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Christine Shyne executive director
Rebecca Noecker WSCO board president
O
n April 8, I attended a community forum cohosted by WSCO and the Friends of the Mississippi River. The purpose was to discuss the new West Side Flats Master Plan, which is being drafted by a community task force and is now open for public comment. I found the event to be a tremendous example of what WSCO is all about. First, the topic was one of great importance to the West Side community: the plan’s proposal to allow building heights up to 125 feet on seven parcels of the Flats. Friends of the Mississippi River and many com-
munity members are concerned that these heights may block views of the bluffs and the river valley, views that are among St. Paul’s most unique natural assets. WSCO exists to promote a higher quality of life on the West Side, and preserving our geologic heritage is an important part of that, so our participation in this forum aligned perfectly with our mission. The second aspect of the forum that impressed me was its inclusive format. In addition to John Anfinson of the National Park Service, who gave a brief presentation on the historic and geologic significance of the views of the river from downtown St. Paul,
the forum featured three additional presenters who respectively represented the city of St. Paul, private developers and community members. Unlike many panel discussions I’ve attended in which the moderator spends most of the time reading panelist bios and asking questions that were developed in advance, in this discussion the introductory comments were kept short and panelists were only asked questions from the audience. This structure made me feel like I was participating in a conversation, rather than sitting passively through a lecture. WSCO aims to be inclusive in all that it does, and events structured like this one afford participants a truly engaging experience. Unfortunately, while the format of the event was inclusive, the audience was not diverse ethnically or in terms of age. This is a common challenge that we at WSCO face, not a difficulty unique to this particular event. Still, we know that
our work is only effective if it represents the views of all those who live on the West Side, so we are making a special commitment this year to engage a more diverse group of residents in our committees and our conversations. The final noteworthy element of the event was that it was co-hosted by Friends of the Mississippi River and WSCO. Though there’s often significant work needed
to pull off such an event in collaboration, I believe it was the combined work of both groups that made the event so successful. This collaboration is an essential aspect of our work at WSCO. We are committed to our role as a convener and a facilitator — not doing all the work ourselves, but supporting community members and groups with a passion for improving our neighborhood in a variety
of ways. This forum was just part of the conversation about the West Side Flats Master Plan, which will guide the development of the Flats for decades. Please take a moment to read the plan. You can find it on the City’s website at www.stpaul.gov, or contact WSCO at 651293-1708 for a copy — and share your thoughts with us.
Senior Rental Housing in South St. Paul All proceeds from The Dakota County CDA’s Senior Housing Program provides affordable, independent living rental the sale support the Junior League of housing for adults age 55+.
For more information, visit www.dakotacda.org To request application, Don’t Miss theanRummage call 651-675-4440 Sale of the Year!
Saturday, May 10, 2014 8 am to 4 pm West Saint Paul Armory at Robert Street and Emerson
Short waiting list for ts 2-bedroom apartmen
Saint Paul.
Dakota Heights River Heights Terrace Thompson Heights 1000+ Like-New Short waiting list for 2-bedroom Short waiting list for 2-bedroom Short waiting list for 1 & 2-bedroom Items! Toys, Each Babysenior Gearhousing development features 1- and 2-bedroom apartments, a community room with kitchen, laundry facilities, emergency call system and underground heated parking. Housewares A Senior Nutrition Program service with noon meals is available weekdays at Dakota Heights. Furniture Thompson Seasonal ItemsHeights is a smoke-free campus.
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1 person household: $44,750 No income limits for Premium Units
2 person household: $51,150
Senior Rental Housing in West St. Paul and Mendota Heights
The Dakota County CDA’s Senior Housing Program provides affordable, independent living rental housing for adults age 55+. Each building features 1- and 2-bedroom apartments, a community room with kitchen, laundry facilities, emergency call system and underground heated parking. A Senior Nutrition Program serving noon meals on weekdays is available at Parkview Plaza.
INCOME LIMITS: 1 person household: $44,750 2 person household: $51,150 No income limits for premium units. Haskell Court - West St. Paul The Dakotah - West St. Paul Premium unit available
Parkview Plaza Mendota Heights
Village Commons Mendota Heights
For more information, visit www.dakotacda.org To request an application, call 651-675-4440 St. Paul Voice - May 2014 - Page 27