March newsletter | 2020

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A newsletter of the District 1 Community Council. Battle Creek | Conway  | Eastview | Highwood February Highlights SECO hosted a number of informative events in February, and we had great community turnout! We often gauge our events based on the number of new faces we see in the audience, based on this, February was a fabulous month. On the 5th, we had over 20 attendees at our discussion on proposed renter ordinances for St. Paul with Fair Housing Coordinator Kirstin Burch. About half the group were landlords, and they had many questions and concerns about these proposed changes. On the 7th, we co-hosted a showing of Jim Crow of the North at Progressive Baptist Church along with Mapping Prejudice and the TPT film's director Daniel Bergin. We welcomed over 100 attendees from St. Paul and Minneapolis. Click on the link above to watch the film on You Tube. At our board meeting on February 24, we enjoyed a presentation by Ramsey County on the master planning for Battle Creek Regional Park. Representatives will also be at our March 23 Annual Meeting to answer questions and share the project. Become a Changemaker with the Southeast Community Organization Have you wondered who makes decisions about incoming businesses or road changes? Do you worry about the safety of your family, friends and neighbors? Are you concerned that decision-makers may not look like you or represent your values? Join us in our work!   Only you can represent your ideas and share your experiences.   Board members are volunteers who partner with SECO staff and community to advocate for our residents, promote healthy neighborhoods and help make our community the place we want it to be.    No experience is needed. Members attend monthly board meetings, and participate in a committee or work group to inform and drive positive change. Our efforts are collaborative, and we work alongside each other to learn and make a difference. Our goal is a board that represents all residents, business owners, students, families and stakeholders of the SECO district.  The job description and link to apply is on our website at Southeastside.org. Members can be age 16 and up (including students!), and may include renters, homeowners, students, business owners or individuals representing local organizations or faith groups. Got questions? Contact us to meet or talk. Deadline to apply: March 11, 2020 (deadline extended) Annual Meetings and Elections Saturday, March 21, 10:00 am-1:00 pm SECO office 2105 1/2 Old Hudson Rd  Special guests:  >> Community Stabilization Project. Renters! Come and get your questions answered, and learn about resources.  >> Ward 7 City Councilmember Jane Prince (for part of the time) Monday, March 23, 6:00-8:00 pm Battle Creek Recreation Center, 75 Winthrop St S. Special guests: >> Ramsey County Parks staff will have a table to talk to residents about master planning for Battle Creek Regional Park. >> Ramsey County Public Works will have a table to speak with residents about lane narrowing plans for McKnight Road      Voting at the SECO Office Can't make it to one of the annual meetings? Residents can vote in our office Monday, March 16 - Friday, March 20 between 10:00 am-4:00 pm!   Master Planning for Point Douglas Road The City of Saint Paul Parks and Recreation has secured Legacy funding to prepare a master plan for a future regional trail along Point Douglas Road between Burns Ave and Bailey Rd. Please join us for a brief presentation and open house. March 24 6:00-7:00 pm Battle Creek Recreation Center We will review the project timeline and evaluate opportunities and constraints along the corridor. Propose an Idea for the Capital Improvement Budget The Capital Improvement Budget (CIB) is how the city funds construction and maintenance of City infrastructure. This includes improvements in streets, bridges, libraries, parks, recreation centers, and other public facilities and infrastructure. The budget is composed of a variety of state, federal, and local funding sources.  The city is inviting residents to share their ideas for consideration. Click here to go to the city website page and submit your idea.     What is the Census? Census documents will be coming out early April. Please plan on completing yours, and ask friends, family and neighbors to do so as well. SECO will be offering opportunities in our office for residents to come by and get help completing their census. If you are interested in assisting, please contact us. Dates and times are not yet set and will be completely flexible. We'll keep in touch with details.   AARP Community Challenge Grant Applications Applications for AARP’s 2020 Community Challenge Grants are now available. They’re due April 1. These competitive grants are designed to fund quick actions that spark long-term change, and may support physical improvements, temporary demonstrations or innovative programs and services. Grant winners will be notified in July and projects need to be completed by November of this year.   Upcoming Meetings and Events Land Use Committee: Mar 2 & Apr 6, 6:00-7:30 pm (SECO Ofc) (1st Mondays) Communications Cmte: Mar 9 & Apr 13, 6:00-7:30 pm  (SECO Ofc) (2nd Mondays) Board Meeting, No board meeting in March (elections) or April (board orientation) Coffee with Councilmember Jane Prince, Mar 12, 10:00 am, Sun Ray Bruegger's/Caribou Coffee Primary Elections: Tuesday, March 4  Get Out and Vote! Submit ideas and events to betsy@southeastside.org.