MPCA Data Monitoring Tool 

West Siders attending the February Land Use Circle meeting learned about a new tool for monitoring Air Quality and other pollutants, created by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. Click here to view the MPCA presentation slides.

The Southport Industrial Zone along Barge Channel Road currently monitors Total Suspended Particulates (TSP), which include all airborne particles, regardless of size or potential health effects. To better assess air quality risks, these monitoring efforts could be adjusted to focus on smaller particles that pose the greatest threat to human health.

The Land Use meeting was part of WSCO's Board's effort to correct the many unfulfilled recommendations for addressing the hazards found at Southport.

Community members reported worsening conditions from truck traffic, compounded by train blockages to the site and the long history of neglect by those responsible. WSCO will hold a meeting in May to report the steps and plans underway to address these issues.

Learn more about the work being done for Southport

Check out MPCA's web tool - click here

The daily TSP Levels at our Lady of Guadalupe (site 0875) have increased since the work with CM Noecker began in 2024

In 2022 the daily peak number was at 178 - Air is getting worse!

Supporting West Side Education: The Constance Currie Scholarship Opportunity

As a proud partner of Neighborhood House, we are excited to share an important opportunity for individuals connected to the West Side of St. Paul: the Constance Currie Scholarship for the 2025 school year. This scholarship is designed to make post-secondary education more accessible for high school seniors, GED recipients, and adults returning to school.

Why the Constance Currie Scholarship Matters

The Currie Scholarship offers flexible financial support for students pursuing education in a range of fields, from colleges and universities to vocational schools and business programs. One of the key advantages of this scholarship is its flexibility in fund usage—recipients can use their funds for essential personal expenses, such as:

• Books
• Transportation
• Childcare
• Groceries

This allows students to focus more on their education and less on the everyday financial burdens that can often get in the way of academic success.

Who Can Apply?

The Constance Currie Scholarship is open to individuals who meet one or more of the following criteria:

• High school seniors, graduates, or GED recipients
• Those who have lived, worked, or volunteered in the West Side of St. Paul (55107) at some point in their lives
• Individuals who have been actively involved with Neighborhood House or the West Side community
• Those pursuing any form of post-secondary education, whether it’s at a college, university, vocational school, or business program

Academic performance is just one part of the application process. The Scholarship Committee will also consider personal statements, letters of recommendation, and contributions to the West Side community. We encourage anyone with a strong commitment to their education to apply—grades are not the sole determining factor.

How to Apply

Applications are open now, with a deadline of March 31, 2025. You can download the application from Neighborhood House’s website at neighborhoodhousemn.org.

Questions?

If you have any questions about the application process or eligibility, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Neighborhood House directly at:

• Phone: 651.789.2513 or 651.789.2500
• Email: [email protected]

We encourage all eligible individuals to apply and share this opportunity with others who could benefit. At Neighborhood House, we are committed to empowering the West Side community by supporting those who are taking the next step in their educational journeys.

WSCO’s Land Use Circle believes in amplifying local voices, especially when it comes to decisions that shape our neighborhood. While MnDOT has started conversations, there are still gaps in understanding the unique needs and priorities of our community.

This survey is an opportunity for the community to share their thoughts on the proposed changes and ensure they reflect what matters most to the people of the West Side. To understand more about the proposed changes coming to Robert St., Land Use Circle recommends viewing Dan Conlan's critique of MnDOT's design.

Click Here To Take the Survey

 Draft air quality permit for Sanimax USA LLC

Why are we notifying you?

 What is the company proposing to do?

Sanimax applied to amend its air quality permit to replace a failed cooker with a new unit that has an increased capacity and to increase the particulate matter limits associated with the facility’s cookers. In addition to these changes, a new scrubber will be added to control odor emissions. The MPCA announced an enforcement action against Sanimax in August 2024 because the company failed to apply for a major air permit amendment and conduct required air emissions modeling before making changes to its pollution control equipment systems. At the request of the Permittee, the MPCA created a Schedule of Compliance (SOC) for Sanimax. The SOC is a formal agreement that allowed the Permittee to replace their failed cooker before the issuance of their major amendment, but also specified actions and timelines that the facility must follow to address any regulatory concerns and maintain compliance. The addition of the new scrubber to control odor emissions was part of that SOC.

What are Sanimax’s emissions?

The primary emission sources for this facility include multiple cookers, boilers, dryers, and milling equipment located on-site at their South St. Paul facility. The main pollutant of concern is particulate matter (PM, PM10, and PM2.5). It is generated as a byproduct of various materials that are cooked, milled, and dried. facility operates and maintains several fabric filters, scrubbers, and a particulate capture unit to control particulate matter emissions at the facility.

The City of Saint Paul will be hosting its annual Supplier Fair. This is an opportunity for prospective vendors to learn about the City of Saint Paul’s upcoming contracting opportunities, attend workshops, and network with subject-matter experts from various departments within the City.

To register for the event, scan the QR code or visit www.eventbrite.com/e/cityof- saint-paul-2025-supplier-fair-tickets-1123700832439

2025 Saint Paul 4d Affordable Housing Incentive Program Open for Application

The Saint Paul Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) has launched the 2025 application cycle for the Saint Paul 4d Affordable Housing Incentive Program.

The application deadline is 4 p.m. CST on Friday, December 20, 2024. Applications will not be accepted after this deadline. 

In exchange for agreeing to rent and tenant income limits, enrollment in the 4d Program qualifies properties for the 4d tax classification, also known as Minnesota's Low Income Rental Classification (LIRC). Qualification for the 4d rate results in a property tax reduction tied to specific units enrolled in the program.   

To receive this tax reduction, property owners must commit at least a 20% share of their property’s units to a 10-year period of rent limits and tenant income restrictions. Restrictions are tied to either 50% or 60% of the metropolitan Area Median Income (or “AMI”). 

Additionally, per 2023 legislative updates to Minnesota state statute as indicated on Minnesota Housing’s website, property owners must use any and all property tax savings resulting from the 4d tax classification for eligible expenses such as:   

• Property maintenance 

• Property security 

• Improvements to the property 

• Increases to the property’s replacement reserve account 

Reminder: Survey closes on November 26

In Fall 2025, the City of Saint Paul plans to resurface (“mill and overlay”) George Street from Cherokee Avenue to State Street/Cesar Chavez Street. The project will create a smooth road surface and upgrade curb ramps at corners. The city also has budget in the project to make limited pedestrian crossing improvements at intersections to improve visibility and comfort for people walking. To help prioritize the crossing improvements, please consider taking the survey at stpaul.gov/georgeresurfacing. It will be open until the end of 2024

Visit the project website click here

Download the project presentation click here