance and mentoring for emerging small businesses. The
existing micro-entrepreneur training and loan program is a good
model.
2. Market the availability of small business loans through PED
programs.
Secure funds—through the City's Sales Tax Revitalization
Program (STAR) or similar program—for facade improvement
loans and grants to enable the rehabilitation of storefronts for
small business use.
4. PED's Smal! Business Center, the Lexington Library and WIND,
Inc. should collaborate on the development of small business
assistance programs and materials — seminars, pamphlets, open
houses, canvasses or other means of ensuring that business
owners and potential business owners are aware ot the variety of
resources available to them.
5. Encourage neighborhood residents to patronize and be
supportive of area businesses. At The same time, encourage
neighborhood businesses to recognize—through their pricing
policies, merchandise selection and marketing strategies—the
particular role they can play in strengthening the community and
supporting its residents.
Implementing Partners
Frogtown Action Alliance, Convener
Lexington Library Small Business Center (PED)
Midway Chamber of Commerce Universiry UNITED
Model Cities WIND
fi THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review praft
��-�i�
B. Market the neighborhood as a place for commercial development
and business opportunities consistent with the needs of area
residents.
Ensure that organizations supporting emerging entrepreneurs
understand Thomas Dale's strengths as a centrally located
community with easy access and a diverse consumer market.
2. Seek out firms offering personal services that recent surveys have
indicated are under represented in Thomas Da1e.
3. Encourage investment by firms representing growth industries
such as priniing/publishing and medical services and related
suppliers.
Implementing Partners
Frogtown Action Alliance University UNITED
District 7 Planning Council Model Cities
Midway Chamber of Commerce
Work Towards Full Em I�oyment
A. Neighborhood residents should be aware of and adequately
prepared to fifi availabfe jobs throughout the metropolitan area.
Available training resources through the public schools, the
Ronald M. Hubbs Center for Lifelong Learning, community
colleges and Metro State University should continue to be
marketed through area agencies such as the Frogtown Family
Resource Center, Wilder Family and Children Services,
Headstart and the Model Cities Health Clinic.
2. Opportunities for offering training/education programs at
additional neighborhood locations should be explored.
3. Eully develop opportunities for community service For young
peop{e that offer payments toward college tuition or other post
high school training programs for participants.
4. A centra{ clearinghouse for employment opportunities that is
Iinked with other such establishments in the metro area as well
as a network of neighborhood agencies and organizations
should be established.
5. Job fairs should be held in the community or residents
transported to such events held throughout the metropolitan
area.
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PIAN: City Council Review Draft 7
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Implementing Partners
Frogtown Action Ailiance, Convener
St. Paul Workforce Development Center
Saint Paul Public School Center for Employment and Training
St Paul Urban League Model Cities
Community Education Wilder Foundation
Frogtown Family Resource Center
Ronald M. Hubbs Center for Lifelong Learning
Midway Chamber of Commerce
University UNITED
District 7 Pianning Councii
B. Pubfic or quasi-public transportation should be available to
transport area residents to employment centers throughout the
metropolitan area.
The Frogtown Action Alliance should work with major suburban
employers to coordinate the employment of area residents with
the provision of transportation. Alternatives include organizing
potential employees into carpoois, contracting with MCTO or
private transit providers to provide once a day transportation
from the neighborhood to regional employment centers and
back or subsid'+zing monthly bus passes when using the existing
transit system is practical. Neighborhood based small businesses
should be encouraged to participate in the provision of private
transit services.
2. The City and community should continue to advocate for
improved transit services throughout the metropolitan area at
affordable rates.
Implementing Partners
Frogtown Action Alliance, Convener
District 7 Planning Council
Metropolitan Council Transit Operations (MCTO?
Private Transit Services
University UNITED
Provide Basic Communi�y Services
A. Explore alternative arrangements that give neighborhood residents
access to grocery producYs at affordable prices.
Develop community gardens to provide fresh produce during
several months of the year. The esta6lisfiment of gardens should
8 THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Drafr
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be consistent with the parkslgreen space strategy recommended
later in the pian. Priority sites should be those larger spaces that
often exist near bus lines and between major land uses. Specific
provisions should be made for soii testing to ensure the iand is
not contaminated and the provision of water.
Create attractive Farmers Market opportunities for the sale of
produce in central—a�d accessible—locations in the community.
Expfore with interested entrepreneurs the possibility of
developing "mobile" grocery outlets—refrigerated vans or small
trucks from which basic groceries (milk, fruits and vegetables,
breads and cereals) couid be sold to neighborhood residents.
4. Explore the possibility of establishing a cooperative grocery store
where residents could exchange their labor for quality food at
affordable prices.
Implementing Partners
Frogtown Action Alliance, Convener
ivlodel Cities
B. Encourage and seek resources to subsidize the development of small
child care homes to enable parents to seek employment as well as
provide small business opportunities for neighborhood residents.
Implementing Partners
Frogtown Action AIliance
TNOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Drnft 9
Thomas Dale shou(d represent an attractrve residential option for
households across the wider community's racial, cultural and socio-
economic spectrums. T/�at is its heri[age and its pride. Significant
disinvestment in recent years, however, has placed the neighborhood at
risk of being home onfy to those who have few options and in danger ot
being caught in a continuing cycle of disinvestment and isolaYion.
Nealthy neighborhoods require continuing investment in the
maintenance, repair and rehabifitation of their residential and
commercial properties: A variety of tools are available to the City and
the neighborhood in their efforts to generate that investment. Thomas
Dale's housing strategy should involve some of each.
Mandate compliance with community standards through code
enforcement. Mandates, understandably, raise concerns about
outside enforcement agencies establishing unattarnable standards
that represent a hardsf�ip for community residents. It will be very
important, because of the limited economic means of many property
owners, that the standards be established through a community
process and be tied directly to resolving significant health and safety
concerns.
Stimulate and encourage private investment with a variety of
strategies to include offering public subsidies, deve/oping appropriate
tax policies, and amending underwriting standards. Financing
mechanisms will, in many cases, need to be specifically designed for
Thomas Dafe—with considerable emphasis on outreach, hands-on
assistance and flexibility.
Fncourage re-investment through [he establishment of an identity in
the marketp(ace attractive to those who have the resources to invest.
One asset on w1�icF� Thomas Dale can capitalize in defining such a
niche is its rich stock of historic homes in a traditionally designed
neighborhood. Research and the marketplace itself have
demonstrated that not only do people value older housing rn older
neighborhoods, but that the design characteristics associated with
those neighborhoods serve to enhance public safety, neighborhood
rnvolvemenc and community identity and pride.
Build re(ationships within the community, encouraging
neighborhood ownership and pride. There are a variety of strategies
related to building connections between people and between peopJe
and neighborhood institutions, building capacity and leveraging
neighborhood talents. !n the broadest sense, investment is
encouraged by a sense of communify in a sustaining/nurturing
environment.
� 0 THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft
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Among the risks of any strategy is that the market may be stimulated to
the point where property values are raised to a level that low income
and working ciass househoids cannot afford. Code enforcement,
rehabilitation andpreservation efforts need noT, however, displace low
income renters or homeowners. Displacement may occur, however, if
property values rise to the extent that owners of housing occupied by
lower income households either sell their property or raise rents.
Avoiding displacement will require that the neighborhood's housing
strategy include intentional efforts to secure a portion of the housing
stock at affordable levels.
Increase Level of Home Ownership
A. Ensure a sufficient stock of quality homes available for purchase.
Encourage the construction of new ownership housing on
individual vacant lots throughout the neighborhood. Priority sites
for new construction should be those on blocks with a significant
number of vacant lots, those where a new house would provide
the necessary investment to encourage other property owners to
make improvements, and those large enough to allow for the
construction of three and four bedroom homes to meet the
needs of large families.
Establish and maintain a revoiving loan fund to finance the
acquisition of problem properties for rehabi{itation and resale by
the Greater Frogtown Community Development Corporation.
Focus public resources on efforts that would not get done but for
the public financing.
Ensure that the construction and design of new homes do not
create a visual conflict with neighboring structures.
Advise and involve neighboring residents in the process of
selecting sites for new housing construction and the design of
che housing units themsefves when public development funds
are used.
6. Recognizing that homes and properties of various sizes are
important to the diversity of the community and can help to
provide and preserve affordable housing within the
neighborhood, construction of new homes on smalier lots (under
40 feet wide or less than 5,000 square feet) should be allowed
by the Board of Zoning Appeals if the following conditions are
met and followed:
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft 1 l
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The community and the district council support the
proposed construction; and
Provisions are made for adequate back yard and open space
on the lot.
Impiementing Parfners
Greater frogtown Community Deveiopment Corporation
Saint Paul Housing and Redevelopment Authority
Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC)
Habitat for Humanity
West Side Neighborhood Housing Services
District 7 Planning Council
Board of Zoning Appeals
B. Provide suitable financing mechanisms and other support services
to ensure that present Thomas Dale residents can and do take full
advantage of mortgage and rehabilitation financing programs.
Partner with agencies that provide support services to new
homeowners, including i�ome maintenance training, increasing
the probability of success for new fiomeowners.
2. Work with the Saint Paul Public Housing Agency to identify
appropriate homes for the Nomeward Program that provides
home ownership opportunities for selected low income
households.
3. Collaborate with the existing Mortgage Foreclosure Prevention
program operated by the City's Housing Information Office and
funded by the Northwest Area Foundation and the City to ensure
the program has the necessary ftexibility to meet the needs of
Thomas Dale residents.
4. Work with PED to develop and market non-traditional rehab and
first mortgage loan programs that are more likely to be successful
for neighborhood residents who may have poor credit histories
making them ineiigible for private financing.
PED should ascertain why applicants fail to complete the process
of securing rehab or first mortgage loans as a means of
identifying those aspects of the process that represent barriers for
lower income households. That information should be used to
make adjustments in the various public programs.
12 THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft
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6. PED should continue to work on streamlining its application and
review processes for public financing.
7. Design innovative alternative lending structures and financing
mechanisms—such as reverse mortgages, limited equity
cooperatives and land trusts—to serve the needs of first time low
and moderate income home b�yers.
8. Where necessary, lobby the State legislature to change housing
finance and public assistance policies that serve as barriers to
low income home ownership.
Implementing Partners
Greater Frogtown Community Development Corporation
Habitat for Humanity
Saint Paul PED
Housing Information Office
Local lending institutions
People's Network of Minnesota
C. Support efforts of prospective homeowners interested in
rehabilitating a home in the community.
Target some rehabilitation loans and grants to owners willing to
deconvert small duplexes and triplexes to their original single
family status.
2. Prevent the use of rehabilitation loans and grants for the
subdivision of existing structures to establish additional units.
3. Help to develop and/or promote classes through the Saint Pau1
Nome Improvement Program and Community Education that
assist homeowners in making home repairs and doing more
significant rehabilitation.
4. Organize small groups of interested homeowners to plan and
take advantage of these educational opportunities.
Implemertti�g Partners
Greater Frogtown Community Qevelopment Corporation
Saint Paul Housing and Redevelopment Authority
Local Initiatives Support Corporation (L1SC)
Community Education
SHOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: C"rty Council Review Draft 13
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Imprave Condition of Housin�Stock
A. Strengthen mechanisms that improve management and discourage
deferred maintenance in rental buildings before there is serious
deterioration.
1. ExYend the Certificate of Occupancy inspection program to rental
buildings with one or two units. The program should be
carefully designed to ensure the privacy of tenants, possibly by
restricting inspections to time periods 6etween tenants or by
agreement with the tenant.
2. Secure community based non-profit ownership and/or
management of a significant proportion of the neighborhood's
rental housing. The establishment of limited equity or leasehold
co-ops should be explored where appropriate.
3. Promote development of a Frogtown association of property
owners and managers. The association—that may be affiliated
witfi the Saint Paul Association of Responsible Landlords—would
provide training and technical assistance to association
members.
4. Support tenant advocacy, assistance and training programs
promoting residential stability and preventing hometessness.
lmplementing ParYners
Greater Frogtown Community Development Corporation
Model Cities
Saint Paul Association of Responsible Landlords
Distrid 7 Planning Council
Department of Licenses, Inspections and Environmental
Protection (LIEP)
B. Identify serious health and safety code violations and work with
property owners to secure the resources to make necessary
improvements.
Seek public, private or philanthropic funds to provide home
improvement grants to efigible households.
Enroll eligible vacant structures in the Houses to Homes
program,
Explore opportunities in conjunction with the Saint Paul
Technical University, the 7rades and Labor Unions and the
14 THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft
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various small business assistance programs to provide
neighborhood based education and training opportunities for
adults and young peopie interested in home repair and
remodeling.
4. Demolition should be considered a last resort and pursued only
when properties cannot be reused. To reduce the instances of
demolition, the City's Division of Public Heaith and community
development corporations should work together to:
• Improve communications so that CDCs are aware of
potential demofitions as early as possible;
• Take appropriate measures to obtain input from neighboring
residents and biock clubs;
• Evaluate individual buildings in context;
• Strengthen programs that allow vacant houses to become
available at a negligible cost for purchase and rehabilitation
(e.g. Dol{ar Houses); and
• Develop mechanisms whereby the City can obtain title to
vacant properties and convey them to a community
organization for rehabilitation.
implementing Partners
Department of Licenses, Inspection and Environmental
Protection (LIEP)
District 7 Planning Council
Greater Frogtown Community Development Corporation
Saint Paul Division of Public Health
Maintain Affordability of Rental Housing
A. Coupled with the strategies to support home ownership for area
resideats, systematic efforts must be made to ensure that a portion
of the rental housing in Thomas Dafe remains affordable to lower
income households.
Explore the feasibility of expanding or replicating programs such
as the United Way's Families First that rehabi{itated small rental
buildings, financing the purchase and rehabilitation in such a
way as to permanently write down the operating costs borne by
the tenants.
Explore the deve{opment of new rental apartment and
townhome complexes along University Avenue, Minnehaha.
Avenue and Pierce Butler.
Ensure that rent certificate and voucher programs are tied closely
to local market conditions so as not create windfalf profits for
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Dmft � S
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landlords and, therefore, a concentration of participating
properties.
4. Encourage the development of residential units on the second
and third floors above new commercial development on
University Avenue.
Implementing Partners
Greater Frogtown Community Devefopment Corporation
frogtown Action Alliance
Mode! CiTies
Project for Pride in Living
District 7 Planning Council
Identify, Preserve and Market Neighborhood
Attributes
A. Build an understanding of the neighborhood's historic character.
Develop pubiic education materials on the historic value of the
neighborhood, the attributes of neighborhood buildings, how to
recognize and protect the value of individual properties.
tmpiementing Partners
District 7 Planning Councif
Saint Paul Heritage Preservation Commission
B. Ensure that the pubiic i�frastructure is supportive of the area's
historic character,
Advocate for the installation of public improvements — sidewalks
and curbs, lighting, trees, signage etc — supportive of the area's
character.
Lantern style street lights should be the standard for the area with
provisions made to waive or secure alternative financing for the
related assessments.
Implementing Partners
District 7 Planning Council
Saint Paul Department of Public Works
C. Encourage the sensiYive rehabilitation of area structures as well as
compatible new construction on individual vacant lots.
16 THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft
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Develop rehab financing programs designed to encourage the
protection or restoration of the historic character of individual
structures.
2. Explore appropriate reuses for traditional corner store buildings
as artist housinglstudios or small businesses.
Owners of twenty-five properties identified in the 1983 Historic
Sites Survey for Saint Paul and Ramsey Counfy should be
encouraged to seek formaf designation as local and/or National
Register sites and the Heritage Preservation Commission should
support those applications.
4. Explore ways to take advantage of the concentration of unique
historical or architectural structures in the area bounded by
Mackubin and Dale, Sherburne and Van Buren. Potential
mechanisms include the creation of demonstration or
conservation district within which special efforts would be made
to educate property owners about the value of their buildings,
provide guidance on making structurai changes, and secure
resources to ensure the protection of the most important
structures. Such a district would not be designed primarily as a
regulatory tool though there may be guidelines associated with
resources and other incentives. Any policies governing such a
district should he carefully tuned to balance the resources of
property owners and the value of particular structures.
5. Amend the Saint Paul Zoning Code to support the continued use
of the several historic "alley houses" in the neighborhood.
Present and prospective owners have a difficuft time securing
mortgage or rehabilitation financing because the structures are
considered "nonconforming uses" in the code and cannot be re-
established in the event of serious structural damage without the
permission of the Planning Commission. The following
amendment would allow their reconstruction and, thus, reassure
potential lenders.
Sec. 62.102.(e) (-)
In any residential district, an existing second dwelfing on a single
lot may be reconstructed provided that the number of total
dwelling units on the lot is not increased. The structure may not
be structurally enlarged or extended.
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft � 7
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Impiemenfing Partners
Greater Frogtown Community Development Corporation
District 7 Planning Council
Saint Paui Heritage Preservation Commission
Saint Paul Planning Commission
D. Market the neighborhood.
In partnership with area realtors, market the neighborhood, its
houses and available financing mechanisms to potentia( market
niches.
implementing Partners
District 7 Planning Council
frogtown Times
Saint Paul Area Association of Realtors
Build Communit�Ownershi�
A. Deve(op, support and link together a variety of neighborhood based
associations to strengthen a sense of community.
Voluntary community associations are the most powerful mechanism
by which people are linked to their neighborhoods. 7hey provide a
sense of belonging as well as a vehicle for bringing resources and
people together to make things happen. They also provide a means
for people from different racial, economic and social groups to work
together for common ends.
Examples of voluntary community associations include PTAs,
churches, £riends of the local library, park and school booster clubs,
(oca( business associations, district councils, block clubs and
crimewatch chapters, mutual aid associations, landlord, homeowner,
renter or resident associations, community fair and festival sponsors,
garden clubs and beautification groups, Iocal historical societies,
youth groups, local development companies, civic clubs and support
groups.
B. EsYablish a Frogtown Neighborhood Improvement and Training
Center in conjunction with any of a number of existing community
organizations to work in conjunction witf� community development
and other revitalization initiatives.
The program would:
• Strengthen organizational capacity within the neighborhood.
18 THOAIAS DALE SMALL AREA PlAN: City Cou�il Review Draft
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Promote partnerships, particular4y among organizations that
promote revitalization.
Increase the skills and involvement of residents, including youth,
to improve their lives through self-help, leadership development,
political and other strategies.
Integrate a variety of programs or initiatives such as:
Youth Employment and Training
Public Service Work Crews
Community and Home Maintenance Education
Home Owner Finance Training
Too{ Lending Library
Micro-Enterprise Development
Ski{{s Bank Exchange
Community Steward Program
Strengthening Voluntary Community Associations
Keystone Housing and Commercial Devefopment
Positive Neighborhood images Program
fmplementing Partners
District 7 Planning Council
Thomas Dale Block Clubs
Community Education
Frogtown Action Alliance
Frogtown Festival, Inc.
Saint Paui Division of Parks and Recreation
Neighborhood businesses
Community agencies and organizations
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft 19
Healthy families are the building blocks of a strong community. To the
extent, therefore, that the other cl�apters of tf�is plan relate to ensuring
access to safe and afforda6le f�ousing, productive employment,
appropriate education and the range of amenities offered by libraries,
parks, recreation and cultural opportunities, the entire small area plan is
part and parcel of a community building strategy.
The strength of a community, however, is more than the sum of
individuals and their well being. A community is stronger when its
residents are linked together around shared concerns and common
purpose. A community is more effective when its services and voluntary
associations are carefully integrated. And a community is safer when
people look ou[ for each other and when the community as a whole
ensures that the needs of alf are met.
The following strategy, therefore, is built upon each of the other chapters
of the plan, but specifica!!y addresses issues of linkage, integration and
capacity through a discussion of two concerns: community services and
community places.
