Meeting Minutes of the FRF Board of Directors

May Meeting Minutes

5/22/2019

At the Federation’s May 13 Board meeting, they heard presentations about a possible futsal mini-pitch at the West 7th Community Center and a new self-storage business at 875 Montreal Way of about 960 units; no zoning change is needed for the storage business. The Federation also heard a request for support for relocating a billboard at 210-218 Grand Ave while keeping it on the same area, but on a possible future building. The Board tabled the topic.
Committee chairs were selected for the new committees: Community and Board Outreach, Development and Fundraising, and Transportation and Land Use. Email emily@fortroadfederation.org if you are interested in joining a committee.
The next Board meeting is Monday, June 10 at 7 pm at 882 West 7th Street, with an Open House at 6 pm to meet the new Board and see the new office.

March Meeting Minutes

3/24/2019

At the Federation’s March 11 Board meeting, they heard presentations about the 2020 Census, Stop for Me, and the Blend Awards.

The Federation also heard a presentation about proposed apartments for the old Island Station site on Randolph Ave., east of Shepard Road. The developer intends to apply for a Conditional Use Permit to increase the maximum height from 35’ to 45’ and requested support from the Board for the permit application. The Board approved supporting the application after much discussion about public access to the river and housing affordability.

September Meeting Minutes

9/19/2018

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.

June Board Meeting Minutes

6/25/2018

At the Federation’s June 11 Board meeting, the board of directors heard a presentation about a new house to be built at 334 St. Clair. The Board voted to support four variances which the property owner is requesting from the City to build a house on the site.

Representatives of Day by Day Cafe spoke with the Board about concerns with the expansion of resident permit parking on Goodrich and Douglas south of West 7th Street. Residents of the area also spoke with the Board about the petition and their parking concerns. The Board took no action at the meeting.

Lucy Thompson, City Planner, presented highlights about the City’s draft Comprehensive Plan. The Board heard a presentation about early voting by Ramsey County; election judges are paid to attend eight hours of training and you can learn more at www.rcelections.org.

May Board Meeting Minutes

5/14/2018

At the Federation’s May 14 Board meeting, the board of directors supported rezoning 900 Albion Ave for senior housing, a variance for one fewer parking stall at 1177 West 7th Street, licenses for Vine Park Brewing under new ownership, a sign size variance for the Keg and Case Market, and the Conditional Use Permit for Fire Station #10 in order to understand further detail. The board also heard an update on the name change process at the Upper Campus of Linwood Monroe Arts Plus, but took no action.

January Board Meeting Minutes

1/17/2018

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.

December Board Meeting Minutes

12/11/2017

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.