Overnight trains, preliminary tax levy, where to vote, and more

Greetings! Here’s city-related news for residents of Ward 1 and beyond. 
 
It’s time to vote: Minnesota and St. Louis Park make it so easy and convenient to vote. Here’s information on when, where and how you can vote on or before November 5. Thank you to the 177 hardworking SLP residents serving as election workers this fall! 
 
Overnight trains & horns: Residents have been reaching out about the new and disturbing experience of hearing loud train horn blasts through the night on the Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) Railway, AKA the Dan Patch Line. According to CPKC, this new schedule was created “to best meet operational and customer needs” and they have no plan to return to a daytime schedule. Unfortunately, only the federal government can regulate the railways, so the city and state’s hands are tied on this. City staff are looking into the potential to establish “quiet zones” in the city, a process that can take years to implement if approved. I’m sorry I don’t have better news to share on this.
 
MSP runway repair: I love almost everything about living in SLP. The exceptions are airplane, highway and train noise. This summer Ward 1 and surrounds had a blissful period of relief from most air traffic as the MSP airport’s north runway was reconstructed. That work is now complete, and air traffic has returned to previous patterns. Next summer, work on the south runway will reverse the pattern, bringing more air traffic to this part of town while Ward 2 enjoys quieter skies. 

Minnetonka Blvd. small road closure: Crews have made good progress on the two-year, County-led project reconstructing Minnetonka Blvd. between France Ave. and Hwy 100 and County Road 25 between Drew and Lynn Aves. Minnetonka Blvd. closed this weekend between France and Inglewood and will stay closed through mid-November. Businesses in this stretch can be accessed using Sunset Blvd. to access Glenhurst and Huntington. Please continue to support local businesses! For a map of closures and to sign up for project updates, visit the project website here. 
 
New taproom coming: Council recently approved zoning ordinance changes that will allow Haggard Barrel Brewing Co. to open a taproom at the site of their brewery at 6413 Cambridge St. While the ordinance change was prompted by a request from Haggard, the change will apply to all six areas across the city zoned General Industrial. Those interested can check out the city’s current zoning map here.
 
In SLP, we get involved: Eighty people recently applied to serve one on of our city's nine boards and commissions, evidence of the desire to be involved that makes our community great. Council members are currently interviewing applicants, with a plan to appoint members in early November. For folks not chosen, and for anyone wanting to get involved in our community in meaningful ways, here are a few possibilities that come to mind: Board member for SLP Friends of the Arts, Board member for the SLP Historical Society, SLP Schools volunteer, Volunteer with the St. Louis Park Emergency Program. Our city website lists additional opportunities. Another impactful way to get involved in building a strong community is to help organize your neighborhood, or if your neighborhood is already organized, join the fun!
 
Council sets preliminary levy: Last month, council approved a 7.52% preliminary levy increase for 2025—meaning the final increase approved in December can be lower, but not higher, than 7.52%. It’s important to note that, for greater transparency, SLP now combines all levies property owners are required to pay (General, Housing Redevelopment Authority, Economic Development Authority) into one number, rather than focusing on and highlighting only the General Levy, as we've historically done. 
 
The impact of this proposed increase on the owner of an average value home in SLP ($377,200) will be about $110, or about $9/month. Much of this increase can be tied to increased personnel costs and needed infrastructure improvements. A few of the many other investments proposed for 2025 that caught my eye are a hydraulic rescue tool for the fire department ($80,000); replacement of the playground equipment at Bronx Park ($70,000);  a new city website ($50,000) and a second police K9 ($34,000). For a deep dive into the city's Capital Improvement Plan outlining planned investments through 2029, visit here, beginning on page 13. 
 
Cannabis operations in the city: Council recently provided feedback to staff regarding where cannabis businesses should be allowed in the city, once licenses are granted by the state. As a reminder, legislation approved by state lawmakers last year legalized possession, use, manufacturing and sale of certain cannabis products, making Minnesota the 23rd state to legalize adult-use cannabis. Council indicated support for cannabis retailers to locate only in certain areas zoned for commercial uses and to be 1,000 feet from a school, other cannabis business, or liquor store. The majority of council members also supported limiting the number of cannabis retailers in the city to four, for now. The city’s planning commission will hold a public hearing on this topic on Wednesday, Nov. 6 at 6 pm at City Hall. 
 