�tr�n_gthen Community Services
A. Area agencies and service providers should continually look for
ways to more carefully integrate new and existing services and
ensure that those services are consistent with the needs of
neighborhood residents.
There are dozens of organizations involved in providing essential
services to the community: public and private schools, churches,
Model Cities Health Center, businesses, Frogtown Action Alliance,
Thomas Dale Block Clubs, District 7 Planning Council, Wilder
Foundation, West Minnehaha Recreation Center, Scheffer Recreation
Center, Catholic Charities, Frogtown Family Resource Center. Ali are
doing good and important work. This strategy identifies ways that
existing services might be better integrated to ensure that (imited
resources are used to maximum advantage.
Community service providers should meet on a regular basis to
share information, address common issues and provide mutual
support.
2. New services should be designed in collaboration with existing
programs to increase effectiveness and avoid duplication.
20 THOMAS DALE SMALt AREA PLAN: City Counci( Review Draff
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Programs should take advantage of the network of block club<_
and commu�ity organizations to disseminate information and
receive feedback in their planning and program development.
4. Neighborhood residents should be invited to participate in the
design, delivery and evaluation of community programs.
B. Deveiop, support and link together a variety of neighborhood based
voluntary associations to strengthen a sense of community.
Voluntary community associations are the most powerful mechanism
by which people are linked to their neighborhoods. They provide a
sense of be�onging as wel( as a vehicle for bringing resources and
people together to make things happen. They also provide a means
for people from different racial, economic and social groups to work
together for common ends.
Examples of voluntary community associations include PTAs,
churches, friends of the local library, park and school booster clubs,
4ocal business associations, district councifs, block clubs and
crimewatch chapters, mutual aid associations, landlord, homeowner,
renter or resident associations, community fair and festival sponsors,
garden clubs and beautification groups, local historical societies,
youth groups, local development companies, civic clubs and support
groups.
Launch a five year initiative to build the capacity of
neighborhood based organizations to assess community assets,
design collaborative projects and nurture community leadership.
2. Continue to develop and support block clubs throughout the
community as the most basic unit of neighborhood organization.
Implementing Partners
Frogtown Neighborhood Network, Convener
Thomas Dale Block Clubs
Wilder Foundation
Bigelow Foundation
Neighborhood based organizations
C. Existing organizations should support community-wide efforts that
celebrate the neighborhood and its residents.
Support a neighborhood newspaper as a critica{ communication
link with virtually every househofd in the neighborhood.
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft 2�
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2. Strengthen the annuai Frogtown Festival with financial and
inkind contributions and vofunteer support. The City of Saint
Paul should consider subsidizing police services or providing
additional financial support for community festivals in
neighborhoods such as Thomas Dale that have fewer potential
sponsors.
3. Take advantage of opportunities to recognize the talents and
contributions of neighborhood residents.
4. Encourage "neighborliness." Recognize that there is often
nothing more powerful in the process of community building
than the individual acts of kindness among neighbors—shoveling
a neighbor's walk, listening to a child, offering encouragement to
a teenager or greeting a stranger,
Implementing Partners
Neighborhood based organizations
Neighborhood residents
University UNITED
D. In developing new services, priority should be given to the
following:
• Initiatives that support the capacities of families to nurture
children
• Services addressing the needs of children and youth
• Programs focussed on physical neighborhood improvements
Several initiatives are already underway:
Frogtown Family Center- Established under the auspices of the
Saint Paul Children's Initiative, the Frogtown Family Center is a
network of servites where residents find or are referred to the
full range of family services (e.g. family education, health care,
employment and training). Administered by a community-based
board, the Family Center relates close�y to the existing Frogtown
Family Resource center, a school distrid—community
collaboration focusing on early childhood and family education.
After School Activities - The State of Minnesota included $2
million in its biennial bonding bill to provide facilities within
which to provide after school programs. Additional funds are
availa6le from the federal government.
Charter School - Planning funds for new charter schools were
a!located by the 1996 legislature. The St. Paul Family Learning
22 THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft
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Center Charter School apened in the fall of 1996 and serves
famifies in the study area. There are hopes that additional
similar schools can be established in the Thomas Dale
community.
Implementing Partners
Neighborhood based organizations
Create Community Places
A. Pursue a community wide planning process to establish a
community center (or a principal center with satellite service
centers) that would:
• Be accessible to as high a percentage of the community as
possible
• Integrate multiple services (family education, health,
recreation)
• Be developed and managed by a collaboration of
community organizations
GaYhering places play an important role in the life of any
community. They are the places where people come to know
each other as neighbors, where important information is
available and shared, and where the community's story is
shaped and recounted to old-timers and new-comers alike. They
may be formally designated or simply emerge out of the rhythm
of daily life.
i
Among the challenges for the new community-building
initiatives now being planned is the acute lack of appropriate
space. There is, therefore, considerable interest in the
establishment of a community center at which a number of
services could be located.
The difficulty, of course, in a large geographic area with poor
transit services where few people have access to cars, is
selecting one place that "works" for the who{e community. An
alternative might be to establish a major center and link it—
through telecommunications, vans and/or joint programming—
with a select number of existing "satellite" centers.
Implementing Partners
Wilder Foundation, Convener
Neighborhood based organizations
7HOMA5 DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Drah 23
- I ����✓ Neighborhood transportation issues are not defined-nor are they
resoJved-in a vacuum. The transportation system that serves Thomas
Dale is a regiona( system. The streets, highways, bus routes and,
potentially, light rai( lines, that run tl�rougf� Thomas Dale connect it with
the metropo(itan area. Metropolitan decisions to invest in one mode of
[ransportation over against another have a profound impact on the
health and vitality of neighborhoods such as Thomas Dale. Thomas
Dale, in the final analysis, would be best served by a regional
transportation and land use policy that limits suburban development and
strengthens local transit services in inner city communities. The
community's challenge, [l�erefore, is to identify forums in which those
decisions are being made and become an effective advocate for
neighborhood interests.
Within the neighborhood, however, the condition and design of three
major arteriats as wefl as [he neighborhood street system and tl�e quality
of public transit service are the defining issues for the Traffic and
Transportation S[rategy. Most of the issues, however, are discussed in
the Economic Development Strategy {page 2). The proposed redesign of
University Avenue and Dale Street is intended to make them more
attractive and pedestrian-friendly commercial streets. Whi(e University
Avenue serves a regional market and Dale Street a more focal market,
both can 6e enhanced by trees, street /ights and traffic calming
measures. Pierce 8utler, if slightly rerouted, could provide direct access
to the Dale Street Shops/Maxson Steel site, making it a more attractive
site for indus[rial redevelopment.
The balance of the strategy, discussed rn this section, focuses on (a) the
improvemen[ of nerghborhood streecs in ways t/�at enhance tf�e cF�aracter
of [he residential environment and support public and private investment
in ref�abifitation and redevelopment and (b) the improvement of public
transit services.
Improve Neighborhood Streetc and Trail
A. Complete Yhe improvement of the neighborhood street system with
the installation of curbs, gutters, street iights and boulevard trees.
Encourage the Department of Public Works to program the
paving of and installation of curbs, gutters and street lights on the
following street segments north of University Avenue:
• Mackubin
• Kent
• Arundel
24 THOMAS bALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Councif Review Draft
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Improvements along these street segments wili enhance efforts
made by the Greater Frogtown Community Development
Corporation to buiid or rehabilitate homes in the area for
purchase by new homeowners.
Replace missing boulevard trees in the area either by adjusting
the citywide replacement schedule or allowing for the planting
of donated trees in the boulevard.
3. Encourage private plantings in the boulevards through
promotional material, plant give-aways, and/or award programs
such as the Minneapolis Center for the Urban Enviro�ment's
"Blooming Boulevards" program.
B. In planning improvements for neighborhood streets, identify
opportunities for traffic calming. Eor instance, intersections where
extra land might allow the installation of a traffic circle shou�d be
identified. Four to six circles could be considered for the study area
as a means of both slowing traffic througfi the neighborhood and
contributing to the neighborhood character. The circles should be
attractively landscaped and coufd be sites for sculptures or other
public art.
C. Create bicycfe and pedestrian trails linking the neighborhood with
key amenities such as downtown, the Mississippi River, Como Park
and the University of Minnesota.
Implementing Partners
District 7 Planning Council
Saint Paul Department of Public Works
University UNITED
Improve Bu rvi e
A. The level of service presently offered by the 16A bus line on
University Avenue should at least be maintained if not expanded.
The bus provides an essential service to many neighborhood
residents who use it to make relative�y short trips to grocery stores,
health clinics, child care and employment.
The preservation of the 16A line takes on a particular importance in
light of plans to construct a light rail fine in the freeway corridor. ft
should be emphasized that light rail—as currently envisioned—will be
designed to move people quickly between the two cities and,
therefore, will not replace the 16A that carries people relatively short
distances along University Avenue.
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft 25
��-3l�
B. Bus service should be increased on Dale Street where buses run
oniy every ha(f hour.
Many of the clients of Model Cities rely on the bus for transportation
to and from their appointments. This line also offers direct access to
suburbanjobsand shopping.
C. Service on the number 7 and 34 bus lines should be maintained or
increased.
The number 7 bus that serves area schools, playgrounds and the Rice
Marion apartments as well as the number 34 bus that wii( be
instrumental in serving any new industrial or multi-family
development along Minnehaha also play a critical role in the
neighborhood's transportation system. Service on these lines should
be maintained or increased.
D. The area also needs circulator bus service that runs through the
neighborhood, linking residents to local services such as the grocery
store and health clinic.
Implementing Partners
District 7 Planning Council
Wilder Foundation
Frogtown Family Center
MetropoliYan Council Trans+t Operations (MCTO)
Midway Chamber of Commerce
Advocate for Supportive Regional
Trans�oirtatinn and Land U Polici
A. Ensure that regional transportation systems are supportive of
Thomas Dale's redevelopment and renewal efforts.
The District 7 Planning Council should advocate for a coherent
regional transportation pol icy that integrates the construction of
highways and rail systems with a land use and growth
management policy that discourages sprawl.
In the event the light rail transit system in constructed in the
freeway corridor and includes a station at Dale Street, the
District 7 Planning Council should be involved in its design.
The stop should not include a"park and ride" lot.
26 THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA pLAN: City Council Review Drnft
� I-3i3
imp{ementing Partners
District 7 Planning Council
Metropolitan Council
Ramsey County Regional Rail Authority
Midway Chamber of Commerce
University UNITED
Resolve Neighborhood Parking ISSt�Pc
A. In consultaiion with surrounding property owners and community
organizations, resolve parking issues at the following locations in a
manner that minimizes the parking's impact on surrounding
residential properties and the character of the neighborhood:
• Northwest corner of University and Dale
• Kim Hung's Grocery
• International Marketplace
• Blues Saloon (601 North Western)
• Hmong Funeral Home
Implementing Partners
District 7 Planning Council
University UNlTED
Individual Business Owners
Affected Residents and Block Clubs
Midway Chamber of Commerce
THOMAS DALE SMAtL AREA PLAN: CAy Council Review Draft 27
��' 31 J Successful communities encourage and support lifelong learning that
begins with preparing its youngest members for school and, at the same
time, ensures that its adults are prepared to participate in a rapidly
changing economy. Thomas Dale is home to a wide variety of
educational institu[ions andprograms—from the Frogtown Family
Resource Center and Ramsey Action Program's Headstart focused on
early childhood and parent education, to two public elementaryschools,
St. Agnes School, the Ronald Hubbs Center for Lifelong Learning, Saint
Pau! Rehabilitation Center and the City/School District's community
education program. !n addition, a Mode! Cities program serves the
preschool education needs of children born with chemica! addictions
and the Thunder Spirit Lodge focuses on the care of those afflicted with
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Each has its own mission, agenda and method
of relating with the community. WAile t6e otf�er sections of the plan
include recommendations that, if implemented, would strengthen the
environment for education — such as reducing transiency, creating
spaces for recreation, emphasizing job training/preparation — the
following recommenda[ions focus specifically on how the community
can support the individuaf and common efforts of the educational
institutions to meet the needs of its residents.
Buitd Communit� Su��ort for Education
A. Encourage community involvement in the schools.
Encourage investment in volunteer training and support. The
schools are eager to have parents and other community
members involved in school programs during and after school.
Reading with �hildren, providing enrichment programs or simply
being an extra set of hands in a classroom are all important
contributions. For some, that may come naturally. Others may
want or need the support of a certain level of training,
recognition or otfier incentive to encourage their participation.
2. Secure sponsorship of individual schools by corporations and/or
organizations both from within and outside the neighborhood.
3. Sponsor equipment recycling drives to ensure students have
access to appropriate equipment to participate in athletic and
artistic programs.
4. Encourage schools to be welcoming places for parents and
community members.
28 THOMAS DALE SMALI AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft
q�-�i3
lmplementing Partners
District 7 Planning Council
Parent Teacher Organizations
Frogtown Family Resource Center
Community Education
individual Schools
University UNITED
B. Strengthen coifaboration among educational programs within the
neighborhood.
Expand participation in networking activities. A monthly lunch
meeting for Thomas Dale human service agencies is a good
beginning, but doesn't provide enough time or space for the
collaboration that needs to take place. Other opportunities
should be identified.
Ensure that participants in individual human service programs
are aware of—and can refer participants to—the services of the
various educational institutions.
3. Develop multi-faceted programming to take advantage of
community resources and meet multiple needs. Collaboration
between the Frogtown Family Resource Center and Jackson
School, for instance, has increased parental participation in the
school's evening programs for families inasmuch as the Resource
Center encourages participation, assists with transportation and
provides programs for the children while parents are involved in
meetings or conferences.
4. Strengthen the relationships between area chiid care providers
and elementary schools in order to develop ways to ease the
child's transition between day care and school, strengthen
school readiness and, without jeopardizing the privacy of the
child and his/her family, prevent any lapse in critical support
services.
5. Encourage schooi principals and staff to become involved in
community organizations as a means of improving coilaboration.
Implementing Partners
Public and private schools and education agencies
THOMAS DALE SMqLL pREA PIAN: City Council Review Draft 29
Q�'J � �
C. Encourage fhe estabfishment of one or more charter schools in the
community.
Ensure that planning for new schools involves collaboration with
existing schools and human service providers.
2. Particular encouragement should be given to organizations
willing to develop charter schools that emphasize cross culturai
education.
implementing Partners
District 7 Planning Council
Potential school boards and administrators
People's t4etwork of Minnesota
Public and private schoofs
Wilder Foundation
D. Expand options and opportunities for pre-school and elementary
school age children and their families.
Ensure that quality after school activities are available for all
children who need Them.
2. Support programming for pre-school and elementary school
children that encourages peace£ul conflict resolution.
Support additional resources for Headstart programs in the
community in order that all who qualify can participate.
Implementing Partners
Public and private schools and learning centers
Headstart
Saint Paul Division of Parks and Recreation
Saint Paul Public Library
Wilder Foundation
Parent Teacher Organizations
E. Expand options for junior and senior high age students.
Support and strengthen programs such as those offered by local
churches and schools, Frogtown Future, Save our Cities Kids and
the Leadership Training Program of the Thomas Dale Block
Ciubs that involve young people in positive association with
significant adults while helping them to develop their own
potential.
30 7HOA1A5 DALE SMALL AREA PLAN; City Council Review Oraft
��-3�3
2. Exp{ore sources of private and phifanthropic support to enable
young people from Thomas Dale to participate in programs such
as those offered by the Science Museum, local coileges and
universities, theatres or summer camps.
Implementing Partners
Public and private schools and learning centers
Saint Paul Division of Parks and Recreation
Thomas Dale Block Ciubs
Community Education
University UNITED
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Drah $ �
Access to quality affordable health care is a national issue. It is of
particular concern for Thomas Dale where such a high percentage of
citizens are not covered by employer sponsored health insurance,
making them especially vulnerable to changes in publre support for
heal[h care. Data analyzed by the City's Division of Pubfic Health
reveal Thomas Dale to be among the city's medical(y underserved
communities. Critica! issues include a low immunization rate, higher
than average infant mortality rates and lead poisoning of children.
Secure Basic Health ervicec for All Residents
A. Strengthen the Model Cities Health Center as the primary provider
of community based medical and dental services.
Advocate for funding formulas that recognize the unique needs
of community health centers that serve a high proportion of
uninsured citizens.
2. Support funding applications that serve to stabilize the financial
status of the health center.
3. Explore partnerships that might bring professional services to the
health center at below market costs.
Implementing Partners
Model Cities Health Center
Public Health Agencies
Foundations
B. StrengYhen the sense of partnership among health care providers in
and around the Thomas Date community.
Organize a formal community heaith care coaiition to meet on a
regufar basis.
2. Develop and prioritize strategies around building community
awareness relative to health issues and ensuring a higher level of
preventative care.
Implementing Partners
Model Cities
Saint Paul Division of Public Nealth
Frogtown Action Alliance
Private health care/alternative medicine services
Saint Paul/Ramsey Medical Center
32 THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: CiTy Cauncil Review Draft
R�-3�3
A. Ensure widespread access to immunizations, screening and well
child care.
Support public health initiatives inciuding the mobile delivery—
with a van or other mobil clinic arrangement—of specific services
including immunizations and health screening. Services to
Thomas Dale could be integrated with those to other similar
neighborhoods.
implementing Partners
Saint Paul Division of Public Health
Model Cities Health Center
Frogtown Action Alliance Health Task Force
B. Eliminate the incidence of lead poisoning.
Increase screening of chi�dren at risk.
2. Continue educational program in multiple fanguages and in
collaboration wiih the Frogtown Family Resource Center and
other programs with high participation of neighborhood families.
3. Continue to abate affected homes, taking particular care to
secure public funding for low and moderate income property
owners.
4. Identity and advocate for alternative ameliorative measures—such
as encapsulation with paint rather than complete abatement—that
reduce lead exposure to more acceptable �evels while avoiding
excessive costs beyond the means of low and moderate income
households.
Secure a"lead free" house in which families ca� five while the
contamination is being removed from their homes.
Implementing Partners
Saint Paul Division of Public Health
Greater Frogtown Community Development Corporation
District 7 Planning Council
Area health agencies
Department of Licenses, fnspedions and Environmental
Protection
THOMAS DALE SMALL pREA PL4N: City Counci� Review Drak 33
��-�t�
C. Substantially reduce the amount of trash and garbage in
neighborhood yards and alleys.
Explore alternatives Yo the present garbage hauling system that
will ensure universal collection.
2. Increase City financial support for neighborhood clean-up
activities.
Implementing Partners
Districc 7 P(anning Council
City of Saint Paul
Private garbage haulers
Block clubs
34 THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft
q�-�i3
As a centra� city neighborhood with houses built on relatively small lots,
Thomas Dale has among the smallest amount of green space per resident
of any neighborhood in tf�e city. !t is also an area where the l�ousing is
in high demand and the fabric of the neighborhood is vulnerable to any
wholesale demolition of housing units. The cha//enge is to carefully
leverage useful open space through the revitalization process. The plan
addresses the need for three types of open space: {7) Single lots that are
within view–or earshot–af most of the househo/ds on a block where
children can safely play; (2) Medium size parks (112 bfock in size) with
playground equipment andfor a backstop to be used by families within a
2-4 block radius; and (3) Expansion of West Minnehaha Recreation
Center that serves the entire community.
A. Develop a community wide plan for the establishment of d ifferent
types of parks and greenspaces.
The plan should include:
• A full inventory of the present system;
• An assessment of what types of parks/green spaces and trails
are needed in the various parts of the neighborhood to
complete the system;
• A designation of specific vicinities where additional
parks/green spaces might be established. These
designations shouid consider accessibifity to the site,
population density in the surrounding blocks, and
relationship to redevelopment activities; and
• A policy that the demolition of existing structures should be
avoided.
