[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6372863,"mediaKeyId","2146814-a0f10609c89e400999ba94c94299c13b","parentId",2146814,"title","Council hears public concerns as staff advances Commercial Street rehabilitation for Raleigh Avenue and 35th Street","audioSeconds",1403,"startMs",3687000,"endMs",5090000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2146814-a0f10609c89e400999ba94c94299c13b&start=3687&end=5090","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2146814-a0f10609c89e400999ba94c94299c13b/thumbnail_3687000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6372863/St-Louis-Park/Hennepin-County/Minnesota/Council-hears-public-concerns-as-staff-advances-Commercial-Street-rehabilitation-for-Raleigh-Avenue-and-35th-Street","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6372863-8a3f9a3facf590236155733b38abf7da/orig.mp4?Expires=1773689004&Signature=GzShLLUotoe2DSAq0J04FmkfVst8MQzyVCIrYiXyLy~9M2t78SU9jFsw9ZNXtkrWxlz7UOb1LhmZkuXIHXdW6BJP-Regh10wZrk0o20trAve7d3jEvq~eZo7UvIaR8p56~foFjqiWM6BH0JuUDqXlNxOAr8c-XtDwpMC9PPD0wFEx5g7zkcHPXLFO9EfdkhaD9Py-rOYzjHO6cd2y7-1081BaDVPbFyo-YVWu-LO6DhGMpeyb9ltgprNaXESXfClim-Y0bxhWYBAsyZUfB7whTo~2ZR3yyKlBzMJsYJHKzdhVKNVEl1ounsq66cv4I9UaniSS0G4FjFQ~iKAZTWvhg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of St. Louis Park, MN","date","2025-01-22T21:15:51Z","article","City engineers presented the 2025 Commercial Street Rehabilitation Project on Jan. 21, a proposal to replace aging pavement and utilities in the Wolf Park commercial area and to add nearly a half‑mile of new sidewalks on Raleigh Avenue and portions of 35th Street.

Staff said the work includes replacing the water main, upsizing sanitary sewer, removing and replacing curb, relocating streetlights, installing stormwater improvements and tree trenches, and planting new trees after construction. Because curb will be removed for utility work, staff proposed reconfiguring street widths on much of Raleigh and 35th Street from 40 feet to 33.5 feet and restricting parking to one side of the street. The staff recommendation would add two new sidewalks (one on each side) and several locations where sidewalks would be set at the back of curb to preserve mature trees.

Why it matters: the utility replacements and curb removal create an opportunity to align the street with the city’s Arrive and Thrive gateway plan and to improve pedestrian connections in an area staff said has higher traffic volumes and adjacent destinations.

Public comment and concerns: several business owners urged caution on narrowing the street in an area with frequent semi‑truck movements. Mark Frederiksen, owner of a building at 5000 West 35th Street, said American Tire and other nearby businesses generate truck traffic and that reducing width could create safety and maneuverability issues for large vehicles. Brian Knuttsfig, a business owner at 3529 Raleigh Avenue, questioned the need for a second sidewalk where a sidewalk already exists and warned about sightline problems when semis park near the post office.

Staff response: engineers said they conducted traffic and parking studies and will present additional information to the council on Feb. 3. Staff also said they recommended one‑side parking on most of the corridor to preserve truck access; the curve at Raleigh/35th would have parking prohibited on both sides because of truck turning needs. Emergency services were consulted and expressed comfort with the proposed configuration, staff said.

Next steps: staff recommended the council vote Feb. 3 so the city can award the contract in April and start construction in May 2025; staff said they will continue outreach to address truck‑parking and sightline concerns before final award.

