Chi Chi's at West End, trail assailant arrest, Human Rights Award winner, and more

Greetings! Here’s city-related news for residents of Ward 1 and beyond.  
 
​Minnetonka Boulevard reconstruction – what’s next: We’re entering year two of the two-year, Hennepin County-led project to reconstruct Minnetonka Boulevard between France Avenue and Hwy 100. Hang in there folks! Minnetonka Boulevard will soon be closed to all through traffic between Inglewood and Hwy 100, beginning March 31 and continuing through late fall. Only residents and businesses on Minnetonka Blvd with no side street access will be able to use the road, which will be accessible from Ottawa Avenue only. Visit the project website for details and to sign up for email updates. 
 
Minnetonka Boulevard west is next: In 2027, the County will begin reconstructing Minnetonka Boulevard west of Hwy 100, to Xylon Ave. Many residents received a postcard from the County last week noticing a community input meeting. Unfortunately, the postcards arrived after the meeting had occurred. To address this error and invite more participation, Hennepin County plans to host another community meeting in early April; I’ll share details when they’re available. In the meantime, here’s an interactive site where people are sharing ideas for how to improve this stretch of road through things like safer crosswalks, protected bus shelters, separated bike lanes, and more. You can also subscribe to project updates at this site. 
 
North Cedar Lake Regional Trail assailant arrested and charged: If you frequent the North Cedar Lake Regional Trail between Dakota Park and the Cedar Lake area, you’ve likely noticed “Police Warning” signs since last fall, recommending users be vigilant and aware that sexual assaults (grabbing and groping of female runners) were reported. Last week, SLP PD arrested an 18-year-old Hopkins man and charged him in the assaults. The warning signs have been removed. 
 
ICE enforcement action/protest in SLP: Several news media outlets ran stories on a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) action at SLP business Hardcoat Inc. late last month. Observers report seven people were arrested. A peaceful protest of ICE’s actions took place earlier this month outside the business, as reported by MPR News and others. For your awareness, the SLP PD (1) does not enforce federal immigration law, (2) prioritizes responding to the everyday needs of those who call 911 for service, regardless of immigration status, and (3) does not request documentation of immigration status nor maintain that data in our records. Also for your awareness, if residents encounter ICE, they have the right to remain silent, ask for a lawyer, and refuse to sign any documents without consulting a lawyer. You can learn more about immigrant rights by visiting the National Immigrant Justice Center website. 
 
Stronger DWI law proposed in light of Park Tavern crash: The horrific crash that killed two people and injured nine at Park Tavern last fall prompted Rep. Larry Kraft and Sen. Ron Latz, both of whom represent SLP,  to introduce a bill targeting repeat offenders designed to better protect public safety. The new law would increase the amount of time repeat offenders are required to have alcohol ignition interlocks installed in their vehicles, a proven deterrent for repeat offenders, as well as other changes to strengthen the law. The bill has bipartisan support, and the hope is that it will pass into law this session.  
 
Vision 4.0 website is live: The dedicated Vision 4.0 website is live; check it out here and sign up for updates on how you can engage. Your voice matters in our community's visioning process!
 
Board/Commission applications open for 2025: SLP’s nine boards and commissions advise city council on topics such as Human Rights, Environment and Sustainability, and Technology. Serving on a board or commission is sometimes seen as a precursor (although in no way required) to running for city council - or, simply an opportunity to apply your talents and interests to serving the community. Here’s where you can learn about current vacancies and apply. Applications are due March 31. 
 
Bronx Park neighborhood street & sidewalk improvements: Several streets in the Bronx Park neighborhood are scheduled for rehabilitation in 2026 and city staff are gathering input now. Visit the project page to learn more and use this interactive map to share your ideas for improvements/problem areas. 
 
Climate resilience in our parks: SLP was recently awarded grant from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to install shade structures at Aquila and Ainsworth Parks. The structures will provide relief from intensifying summer heat and its associated health risks. These parks were chosen for the project due to their proximity to MPCA Environmental Justice Areas, where a high percentage of residents are BIPOC and/or low-income. Kudos to city staff for pursuing and winning this $262,000 competitive grant award to safeguard public health. 
 
Affordable for-sale twin homes project: I’ve written about this project a few times; for those who like images, here’s a link (newly available) to the concept plan. This innovative project is public-private partnership to build eight for-sale twin homes in the Sorensen neighborhood that are affordable to households with incomes between 50 and 80 percent of Area Median Income (currently $62,100-$97,800). I’m proud this development in Ward 1 continues to progress and look forward to seeing future SLP residents at targeted income levels build personal wealth through homeownership. 
 
SLP Human Rights Awardee: Dana Strahnson, a youth services librarian at the St. Louis Park Library, has been selected by members of the Human Rights Commission to receive this year’s SLP Human Rights Award. Strahnson’s advocacy and awareness efforts for underrepresented communities, dedication to community engagement, and collaboration with community organizations were factors in being chosen. The award will be presented at the March 17 City Council meeting. Congrats Dana!
 
Chi Chi’s is back! The once-beloved restaurant chain that disappeared from the dining scene two decades ago is planning a comeback, with their first Minnesota location slated to open this summer at The West End, replacing Rojo Mexican Grill. The comeback is being orchestrated by the son of the chain’s original co-founder. 
 
Share your park story with the community: I have a great affinity for public parks; my dad was Parks and Recreation Director for the City of Roseville for almost 30 years. SLP is inviting folks to celebrate the joys of parks and rec by sharing personal experiences and stories that will be fun to read and inspire others to get involved. Here’s where you can share your story and upload photos.
 
Consider a run for City Council! If you’ve made it all the way to the end of this newsletter, you clearly care about our community and are interested in what happens here. I encourage Ward 1 residents (precincts 1, 2 & 3 on the linked map) with extra time and energy to explore serving our great community as a member of the St. Louis Park City Council. My second term concludes at the end of this year and I’m not planning to run for re-election. You can learn more about running for local office here. I'm also happy to meet with residents to share my perspective and experiences – email me to set something up. The filing period opens July 29. 

Here’s a select list of upcoming events in our community: 
Sustainability Lunch and Learn, Monday, March 17, 11:45-1, Lenox Community Center. Learn from St. Louis Park sustainability specialists how to reduce your energy use, save money on energy upgrades, avoid common solar scams, compost your food scraps and more. Free; lunch provided. Register here.

SLP Community Band Concert, Tuesday, March 18, 7pm, St. Louis Park Middle School. Enjoy quality concert band music from the 20th and 21st centuries. Free!
 
Annual Spring Ice Show, Saturday, March 22, 7 pm & Sunday, March 23, 1pm, SLP Rec Center. A fun opportunity to support our community’s youth skaters. Tickets $10 at the door. 
 
Stormwater Pollution Prevention/Annual Public Meeting: Tuesday, April 8, 6-7pm, City Hall Council Chambers. Provide input on the city’s stormwater pollution prevention plan and actions.  

Planting for Pollinators Workshop, Tuesday, April 8, 6-8 pm, SLP City Hall. Designers from Metro Blooms Design + Build will show attendees how to select plants and design a native plant garden that supports wildlife and brings beauty to your outdoor space. $15. Sign up here.STEP Gala, Thursday, May 22, Metropolitan Ballroom, Golden Valley, 6 pm. Celebrate the St. Louis Park Emergency Program’s 50 years of service to our community while contributing funds to continue their work. Info here.

Thanks for reading and please stay in touch! 
Margaret