� An identification of funding sources for acquisition and
maintenance of parkland/green spaces.
An outline for the plan is proposed in the recommendations
below.
Implementing Partners
District 7 Planning Council, Convener
Frogtown Action Alliance
Thomas Dale Block Clubs
Greater Frogtown Community Development Corporation
Individual block clubs
Saint Paul Division of Parks and Recreation
Parks and Recreation Commission
PublicArtSaint Paul
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft 35
� 1-3J3
B. Create more small "green spaces" within the neighborhood.
Consider the establishment of neighborhood play spaces and/or
gardens on individual lots, especially on blocks with narrow lots
or in instances where new construction is unlikely in the short
term. Lots in the middle of blocks, rather than on the corners,
are generally preferred.
Acquisition, design, maintenance and supervision of these lots
would provide an opportunity for neighbors to work together.
lndeed, the initiative of block residents would be essential to
their success—and, therefore, should be a prerequisite.
2. Develop a neighborhood-wide strategy for identifying
opportunities for single lot green spaces and doing the necessary
organizing. The strategy should include a system for handling
insurance issues.
3. Consider linking lots on individual b(ocks into a neighborhood
system by creating a wafking—or exercise—tour that highlights the
uniqueness of each lot and its surrounding community.
Implementing Partners
District 7 Planning Council
Block clubs
Minnesota Green
Sustainable Agriculture Resource Center
C. Establish one or two ofher ha(f bfock sized parks to complement
Ryan Park located in the southwest quadrant of the study area.
Improve the landscaping and play facilities on the )ackson
School grounds to encourage its use by the community in the
southeast quadrant of the study area after school and on
weekends.
2. Integrate the establishment of up to two other parks with the
rehabilitation of neighboring houses, the pfacement of traffic
circles or the creation of some other amenity in order to enhance
the impact of each improvement.
Implementing Partners
District 7 Planning Council
Saint Paul Division of Parks and Recreation
Saint Paul School District
36 THOMAS DACE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Dmft
q i��l�
Expand Recrea i�n rvic
A. Expand the services provided by West Minnehaha Recreation
Center.
Explore opportunities to expand the size of the recreation center
site, possibly through the realignment of Pierce Butler Road.
2. Strengthen programming at the recreation center itself through
closer collaboration with neighborhood residents in establishing
priorities and designing programs consistent with their needs and
interests.
B. Extend recreation programming into afte�native sites throughout the
neighborhood such as at Ryan Park, Jackson School, �ommunity
churches or storefronts.
Impleme�ting Partners
Thomas Dale Block Clubs
Saint Paul Division of Parks and Recreation
Parks and Recreation Commission
West Minnehaha Booster Club
District 7 Planning Council
Frogtown Action Alliance
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft 37
��-�i�
Thomas Dale is a fufly developed neighborhood with onl y occasional
reasons—o� oppo�tunities—to change the existing land use patterns. A
review of the entire planning district reveals a rich mixture of housing
types, commercial uses and industrial developments. The easternmost
part of the planning district is the Mt. Airy public housing site.
lmmediafel y to the east of ihe study area are the Rice Marion
apartmentr, to the west is a mixed use residential a�ea developed by the
Wilder Foundation. At the northe�n border is a sizable industrial site; at
the southern border is University Avenue, one of the city's most
significant commercial strips. Within the study area, however, the vast
majority of residential structures are smaller houses originally built as
single family residences. !t is within t/�at context that the plan makes
recommendations relative to land use controls in the study area.
There are two principal recommendations. 7he first is to rezone most of
Yhe study area, now zoned for two family use, [o single {amily use. This
is recommended largely as a measure to curtail the conversion of
structures built as relativel y small single famil y homes to two or more
family homes. The experience in the neighborhood has been that an
increasing demand for affordable rental housing is being met through the
conversion of single family homes by landlords who rent a space
designed for one famil y to two or tAree families. The structures
themselves, many of them more than 100 years old, are not able to
withstand the leve! of wear and tear that comes with higher occupancy.
TI�e neighborhood's schoo(s and social service agencies are straining to
meet the needs of the existing residents and, for the most part, do not
have the capacity to serve an increasing population. And increasing the
concentration of lower income households in a srngle neighborf�ood is
not in the best interests of the households themselves or the
neighborhood.
Some areas—along the major arterials where transportation is most
accessible—are recommended for apartment or townhome development
in order to meet the need for well-managed and well-maintained renta!
f�ousing. /t is recognized that—as market conditions improve—
opportunities may emerge where additional areas would be
approprrately developed wrth two family housing or town homes.
Through this plan, the district council and the City signal their
willingness to positively consider rezoning if subsequently needed and
appropriate to allow for development compatible with neighborhood
character and design.
The second major change recommended by this plan relates to the
widening of Dale Street. Inasmuch as the land on the east side of Dale
has been acquired for the right of way, it should no longer be zoned for
commercial use. Tf�e west side of Dale, on the other hand, should be
38 THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft
q�-3i 3
zoned exclusively for neighborhood level commercial uses. As discussed
previously, residential uses should be phased out and the zoning
recommended here is consistent with thaY po�icy.
A. Ensure that adopted Iand use regulations are supportive of the
community's revitalization efforts.
The study area should be rezoned as indicated on the following
maps.
2. The community encourages higher density residential
development along major transportation corridors—University
Avenue, Minnehaha Avenue and Pierce Butler—provided that it
meets the following standards:
a. Its scale is consistent with the surrounding character of the
neighborhood. Pedestrian scale duplexes and townhouses
are preferred.
b. Its design and orientation to the street are consistent with the
surrounding neighborhood.
c. Provisions are made for play areas and green space.
d. Parking and traffic issues are adequately addressed.
The consistency of the proposed redevelopment with these
standards will be the focus of the district councif's review of a
petition for rezoning.
Rezonings of properties £or higher density new construciion or
rehabilitation in the bafance of the study area will be considered
on a case by case basis. The district council will support those
applications that represent high quality development in keeping
with the character of the neighborhood.
4. Mixed residential/commercial/office structures are encouraged
along UniversityAvenue and Dale Street. Relatedly, it is
recommended that the Planning Commission study and propose
appropriate amendments to the Zoning Code to encourage
mixed use development in the B-2 zoning district.
There should 6e no additional expansion of commerciaf uses or
parking onto Sherburne Avenue within the study area except on
the biock west of Dale between University and Sherburne
Avenues where additional parking may be required to allow the
establishment of commercial uses on the west side of Dale Street
between University and Sherburne Avenues. in cases where
parking expansion is approved, existing policies related to
setbacks, landscaping and access should be enforced.
Should the market on University Avenue begin to require
THOMAS DALE SMAL� AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft 39
Gt-���
significant additional space, and there is no alternative to an
expansion to the south side of Sherburne Avenue, poterttiai
developers could work with Yhe district council to develop a
mutually acceptable plan and propose an amendment to the
comprehensive plan that would allow such an expansion.
Implementing Partners
Saint Paul Planning Commission
District 7 Planning Councif
Midway Chamber of Commerce
University UNITED
40 7HOMA5 DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: Cify Councif Review Draft
�I�`�J��
Saint Paul Planning Commission
Peg J. Birk )oyce Maddox
}oseph P. Chavez Timothy Mardell
Esperanza Duarte David McDonell, Chair
Carole Faricy Gladys Morton
Litton Field, Jr. Richard Nowlin
Anne Flaxman Geisser
Stephen D. Gordon
Frank Gurney
Richard ).F. Kramer
Michael Lee
Eileen J. Lund-Johnson
Kurt Schwichtenberg
Michael Sharpe
Imogene Treichel
Mark Vaught
Barbara A. Wencl
Thomas Dale Small Area Plan Task Force
Kevin Kittilson, Co-chair
Kurt Schwichtenberg, Co-chair
Brenda Alexander
Christopher Coleman
David Co{well
Elizabeth Colwell
Beverly Hawkins
DuaneJohnson
MaziJohnson
Kevin Kajer
Kristen Kidder
Victoria Kittiison
Tou Sue Lee
David Liset
Pat Lindgren
Lengchy Lor
Morris Manning
Mary Milliner
Bill Pepar
Becky Rice
Margaret Romero
Janet Marie Shane
Ron Stevens
Connie Stewart
Barbara Strommer
Sandy Unger
Andy Williams
Clare Wilson
District 7 Planning Counci{
Michael Samuelson
Sallie Sheppheard
Spencer Blaw
Joanne Tooley
Kenrie Williams
Department of Pfanning and Economic Devetopment
Pamela Wheelock, Director
Hope Melton, Planner
Katy Lindblad, Pro}ect Manager
Ken Ford, Planning Administrator
Nancy Homans, Planner
Joan Hagen Chinn, Graphic Artist
The pist�ict 7 Planning Council and the City of Saint Pau1 gratefully acknowledge the
contribution made by the Bigelow Foundation fo this planning process.
The City of Saint Paul does not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, sex, sexual or
affeciional orientation, age, color, creed, national origin or ancestry, marital sTatus, religion,
veteran status, or status with regard to pubfic assistance in the admission or access to, or treatment
or employment in, its programs or activities.
The City of Saint Paul
Norm Coleman, Mayor
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft 43
��
Thomas Dale
Smalf Area Plan
Community Letters of Commitment
q� -3i 3
� , �
V
��
November 15, 1996
David McDonell, Chair
St. Paul Planning Commission
cio Nancy Holmans
Deparnnent of Planning and Economic Development
25 West Fourth Sueet
St. Paul, Minnesota 55102
Deaz Mr. McDonnell:
T6omas • Dale
District 7 Community Council, Inc.
3b9 University Avenue
St. Pau1, MN 55103
PH:(612)298-5068
FAX: {612) 298-5072
At its September 26, 1996 board of directors meeting, the ThomasjDale District 7 Planning Council
passed a motion expressing its unanimous support for the draft Thomas Dale Small Area Plan that is
now in before the St. Paui Planning Commission for your review, comments and approval.
This document has been cuefuliy developed over the past three yeazs by our community. We have
worked hand-in-hand with one common goal in mind - to he]p blaze a path where our residents,
businesses, public agencies and our many neighborhoocl parcners can a in order to assist with the
preservation and revitalization of the Thomas Dale community. This plan represents the hopes and
dreams many of us have for this very important portion of cenaal St. Paui. We feel that it can be a
plan that we and our paRners can a11 use each and everyday in order to ensure that the Thomas Dale
area continues to be a great place to live, work and raise our families.
Now that this parriculaz planning process at the community level has been compieted the real work is
about to begin. We have already started the implementadon of some key components of this plan.
For example, a community visioning process on the future reuse of the former Dale Street Suriington
Northern train yazds begins this month. Its task is to develop a plan for what this possible indusirial
pazk would look like and more importantly how it can help to sdmulate the further revitalization of our
community. We expect to be busy for many yeazs to come making sure that this plan is an active
guidepost for our community and the city to follow.
As you may know, the primary task that our district council took during this process was to help
coordinate the community-based task force which actually developed this draft Small Area Plan.
Upon review of this document you will see why we feel that we did our job quite we11. We wish to
acknowledge the fine support and guidance our task force received from your staff. Both Ms.
Homans and Melton were invaluable resources to this planning process and our simple thanks could
never be enough to express the debt we owe to their work on this draft Small A.rea Plan.
Thank you for your thoughtful review and, we hope, your evenmal approval of this very important
document. If you have need for any further infonnation please contact me at 298-5068.
Si�cerely,
\- ��J�/ �
/�
Michael Samuelson, Executive Director
Thomas/Dale District 7 Planning Council
��"��J
Frogtown Action Altiance
r r•. it�-
IN i
Saptember 20, 1996
Barry Madore, Board Ckair
Thomas-Dale District 7 Council
369 University Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55103
Dear Mr. Madore:
689 NORTH DALE STREET
ST. PAUL, MN 55103
(612) 224-7184
SEP 2 � REC'D
The Frogtown Action Alliance (FAA) mission is to bring together the diverse individuals and
organizations in Frogtown to create and carty out a responsive neighborhood initiated plan for sustained
action that addresses and provides solutions for the issues and problems the neighborhood faces. FAA
is committed to fostering the broadast possible representation and participation in a neighborhood
decision making by all Frogtown residents regardless of ethnicity, economically disadvantaged, or other
distinctions.
FAA supports the Small Area Plan with the following three modifications:
♦ Page l, Economic Development section under subtitle Capitalize oit Redeuelopmetit Op[�oruuii[ies
section (A). Add as follows:
"7. Collaborate with Wilder Foundation and other implemeating partners to collaborate and
develop an industrial site that includes a National Guard Armory, Charter Schoot, Neighborhood
Center and other business development to encourage job stimulation and growth."
�► Page 3, . Add the Wilder Foundation as an Implementing Partner.
♦ Additional clarification should be added relating to the implementation plan for the objectives in the
Small Area Plan.
Thank you for the opportunity to meet with you, however, FAA staff has been involved and made
recommendations to the board. Please contact me at 645-6445 if you have any questions related to this
matter.
Sincerely,
�V�-� �V���ti�l�r✓
Ike Welbom
Board Chair
cc: Michael Samualson
Shem Shakir
Dismict 7 Board ofDirectors
FAABoard ofDirectors
-An Equal Opportunity Empioyer-
n
u
�`7-3►.�
Gr eater Fr Com muni Devel Co�o __
Telephone (612) 29&8980
d89 North Dale Street
St. Pavl, MN 55103
September 23, 1996
Mr. Kevin Kittilson, Co-Chair
Mr. Kurt Schwichtenberg, Co-Chair
Thomas Dale Small Area Plan Task Force
c\o Thomas Dale District 7 Planning Council
369 University Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55103
Dear Mr. Kittilson and Mr. Schwichtenberg:
SEP 2 6 REC'0
The Greater Frogtown Community Aevelopment Corporation's Board of Directors and
Staff are pleased to offer their support of the Thomas-Dale Small Area Plan.
The Small Area Plan, was reviewed and approved by the GFCDC Board of Directors
during their last meeting on September 16, 199b. As the mission of GFCDC calls for the
development and rehab of high quality affordable housing, as well as the improvement of
rentai and homeownership opportunities, we concur with the goals identified in the Plan's
Housing Strategy, such as increasing the 1eve1 of homeownership, improving the
condition of the housing stock, and maintaining the affordability of rental housing.
Our Board Members and Staff will be incorporating pieces of the Small Area Plan into
our organization's strategic plan and work plans at our upcoming retreat in November.
The Sma11 Area Plan wiil certainly be beneficiai to the Frogtown community.
Sincerely,
/ �X�.- �
Denise M. Ha��ls f � �
President
��1
Amherst H.
Wi�der Foundation
Since 1906
SEP 2 6 REC'D
Executive Office
919 Lafond Avenue Saint Paul, MN 55104 (612) 642-4093 FAX (612) 642-4068
September 24, 1996
Spencer Blaw
Thema�-Dale Smal] Area Plan Ts�k Force
c/o District 7 Planning Council
369 University Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55103
Dear Spencer:
I am writing on behalf of the Amherst H. Wilder Foundation to express strong support
for the Thomas-Dale small area plan. We are most anxious to assist in the
implementation plan along with other members of the Thomas-Dale community.
I have been particularly impressed with your attempts to get input from all of the
different interested groups in the community.
Please extend our appreciation for this plan to the District 7 Planning Council and our
offer to participate in the implementarion of the plan.
Sincerely,
� � � ` S �—�
Thomas W. Kin�ston
President
TWK:ae
Presiden[
Thomas W. Kingston
Board ofDirectors
Ke�non V. Rothchild, Ctta'u; Elizabeth M. Kiemat, Fixst V'ice Chair; Aathony L. Mdecsen, Second Y¢e Chair;
Malcolm W. MeDo�ald, Secre[ary. Direc[ocs Charl[on Dietz, Elisabett� W. Dcermann,
Charles M. Osbome, Mazy i'homton Philtips, Peter B. Ridder, Bazbarn B. Roy
q�- 3i�
� SEP 2 6 REC°�
���
MODEL CITIES
OF 5T. PAUL. INC.
September 2b, 1996
ICevin IGttilson and I<urt Sch�vichtenberg, co-chaizs
District 7 Planning Council
369 University Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55103
Dear Chairpersons:
This letter is to eacpress our support foc the Thomas-Dale Small Area Plan in
recognition of die many hours that city staff and community volunteers
coitmiitted to its development. Model Cities' staff were among those who
participated on die Sinall Area Plan Task Force. We are happy with the result
of die many hours of dedicated work and look fonvard to the final adoption of
the Thomas-Dale Small Area Plan.
We support the recommendations described in the plan. We are committed to
wosking �vith ather implementing partners to realize the plan's vision of
Thomas-Dale as a community where families can live in decent, affordable
housing and find opport.uniries for employ�nent and ownership; and a
neighborhood that is a clean and safe place to li�re, where all aze valued.
Thank you for the opponunity to re��ie�v than.
Sincerely,
�� (,� ��1 !�4!��,L1�
Beverley Ohver Ha�vkins, Ph.D.
Chief Executive Of£icec
.k ;
� � � . . i� . . . . . �. . ;
„ -,. .-_.. NORT-H DALE 57dtEET,ST PAUL. NiN�NESJTA SSYOJ �ki (bb2) 89�p-9Lt0 ("X 4lrF51�.2.9tl-92C1 ar-�c�o- - ,
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'Building Commz�ntty"
Septeinber 26, 1996
Mr. Spencer Blaw
DistricY 7 Planning Counci!
369 University AvenUe
St. Paut, MN 55103
Dear Mr. Blaw,
Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity
I am pleased to provide to you this letter of support for the work that you and your Task Force �ave done
to produce tlie Thomas Dale Small Area Plan. It is an excel(ent example of the kind of vision and
creativity tliat exists in our communities, and wliich is so critical to tiie revitalization of our
neighborhoods.
We are particularly impressed by the range of options outlined in the section on housing strategies. While
Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity conducts a particular type of owner occupied �iousing development, we
recognize that neighborhoods and households need a range of options in order to meet tiieir individual and
community housing needs. We are very pleased to be listed as a potential implementor of some of these
strategies, and we stand ready to work with the District Council, the Greater Frogtown Community
Development Corporation and the other key leadership groups in the Thomas Dale area to deliver both
new construction and renovated houses of an ownership nature to families witli modest incomes.
Just this week we began the rehabilitation of a home at 781 Lafond. This home is being refiabilitated in
partnership �vith many community groups and is bein� sponsored by the Wilder Foundation. At the
neiohborhood festival tha[ was l�eld to celebrate the kick off of this home last Saturday, we realized that
there are many families in the Froatown neiahborhood who would appreciate the chance to purchase a
home in the community. Habitat for Humanity stands ready to respond to those needs as long as �ve are
able to work in partnership with tlie Bistrict Council, the CDC, and al1 of the other organizations
providine leadership and direction to the Thomas Dale community.
l regret that an unespected commitment will keep me away from your gathering tonight where the Small
Area Plan will be presented to the District Council, lt is my hope that this letter will fully coavey to you,
and to the Council, Habitat for Humaniry's strong commitment to helping the community fuifll the
potential it has for being a modei neighborhood Sn the City of St. PauL Please do not hesitate to cali me
if you should have any questions or if you or the District Council wish to further pursue collaborative
ideas involvina Habitat for Humaniry in the months to come.