Ending: The project aims to balance pedestrian improvements, tree preservation and freight access; staff will provide more detailed parking and truck‑turning analyses at the Feb. 3 council meeting before a vote.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","St Louis Park city council meeting Jan 21 2025","oneSentenceSummary","City engineers presented the 2025 Commercial Street Rehabilitation Project on Jan. 21, a proposal to replace aging pavement and utilities in the Wolf Park commercial area and to add nearly a half‑mile of new sidewalks on Raleigh Avenue and portions of 35th Street.","taxTitle","St. Louis Park, Hennepin County, Minnesota","taxId",50903,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6372866,"EDA approves preliminary development agreement for Wood Dale Station; commissioners raise labor-practice concerns",1838,122000,1960000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2146814-a0f10609c89e400999ba94c94299c13b&start=122&end=1960","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2146814-a0f10609c89e400999ba94c94299c13b/thumbnail_122000.jpg","/articles/6372866/St-Louis-Park/Hennepin-County/Minnesota/EDA-approves-preliminary-development-agreement-for-Wood-Dale-Station-commissioners-raise-labor-practice-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6372866-3b535e74e19a47b12d927434b77dbc6f/orig.mp4?Expires=1773689004&Signature=kbiIxu-GjDtHiEjcN3EKN9EDtdPmfo5bV5918V-NHD6d75saQJ2Udk5aEuisF2hScWqTmdkRsILI4Sl5BI~XZwAF3ehaf3ycJ1emuwosUKJmzlra31V2ypU509KqUYX6BY20vhIfW0BM-5fqbLnsMZdyyU8UktlciahGE7ACXmOOy3w~5G3rPav65NFpsYvRxNfuCp-5bJ9~WR0c9yc2lcH0HvVCrItlqhkflD4btsqfT2F4NmcVmyyB19IbtWsTKtNXMY8C9wPqzuOLS4V~V~z~46FBccJzPinJ1NWwriAtcWzZLHewwwZlsleE9XZjcFHlLOos~IKhQMbOe2Xn9A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The St. Louis Park Economic Development Authority on Jan. 21 approved a preliminary development agreement (PDA) with Rohrs St. Louis Park Apartments 2, LLC to pursue a mixed‑use redevelopment of the Wood Dale Station site, a property the EDA says totals just over 3 acres and includes parcels at 5950 36th Street and 5802 36th Street.

The PDA gives Rohrs exclusive negotiation rights toward a purchase and redevelopment contract, a due‑diligence period to secure financing and land‑use approvals, and requires a $10,000 down payment to cover EDA administrative costs. The PDA expires June 30, 2026 unless both parties agree to extend it. The EDA approved the resolution 4–2.

The vote follows a staff presentation from Greg Hunt, the city’s economic development manager, who described the proposal as a six‑story, transit‑oriented development with 263 housing units, roughly 22% of which would be affordable (including units targeted at 30%, 50% and 60% of area median income), ground‑floor commercial space and a public plaza fronting the LRT platform. Hunt said Rohrs assembled a development team including ESG Architects and Damon Farber Landscape Architects.

Why it matters: the PDA moves the project from concept to formal negotiation. If the developer secures financing and land‑use approvals, the EDA and Rohrs would negotiate a purchase and final redevelopment contract that could carry requests for public assistance such as tax increment financing (TIF).

Commissioners pressed the developer and staff about labor‑practice allegations raised in a letter from CTUL (Centro de Trabajadores Unidos en Lucha) and a local group described in the meeting as “Building Dignity and Respect.” Commissioner Rogg said the council received the CTUL letter alleging poor treatment of workers on past Rohrs‑led projects and asked the council to require more than a meeting: “I ask my colleagues to consider joining me in demanding some kind of a formal plan or framework that all parties agree to before providing preapprovals for this project,” Rogg said.

Several commissioners said they shared the concern but differed on timing. Commissioner Dumoulin and others said they would support entering the PDA to allow Rohrs to pursue financing and permits; they noted that conditions tied to public financing can be revisited when a specific TIF or other assistance request arrives. The city attorney advised caution about placing vague, third‑party obligations in a PDA absent clearer standards or evidentiary findings.

Rohrs’ representative told the EDA the company “echo[es] the concern” and said scheduling and prior communications explained why the community group had not met the developer earlier. The representative said Rohrs would share its subcontracting standards and meet with the community group: “we're always trying to track down where stuff's getting missed…that's not something we would ignore,” the representative said.

Action and next steps: the PDA grants Rohrs exclusive negotiation rights and a due‑diligence window for site evaluation, financing and land‑use applications; it does not obligate the EDA to a sale or public subsidy. Staff said the developer may request public assistance later, at which point the EDA and council would review any financial terms, project labor commitments and legal conditions.

