Update on St. Paul Greenway plus Envisioning the St. Paul Greenway Meeting
There will be a meeting this Wednesday, July 28th from 7-8:30pm at the Linwood Rec Center, 860 St. Clair Ave. (map) to discuss what we want the extension of the Mpls Midtown Greenway to look like in St. Paul. RSVP on Facebook or e-mail laura@smart-trips.org Plans are underway for a bike/walk trail linking downtown St. Paul with the Midtown Greenway in Minneapolis and we need your help to make it happen! Join St. Paul Smart Trips and the St. Paul Greenway Committee for this community event to rally support for a comprehensive pedestrian and bicycle greenway in St. Paul. The committee plans to facilitate an inter-neighborhood summit in 2010 to share its work and discuss the community’s vision for a St. Paul Greenway. The committee will then share the final vision with elected officials and staff and advocate for the vision’s incorporation into the planning and development of the St. Paul Greenway.
The City of St. Paul filed a law suit against the railroad to condemn land for the Ayd Mill bike trail as part of the St. Paul Greenway. Unfortunately, a federal judge just dismissed the suit, claiming that the city has no authority to condemn railroad property. (This, despite the fact that Ayd Mill Road actually rests on former railroad property that the city acquired through condemnation.)
This is yet another reminder that there are still very arcane property rights laws. The railroad barons (did someone say James J. Hill?) wielded tremendous power, and this is part of their legacy. We don't really know where things stand now, but the St. Paul Greenway is really an essential part of a sustainable St. Paul transit infrastructure.
Here's more information on the meeting:
The City of St. Paul has already begun planning for a narrow path, but we want something better! Come learn about the project, share your vision and voice your support for a world-class green urban trail that accommodates all users safely and comfortably.
Can’t make the event? Share your ideas with us!
E-mail laura@smart-trips.org.
St. Paul Greenway Committee
The St. Paul Greenway Committee is made up of members of the community who are interested in fostering the development of a greenway through St. Paul. Meetings are open to the public and typically occur on the second Wednesday of the month. Check our calendar for details or contact Laura Baum (below).
This adhoc committee began meeting in August 2009 to develop a vision for a proposed extension of the Minneapolis Midtown Greenway across the Mississippi River east to Pascal Avenue and then south along the Ayd Mill Road corridor eventually connecting to the Sam Morgan Trail.
Staff contact: Laura Baum, laura@smart-trips.org