Very truty yours, —
���.c^
Stephen Seidel
$xecutive Director
SS/kmc
3�01 Fourth Street S.E. • Minneapo[u, MN55414 •(G12) 331-4090 •(622) 331-j540 Fccz
��-3j�
Vi/1 iV D
Western inl49attvas for Neighbarhaod Oevelopment
851'/: UNIVERSITY AVENUE
• ST. PAUL, MN 55104 •
PHONE:291-2480 • FAX:291-2597
September 26, 1496
Mr. Kevin Kittilson, co-chair
Kurt Schwichtenberg, co-chair
Thomas Dale SmalS Area Plan Committee
c/o I?istrict 7 Pianning Council
369 University Avenue
St. Paul, Minnesota 55104
llear Kevin, Kurt and Committee members:
SEP 2 6 RfC'D
I woutd like to congratulate s]] of you on the tremendous job you did on the Small Area Ptan far
7homas Dale. The amount of work and thvught you put into it is very apparant, and the plan will
be a very valuable tool for this community for many years.
I have noi had time to review all of your draft plan, but I k�ave looked over my area of
involvement, ecnomic development. I have the fotlowing comments:
1. Inc(uding in the vision statement the creation of "vibrant productive businesses" is a strong
positive message about their importance to this commucuty.
2. Putting FAA as the lead organization on most of these recommendations is consistent with the
roles in the community, as I have seen them evolve over the past few yeus. It is good to re-state
this You msy want to inctude them on page 2, item A'i, as part of the conununity planning teazn
for.t�e Dale Street Shops site, since later you list them in the lead on the project.
3. Your connection between businesses getting pu�lic subsidies atxd their participation with City
jobs and training prograrns is good. A stronger point could be made about the need for advanced
training provided to area residents, which woutd be triggered by vety early notification from new
businesses about the nature of skills needed for their upCOming jo6s.
4. Regardi�lg Da1e Street, some of the thought I have heard involves the west side sidewalk bein�
wider than average, and used for outdoor seating, displays, etc. for the bus�nesses. The wideness
creates a zone of comfort and ambiance that enhances the businesses and community feel.
5. FAA and the Neighborhood Development Center have offered zn extensive micra
entrepreneur training and loan program to Frogtown residents for over two years now. Over 50
persons have atready gone ttuough this training, and many have started businesses here in thls
community. This training, at least in a generic form, shoutd be mentioned on page 5 or b, in your
section on micro business developmenx.
WIHD Is a Community Oevelopment Corporatlon subsid�ary af Western Bank
��-�l�
I liked the content ofthe rost ofyour economic development seciion. There is awch to do in tEus
community, anc! I believe your vision for it is comprehensive and exciting. Now lets al1 work
together to achicve it.
Thank you for your great work.
Sincerely,
" Mtke Temal�
W1ND
r
�
� �-
ASIAN AMERICAN PRESS
4!7 Univec�i[y Avenue � St. Paul, MN SSt03 � Phonc {612) 224-6570 Q FAX (612) 224-7032
��ov � 5 aEe�Q
November A, 1996
Mr. Michael Samuelson
District 7 Planning Council
369 Universiry Avenue
Saint Paul, MN 55103
Dear Michaet,
Thank you for including Asian American Press as a participant in the presentation of the Thomas-Dale
Smali Area Plan on September 26, 1996.
After Iistening to ttie discussions and reviewing the draft, I feel very good about the glan. I feel this tvi11
have a very positive impact on the neighborhood.
We at ihe Asian Ainerican Press and Ihe Asian Business & Community foundation fulty support the
Planning Council's goals.
I believe our community truLy appreciates this initiat�e. The Task Force has put together an e�celtent plan.
Sincerely,
Nghi Huynh
PublisherJEdiror Asian American Press
President Asian Business & Communit} Foundation
�i��31�
nNDr vNLLIAh1SJR
E%tECUFiVE DIRECTOR
765 NOR?H PAIL70P: STREET
S7 �q� �L.55tQ4.RAhiSEY
eas-aes r ea� r� s� rss i-- ea m-ra•-s-�
��.a��-v����-��-�r� t ���� � ��
�iz-�a�7-�:,;��
;�loada Septztut� 16, 1945
niicha2t Samuelsort, Execuiive Direcror
D:srrict Severt Plannir�g Council
3�9 �.h�iti�ersity.4venue
St, Pau1,1v1N SSI03
De^r?Sfichael,
i would like ro share our support jor the Tho»aas-T�aie Small Area Plar� Task Force drajt Plan. I rnn
CGi f i i i11 I��1C<{ give:i the ti;�7e cr.Td ca, e put i��tc d�stap�yg this plcrn, rt has the s�rp�ort of the
C^7:1,':i: n?n�. I C71CD71fG�gP 1�2E �ISIf7L'1 CDE:Y:CII10 P17�A!:4° ��1° L�l'C�.t�3�i1 R.':��OY}S'.^.PCj 1? �O t�:a P
Commission and Cin� Council fvr adoptrorc. .4s Executive Director ofSme Our Crty's Kids, a memher
oi'rire Task Force crncl a neigi�bor arld commr��riry activisr 1 X fhai rhe plan ref7ecr the naeds m�d'
�i is,'ies of rt�e cornmuriiiv and wifl provide a solid policy frcnnewon'c for future cammunity buildir�g aud
phvsrcc:l �levelopme�:t.
rr P«r'e" �FCslEfti� fvi 1i 1B11t�QYS�11]J S�t0i471 I3j% li 1 C1JN I V iCE 17i CiE'J��0�7tit� u2e P�t. �r'@ cZi E«iSG
tl�n>j1,-fi„( fer f1�o S»' 1'tQt?!�Ffly.°Y°S?ST2/J!17: 7i�� it)D TH/�I:V �'.^.Y�:CItY.TP7!S 1?2 tF12V1StOF1 COAIE t7Yt°. 1 S6'O2t�Lj
also lrk� ro ack.nasvt�dge rFie crlrical stal`i su�rnor! the Drsirict Seven Ptannirrg Cauricil rnrd llle Cih�
; aar�r�irr= nndEc�r<ornic u�v�lo�nnenr�a{x�rtmariitFm�e nrovitied ro v'�2 Task rorce m,�d rrs worr.
Please do rzot hssitafe to cat! upon s O.C.K or m}�self ta support t3re Plizn rmd its' irnp!etTrantntiari
Rnrnortf�i:ll�r Qnxirr
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�,�ti�S�
Exeerrtn�a Direclor
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Frogtown Family Resource Center
377 University Avenue (at Western), Saint Paul, MN 55103
PIiONE: (612} 290•8376 FAX: (612) 293-5260
September 24, 1996
ThomasDale District 7
(�lannjrS fn�nrl�
369 University Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55103
Dear Planning Council members:
The staff of Frogtown Family Resource Center want you to know that we support your
work on the Small Area Plan for our neighborhood. We share this vision of strengthening
families, seeing that housing is decent and affordable, and want to do our part to
provide educational opportunites for Frogtown families. We value all our neighbors
and consider it a privilege to work �n this neighborhood.
Please know that we support the policy framework as
fications agreed upon at the September 26th meeting,
you've already done. Thanks for a good job!
In partnership,
��'�
Todd Seabury-Kolod
laid out in the summary. Any modi-
we hope, will enhance the work
��F�
�-'� Sa.int Paul Public Schools Community Education
n.s.on«. ...e.�
��-�i3
November 20,1996
Universi�r UNITER
A COALtTIO� OF 11lAWAY CSTIZf!�5 J.,RA BUSt�E55
Mic�ael S3rnuefson
Executive Dircc#or
Thomas-Dale
Distnct 7 Planning CounCil
369 Univarsity Avenue
Sf. Paul, MN 55103
D�ar Mr. Sam�utsvn.
Ai iYs Qctober goard meeting, University UNITED's Board of pirectors voted to
ancnurape and s� �pport the pnalS of tfie Th�mas-nale SmAll Araa ('12n, which do
not conflict with the Midway Chambers' 40 Acte Study.
Specificatly, UNITED supports the ptans' Economic Development Strategy, as an
implementmg partner. 1 he boartl and statt would aiso I+ke to be mclucled as
either a resource or impMementing partnet in the foilowing categories:
1. Micro Enterprise and Smali Business, �l and 8
2. Work Towards �ull Employment, A errd B
3. Community Buiiding, C
4. TraffiC and Transportation, A and C
5. Regionai Transportation and tand use Potic�es
6. Building Community 5upport for Education, A and E
7. Land Use and Rezoning, A
In your Vision Statemant you refer to making the area 8 safe place to live,
however there are no arime and satety strategies listed. UNITED would
�ea its�if as an im{�lementinc� �aftner on crime stratec,�ies
Sincerely,
� �� �t���
Icene Rodriguez
University UMTED
�nveslmen2 �hraugh �conomic
Sprx,e 7�ee Cer�t�e •�Stn U+irvers�y Aveave • SollS 4• 5t, Pe�i, MN SSi6i-3C25 •(612) 6Q7�6Iit • Fzx (612) 646-2297
g� �1.�
���, ��
Thomas-Date 3m�1! Area Ptsn'Taalc Foraa
GODiarict SavenPlamm�p Cauroil
364;Uaiv+uairy AvCeuo
3eun}paul,i�t SS10a
�tE: Dr�#t T7Wmaa-Dalo 9ma11 Aton Plap
txer'faak �o�rca Mem�a�s,
T4m Fmgtown Mm�nta Asao�tiao euyporte ihe Saici drrB of the 7'homaa-Dnk 5mt11
Ar+n Plan. Wo apptraato the fims and acn�idmrdoP tlu�t ta�tc Sorn manb�ra hava grnn
tlu» pls�s. wa fca aaa I�hogcows►•: sau�n Area Pf�a i� aat emroctant caot ch.c wiu aive thia
coinnnudty the direcdoA ic aeeds.
Sinca'dY,
V-l.�i � �
r� E �ty8a
�
Fsngtown Machants Associatioa
�tCF M'idwny 1VS'mi Stcxs�{n
45$ Ikmiap St. S.
S�int Psul, MN- SSX04
��d�c
��
ST. PAUL FAMILY LEARNING CENTER CHARTER SCHOOL
tNDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 40i 9
���$
� i
�� `r�
September 20, 1996
Kevin Kittilson and Kurt Schwichtenberg, Co-Chairs
District 7 Planning Council
369 University Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55103
Dear Chairpersons:
�
���
Q��
!
� r
I
�SEP 2 4 R�C'D
This [etter is to express my support for the Thomas-Dale Small Area Plan, and especiatly the education
strategy outlined in the draft Plan. Collaboration among the various groups and organizations that make
up the community is essential for the posiiive economic development of urban neighborhoods. The
Family Leaming Center school works with community members and organizations. The charter school
pianning group met severai times with the Frogtown Networking Group and the Thomas-Date Block
Club to get inp�t into the design of our new school. Our basic school program is very much in tune
with the Plan's education strategy, including elements such as conflict reso]ution, parental involvement
in setting the course of each chitd's leaming, and extensive use of volunteers in the school, We
currently offer an early-morning program and hope to provide after-school programming as well.
The Family L.eaming Center school is not physically located in the Thomas-Dale neighborhood (we
wanted to find a facility in Frogtown but were unable to find a suitable facility) but includes this
section of the city i» its enrollment area, which comprises the whole of the 55103 and 55104 zip codes.
We opened as a K-4 school on Saptember 3 and hope to expand to a pre-K-12 program over the next
few years. The school has recruited a number of students from the Small Area Plan neighborhood and
will continue involvement in the area.
On behalf of the St. Paul Family L.eaming Center Charter School, I want to express my wholehearted
support for the Thomas-Dale Small Area Plan. The school is committed to working with the
community and will collaborate with other organizations to implement the Sma11 Area Plan.
Sincerely,
�jQ �h.
Wayne B. Jennings
Schooi Director
Independent School District #40i 9• 1355 Pierce Butler Aoute, St Paul, MN 55104-1359 • Ph. 612 644-5052 • Fax 612
645-0240
� ., t
_��,_
:,n, HealthPartners
St. Paul-Rarnsey Medical Center
640 Jackson Street
St Paui, MN 55707-2595
612221.3456
August 30, 1996
Spencer Blaw
Thomas Dale Small Area Plan Task Force
c/o District Seven Planning Council
369 University Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55103
°�'1-31�
S�P 0 � RECD
Dear Mr. Blaw and the Thomas Dale Small Area Plan Task Force:
Thank you for the opportunity to review the Thomas Dale Small Area Plan. I
have reviewed the plan and congratulate the Task Force on a job well done.
You can count on our support fior the reeommendations outlined in the Plan, and
I wil! plan on attending the meeting on September 26th.
We support the recommendations outlined and look forward to working with the
other impVementing partners on the specific strategies, particularly in the areas of
community building and health care. As you probably know, we are strong
supporters of the Model Cities Health Center as the primary provider of
community based medical and dental services, and have a long history of
working together with the Heaith Center. We certainiy wi{I be active participants
in a formal community heaith care coalition organized by the community and
agree with the focus on preventative care, immunizations and weil child care.
We are also committed to working with other providers and agencies in the
Thomas Dale community to find ways to integrate services and find new,
coiiaborative ways ofi serving our communi'ty and expanci tne use of our limited
resources. Reai and anticipated funding cuts from both federal and local leveis
wili require all of us to work more closely together to better leverage the
resources we can retain.
Sincerely,
�
�i
��G���,�� C �
��.
Gabrielle Lawrence
Vice President, Community Partnerships
HeakfiPardeers' m.ission u to imp�ove the health of our members anAous communlry
q���I �
�
CATHOLIC
CHARITIES
Advocacy and
Outreach Division
Froyno�a'n Centec
633 Univrain�Avenur
Sc Pau1,MN SStOJ-i802
September 24, ] 996
Kurt Schwichtenberg and Revin KittiLson
Co-Chairs Thomas-Dale Small Area Plan Task Force
et_ zz>-izso do District Seven Planning Council
car ei� zzz-oi9s 369 University Avenue West
Saint Paul, MN 55103
Deaz Mr. Schwichtenberg and Mr. KittiLson,
0 CT 3 0 REC'D
I am writing to express the support of Catholic Charities Frogtown Center
for ihe Thomas Dale Small Area Plan. I woutcl like to commend the Task
Force and the District Seven Ptanning Council for yoar hard work and
persistence in developing this Plan_ I have reviewed the Plan and spoken
with our staff and various community members about it. We Snd that the
Plan reflects the input and interests of our commw�ity and it provides a
solid framework for guiding future physical development and community
building efforts in the neighborhood.
We at Cathotic Charities are committed to being a pro-active and peaceful
player in the community. It follows that we are coaunitted fo supporting
the Thomas-Dale Small Area Plan Task Force, the District Seven Planning
Council, and the other community partners in implementing the Plan and
it's vazious strategies in the comic� years. We look forward to working
with you to strengthen our community.
With Sincere and Peaceful Thoughts,
� 5����� ��_ �
Me}vin Giles
• .�.�� . ._-
Serving thr Arzhdm<esr of
Sa Pa�dand.NmrteapuGs
Suppottedth�ougl�privarc
mnmbunung Gfiited i�y, ond
Ar�rzuai CathuLrAppeal
RttrcCrcrd by Coum! on
Aaredimnun af Srrvires
for Famifin and Chddm�
An Egua! Opparcumty Empbya
and Servi<e Aovidn.
.,
q`1-�1�
city of saint paul
planning commission resolution
fite number 96- ��
�te December 2�, 1996
RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission is authorized under Minnesota Statues Section
462.355(2) and Chapter 107 of the Saint Paul Administrative Code to recommend to
the Mayor and City Counci4 amendments to the Comprehensive Plan; and
WHEREAS, the P{anning Commission on June 12, 1992 initiated the Thomas Dafe
Small Area Plan and requested that the Thomas Dale Community Council establish a
neighborhood task fiorce to prepare a draft plan for Planning Commission consideration;
and
WHEREAS, the task force prepared a draft plan and published it for community-wide
review, holding a public meeting on April 23, 1996; and
WHEREAS, the task force recommended the plan to the District Seven Planning
Council on July 29, 1996; and
WHEREAS, the District Seven P{anning Counci{, after additional community review and
discussion, recommended, on September 26, 1996, the Thomas Dale Small Area Plan
and FortyAcre Study to the Planning Commission for review and adoption; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission held a public hearing on the Thomas Dale Small
Area Plan and FortyAcre Sfudy on November 22, 1996, notice of which was duly given
in the Saint Paul Legal Ledger on November 7, 1996 and November 8, 1996; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission recommended changes to the Thomas Dale
Smal! Area P/an and Forty Acre Study after considering public testimony;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Planning Commission hereby certifies
the Thomas Dale Small Area Plan and ForfyAcre Study as an amendment to Saint
PauPs Comprehensive Plan and recommends its adoption by the City Council; and
moved by �isser
seconded by
in favor �nanimous
against
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the recommendations included in the plan related to
the expansion of University Avenue commercial uses to the south side of Sherburne
Avenue should supercede those adopted by the City Council as part of the University
Avenue CorridorStudyon May 97, 9990; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Planning Commission directs the Pianning
Administrator to forward the plan and this resolution to the Mayor and City Council; and
BE I7 FINALLY RESOLVED, that the Planning Commission expresses its gratitude to
all those who participated in the development of the Thomas Dale Small Area Plan and
Forty Acre Study and commits itself to continued involvement in community efforts to
implement its recommendations.
�
�.�_ . �, � � � � �
Thomas=Dale
Smatl ?�rea Plan
and
Acre Study
City Co�ficil Review Draft
�
�
Recommended by the
Thomas Date Small Area Plan Task Fovice
july 29, 1996
Recommended by the
District Seven Planning Councii
September 26, 199b
Recommended by the
Saint Paul Planning Commission
December 20, 1996
T ' ' �� �r3
.
Introduction ......................................1
Economic Development Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Housing Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Community Building Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Traffic and Transportation Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Education Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Heaith Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Parks and Recreation Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Land Use and Zoning Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Credits .........................................43
4'
11 THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft
°��-3i�
The study area for the Thomas Dale Small Area Plan and forty Acre
Study lies between Western and Victoria Avenues, University Avenue on
the south and the railroad tracks on the northern boundary. It is one of
Saint Paul's oider neighborhoods, settied between 1870 and 1890 by
German, Polish, Irish and Scandinavian immigrants who built the
Victorian vernacu{ar working- and middle-class homes and corner stores
that still give the area its small-town atmosphere. Today, the seventy
block area is characterized mainly by one and two famiiy homes though
it is bordered by intensive commercial, industrial and multi-family uses.
immigrants continue to find a home in Thomas Da1e whose 6,700
residents represent a rich variety of races, ages, socio-economic classes
and household types.
The Thomas Dale Small Area P/an is the definition of a vision shared by
neighborhood residents and business owners and City officia/s as wel/
as a strategy for bringing this vision to reality. /ts effectiveness will
depend on its "adoption" as a policy framework by the key community
organizafions in the area, ongoing efforts by those organizations to
discuss and jointly formulate policies in each of the subject areas
idenfified in the plan, and supporf for and coIlaboration with the key
implementing organizations identified with each sfrategy.
��
Vision Statement
The Thomas-Dale Community realizes that racial, economic and cultural
diversity enriches our lives. We, therefore, work together to:
• Strengthen families;
• See that everyone can live in decent, affordable, owned or rented
homes;
• Provide opportunities for employment, education and ownership;
• Create vibrant productive businesses;
• Make Thomas-Dale a safe, clean place to live where all are valued;
and
• Remember that beauty, humor and fun are as important to the soul as
food is to the body.
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft
��-3��
Economic development is difficult to define—especially as the national
and rnternational economies undergo a transition not unlike tF�e
industrial revolution of the last century. It involves finding new uses for
oId sites once used, and often polluted, by heavy industry. It includes
the preparation of a work force for new kinds of jobs and circuitous
career paths. Recent history has demonstrated that economic
development in Saint Paul is 1 inked [o the success of smaller businesses
and entrepreneurs. In Thomas Dale, it means deciding how best to meet
the consumer needs of an inner city community in an economic
environment that favors warehouse grocery stores and suburban
shopping malls. Implementing neighborhood policy and programs
related to economic development is part of the mission of the Frogtown
Action Alliance. A four pronged strategy—consistenT with that proposed
by [he Economic Deve(opment Task force of the Alliance—forms the
basis of the small area plan's recommendations relative to economic
development.