Commissioners voted 4–2 to approve the PDA. The staff report cited the EDA’s 2020 visioning work for the Elmwood neighborhood and earlier selection (and subsequent withdrawal) of a prior developer in 2022. Hunt recommended adoption of the PDA and noted staff would continue community engagement as negotiations proceed.

Ending: With the PDA approved, Rohrs may proceed with due diligence and land‑use applications; commissioners said they will continue to press the developer for a concrete, reviewable framework addressing worker treatment before any request for public financing appears.

","The St. Louis Park Economic Development Authority on Jan. 21 approved a preliminary development agreement (PDA) with Rohrs St. Louis Park Apartments 2, LLC to pursue a mixed‑use redevelopment of the Wood Dale Station site, a property the EDA says totals just over 3 acres and includes parcels at 5950 36th Street and 5802 36th Street.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6372860,"Council approves $250,000 for social services after first RFP; STEP and Senior Community Services receive allocations",1548,5629000,7177000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2146814-a0f10609c89e400999ba94c94299c13b&start=5629&end=7177","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2146814-a0f10609c89e400999ba94c94299c13b/thumbnail_5629000.jpg","/articles/6372860/St-Louis-Park/Hennepin-County/Minnesota/Council-approves-250000-for-social-services-after-first-RFP-STEP-and-Senior-Community-Services-receive-allocations","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6372860-c01fe53f8c6b135d0920c69f53f7e6f3/orig.mp4?Expires=1773689004&Signature=ekQy3CP~upXRX7lMNteeAqecAeLRbuUYjP7UnI9ce3D13eq77pM5bMzbsGRbTOylpZNL48XzSn2a~F7Nkbo2Nlt4THnFcu7VJz~rK5wLD3AdL3NbizM9ZfoABU~-St9XW7Ef2CPevO0btU3gmD-FCoYl4neRivGyL~3p7OgZizh5CdN910m36BPNsf90RBWnMLHGqEOGDShfni7TU4Cf37vQCZvTukoVn4urM8DhNAJB411zNQOfJAEHIHhweUGIenXb2eqNZj29-4LFKLpojleqvYwhetDjt-0QByqtOpnwKXMsOBc4bJu~CfuMtfE-e4wu7cW54ffWmnkJaHDfQw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The St. Louis Park City Council on Jan. 21 approved $250,000 in contractual funding for social service providers after the city completed its first competitive request for proposals for these services.

Staff said the 2025 budget allocates $200,000 from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund and $50,000 from the general fund to support nonprofits that provide basic needs services to Saint Louis Park residents. Two proposals were received: STEP requested $204,000 for emergency housing assistance, food insecurity and other basic needs; Senior Community Services requested funding for a HOME (home chore) program that supports older adults.

The grant review committee—which included staff from multiple departments and a community member—recommended fully funding STEP’s $204,000 request but reallocating the funding across sources: $154,000 from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund for emergency rental assistance and $50,000 from the general fund for food insecurity. The committee recommended funding Senior Community Services at $15,000 from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund to support minor repairs and home‑health and safety assessments for income‑eligible older adults; the allocation represents about 75% of that agency’s request and is an increase of $5,000 from prior funding levels.

Staff said contracts will include reporting requirements (how many households served, services provided, funds expended) and a 15% cap on administrative costs. Marnie Olson, housing supervisor, said the city will refine outreach and the RFP timeline in subsequent years after this first round.

Why it matters: the new competitive process is intended to centralize city support for food security, emergency housing assistance and services that help seniors remain in their homes. STEP’s recommended funding will support thousands of residents’ access to food programs and provide emergency assistance to families who otherwise might lose housing, the agency said in a prepared statement relayed to the council.

Public and council comments: Council members praised the competitive process and asked staff to strengthen reporting and demographic data collection in future RFP cycles so the city can better measure program outcomes and equity. Staff agreed to refine outreach and reporting requirements going forward.

Action: Council voted unanimously to approve the recommended contract allocations.