More new EV chargers: I’m envious of EV owners and look forward to replacing our gas guzzler when the family budget allows. It’s getting easier to charge up in the city with the addition, last month, of two new charging ports at the Municipal Service Center, bringing the total number of city-owned chargers to 10, with two additional ports planned for Aquila Park this fall. You can view a map of chargers around the city and the surrounding area here. 
 
Who wants more dog parks? I’m hearing from residents who wish we had more dog parks in the city. Is this you too? If so, I'd like to know. I'd also like to know where you envision a new dog park being located. Please send me an email with your thoughts here. Thanks!
 
Keeping tabs on single-family home rentals: I’d also like to hear from you about single-family rental homes in your neighborhood the city might not know about, because they have not been licensed. While you may not know if a rental property is licensed, feel free to share addresses and I’ll work with staff to figure it out. I’m not opposed to single-family home rentals per se, but like some of my council colleagues, believe it’s important to accurately track how many homes are being bought up by corporate investors, to inform future potential policy change at the city and/or state level to protect opportunities for wealth-building through homeownership. Email me on this topic here. 
 
Small biz loan program: Did you know our city provides forgivable loans to small businesses? The Advance Loan Program provides up to $10,000 to qualifying businesses to get established or expand. Six local businesses have benefited since the program was launched two years ago: Anchor Builders, Dampfwerk Distilling, Epic Bodyworks, Lux Life Spa, Mexico City Café, and Wells Roadside.
 
Storm shelter, new bleachers at SLPHS: Council recently provided needed city approvals for the SLP School District to demolish the existing south bleachers at the HS sports field, construct a new storm shelter and storage building, install new bleachers, and replace the existing field turf. New, accessible bleachers will be installed on top of the new storm shelter, allowing for more efficient use of space. The school district is expected to undertake this work in the coming year.
 
New Wooddale Avenue Station Site development proposal: Late last year, local developer Saturday Properties notified the city that it was unable to proceed with their planned development at the future Wooddale LRT Station site due to adverse market conditions. The city is now in discussion with a new developer, Roers Companies, to develop the site in a manner similar to the previously approved plan. Roers is proposing a mixed-use development with 263 residential units, including 206 market-rate units and 57 income-restricted units, including four for households earning less than 30% of the area median income, as well as approximately 8,000 feet of ground-floor commercial space. Council has asked for a more detailed presentation from the developer which will likely occur in the next few weeks. 
 
Water your trees, please! Residents often share with me their appreciation for the many resources the city is putting into preserving and planting trees. I appreciate this too! Staff have even developed a public tree map that allows you to see what species of tree is in your boulevard or next to your favorite park. Current drought conditions are putting our trees at risk. Experts recommend watering trees weekly during a drought, until the ground freezes. Thank you! 
 
Here's a select list of upcoming events in our community: 
 
Safe Streets Action Plan Pop-Up Community Workshop, Tuesday, Oct. 15, 4-7 pm, Westwood Hills Nature Center. Join a giant mapping activity and interactive survey to share feedback about your issues, concerns and hopes for the future of St. Louis Park roads, sidewalks and trails. Kid-friendly event; all ages are welcome. Join anytime between 4-7. Info here.
 
Community Book Giveaway, Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2-6 pm, Lenox Community Center. Books for all ages; all are welcome. Hosted by SLP Community Education and Sponsored by Citizens Independent Bank. 
 
SLP Friends of the Arts Annual Fundraising Event, Tuesday, Oct. 22, 6-8:30 pm, Canvas Convergence. Celebrate past and future community art projects. Info here. 
 
Lenox Craft Fair: Saturday, Nov. 2, 10 am-2 pm, Lenox Community Center. Hosted by the St. Louis Park Senior Program. Interested in having a table at the fair? Call (952) 926-6441. 
 
Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 7 am-8 pm. Find your election day voting location here. Here’s information on how to vote early. Here’s a cool tool to build your ballot. 
 
Walk the Park, Saturday, Nov. 9, 9:30 am-10:30 am, Nelson Park parking lot. Join other SLP residents for a one- to two-mile leisure walk the second Saturday of every month to explore parts of the St. Louis Park trail system. In case of rain, snow, or temps below 40 degrees, the group walks inside the SLP Middle School (meet at door #16 in the back).

Thanks for reading and please stay in touch! 

Margaret