Capitalize on RedeveloRment O�portunities
A. Redevelop the Dale Street Shops site (bounded by Minnehaha, the
Burlington Northern tracks, Dale and Arundel), the neighboring
Maxson Steel site and any otf�er contiguous non-residential parcels
with industrial uses capable of employing a sizable number of
employees at family-supporting wages. Specifically:
.r
u
1. Responsible parties should complete the clean-up of the site
'' within three to five years.
The district council should seek funding to organize and
advocate for the clean up and development of the site.
The design of the site should be a neighborhood asset. A
community based planning team including representatives
selected by the District 7 Planning Council, Frogtown Action
Alliance and North End community organizations should be
convened to work with the Port Authority on the redevelopment
of the site. Specific issues of concern incfude:
Parking. In order to allow maximum space for the industries
themselves and encourage development patterns that make
effective use of land and support transit services, efforts should
be made to minimize the amount of off-street parking provided
on the site.
2 THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft
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Historic structures. Buildings that give the site its character
should be restored and reused where possible.
Landscaping. The site should be carefully landscaped and
consideration given to providing for some passive recreational
space and bike and pedestrian trails that could be connected to
neighborhood, citywide and/or regional trails.
Community facilities. The planning team should explore
whether or not it is appropriate to devote a portion of the site to
one or more community facilities such as a school, community
center or National Guard training and recreation center.
4. In order to ensure that neighborhood residents have access to
the jobs created in the development, public subsidies to
businesses should be tied to their participation in City sponsored
job training and placement services. In anticipation of the
development of the site, the City/School District job training
services should, over the next three years, focus their efforts to
enlist and prepare neighborhood residents for those jobs.
5. In order to increase the possibility that businesses on the site will
,� employ neighborhood residents, plans for an on-site or nearby
a^ child care facility should be developed.
�
.-=
6. Explore the option of reconstructing Pierce Butler Route to bring
it directly onto the site—perhaps under the Dale Street Bridge.
That would improve the access to s+te as well as eliminate the
awkward terminus of Pierce Butler at Minnehaha and allow for
the expansion of the Minnehaha Recreation Center site.
Implementing Partners
Frogtown Action Alliance, Convener
District 6 Planning Council
North End Area Revitalization (NEAR)
Saint Paul Port Authority
District 7 Planning Council
City of Saint Paul
Midway Chamber of Commerce
University UNITED
Western Initiatives for Neighborhood Development (WIND)
Wifder Foundation
B. Take advantage of the planned widening of Dafe Street to revitalize
it as a neighborhood scale commercial center for the community.
Specifically:
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft 3
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The new roadway should be designed to create a safe,
pedestrian-friendly environment with reduced traffic speeds
through the neighborhood. Specific elements may include:
linear park on the east side of the street, attractive fencing to
shield neighboring homes from the corridor, uniform design
features to tie the eight block stretch together, and on-street
parking on the west side.
2. The west side of Dale should be characterized by pedestrian
oriented commercial uses—with automobile related uses
encouraged to locate on University Avenue. Residential uses on
the frontage should be phased out although mixed use structures
with residential units above commerciai uses are e�couraged.
(Suggested amendments to the City's Zoning Code consistent
with this recommendation are detailed later in the plan.)
The east side of Dale should retain the resident+al character that
has emerged as businesses were bought and relocated to provide
right of way for the street widening.
4. Business incubator space shouid be developed at appropriate
locations.
f
?� 5. Vacant lots should be evaluated for their use as interim parking--
r� until the market provides for additional commercia! uses.
Alternative neighborhood non-profit ownership of these parcels
should be considered with the land being leased to adjoining
business owners for parking purposes. That would maximize the
flexibility of the land and minimize the likelihood that it would
be permanently used for parking. Community design guidelines
should govern the establishment of parking lots.
Implementing Partners
Frogtown Action Alliance, Convener
Department of Public Works
Distrid 7 Planning Council
Midway Chamber of Commerce
WIND
C. Strengthen University Avenue as an attractive and healthy
commerciai center, serving both as a neighborhood retail area for
those who live within the neighborhood and as a destination for the
surrounding region. Specific measures should include:
4 THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Dmft
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Encourage new retail development—especially the variety of
services needed by neighborhood residents—to cluster at the
intersections of University and Dale, Rice, Marion, Western and
Victoria. A full service hardware store and drug store, for
instance, might be encouraged to locate on University Avenue.
2. A program of street scape improvements for University Avenue
should be developed with area business owners based on the
guidelines recommended in the University Avenue Corridor
Study. Consideration should be given to: creating a landscaped
center median, planting trees in the median and in the
sidewalks, and installing decorative lighting.
3. To the extent that additional off-street parking is required to
support University Avenue businesses, shared lots should be
developed with frontage on University Avenue.
Careful attention should be given to the design, landscaping,
lighting and maintenance of existing and proposed parking lots
to ensure that they support a positive image for surrounding
businesses.
5. University UNITED should seek appropriate capital funds on an
;�� annual basis to implement the coordinated program of facade
. improvements, tree planting, lighting, signage and street
furniture or decor.
6. Alternatives to improve the appearance of the corner of
University and Victoria should be explored—to include reducing
the number of cars on and around the site, using landscaping the
screen the site, or establishing a more intensive alternative use.
Reduce the number of liquor stores on University Avenue,
confining them as much as possible to the major retail centers
where management and security services can help reduce the
incidence of inappropriate behavior on the premises.
Implementing Partners
Frogtown Action Alliance, Convener
District 7 P{anning Councii
Midway Chamber of Commerce
University UNITED
Modef Cities
D. Support efforts by the Frogtown Action Alliance and Frogtown
Merchants Association to upgrade and strengthen Minnehaha
Center. While located outs+de the study area boundary,
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PIAN: City Councii Review Drak 5
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enhancements to the Center would enabie it to provide important
services to study area residents.
implementing Partners
Frogtown Action Alliance, Convener
Frogtown Merchants Association
Minnehaha Center Owners and Businesses
Develop Micro Entergrises and Small Businesses
A. Ensure that existing and potential small businesses have access
to the space, capital, training and information necessary for
their success. Specific initiatives include:
Provide incubator space with related training, technical
assistance and mentoring for emerging small businesses, The
existing micro-entrepreneur training and loan program is a good
model.
2. Market the availability of small business loans througi� PED
programs.
3. Secure funds—through the City's Sales Tax Revitalization
i� Program (STAR) or similar program—for facade improvement
loans and grants to enable the rehabilitation of storefronts for
small business use.
4. PED's Small Business Center, the Lexington Library and WlND,
Inc. should collaborate on the development of small business
assistance programs and materials — seminars, pamphlets, open
Ffouses, canvasses or other means of ensuring that business
owners and potential business owners are aware of the variety of
resources available to them.
5. Encourage ne+ghborhood residents to patronize and be
supportive of area businesses. At the same time, encourage
neighborhood businesses to recognize—through their pricing
policies, merchandise selection and marketing strategies—the
particular role they can play in strengthening the community and
supporting its residents.
Implementing Partners
Frogtown Action Alliance, Convener
Lexington Library Small Business Center (PED)
Midway Chamber of Commerce University UNfTED
Model CiTies WIND
fi THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft
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B. Market the neighborhood as a place for commercial development
and business opportunities consistent with the needs of area
residents.
Ensure that organizations supporting emerging entrepreneurs
understand Thomas Dale's strengths as a centrally Iocated
community with easy access and a diverse cons�mer market.
Seek out firms offering personal services that recent surveys have
indicated are under represented in Thomas Dale.
Encourage investment by firms representing growth industries
such as printing/publishing and medical services and refated
suppliers.
Implementing Partners
Frogtown Action Alliance University UNITED
District 7 Planning Council Mode1 Cities
Midway Chamber of Commerce
Work Towards Full Em {�o�ment
>.' A. Neighborhood residents shoufd be aware of and adequatefy
' prepared to fill available jobs throughout the metropofitan area.
Available training resources through the public schools, the
Ronald M. Hubbs Center for Lifelong Learning, community
colleges and Metro State University should continue to be
marketed through area agencies such as the Frogtown Family
Resource Center, Wilder Family and Children Services,
Headstart and the Model Cities Health Clinic.
2. Opportunities for offering training/education programs at
additional neighborhood locations should be explored.
3. Fully develop opportunities for community service for young
people that offer payments toward college tuition or other post
high school training programs for participants.
G. A central clearinghouse for employment opQortunities that is
linked with other such establishments in the metro area as well
as a network of neighborhood agencies and organizations
should be established.
5. Job fairs should be held in the community or residents
transported to such events hefd throughout the metropolitan
area.
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PtAN: City Council Review Draft 7
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Impfemenfing Partners
Frogtown Action Alliance, Convener
St. Paul Workforce Develapment Center
Saini Paul Public School Center for Employment and Training
St. Paul Urban League Mode! Cities
Community Education Wilder Foundation
Frogtown Family Resource Center
Ronald M. Hubbs Center for Lifelong Learning
Midway Chamber of Commerce
University UNITED
District 7 Planning Council
B. Public or quasi-public fransportation should be available to
transport area residents to employment centers throughout the
metropol+tan area.
1. The Frogtown Action Alliance should work wiYh major suburban
employers to coordinate the employment of area residents with
the provision of transportation. Alternatives include organizing
potential employees into carpools, contracting with MCTO or
private transit providers to provide once a day transportation
from the neighborhood to regional employment centers and
back or subsidizing monthly bus passes when using the existing
y� transit system is practical. Neighborhood based smafl businesses
: should be encouraged to participate in the provision of private
transit services.
2. The City and community should continue to advocate for
improved transit services throughout the metropolitan area at
affordable rates.
Implementing Partners
Frogtown Action Alliance, Convener
District 7 Planning Co�ncil
Metropolitan Council Transit Operations (MCTO)
Private Transit Services
University UNITED
Provide Basic Com�unit� Services
A. Explore alternative arrangements that give neighborhood residents
access to grocery products at affordable prices.
Develop community gardens to provide fresh produce during
severa( months of the year. The establishment of gardens should
THOMAS DALE SMAIL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft
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be consistent with the parks/green space strategy recommended
later iR the pian. Priority sites should 6e those larger spaces that
often exist near bus lines and between major land uses. Specific
provisions should be made for soil testing to ensure the land is
not contaminated and the provision of water.
Create attractive Farmers Market opportunities for the sale of
produce in central—and accessible—locations in the community.
Explore with interested entrepreneurs the possibility of
developing "mobile" grocery outlets—refrigerated vans or small
trucks from which basic groceries (milk, fruits and vegetables,
breads and cereals) could be sold to neighborhood residents.
4. Explore the possibility of establishing a cooperative grocery store
where residents could exchange their labor for quality food at
affordable prices.
Impiementing Partners
Frogtown Action Alliance, Convener
Model Cities
B. Encourage and seek resources to subsidize the development of small
child care homes to enable parents to seek employment as well as
provide smalt business opportunities for neighborhood residents.
fmplementing Pariners
Frogtown Action Afliance
THOMAS DALE SMALL ARfA PIAN: CAy Counci{ Review Draft 9
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Thomas Dale should represent an attractrve residential option for
households across the wider community's racial, cultural and socio-
economic spectrums. That is its heritage and its pride. Significant
disinvestment in recent years, however, has placed the neighbo�hood at
rrsk of being home only to those who have few options and in danger of
being caught in a cantinurng cycle of disrnvestment and isolation.
Healthy neighborhoods require conYinuing invesYment in the
maintenance, repair and rehabilitation of their residential and
commercial properties. A variety of tools are avarlable to the City and
the neighborhood in their efforts to generate that investment. Thomas
Dale's housing strategy should involve some of each.
Mandate compliance with community standards through code
enforcement. Mandates, understandably, raise concerns about
outside enforcement agencies establishing unattainab/e standards
that represent a hardship for community residents. It will be very
important, because of the limited economic means of many property
owners, that the standards be established through a community
process and be tied directly to resolving significant health and safety
concerns.
• Stimulate and encourage private rnvestment with a varie[y of
strategies to include offering public subsidies, developing appropriate
, tax policies, and amending underwriting standards. Financing
mechanisms will, in many cases, need to be specifically designed for
Thomas Dale—with considerable emphasis on outreach, hands-on
assistance and flexibility.
Encourage re-investment through the establishment of an identity in
the marketplace attractive to those who have the resources to invest.
One asset on which Thomas Dale can capitalize in defining such a
niche is its rich stock of historic homes in a traditionally designed
neighborhood. Research and the marketplace itself have
demonstrated that not only do people value older housing in older
neighborhoods, but that the design characteristics associated with
those neighborhoods serve to enhance public safety, neighborhood
involvement and community identity and pride.
Build relationships within the community, encouraging
neighborhood ownershrp and prida There are a variety of strategies
related to building connections between people and between people
and neighborhood institutions, building capacity and leveraging
neighborhood talents. In the broadest sense, investment is
encouraged by a sense of community in a sustaining/nurturing
environment.
�Q THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft
�'�- � �
Among the risks of any strategy is that the market may be stimulated to
the point where property values are raised to a level that low income
and working class households cannot afford. Code enforcement,
rehabilitation and preservation efforts need not, however, displace low
income renters or homeowners. Displacement may occur, however, if
property values rise to the extent that owners of housing occupied by
lower income households either sell their property or raise rents.
Avoiding displacement will require that the neighborhood's housing
strategy include intentional efforts to secure a portion of the housing
stock at affordable levels.
Increase Level of Home Ownership
A. Ensure a sufficient stock of quality homes available for purchase.
1. Encourage the construction of new ownership housing on
individual vacant lots throughout the neighborhood. Priority sites
for new construction should be those on blocks with a significant
number of vacant lots, those where a new house would provide
the necessary investment to encourage other property owners to
make improvements, and those large enough to allow for the
construction of three and four bedroom homes to meet the
;'` needs of large families.
rt
� 2. Establish and maintain a revolving loan fund to finance the
acquisition of problem properties for rehabilitation and resale by
the Greater Frogtown Community Development Corporation.
3. Focus public resources on efforts that would not get done but for
the public financing.
4. Ensure that the construction and design of new homes do not
create a visual conflict with neighboring structures.
5. Advise and involve neighboring residents in the process of
sefecting sites for new housing construction and the design of
the housing units themselves when pu6lic development funds
are used.
6. Recognizing thai homes and properties of various sizes are
important to the diversity oi the community and can help to
provide and preserve affordable housing within the
neighborhood, construction of new homes on smaller lots (under
40 feet wide or less than 5,000 square feet) should be allowed
by the Board of Zoning Appeals if the following conditions are
met and followed:
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft 11
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The community and the district council support the
proposed construction; and
Provisions are made for adequate back yard and open space
on the lot.
Implementing Partners
Greater Frogtown Community Development Corporation
Saint Paul Housing and Redevelopment Authority
Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC)
Habitat for Humanity
West Side Neighborhood Housing Services
District 7 Planning Council
Board of Zoning Appeals
B. Provide suitable financing mechanisms and other support services
to ensure that present Thomas Dale residents can and do take full
advantage of mortgage and rehabilifafion financing programs.
Partner with agencies that provide support services to new
homeowners, including home maintenance training, increasing
the probability of success for new homeowners.
; 2. Work with the Saint Paul Public Housing Agency to identify
�� appropriate homes for the Homeward Program that provides
. home ownership opportunities for selected low income
households.
Collaborate with the existing Mortgage Foreclosure Prevention
program operated by the City's Housing Information Office and
funded by the Northwest Area Foundation and the City to ensure
the program has the necessary flexibility to meet the needs of
Thomas Dale residents.
Work with PED to develop and market non-traditional rehab and
first mortgage loan programs that are more likely to be successful
for neighborhood residents who may have poor credit histories
making them ineligible for private financing.
5. PED should ascertain why applicants fail to complete the process
of securing rehab or first mortgage loans as a means of
identifying those aspects of the process that represent barriers tor
iower income households. That information should be used tc
make adjustments in the various public programs.
� 2 THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft
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Im�rove Condition of Housing Stock
A. Strengthen mechanisms that improve management and discourage
deferred maintenance in rental buitdi�gs before there is serious
deterioration.
1. Extend the Certificate of Occupancy inspection program to rental
buildings with one or two units. The program should be
carefully designed to ensure the privacy of tenants, possibly by
restricting inspections to time periods between tenants or by
agreement with the tenant.
2. Secure community based non-profit ownership and/or
management of a significant proportion of the neighborhood's
rental housing. The esta6lishment of limited equity or leasehold
co-ops should be explored where appropriate_
3. Promote development of a Frogtown association of property
owners and managers. The association—that may be affiliated
with the Saint Paul Association of Responsible Landlords—would
provide training and technical assistance to association
members.
4. Support tenant advocacy, assistance and training programs
promoting residential stab+lity and preventing homelessness.
Implementing Partners
Greater Frogtown Community Development Corporation
Model Cities
Saint Pau! Association of Responsible Landlords
District 7 Planning Council
Department of Licenses, Inspections and Environmental
Protection (LIEP)
B. Identify serious health and safety code violations and work with
property owners to secure the resources to make necessary
improvements.
Seek public, private or phiianthropic funds to provide home
improvement grants to eligible households.
Enrofl efigible vacant structures in the Fiouses to Homes
program.
Explore opportunities in conjunction with the Saint Paul
Technical UniversiYy, the Trades and Labor Unions and the
�4 THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft
C�-3�3
various smal{ bnsiness assistance programs to provide
neighborhood based education and training opportunities for
adults and young people interested in home repair and
remodeling.
4. Demolition shau(d be considered a last resort and pursued only
when properties cannot be reused. To reduce the instances of
demolition, the City's Division of Public Health and community
development corporations should work together to:
• Improve communications so that CDCs are aware of
potential demolitions as early as possible;
• Take appropriate measures to obtain input from neighboring
residents and block clubs;
• Evaluate individual buildings in context;
• Stre�gthen programs that allow vacant houses to become
available at a negligible cost for purchase and rehabilitation
(e.g. Dollar Houses); and
• Develop mechanisms whereby the City can obtain title to
vacant properties and convey them to a community
organization for rehabilitation.
Implementing Partners
,�> Department of Licenses, Inspection and Environmenta�
=' Protection (LIEP)
= District 7 Planning Council
Greater Frogtown Community Development Corporation
Saint Paul Division of Public Health
Maintain Affordability of Rental Housing
A. Coupled with the strategies to support home ownership for area
residents, systematic efforts must be made to ensure that a portion
of the renfal housing in ihomas Dale remains affordable to tower
income households.
Expfore the feasibifity of expanding or replicating programs such
as the United Way's Families First that rehabilitated small rental
buildings, financing the purchase and rehabilitation in such a
way as to permanently write down the operating costs borne by
the tenants.
2. Explore the development of new rental apartment and
townhome complexes along University Avenue, Minnehaha
Avenue and Pierce Butler.
3. Ensure that rent certificate and voucher programs are tied closely
to local market conditions so as not create windfall profits for
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Cou�cil Review Draft 1$
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landlords and, therefore, a concentration of participating
properties.
4. Encourage the development of residential units on the second
and third floors above new commercial development on
University Avenue.
Implementing Partners
Greater Frogtown Community Development Corporation
Frogtown Action Alliance
Model Cities
Project for Pride in Living
District 7 Planning Council
Identify, Preserve and Market Neighborhood
Attribu
A. Build an understanding of the neighborhood's historic character.
1. Develop public education materials on tf�e historic va�ue of the
neighborhood, the attributes of neighborhood buildings, how to
recognize and protect the value of individua� properties.