Ending: Staff said contract details and reporting requirements will be finalized with the agencies and the city’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund and general fund allocations will be tracked during the year.","The City of St. Louis Park approved $250,000 in contracts for social services in 2025 through a new competitive RFP process: STEP received $204,000 (recommended split: $154,000 from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund for emergency rental assistance and $50,000 from the general fund for food insecurity) and Senior Community Services rece",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6372865,"Council holds public hearing on 2025 pavement management project covering Cedar Manor, Westwood Hills and Kilmer Pond",922,2931000,3853000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2146814-a0f10609c89e400999ba94c94299c13b&start=2931&end=3853","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2146814-a0f10609c89e400999ba94c94299c13b/thumbnail_2931000.jpg","/articles/6372865/St-Louis-Park/Hennepin-County/Minnesota/Council-holds-public-hearing-on-2025-pavement-management-project-covering-Cedar-Manor-Westwood-Hills-and-Kilmer-Pond","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6372865-901cc16541b22e3f4c9e8c22801bba46/orig.mp4?Expires=1773689004&Signature=XQ4ssF0C0BHXDyaAywO8jiXAor1-hNmVi~ric6Ovt1GMhJDrbfubFisdz5mmY377CrJshERbSv0RgPrmdxvpFCY9G9XuScZnGgWUbZa8XMm1J4e88oUonduA62UES1vm4fd3bPWM7HkBn3BXNOAihYXk9ST3UlcwZTuTg0B~HQ~2ak2lWPjVt2IQDzjc4XzU6bsqXfR8u-Vx-w2zxmUxWn2ROjdaWAGX6H4NBF3Jl6yROtsohv0VR-sq0UFeJwnHpjZhiU24ev3hQMpzI-WRBLRWbsSZBxMBS9u2e~HS~OL3EPaEtAdKW5XT68NrIWv3PIKjJGdOuq6-Ec9p3kcVhQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff on Jan. 21 opened a public hearing on the 2025 Pavement Management Project (Area 3), a residential reconstruction program that targets streets in the Cedar Manor, Westwood Hills and Kilmer Pond neighborhoods.

Engineering project manager Aaron Wiesen told the council the project is intended to extend pavement life and improve system performance by providing the right pavement strategy at the right time. The estimated project cost is approximately $3,200,000, funded through franchise fees, utility funds and general obligation bonds. The council will consider action at its Feb. 3 meeting; staff said construction is planned to be awarded in April and to run May–November 2025.

Project scope: staff recommended full street reconstruction where needed (pavement, curb and gutter, driveway replacement and utility repairs), and reviewed gaps in the sidewalk network. The design team recommended building one new sidewalk segment in 2025: Boone Avenue from Cedar Lake Road to 25th Street, which would connect existing cycle tracks and sidewalks. If approved, the city would construct that sidewalk at no cost to property owners; property owners would be responsible for snow removal.

Why it matters: pavement reconstruction typically occurs every 30–50 years; the project also provides an opportunity to evaluate rightsizing (street width adjustments) and to preserve mature trees where possible during sidewalk design.

Public comment: Sylvie Hyman, a resident and engineer, urged the city to consider “rightsizing” streets to reduce vehicle speeds and improve safety, and said reconstruction is a generational opportunity to start that conversation. Wiesen and staff said rightsizing opportunities are considered when curb or utilities are replaced, but not all reconstruction projects touch curb lines; the 2025 Area 3 project will generally keep work within the existing curb and therefore will not narrow street widths as part of this phase.

Next steps: the council will keep the public record open through Feb. 3 and then vote on the project. If approved, Wiesen said the typical reconstruction timeframe for an individual street section without major utility work is four to six weeks.

Ending: Staff encouraged residents to use the project’s interactive map, attend open houses and sign up for email updates (more than 1,200 residents had signed up). The council will vote on Feb. 3 on whether to proceed with the 2025 awards and construction schedule.

","City staff presented a $3.2 million pavement management project for Area 3 (residential neighborhoods including Cedar Manor, Westwood Hills and Kilmer Pond) that would reconstruct streets, replace curb and some utilities, and add a new sidewalk segment on Boone Avenue; council will vote Feb. 3 after public comment.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council hears public concerns as staff advances Commercial Street rehabilitation for Raleigh Avenue and 35th Street

EDA approves preliminary development agreement for Wood Dale Station; commissioners raise labor-practice concerns

Council approves $250,000 for social services after first RFP; STEP and Senior Community Services receive allocations

Council holds public hearing on 2025 pavement management project covering Cedar Manor, Westwood Hills and Kilmer Pond