Community Sketchbook
How one St. Paul community is using an equity scorecard to direct neighborhood change
The hope is that, with the scorecard, both developers and residents can better understand at a glance what people community members want.
Bill Lindeke
Articles by this author:
Politics & Policy
The Frogtown Neighborhood Association has launched an ambitious plan to democratize planning. Through cartoons
The jury is still out on whether Frogtown’s innovative gamble will work out. But at the very least, the new format has already increased engagement and access to knowledge.
A brief history of St. Paul ice palaces
The majority of St. Paul’s historical ice palaces were not actual physical buildings, but more like icy structures best viewed from a relative distance.
Politics & Policy
A century later, Minneapolis’ failed city plan still resonates
To my eyes, the document marked a watershed moment when Minneapolis leaders began to think publicly and holistically for the first time. The problem is that almost none of its recommendations ever got adopted.
Politics & Policy
St. Paul’s LED test illuminates the complexity of light itself
The history of urban street lighting is secretly fascinating, and once you open up Pandora’s light bulb, the resulting complexity is staggering.
Cityscape
End of an era on the West Bank as video store shuts its doors
The modern internet era, combined with the proliferation of cable, has made the brick-and-mortar video store as obsolete as an elevator operator.
Cityscape
Lawmakers at work: On roadways, hands-free phones and bike ed
Debates in the Minnesota Legislature have reached full swing, and so far the early results suggest there could be a lot of activity around state transportation policy.
Cityscape
St. Paul’s skyway issues are ongoing and unsolved
The issues? “Security, safety, litter, comments about things like employees having to walk through the skyway when there are people sleeping in there,” said Jon Fure.
Cityscape
A delicate negotiation: Rainbow Foods sits smack in the middle of soccer plans
Something as seemingly simple as dislodging a redundant grocery store has proven to be a real challenge.
Cityscape
Winter bike deliveries: The coffee and bread must go through
“On days like today, where it’s 30 degrees or sloppy, it’s my favorite,” said Micah Taylor. “… for me personally, biking in the winter just feels good.”