Implementing Partners
` District 7 Planning Council
Saint Paul Heritage Preservation Commission
B. Ensure that the public infrastructure +s supportive of the area's
historic character.
Advocate for the installation of public improvements — sidewalks
and curbs, lighting, trees, signage etc — supportive of the area's
character.
Lantern style street lights should be the standard for the area with
provisions made to waive or secure alternative financing for the
related assessments.
Implementing Partners
Distrid 7 Planning Council
Saint Pau( Department of Public Works
C. Encourage the sensitive rehabilitation of area structures as well as
compatible new construction on individual vacant lots.
1 fi THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft
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1. Develop rehab financing programs designed to encourage the
protection or restoration of the historic character of individual
structures.
2. Explore appropriate reuses for traditional corner store buildings
as artist housing/studios or small businesses.
3. Owners of twenty-five properties identified in the 1983 Historic
Sites Survey for Sainf Paul and Ramsey Counfy should be
encouraged to seek formal designation as local and/or National
Register sites and the Heritage Preservation Commission should
support those applications.
.�-
h w.
4. Explore ways to take advantage of the concentration of unique
historical or architectural structures in the area bounded by
Mackubin and Dale, Sherburne and Van Buren. Potential
mechanisms include the creation of demonstration or
conservation district within which special efforts would be made
to educate property owners about the value of their buildings,
provide guidance on making structural changes, and secure
resources to ensure the protection of the most important
structures. Such a district would not be designed primarily as a
regulatory tool though there may be guidelines associated with
resources and other incentives. Any policies governing such a
district should be carefully tuned to balance the resources of
property owners and the value of particular structures.
Amend the Saint Paul Zoning Code to support the continued use
of the several historic "alley houses" in the neighborhood.
Present and prospective owners have a difficult time securing
mortgage or rehabilitation financing because the structures are
considered "nonconforming uses" in the code and cannot be re-
established in the event of serious structural damage without the
permission of the Pianning Commission. The following
amendment would allow their reconstruction and, thus, reassure
potential lenders.
Sec. 62.102.(e) (-)
In any residentiai district,
lot may be reconstructed
an existing second dwelling on a single
�rovided that the number of total
dwelling units on the lot is not increased. The structure may not
be structurally enlarged or extended.
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft 17
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Implementing Partners
Greater Frogtown Community Development Corporation
District 7 Planning Counci!
Saint Paul Heritage Preservation Commission
Saint Paul Planning Commission
D. Market the neighborhood.
(n partnership with area realtors, market the neighborhood, its
houses and available financing mechanisms to potential market
niches.
Impiementing Partners
District 7 Planning Council
Frogtown Times
Saint Paul Area Association of Realtors
Build Community Ownership
A. Develop, support and link together a variety of neighborhood based
associations to strengthen a sense of community.
Voluntary community associations are the most powerful mechanism
' by whicfi people are tinked to their neighborhoods. They provide a
,-�.
sense of belonging as well as a vehicle for bringing resources and
peop(e togeYher to make things happen. They also provide a means
for people from different racial, economic and social groups to work
together for common ends.
Examples of voluntary community associations include PTAs,
churches, friends of the local library, park and school booster clubs,
loca! business associations, district councils, block clubs and
crimewatch chapters, mutual aid associations, landlord, homeowner,
renter or resident associations, community fair and festival sponsors,
garden clubs and beautification groups, Iocal hiseorical societies,
youth groups, focal development companies, civic clubs and support
groups.
B. Establish a Frogtown Neighborhood Improvement and Training
Center in conjunction with any of a number of existing community
organizations to work in conjunction with community development
and other revitalization initiatives.
The program would:
• Strengthen organizational capacity within the neighborhood.
� 8 THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft
��`31�
Promote partnerships, particulariy among organizations that
promote revitalization.
increase the skills and invofvement of residents, including youth,
to improve their lives through self-help, feadership development,
political and other strategies.
Integrate a variety of programs or initiatives such as:
Youth Employment and Training
Public Service Work Crews
Community and Home Maintenance Education
Home Owner Finance Training
Tooi Lending Library
Micro-Enterprise Development
Skilfs Bank Exchange
Community Steward Program
Strengthening Voluntary Community Associations
Keystone Housing and Commercial Development
Positive Neighborhood images Program
Implementing Partners
District 7 Planning Councif
Thomas Dale Block Cfubs
Community Education
z�� Frogtown Action Alliance
frogtown Festival, Inc.
Saint Pauf Division of Parks and Recreation
Neighborhood businesses
Community agencies and organizations
7HOMA5 DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Gouncif Review Draft 1�3
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Nealthy families are the buildrng 6locks of a strong communrty. To the
extent, therefore, that the other chapters of this pian re/ate to ensuring
access to safe and affordable housing, productive employment
appropriate education and the range of amenitres offered by Iibraries,
parks, recreation and cultura! opporiunities, the enfire small area plan is
part and parcel of a community building strategy.
The strength of a community, however, is more than the sum of
individuafs and their well being. A community is stronger when its
residents are linked together around shared concerns and common
purpose. A community is more effective when its services and voluntary
associations are carefully integrated. And a community is safer when
people look out for eadi other and wl�en t/�e community as a whole
ensures that the needs of all are met.
The followrng strategy, therefore, is built upon eacfl of the other chapters
of t/�e plan, but specifically addresses issues of linkage, integration and
capacity through a discussion of two concerns: community services and
community places.
Strengthen Community Services
A. Area agencies and service providers should continually look for
ways to more carefulty integrate new and existing services and
� ensure that those services are consistent with the needs of
neighborhood residents.
There are dozens of organizations involved in providing essential
services to the community: public and private schools, churches,
Model Cities Health Center, businesses, Frogtown Action Alliance,
Thomas Dale Block Ciubs, District 7 Planning Council, Wilder
Foundation, West Minnehaha Recreation Center, Scheffer Recreation
Center, Catholic Charities, Frogtown Family Resource Center. A!I are
doing good and important work. This strategy identifies ways that
existing services might be better integrated to ensure that limited
resources are used Yo maximum advantage.
Community service providers should meet on a regular basis to
share information, address common issues and provide mutual
support.
2. New services should be designed in collaboration with existing
programs to increase effectiveness and avoid duplication.
2� THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft
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Programs should take advantage of the network of b�ock clubs
and community organizations to disseminate information and
receive feedback in their planning and program development.
4. Neighborhood residents shouid be invited to participate in the
design, delivery and evaluation of community programs.
B. Develop, support and link together a variety of neighborhood based
voluntary associations to strengthen a sense of community.
Voluntary community associations are the most powerful mechanism
by which people are linked to their neighborhoods. They provide a
sense of belonging as well as a vehic{e for bringing resources and
people together to make things happen. They also provide a means
for people from different raciaf, economic and social groups to work
together for common ends.
Examples of voluntary community associations include PTAs,
churches, friends of the local library, park and school booster clubs,
Iocal business associations, district councils, block clubs and
crimewatch chapters, mutual aid associations, landford, homeowner,
renter or resident associations, community fair and festiva{ sponsors,
garden clubs and beautification groups, local historical societies,
�;�' youth groups, local development companies, civic clubs and support
,,, groups.
Launch a five year initiative to build the capacity of
neighborhood based organizations to assess community assets,
design collaborative projects and nurture community leadership.
2. Continue to develop and support block clubs throughout the
community as the most basic unit of neighborhood organization.
fmplementing Partners
Frogtown Neighborhood Network, Convener
Thomas Dale Block Clubs
Wilder Foundation
Bigelow Foundation
Neighborhood based organizations
C. Existing organizations should support community-wide efforts that
celebrate the neighborhood and its residents.
Support a neighborhood newspaper as a critical communication
link with virtually every household in the neighborhood.
THOMAS DALE SMALL ARfA PIAN: City Councif Review Draft 21
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2. Strengthen the annual Frogtown Festival with financial and
inkind contributions and volunteer support. The City of Saint
Paul should consider subsidizing police services or providing
additional financial support for community festivals in
neighborhoods such as Thomas Dale that have fewer potential
sponsors.
Take advantage of opportunities to recognize the talents and
contributions of neighborhood residents.
4. Encourage "neighboriiness." Recognize that there is often
nothing more powerful in the process of community building
than the individual acts of kindness among neigh6ors—shoveling
a neigh6or's walk, listening to a child, offering encouragement to
a teenager or greeting a stranger.
Implementing Partners
Neighborhood based organizations
Neighborhood residents
University UNITED
D. In developing new services, priority should be given to the
<
following:
� • Initiatives that support the capacities of families to nurture
. children
• Services addressing the needs of children and youth
• Programs focussed on physical neighborhood improvements
Several initiatives are already underway:
Frogtown Famrly Center - Established under the auspices of the
Saint Paul Chiidren's fnitiative, tf�e Frogtown Family Center is a
network of services where residents find or are referred to the
full range of family services (e.g. family education, health care,
employment and training). Administered by a community-based
board, the Family Center relates closely to the existing Frogtown
Family Resource center, a school districY—commu�ity
co!laboration focusing on early childhood and family education.
After Schoo! Actrvities - The State of Minnesota inciuded $2
million in its 6iennial bonding bill to provide facifities within
which to provide after school programs. Additional funds are
available from the federal government.
Charter School - Planning funds for new charter schools were
allocated by the 1996 legis�ature. The St. Pau! Family Learning
22 THOMAS DALE SMAtL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft
9�-3�3
Center Charter Schoo( opened in the fall of 1996 and serves
families in the study area. There are hopes that additional
s+milar schools can be established in the Thomas Dale
community.
Implementing Partners
Neighborhood based organizations
Create Communit� Places
A. Pursue a community wide planning process to establish a
cammunity center (or a principal center with satellite service
centers) that would:
• Be accessible to as high a percentage of the community as
possible
• Integrate multiple services (family education, health,
recreation)
• Be developed and managed by a collaboration of
community organizations
Gathering places play an important role in the life of any
community. They are the places where people come to know
' each other as neighbors, where important information is
°� availabfe and shared, and where the community's story is
' shaped and recounted to old-timers and new-comers alike. They
may be formally designated or simply emerge out of the rhythm
of daily life.
Among the challenges for the new community-building
initiatives now being planned is the acute lack of appropriate
space. There is, therefore, considerable interest in the
establishment of a community center at which a number of
services could be {ocated.
The difficulty, of course, in a iarge geographic area with poor
transit services where few people have access to cars, is
selecting one place that "works" for the whole community. An
alternative might be to establish a major center and link it—
through telecommunications, vans and/or joint programming—
with a select number of existing "satellite" centers.
Implementing Partners
Wilder Foundation, Convener
Neighborhood based organizations
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PtAN: City Council Review Drak 23
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Neighborhood transportation issues are not defined—nor are they
resolved—in a vacuum. The transportation system that serves Thomas
Dafe is a regional system. The streets, highways, bus routes and,
potentiall y, Iight rail lines, that run through Thomas Dale connect it with
the metropolitan area. Metropolitan decisions to invest rn one mode of
transportation over against another have a profound impact on the
health and vitality of neighborhoods such as Thomas Date. Thomas
Dale, in the final analysis, would be best served by a regiona(
transpo�tation and (and use policy that limics suburban development and
strengthens local transit services in inner city communities. The
community's cha(Ienge, therefore, is to identify forums in which those
decisions are being made and become an effective advocate for
neighborf�ood interests.
Within the neighborhood, however, the condition and design of three
major arterials as well as the neighborhood street system and the quality
of public transit service are the defining issues for the Traffrc and
7ransportation Strategy. Most of the issues, however, are discussed in
the Economic Development Strategy (page 2). The proposed redesign of
Universrty Avenue and Dale Street is intended to make t/�em more
attractive and pedestrian-friendly commercia! streets. While University
Avenue serves a regiona! market and Da/e Street a more local market,
botfl can be enhanced by trees, street lights and traffic calming
measures. Pierce Butler, if slighdy rerouted, could provide direct access
to the Dale Street Shops/Maxson Steel site, making it a more attractive
site for industrial redevelopment.
The balance of the strategy, discussed in this sectron, focuses on (a) the
improvement of neighborhood streets in ways that enhance the character
of the residential environment and support public and private investment
in rehabilitation and redevelopment and (b) the improvement of public
transit services.
Improve Neighborhood Street an Trails
A. Complete the improvement of the neighborF�ood street system with
the installafion of curbs, gutters, street lights and boulevard trees.
Encourage the Department of Public Works to program the
paving of and installation of curbs, gutters and street lights on the
tollowing street segments north of University Avenue:
• Mackubin
• KenT
• Arundel
24 THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Drafr
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Improvements along these street segments will enhance efforts
made by the Greater Frogtown Community Development
Corporation to build or rehabilitate homes in the area for
purchase by new homeowners.
2. Replace missing boulevard trees in the area either by adjusting
the citywide replacement schedule or allowing for the planting
of donated trees in the boulevard.
Encourage private piantings in the boulevards through
promotional material, plant give-aways, and/or award programs
such as the Minneapolis Center for the Urban EnvironmenYs
"Blooming Soulevards" program,
B. In planning improvements for neighborhood streets, identify
opportunities for traffic calming. For instance, intersections where
extra land might allow the installation of a traffic circle should be
identified. Four to six circles could be considered for the study area
as a means of both slowing traffic through the neighborhood and
contributing to the neighborhood character. The circles should be
attractively landscaped and could be sites for sculptures or other
public art.
: C. Create bicycle and pedestrian trails linking the neighborhood with
^ key amenities such as downtown, the Mississippi River, Como Park
attd the University of Minnesota.
Implementing Partners
District 7 Planning Council
Saint Paul Department of Public Works
University UNITED
A. The level of service presently offered by the 16A bus line on
University Avenue should at least he maintained if not expanded.
The bus provides an essential service to many neighborhood
residents who use it to make relatively short trips to grocery stores,
health clinics, child care and employment.
The preservation of the 16A Iine takes on a particular importance i�
light of plans to co�struct a light rail line in the freeway corridor. It
should be emphasized that light rail—as currently envisioned—will be
designed to move people quickly between the two cities and,
therefore, will not replace the 16A Yhat carries people relatively short
distances along University Avenue.
THOMAS DAtE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft 2rj
�7-��3
B. Bus service should be increased on Dale Street where buses run
only every haff hour.
Many of the clients of Model Cities rely on the bus tor Yransportation
to and from their appointments. This iine a(so offers direct access to
suburban jobs and shopping.
C. Service on the number 7 and 34 bus lines shoutd be maintained or
increased.
The number 7 bus that serves area schools, playgrounds and the Rice
Marion apartments as well as the number 34 bus that wi(I be
instrumental in serving any new industria� or multi-family
development along Minnehaha also play a critical role in the
neighborhood's transportation system. Service on these lines shouid
be maintained or increased.
D. The area also needs circulator bus service thaY runs through the
neighborhood, linking residenfs to local services such as the grocery
sYore and health clinic.
Implementing Partners
District 7 Planning Council
, Wilder Foundation
Frogtown Family Center
Metropolitan Council Transit Operations (MCTO)
Midway Chamber of Commerce
Advocate for Supportive Regional
Trans rta i n nd U Poli ie
A. Ensure that regional transportation systems are supportive of
Thomas Dale's redevelopment and renewal efforts.
The District 7 Planning Council should advocate for a coherent
regional transportation policy that integrates the construction of
highways and rail systems with a land use and growth
management policy that discourages sprawi.
2. In the event the light rail transit system in constructed in the
freeway corridor and includes a station at Dale Street, the
District 7 Planning Council should be involved in its design.
The stop should not inciude a"park and ride" lot.
2fi THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft
�'�- 3�3
Implementing Partners
District 7 Planning Council
Metropolitan Council
Ramsey Couniy Regional Rail Authority
Midway Chamber of Commerce
University UNITED
Resolve Neighborhood Parking Iss�ies
A. in consultation with surrounding property owners and commun+ty
organizations, reso{ue parking issues at the tollowing locations in a
manner that minimizes the parking's impact on surrounding
residential properties and the character of the neighborhood:
• Northwest corner of University and Dale
• Kim Hung's Grocery
• International Marketplace
• Blues Saloon i601 North Western)
• Hmong Funeral Home
Implementing Partners
District 7 Planning Council
University UNITED
Individual Susiness Owners
; Affected Residents and Bfock Clubs
Midway Chamber of Commerce
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft 27
n_
Successful communitres encourage and support lifefong learning fhaf
begins with preparing rts youngest members for school and, at the same
time, ensures that its adults are prepared to participate in a rapidly
changing economy. Thomas Dale is home to a wide variety of
educationa! institutions and programs—from the Frogtown Family
Resource Center and Ramsey Action Program's Headstart focused on
early childhood and parent education, to two public elementary schools,
St. Agnes School, the Ronald Hubbs Center for Lifelong Learning, Saint
Paul Rehabilitation Center and the CitylSchool District's community
education program. In addition, a Model Cities program serves tl�e
preschool education needs of children born with chemical addictions
and the Thunder Spirit Lodge focuses on the care of tf�ose afflicted with
Feral Alcohol Syndrome. Each has its o�n�n mission, agenda and method
of rela[ing with the community. Whife the other sections of the plan
include recommendations that, if implemented, would strengthen the
environment for education — such as reducing transiency, creating
spaces for recreation, emphasizing �ob training/preparation — the
following recommendations focus specifically on how the communrty
can support the individual and common efforts of the educational
institutions to meet the needs of its residents.
Build Communit� Support for Education
A. Encourage community involvement in the schools.
Encourage investment in volunteer training and suppori. The
schools are eager to have parents and other community
members involved in school programs during and after school.
Reading wich chiidren, providing enrichment programs or simply
being an extra set of hands in a classroom are all important
contributions. For some, that may come naturally. Others may
want or need the support of a certain level of training,
recognition or other incentive to encourage their participation.
Secure sponsorship of individual schools by corporations and/or
organizations both from within and outside the neighborhood.
Sponsor equipment retycling drives to ensure students have
access to appropriate equipment to participate in athlefic and
artistic programs.
4. encourage schools to be welcoming places tor parents and
community members.
2$ THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA p1AN: City Council Review DraR
47�3�3
Implementing Partners
District 7 Planning Council
Parent Teacher Organizations
Frogtown Family Resource Center
Community Education
Individual Schools
Univers+ty UNITED
B. Strengthen collaboration among educational programs within the
neighborhood.
Expand participation in networking activities. A monthly lunch
meeting for Thomas Daie human service agencies is a good
beginning, but doesn't provide enough time or space for the
collaboration that needs to take place. Other opportunities
should be identified.
2. Ensure that participants in individual human service programs
are aware of—and can refer participants to--the services of the
various educational institutions.
3. Develop multi-faceted programming to take advantage of
community resources and meet multiple needs. Coliaboration
between the Frogtown Family Resource Center and )ackson
, School, for instance, has increased parental participatio� in the
school's evening programs for families inasmuch as the Resource
Center encourages participation, assists with transportation and
provides programs for the children while parents are involved in
meetings or conferences.
4. Strengthen the relationships between area child care providers
and elementary schools in order to develop ways to ease the
child's transition between day care and school, strengthen
school readiness and, without jeopardizing the privacy of the
child and his/her family, prevent any lapse in critical support
services.
Encourage schooi principals and staff to become involved in
community organizations as a means of improving collaboration.
Implementing Partners
Public and private schoois and education agencies
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft 29
�7� �( �
C. Encourage the estabiishment of one or more charter schools in the
community.
Ensure that planning for new schools involves collaboration with
existing schools and human service providers.
Particular encouragement should be given to organizaTions
willing to develop charter schoois that emphasize cross cultural
education.
