At the Federation’s September 10 Board meeting, they heard a presentation about Beyond the Yellow Ribbon which works to connect veterans with supportive community services.

The Board also voted to support a request to keep a curb cut at 490 Jefferson Avenue after the property lines are changed so long as the current resident lives there.

Liz Hixson with the City of Saint Paul gave a presentation about the Crosby Farm Regional Park master planning process. You can learn about that project, but even better is to take the survey about Crosby Farm and Hidden Falls parks. You can also talk with staff about the effort during National Public Lands Day on Saturday, Sept. 22, 11-3 at Hidden Falls Park; the free event includes games, canoeing, fishing, and campfires.

The next Board meeting will be Monday, October 8 at 7 pm at the Federation's office: 974 West 7th Street.

Parlour Restaurant Update
The Fort Road Federation heard a presentation from Brent Frederick, who is working to open "Parlour," a restaurant / bar at 271 West 7th Street.

Butternut Ave
Neighbors along Butternut Avenue attended and spoke about their frustration with the noise of Shepard Road and expressed safety concerns. 

Next Meeting
The Board's next meeting will be at 7 pm at the Ramsey County Historical Society at 75 West 5th Street and will include a tour of their facilities. The Board is considering donating materials to create an archive of Fort Road Federation documents and history at the Historical Society.

Riverview Corridor
The Board discussed opposition to the Locally Preferred Alternative (streetcar) in the community, specifically by the West 7th Business Association.  The board reaffirmed their earlier resolution supporting an enhanced Bus Rapid Transit option.  The general opinion of the Board is that improvements in transit are beneficial to the community, but the proposed streetcar is expensive and unnecessary.  An improved busline was generally favored, but that may also be in conflict with some of the community.  General support for street improvements and improved pedestrian feel is not currently spelled out in any detail in any plan despite being critically needed regardless of what happens.

District 9 Comprehensive Planning
An effort to engage the broader community as part of the update to the Comprehensive Plan was developed by the Board. This is likely to include much of what is needed on Seventh with or without transit improvements, but also includes housing, economic and community development, land use, historic preservation, environmental quality, and transportation.  Some discussion also included items not directly related to the Comprehensive Plan such as improving the connection with the community generally.

Riverside School Redevelopment
The proposal to re-route Elway and Lexington was reviewed and the Board decided to not take a stand at this time, pending more input from the community.  Specific concerns and questions were directed to those who will be most affected by it.