Impiementing Partners
District 7 Planning Council
Potential school boards and administrators
People's Network of Minnesota
Public and private schools
Wilder Foundation
D. Expand options and opportunities for pre-school and elementary
school age children and their families.
Ensure that quality after school activities are available for all
children who need them.
2. Support programming for pre-school and elementary school
, children that encourages peaceful conflict resolution.
3. Support additiona! resources £or Headstart programs in the
community in order that alI who qualify can participate.
Implementing Partners
Public and private schools and learning centers
Headstart
Saint Pau! Division of Parks and Recreation
Saint Pau( Pubfic Library
Wilder Foundation
Parent Teacf�er Organizations
E. Expand options for junior and senior high age students.
Support and strengthen programs such as those offered by local
churches and schools, Frogtown Future, Save our Cities Kids and
the Leadership Training Program of the Thomas Dale Block
Clubs that involve young people in positive association with
significant adults whi�e helping them to develop their own
potential.
30 THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft
`�7-3�3
Explore sources of private and philanthropic support to enable
young people from Thomas Dale to participate in programs such
as those offered by the Science Museum, local colleges and
universities, theatres or summer camps.
Implementing Partners
Public and private schools and learning centers
Saint Paui Division of Parks and Recreation
Thomas Dale Block Clubs
Community Education
University UNITED
7HOMA5 DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Councii Review Draft $�
Access to quality affordable health care is a national issue. It is of
particular concern for 7homas Da/e where such a high percentage of
citizens are not covered by employer sponsored hea(th insurance,
making them especially vulnerable to changes in pu6fic support for
health care. Data analyzed by the City's Division of Public Health
reveal Thomas Dale to be among the city's medically underserved
communities. Critical issues include a low rmmunization rate, (�igher
than average infant mortality rates and /ead poisoning of children.
Secure 8asic Health Services for All Residents
A. Strengthen the Model Cities Heatth Center as fhe primary provider
of communify based medical and dental services.
Advocate for funding formulas that recognize the unique needs
of community health centers that serve a high proportion of
uninsured citizens.
Support funding app(ications that serve to stabilize the financial
status of the health center.
Explore partnerships that might bring professional services to the
health center at below market costs.
Implementing Partners
- Model Cities Health Center
Public Health Agencies
Foundations
B. Strengthen the sense of partnership among health care providers in
and around the Thomas Dale community.
Organize a formal community health care coalition to meet on
regular basis.
2. Develop and prioritize strategies around building community
awareness relative to health issues and ensuring a higher tevel of
preventative care.
Implementing Partners
Model Cities
Saint Paul Division of Public Health
Frogtown Action Alfiance
Private health care/alternative medicine services
Saint Paul/Ramsey Medical Center
32 THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Countil Review Draft
q-�_a�a
Emnhasize Pr v n inn
A. Ensure widespread access to immunizations, screening and well
child care.
Support public health initiatives including the mobile delivery—
with a van or other mobi! clinic arrangement—of specific services
including immunizations and health screening. Services to
Thomas Dale could be integrated with those to other similar
neighborhoods.
Implementing Partners
Saint Paul Division of Public Health
Model Cities Health Center
Frogtown Action Alliance Health Task Force
B. Etiminate the incidence of lead poisoning.
Increase screening of children at risk.
2. Continue educational program in multiple languages and in
collaboration with the Frogtown Family Resource Center and
other programs with high participation of neighborhood families.
�
;` 3. Continue to abate affected homes, taking particular care to
secure public funding for low and moderate income property
owners.
4. Identity and advocate for alternative ameliorative measures—such
as encapsulation with paint rather than complete abatement—that
reduce lead exposure to more acceptable levels while avoiding
excessive costs beyond the means of low and moderate income
households.
5. Secure a"lead free" house in which families can live while the
contamination is being removed from their homes.
lmplementing Partners
Saint Paul Division of Public Heafth
Greater Frogtown Community Development Corporation
DistricT 7 Planning Council
Area health agencies
Department of Licenses, Inspections and Environmental
Protection
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft 33
2�-3► `�
C. Substantia(ly reduce the amount of trash and garbage in
neighborhood yards and alleys.
Explore alternatives to the present garbage hauling system that
will ensure universal collection.
Increase City financia( support for neighborhood clean-up
activities.
Implementing Partners
District 7 Pianning Council
City of Saint Paul
Private garbage haufers
Block clubs
�
:�
34 7HOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft
�
As a central city neighborhood with houses bui(t on re(atively small lots,
Thomas Da/e has among the smallest amount of green space per resident
of any neighborhood in the city. /t is a(so an area whe�e the housing is
in high demand and the fabric of the neigh6orhood is vulnerable to any
wholesa�e demoiition of housing units. The chal/enge is to carefu!ly
leverage usefuf open space through the revitalization process. The plan
addresses the need for three types of open space: (1) Singie iots that are
within view—o� earshot—of most of the households on a block where
children can safe(y play; (2) Medium size parks (7/2 block in size) with
playground equrpment and/or a backstop to be used by familres within a
2-4 block radius; and (3) Expansion of West Mrnnehaha Recreation
Center that serves the entire community.
A. Develop a community wide plan for the establisfiment of different
types of parks and greenspaces.
1. The plan should include:
• A full imentory of the present system;
• An assessment of what types of parks(green spaces and traiis
are needed in the various parts of the neighborhood to
complete the system;
• A designation of specific vicinities where additional
parks/green spaces might be established. These
designations should consider accessibility to the site,
population density in the surrounding blocks, and
relationship to redevelopment activities; and
• A policy that the demolition of existing structures should be
avoided.
• A� identification of funding sources for acquisition and
maintenance of parkland(green spaces.
An outline for the plan is proposed in the recommendations
befow.
Implementing Partners
District 7 Planning Council, Convener
Frogtown Action Alliance
Thomas Dale Block Clubs
Greater Frogtown Community Development Corporation
Individuai b4ock clubs
Saint Paul Division of Parks and Recreation
Parks and Recreation Commission
Pubiic Art Saint Paui
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft S5
��- 3��
B. Create more small "green spaces" within the neighborhood.
Consider the establishment of neighborhood play spaces and/or
gardens on individual lots, especially on blocks with narrow lots
or in instances where new construction is unlikely in the short
term. Lots in the middie of blocks, rather than on the corners,
are generally preferred.
Acquisition, design, maintenance and supervision of these lots
would provide an opportunity for neighbors to work Together.
Indeed, the initiative of block residents would be essential to
their success—and, therefore, should be a prerequisite.
Develop a neighborhood-wide strategy for identifying
opportunities for single lot green spaces and doing the necessary
organizing. The strategy should include a system for handling
insurance issues.
3. Consider finking lots on individual blocks into a neighborhood
system by creating a walking—or exercise—tour that highlights the
uniqueness of each lot and its surrounding community.
Implementing PaMners
•' District 7 Planning Council
�� Block clubs
i Minnesota Green
Sustainabfe Agriculture Resource Center
C. Establish one or two other half block sized parks to complement
Ryan Park located in the southwest quadrant of the study area.
7. Improve the landscaping and play facilities on the Jackson
School grounds to encourage its use by the communiYy in the
southeast quadrant of The study area after school and on
weekends.
2. integrate the establishment of up to two other parks with the
rehabilitation of neighboring houses, the piacement of traffic
circles or the creation of some other amenity in order to enhance
the impact of eacfi improvement.
Implementing Partners
District 7 Planning Council
Saint Paul Division of Parks and Recreation
Saint Pau! School District
36 THOMAS DALE SMALL AREq p(qN: City Council Review Draft
��-3�3
A. Expand fhe services provided by West Minnehaha Recreation
Center.
Expfore opportunities to expand the size of the recreation center
site, possibly through the realignment of Pierce Butler Road.
2. Strengthen programming at the recreation center itself through
closer coliaboration with neighborhood residents in establishing
priorities and designing programs consistent with their needs and
interests.
B. Extend recreation programming into alternative sites throughout the
neighborhood such as at Ryan Park, Jackson School, community
churches or storefronts.
Implementing Partners
Thomas Dale Block Clubs
Saint Paul Division of Parks and Recreation
Parks and Recreation Commission
West Minnehaha Booster C1ub
District 7 Planning Council
Frogtown Action Alliance
THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft 3]
r.r
Thomas Dale is a fully developed neighborhood with only occasional
reasons—or opportunities—to change the existing land use patterns. A
review of the entire pfanning district reveals a rich mixture of housing
types, commercial uses and industrial developments. The easiernmost
part of the planning district is the Mt. Airy public housing site.
Immediately to the east of the study area are the Rice Marion
apartments; to the west is a mixed use residential area developed by the
Wilder Foundation. At the northern border is a sizab/e industria! site; at
the southern border rs University Avenue, one of the city's most
significant commercia! strips. Within t/�e study area, however, the vast
majoricy of residentia! structures are smaller houses originally built as
single family residences. It is within that context that the plan makes
recommendations relative to land use controls in the study area.
There are two p�incipal recommendations. The frrst is to rezone most of
t/�e study area, now zoned for two family use, to single famil y use. This
is �ecommended largely as a measure to curtail the conversion of
structures built as relatively sma!! single family l�omes to two or more
famil y homes. The experrence in the neighborhood has been that an
increasing demand for affordable rental housing is being met through the
conversion of single family homes by landlords who rent a space
designed for one family to two or three families. The structures
themselves, many of them more than 100 years old, are not able to
withstand the level of wea� and tear that comes with higher occupancy.
The neighborhood's schools and social service agencies are straining to
meet the needs of the existing residents and, for the most part, do not
have the capacity to serve an increasing population. And increasing the
concentration of lower income households in a siRgle neighborhood is
not in the best rnterests of the households themselves or the
neighborhood.
Some areas—a/ong tf�e major arterials where transportatron rs most
accessib/e—are recommended for apartment or town(�ome development
rn order to meet the need for well-managed and well-maintarned renta!
(�ousing. It is recognized thar—as market conditions rmprove—
opportunitres may emerge where additiona! areas would be
appropriately developed evith two family housing or town homes.
Through thrs plan, the district council and the City signa! their
willingness to positive(y consider rezonrng if subsequently needed and
approprrate to a!(ow for development compatible wrth neighborhood
character and design.
Tne second ma�or change recommended 6y [hrs plan relates to the
��idening of Dale Street. /nasmuch as the land on the east side of Dale
has been acquired for the right of way, it should no longer be zoned for
commercial use. The west side of Dale, on the other hand, should be
38 THOMAS DACE SMALL AREA PLqN: City Council Review Drah
a �-�c�
zoned exclusively for neighborhood leve! comme�cial uses. �is discussed
previously, residential uses should be phased out and the zoning
recommended here is consistent with that polrcy.
A. Ensure that adopted land use regulations are supportive of the
community's revitalization efforts.
The study area shouid be rezoned as indicated on the following
maps.
2. The community encourages higher density residential
development along major transportation corridors--University
Avenue, Minnehaha Avenue and Pierce Butier—provided that it
meets the following standards:
a. Its scale is consistent with the surrounding character of the
neighborhood. Pedestrian scale dupiexes and townhouses
are preferred.
b. Its design and orientation to the street are consistent with the
surrounding neighborhood.
�• Provisions aee made for play areas and green space.
d. Parking and traffic issues are adequately addressed.
The consiste�cy of the proposed redevelopment with these
t : standards will be the focus of the district councii's review of a
petition for rezoning.
Rezonings of properties for higher density new construction or
rehabilitation in the balance of the study area wiii be considered
on a case by case basis. The district council will support those
applications that represent high quality development in keeping
with the character of the neighborhood.
4. Mixed resideniial/commerciaVoffice structures are encouraged
along University Avenue and Dale Street. Reiatedly, it is
recommended that the Planning Commission study and propose
appropriate amendments to the Zoning Code to encourage
mixed use development in the B-2 zoning district.
5. There should be no additional expansion of commercial uses or
parking onto Sherburne Avenue within the study area except on
the biock west of Dale between Universiry and Sherburne
Avenues where additional parking may be required to ailow the
establishment of commerciai uses on the west side of Da�e Street
between University and Sherburne Avenues. In cases where
parking expansion is approved, existing policies related to
setbacks, landscaping and access should be enforced.
Shouid the market on University Avenue begin to require
THOMAS DALE SMALL qREA PLqN; City Council Review Draft
39
��-����
significant additiona! space, and there is no alternative to an
expansion to the south side of Sherburne Aven�e, potential
developers could work with the district council to develop a
mutua(fy acceptable plan and propose an amendment to the
comprehensive plan that would allow such an expansion.
Imptementing Partners
Saint Paul Planning Commission
District 7 Planning Council
Midway Chamber of Commerce
University UNITED
,
40 THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Courtci! Review Drak
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THOMAS DALE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Councfl Review Dra(t �}1
V
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'1S
� ( �-3(3
Saint Paul Planning Commission
Peg 1. Sirk )oyce Maddox
)oseph P. Chavez Timothy Mardell
Esperanza Duarte David McDonell, Chair
Carole Faricy Gladys Morton
Litton Field, Jr. Richard Nowlin
Anne Flaxman Geisser Kurt Schwichtenberg
Stephen D. Gordon Michael Sharpe
Frank Gurney �mogene Treichel
Richard J.F. Kramer Mark Vaught
Michael Lee Barbara A. Wencl
Eileen ). Lund-Johnson
Thomas Dale Smal! Area P{an Task Force
Kevin Kittilson, Co-chair Pat Lindgren
Kurt Schwichtenberg, Co-chair Lengchy Lor
Brenda Alexander Morris Manning
Christopher Coleman Mary Milliner
David Colwell Bill Pepar
Elizabeth Colwell Secky Rice
Beverly Hawkins Margaret Romero
Duane }ohnson Janet Marie Shane
Mazi)ohnson Ron Stevens
Kevin Kajer Connie Stewart
,: Kristen Kidder Barbara Strommer
Victoria Kittilson Sandy Unger
�`� • Tou Sue Lee Andy Wiiliams
David Liset Clare Wilson
District 7 Planning Council
Michael Samuelson Joanne Tooley
Sallie Sheppheard Kenrie Williams
Spencer Blaw
Department of Planning and Economic Development
Pamefa Wheelock, Director Ken Ford, Pianning Administrator
Hope Melton, Planner Nancy Homans, Planner
Katy Lindblad, Project Manager Joan Hagen Chinn, Graphic Artist
The District 7 Planning Council and the City of Saint Pau! gratefu)fy acknowledge the
contributio� made by the Bigelow Foundation to this planning process.
The Gty of Saint Paul does not discriminate on tne basis of disa6ihty, race, sex, sexuaf or
affechonaf onentation, age, wlor, aeed, naUOnaf ongin or ancestry, marital status, religior,,
veteran status, or status with regard to pubhc assutance in the admission or access to, or treatmen�
or employment m, its programs or activities.
The City of Saint Paul Norm Coleman, Mayor
THOMAS DAiE SMALL AREA PLAN: City Council Review Draft 43
. . �� ���
Thomas Dale
Smalt Area P(an
Community Letters of Commitment
�..:
. ..,�
��-�i�
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V
�I
November 15, 1996
David McDonell, Chair
St. Paul Planning Commission
c/o Nancy Holmans
Department of Planning and Economic Development
25 West Fourth Street
St. Paul, Minnesota 55102
Dear Mr. McDonneli:
Thomas • Dale
IIistrict 7 Community Council, Inc.
369 University Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55103
PH:(612)298-5065
FAX:(612)298-5072
At its September 26, 1996 board of directors meeting, the Thomas{Dale District 7 Planning Council
passed a morion expressing its unanimous support for the draft Thomas Dale Small Area Plan that is
now in before the St. Paul Planning Commission for your review, comments and approval.
This document has been carefully developed over the past three years by our community. We have
worked hand-in-hand with one common goal in mind - to help biaze a path where our residents,
businesses, public agencies and our many neighborhood partners can travel in order to assist with the
preservation and revitalization of the Thomas Dale community. This plan represents the hopes and
dreams many of us have for this very important portion of central St. Paul. We feel that it can be a
plan that we and our partners can all use each and everyday in order to ensure that the Thomas Dale
area continues to be a great piace to live, work and raise our families.
Now that this particular planning process at the community level has been completed the real work is
aboui to begin. We have already started the implementarion of some key components of this plan.
For example, a community visioning process on the future reuse of the former Dale Street Burlington
Northero train yards begins this month. Its task is to develop a plan for what this possible industrial
park would look like and more importantly how it can help to sdmulate the further revitalization of ow
community. We expect to be busy for many years to come maldng sure that this plan is an active
guidepost for our community and the city to foilow.
As you may know, the primary task that our district council took during this process was to help
coordinate the community-based task force which actually developed this dra8 Small Area Plan.
Upon review of this document you will see why we feel that we did our job quite well. We wish to
acknowledge the fine support and guidance our task force received from your staff. Both Ms.
Homans and Melton were invaluabie resources to this planning process and our simple thanks could
never be enough to express the debt we owe to their work on this draft Small Area Plan.
Thank you for yow thoughtful review and, we hope, your eventual approval of this very important
document. If you have need for any further infonnation please contact me at 298-5068.
Sincerely,
�� �
/�
Michael Samuelson, Executive Director
Thomas/Dale District 7 Planning Council
��-�t3
Frogtown Action Alliance
r r•. 1l�-
��
September 20, 1996
Barry Madore, Board Chair
Thomas-Dale District 7 Council
369 University Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55103
Deaz Mr. Madore:
689 NORTH DALE STREET
ST. PAUL, MN 55103
(612) 22a-�i sa
SEP 2 4 RECD
The Frogtown Action Alliance (FAA) mission is to bring together the diverse individuals and
organizations in Frogtown to create and carry out a responsive neighborhood initiated plan for sustained
action that addresses and provides solutions for the issues and problems the neighborhood faces. FAA
is committed to fostering the broadest possible representation and participation in a neighborhood
decision making by all Frogtown residents regardless of ethnicity, economically disadvantaged, or other
distinctions.
FAA supports the Small Area Plan with the following three modifications:
♦ Page 1, Economic Development section under subtitle Capitalize on Redevelopmer:t Opporlurtitres
section (A). Add as follows:
"7. Collaborate with Wilder Foundation and other implementing partners to collaborate and
develop an industrial site that includes a National Guard Armory, Charter School, Neighborhood
Center and other business development to encouragejob stimulation and growth."
♦ Page 3, . Add the Wilder Foundation as an Implementing Partner.
♦ Additional clarification should be added relating to the unplementation plan for the objectives in tha
Small Area Plan.
Thank you for the opponunity to meet with you, however, FAA staff has been involved and made
recommendations to the board. Please contact me at 645-6445 if you have any questions related to this
matter.
Sincerefy,
`.'v�JL �,.���1Q�
Ike Welborn
Board Chair
cc: Michael Samuatson
Shem Shakir
District 7 Boazd of Directors
FAA Board of Directors
-M Equal Opportunity Empioyer-
�i-�i3
0
u
Great Fr Comm 'ty Develop Corporati
Telephone (bl2] 298-8980
689 North Dale Sireet
Si. Pau�, MN 55103
September 23, 1996
Mr. Kevin Kittilson, Co-Chair
Mr. Kurt Schwichtenberg, Co-Chair
Thomas Dale Small Area Plan Task Force
c\o Thomas Dale District 7 Planning Council
369 University Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55103
Dear Mr. Kittilson and Mr. Schwichtenberg:
S�p 2 6 REC'D
The Greater Frogtown Community Development CorQoration's Board of Directors and
Staff are pleased to offer their support of the Thomas-Dale Small Area P[an.
The Small Area Plan, was reviewed and approved by the GFCDC Board of Directors
during their last meeting on September 16, 1996. As the mission of GFCDC calls for the
deve(opment and rehab of high quality affordable housing, as well as the improvement of
rental and homeownership opportunities, we concur with the goals identified in the Plan's
Housing Strategy, such as increasing the level of homeownership, improving the
condition of the housing stock, and maintaining the affordability of rental housing.
Our Board Members and Staffwill be incorporating pieces ofthe Small Area Plan into
our organization's strategic plan and work plans at our upcoming retreat in November.
The Small Area Plan will certainly be beneficial to the Frogtown community.
Sincerely,
Denis �%� <
President
����c�
Amherst H.
VV'ilder
Foundation
Siace 1906
SEP 2 6 REC'D
Executive Office
919 Lafond Avenue Saent Paal, MN 55104 (612) 642-4098 FAX (6t2) 642-4068
September 24, 1996
Spencer Biaw
Thomac-T�ale Sr1a11 Area Plan Taek. p����
c/o District 7 Plam�ing Council
369 University Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55103
Dear Spencer:
I am writing on behalf of the Amherst H. Wilder Foundation to express strong support
for the Thomas-Dale small area plan. We are most anxious to assist in the
implementation plan along with other members of the Thomas-Dale community.
I have been particularly impressed with your attempts to get input from all of the
difEerent interested groups in the community.
Please extend our appreciation for this plan to the District 7 Planning Council and our
offer to participate in the implementation of the plan.
Sincerely,
Q � ` '� �
� S�
Thomas W. Kin ston
President
TWK:ae
President
Thomas W. Kings[on
Board of Directors
Kennon V. Rothcfiild, Chair; IIi7abeth M. Kiemaz, First Ytce Chtic; Anthony L. Andeisen, Second Yice Chair;
MaicoUn W. McDonald, Secretazy. ITrec[ors Charl[on Dietz, Eiisabeth W. Doe�mann,
Chariu M. Osbome, Mary Thomroo Phillips, Pe[er B. Ridder, Bazbara B. Roy
�"d' �J[�
' � ` SEP 2 6 R�C't�
�!!� 11 � - -
MODEL CITIES
OF ST. PAUL. INC.
September 26, 1996
Kevin 1Cittilson and I<urt Sch�vichtenberg, co-chairs
District 7 Planning Council
369 University Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55103
Dear Chaicpersons:
This letter is to express our support for the Thomas-Dale Small Area Plan in
recognition of the many hours that city staff and community volunteers
committed to its development. Model Cities' staff were among those who
par[icipated on the Small Area Plan Task Force. We are happy �vith the result
of the many hours of dedicated work and look fozward to the final adoption of
the Thomas-Dale Small Area Plan.
We support the recommendations described in die plan. We are committed to
working with other implementing paz tners to rea]ize the plan's vision of
'Thomas-Dale as a community where families can live in decent, affordable
housing and find opportunities for employznent and ownership; and a
neighborhood dtat is a clean and safe place to live, where a11 are valued.
Thank you for the opportunity to review than.
Sincerely,
�� GI ��� l�4���1�
Beverley Oliver Hawk�ns, Ph.D.
Chief Executive Officer
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� _: _ �_; ��� �]�` :� �� �,_`,}^ 7'win Cities Habitat for Humanity
`Building Community"
September 26, 1996
Mc Spencer Blaw
District 7 Planni�g Council
369 University Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55103
Dear Mr. Btaw,
I am pleased to provide to you tl�is letter of support for the work that you and your Task Force have done
to produce the Thomas Dale Small Area Plan. It is an excellent example of the kind of vision and
creativity that exists in our communities, and which is so critical to the revitalization of our
neighborhoods.
We are particularly impressed by ttie range of options outlined in the section on housing strategies. While
Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity conducts a padicular rype of owner occupied hous+ng development, we
recognize that neighborhoods and households need a range of options in order to meet their individual and
community housing needs. We are very pleased to be listed as a potential implementor of some of these
strategies, and we stand ready to work with the District Council, the Greater Frogtown Community
Development Corporation and the other key leadership groups in the Thomas Dale area to deliver both
new construction and renovated houses of an ownership nature to families with modest incomes.
Jost this week we began the rehabilitation of a home at 78t Lafond. This home is being rehabilitated in
partnership with many community groups and is being sponsored by the Wilder Foundation. At the
neighborhood festival that was held to celebrate the kick off of this home last Saturday, we realized that
there are many families in the Fro�town neighborhood who would appreciate the chance to purchase a
home in the community. Habitat for Humanity stands ready to respond to those needs as long as we are
able to work in partnership with the District Council, the CDC, and all of the other organizations
providing leadership and direction to the Thomas Dale community.
I regret that an unexpected commitment �vill keep me away from your gathering Yonight where tha Small
Area Plan will be presented to the District CounciL It is my hope that this Jetter will fully convey to you,
and to the Council, Habitat for Humanity's strong commitment to helping the community fulfill the
potential it has for being a model neighborhood in the City of St. Pau(. Please do not hesitate to call me
if you should have any questions or if you or the District Council wish to further pursue collaborative
ideas involving Habitat for Humanity in the months to come.
Very truly yours, -�
.� r 'E'�
Stephen Seidel
Executive Director
SS/kmc
3001 Four[h Street S.E. • Minneapo('u, MN55414 •(612) 331-4090 •(612) 331-1540 Fax
�►`� � aE �
VVI iV D
Western initiatives for Neighborfitaod Oevelopment
65� �/: UNIVERSITY AVENUE
September 26, 1996
Mr. Revin Kittilson, co-chair
• ST. PAUL, MN 55104 • PHONE: 291-2480 • FAX: 29'14597
Kurt Schwichtenberg, co-chair
Thomas D&le Small Area Plan Committee
c(o I?istrict 7 Planning Council
369 University Avenue
St. Paui, Msnnesota 55104
Dear Kevin, Kurt and Committee members:
SEP 2 6 REC'Q
I would like to congratulate all of you ott the tremendous job you did on the Small Area Plan fot
Thomas Dale. The amount of work and thvught you put into it is very apparant, and the pian wi11
be a very valuable tool for this community for many years.
I have not had time to review a11 of your draft plan, but I have looked over my area of
involvement, ecnomic development. I have the following comments:
1. Inciuding in the vision statement the creation of "vibrant productive businesses" is a strong
positive messa$e &bout their importance t0 tltis commu[uty,
2. Putting FAA as the tead organization on most of these recommendations is consistent with the
roles in the community, as I have seen them evolve ovet the past few years. It is good to re-state
this You may want to inc(ude them on page 2, item tt3, as part of the contmunity planning team
for t'ae Dale Street Shops site, since later you list them in the lead on the project.
3. Your connection between businesses getting public subsidies and their participation with City
jobs and training progams is good. A stronger point could be made about the need for advanced
training provided to area residencs, which would be trig$ered by vety early notification from new
bvsinesses about the nature of skilis needed for their upcoming jobs.
4. Regarding Aale Street, some of the thought I have heard involves the west side sidewalk being
wider than average and used for autdoor seating, displ�ys, etc. for the businesses. The wideness
creates a zone of comfort and ambiance that enhances the businesses and community feel.
5. FAA and the Neighborhood Development Center have offered an eactensive micro-
entrepreneur training and loan program to Frogtawst residents for over two years now. Over 50
persons have atready gone through this training, and many have started businesses here in thJs
communiry. This training, at least in a generic form, should be mentioned on page 5 or 6, in your
seaaon on micro business development.
WIND Is a Communify Oavelopment Corporailon subsidiary of Western Bank.
������
I liked the corttent of the rast of yonr economic devetapment section. There is much Yo do in this
communify, and I believe your vision for it is comprehensive and exciting. Now lets ai! work
together to flchieve it.
Ttiank you for your great work.
Sincerely,
' Mike Temal
WIND
D
, . i . 61
��-�i�
ASIAN AMERICAN PR
4I7 Universi[y Avenue O S�. Paul, MN 55103 ❑ Phone (6 t2) 224-6570 ❑ FAX (612) 224-7032
�'0� (� 5 REC'D
November 4, 1996
Mr. Michael Samuelson
District 7 Planning Council
369 Univecsity Avenue
Saint Paul, MN 55103
Dear Michael,
Thank you for including Asian American Press as a participant in [he presentation of the Thomas-Dale
Small Area Plan on September 26, 1996.
Aher listening to thc diswssions and reviewing the draft, I feel very good about the plan. I fee] this will
have a very �positive impact on [he neighborhood.
We a[ the Asian American Press and the Asian Business & Community foundation fully support the
Planning Council's goals.
I believe our community truly appreciates this initiatve. The Task Force has put together an esceilent plan.
/ l/"`� N�
V
Nghi Huynh
Publisher/Editor Asian American Press
President Asian Business & Communit} Foundation
�-,���3
r.�ars r ��t � i � r+� �r .-a a�Trrv
;,4ryi�-�u�rc�a-��'-��,a � �. �� � �r�
HNOY 4ViLLIAMS JR
EXECUTiVE CNRECTOR
765 P:QRTH MlLTQb! STP.EET
S? FAUL 551C4,RAMSEY
Telapttone Ei12-033-� G ��;
:�ia�i Septe�nbe: t6, 1496
tl�ichaet Santuelson, Ezecuiive I�irecror
District Seven Plarzning Council
_?69 Lhaiversity.4venue
Sr. Paul. MIJ 55103
Deur A�ichael,
i x�ould like io sF�are our suppori for the Thomas- _Tiate Sma11 �1rea Plan Tasic Force draftPJan. I rnrt
confrclent th�7t, give�i the time m. d cara put i:ato d�elopirig this pinn, it has the sarppost of the
cem.nruni!y I B77CD2llllgP Ij1P DJSIl7CI CDdIIILII JD P)7fIDCSP II]P lllP.f1�JTIItT Ql:Cl fOY7NQTYI I170 II:P PIQPlT171T
Commission and Citv Counczl for adoption. .4s Execurive Director of Save Our City`s Kids, a men:ber
of rr:e 7'ask Force and n neighbor arrd con:munrty activisi I kr�ow that the plan re.flect the needs and
wishes of the corrtmuriity arrd will provide a solid policy framework for future comn:unity 5uilding ancl
pla}°srcal development.
G�'e a: e grateful for tke leadership shm�7i bv t:�e Task Force in developing ihe Pkr:r. F�'e are also
?hank,�el for tf�e s��}3port ar.d i�alerest s.hotvrt lr� rhe rr.m.:y prrrlicipcmts 61 the visiort conae true. I would
also tike to acknowledgs the critical stgflf sunoort the Disrrict Seven Plrnining Counci! and the Citv
Picarer:in� artci Eco�ton�ic D��2Jopm2nr L'ie�rzrtmant hcn�e �rm�ided io tlee ?'ask rorce mtd iis work.
Please do not hesitate fo call uvon S D.C.K. ar my�seli`to suppart tFie Plan cmd its' imptementation
Roc�o��il��� Pp��r�
f37]
Exeeutive Director
�� � �, �;�. v �' �
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��''!�`/ � ♦ • • '
.
Frogtown Family Resource Center
377 University Avenue (at Western),
PHONE: (612) 290-8376 FAX:
September 24, 1996
ThomasDale District 7
P�d.^.!7l!?s �QU!lCl�
369 University Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55103
Dear Planning Council members:
Saint Paul, MN 55103
(612) 293-5260
��' 3� aJ
The staff of Frogtown Family Resource Center want you to know that we support your
work on the Small Area Plan for our neighborhood. We share this vision of strengthening
families, seeing that housing is decent and affordable, and want to do our part to
provide educational opportunites for Frogtown families. We value all our neighbors
and consider it a privilege to work in this neighborhood.
Please know that we support the policy framework as laid out in the summary. Any modi-
fications agreed upon at the September 26th mecting, we hope, will enhance the work,
you've already done. Thanks for a good job!
In partnership,
��'�
Todd Seabury-Kolod
� � 'p' '
]��� Sa3nt Paul Public Schools Community Education
hCj'-21-96 7u� �'02 i'M ii;�il'. UNiiE�%1,fiDV;AI' CE6M. FAF, ii0. EL76711
Universi�y UN�T�D
A COALITfOX OF �SIAWAY CSTIZE!�5 AI:D BUSI\ESS
November 20,1996
Michae) Samuelson
Executive Dircctor
Thomas-Dale
Distnct 7 Planning Councll
369 Elniversity Avenue
Sf. Paul, MN 55103
Dear Mr. Sam�ulsvci.
Posf-it Fax Note 7677
P� 1
��-3�3
At it's October Board meeting, University UNITED's Board of pirectors vated to
pnr.niirape and si ipp�rt the anals of the Thomas-l�a1Q Smail Are2 F'lan, which do
not conflict with the Midway Chambers' 40 Acre Study.
Specificaily, UNITED supports the pfans' Economic Development Strategy, as an
implementing partner. I Me boartl and statt wou�d a(so like to be mciuded as
either a resoufce or implementing paftner in the foilowing categories:
1. Micro Enterprise and Smali Business, /1 and B
2. Work Towards �ull �mpfoyment, A and B
3. Community Building, C
4. Traffic and Transportation, A and C
5. Regional Transportation and Land use Policies
6. Building Community Support for Education, A and E
7. Land Use and Rezoning, A
In your Vision Statement you refer fo making the area a ssfe place to live,
however there are na crime and safety strategies listed. UNITED would
See itself As an im�lement+nc� partner on crime strateg+as
Sincerely,
� �� �����
Irene Rodriguez
University UNITED
University Nelghborhood (nveslment Through �conomic �evelopment
Spnice Stee Ceiitie • 1607 U�iivers$y Avenue • Sutte 4• 54 Pzul, tJ1N 55104-3623 •(612) 847�6711 • Fa�c (61� 6462297
�`l��c�
�
7honu�Dslo 3m�t1 Area Plaa Tadc Forao
C/O Di�trkt Saven plamniae Catncil
369:�aivwsity Avoeua
Sfint paul, MN SS 10�t
EtE: DreR ThOmaa-Bale Small Aros Plen
t�ar'!'aak X�orce 1�fambas,
The Frogu►wn Merct�s Aasaaariou eupporu the 6mei drr8 of ehe 7'hoarta-Dale 5mall
.Ana Platt. 'Wa appc�oi+tte the tims and � ttut tuk £orw m�aib«s have gsvae
tLis pLu We ftal that F:ogtaan'a �il Atee Pl�a it aa emPo�tant [aoi that wiU $ive thir
cotnnwnRy the dlrealon it aeed�.
Sincet'dY,
���,��� �L��
potar E Ryan
�
FtogWvm i4lachaate Associatioa
CJ() D�dwny Ivt'mi SWru�+
458 Dimttp 3t. S.
S�int Paul, MN. 55104
m�raup�dcx
��t =3��
ST. PAUL FAMILY LEARPtiNG CENTER CHARTER SCHOOL
INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 4019
September 20, 1996
Kevin Kittilson and Kurt Schwichtenberg, Co-Chairs
District 7 Planning Council
369 University Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55103
Dear Chairpersons:
� � � �SEP
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��`��� ��
LEAEtNINGCENtEK
2 4 R�L'D
This letter is to express my support for the Thomas-Dale Small Area Plan, and especially the education
strategy outlined in the draft Plan. Collaboration among the various groups and organizations that make
up the communiry is essential for the positive economic developmen[ of urban neighborhoods. The
Famity Leaming Center school works with community members and organizations. The charter school
planning group met several times with the Frogtown Networking Group and the Thomas-Date Block
Club to get input into the design of our new school. Our basic school program is very much in tune
with the Plan's education strategy, including elements such as conflic[ resolution, parental involvement
in setting the course of each child's learning, and extensive use of volunteers in the school. We
currently offer an early-moming program and hope to provide after-school programming as well.
The Family Learning Center school is not physically located in the Thomas-Dale neighborhood (we
wanted to find a facility in Frogtown but were unable to find a suitable facility) but includes this
section of the city in its enrollment area, which comprises the whole of the 55103 and 55104 zip codes.
We opened as a K-4 school on September 3 and hope to expand to a pre-K-12 program over the next
few years. The school has recruited a number of students from the Small Area Plan neighborhood and
will continue involvement in the area.
On behalf of the St. Paul Family L,earning Center Charter School, I want to express my wholehearted
support for the Thomas-Dale Small Area Plan. The school is committed to working with the
community and will collaborate with other organizations to implement the Small Area Plan.
Sincerely,
�yQ�yh�
/
Wayne B. Jennings
School Director
Independent Schooi District #4019 • 1355 Pierce Butier Route, St. Paul, MN 55104-1359 • Ph. 612 644-5052 • Fax 612
645-0240
Y Y
-9f�:
:�ii, HealthPartners
St. Paul-Ramsey Medical Center
840 Jackson Sveet
St Paui, MN 55707-2595
612221.3456
August 30, 1996
Spencer Blaw
Thomas Dale Smali Area Plan Task Force
c/o District Seven Planning Council
369 University Avenue
St. Paui, MN 55103
S�P 0 � RfC'D
Dear Mr. Blaw and the Thomas Dale Small Area Plan Task Force:
��-���
Thank you for the opportunity to review the Thomas Dale Small Area Plan. I
have reviewed the plan and congratulate the Task Force on a job well done.
You can count on our support for the recommendations outlined in the Plan, and
I will plan on attending the meeting on September 26th.
We support the recommendations outlined and look forward to working with the
other implementing partners on the specific strategies, particularly in the areas of
community building and health care. As you probably know, we are strong
supporters of the Model Cities Health Center as the primary provider of
community based medical and dental services, and have a long history of
working together with the Health Center. We certainiy will be active participants
in a formal community health care coalition organized by the community and
agree with the focus on preventative care, immunizations and weli child care.
We are also committed to working with other providers and agencies in the
Thomas Dale community to find ways to integrate services and find new,
coliaborative ways ofi serving our communiiy and expand tne use of our limited
resources. Real and anticipated funding cuts from both federal and local levels
wili require all of us to work more closely together to better leverage the
resources we can retain.
Sincerely,
�
'U'�Gi,l�'`�CC ���
����
Gabrielle Lawrence
Vice President, Community Partnerships
` HcnithPartners' mission is to improve the health of our members and our communiry
�-3 ��
��
CATHOLIC
CHARITIES
Advocacy and
Outreach Division
Frog[o�vn Cen[ec
September 24, 1996
Q �T 3 0 REC'�
fi33 Univzrsiry Avznue Kurt Schwichtenberg and Kevin KittiLson
Sc. P.ud, MN Si10i-480? Co-Chairs Thomas-Dale Small Area Plan Task Force
eiz-zzz-tzsa c/o I?istrict Seven Plannuig Counc�7
f�s 6t2-222-0198 369 University Avenue West
Saint Paul, MN 55103
Dear Mr. Schwichtenberg and Mr. Kittilson,
Sen�wg the Aand�aase of
St Paul and bLnneap�lis
Sipporced Jnoug6 pnwre
mnniLutioru, UrtirrdWay, and
Anmml CadwLrAppral.
Ameditrd by CouHi( on
AnndimBOn of Servi<es
f . Families arzd CXddren
An Equal Opportunitp Enployn
arcd Smire Pron'der
I am writing Yo e�cpress the support of Catho]ic Charities Frogtown Center
for the Thomas Dale Small Area Plan. I would like to commend the Task
Force and the District Seven Planning Council for your hard work and
persistence in developing this Plan. I k�ave reviewed the Plan and spoken
with our staff and various community members about it. We Snd that the
Plan reflects the input and interests of our couununity and it provides a
solid framework for guiding future physical development and community
building efforts in the neighborhood.
We at Catholic Charities are committed to being a pro-active and peaceful
player in the community. It follows that we aze committed to supporting
the Thomas-Dale Small Area Plan Task Force, the District Seven Planning
Council, and the other community partners in implementing the Plan and
it's various strategies in the convng years. We look forward to working
with you to strengthen our community.
With Sincere and Peaceful Thoughts,
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� �, �
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Me vi''m Giles
Prograni Manager
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