Ramsey Hill Association News

Proactive work in Ramsey Hill

Mon, 29 Jun 2020 01:01:50 GMT

As you know, we recorded the meetings so neighbors can share the conversations with others and to be able to go back to revisit details. The links and passwords to each meeting are below:

∙ Link to the Noon ZOOM recording:
https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/4-N7N6vo7X5OG5GTw1zyWvMiQsO-X6a81SMd_fBYzRnQyEgI2u9ZlrlMlmOuLS5L
Password: 8h+V@e#2

∙ Link to the 5:00pm ZOOM recording:
https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/4OFvMOjq70xOGYXL7l3YdrM5EIXdaaa81SAWr_VYnUcOshv02PPodptX0CT9HTHv
Password: 3h&79x.4

During the ZOOM meetings, we discussed ways for everyone to stay informed. Below are some handy links to resources for you to get helpful updates.

∙ Sign up to receive Crime Alerts and communications on the RamseyHill.org website: https://ramseyhill.org/Crime-Alerts-Subscription

∙ Follow the Saint Paul Police Department Western District on Facebook to get updates on initiatives in our neighborhoods: https://www.facebook.com/SPPD.West/

∙ Join the Saint Paul Police and Fire scanner followers Facebook group to get real-time readouts from the Saint Paul Police scanner: https://www.facebook.com/groups/419807545084465/

∙ Listen to the Saint Paul Police scanner, you can livestream it here https://www.broadcastify.com/listen/feed/13544

∙ Explore crime statistics for neighborhoods in the Summit-University Planning District (including Ramsey Hill) here: https://information.stpaul.gov/Public-Safety/District-Council-8-Summit-University-Crime-Inciden/psv5-gz3n

∙ Here's a link to the Screecher on Amazon if we want to include it the same way we mention Ring cameras (i.e. not an endorsement)
https://www.amazon.com/College-Safety-Bundle-Screecher-Personal/dp/B01M25IM07/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=Screecher+Personal+Alarm&qid=1593030983&sr=8-5

Patty Lammers from SPPD gave us some useful tips for personal safety. Below are more resources for you to explore.

∙ Helpful documents that Patty Lammers presented regarding personal safety, alleyway lighting, home premise security assessments, and the “house watch program”

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XInM96u3Y7JBfpsDdBGNL9X0fAzEcaH/view?usp=sharing

∙ This is by no means an endorsement, but if you’re in the market for a security doorbell with a video camera, Ring has a sale going on the hardwired Video Doorbell Pro (https://shop.ring.com/products/video-doorbell-pro) and the battery operated Peephole Cam (https://shop.ring.com/products/door-peephole-security-camera). In addition to providing you some additional safety, these cameras have proven helpful to investigators to piece together evidence after crimes have occurred. Ramsey Hill may be creating a map of cameras in the near future for the police to use if needed.

∙ When you’re outside, be sure to stay alert and aware of your surroundings, meaning:

Not talking on cell phones while coming and going from your home to your car.
Carry your keys in your hand and have them ready to unlock or lock your car doors.
Check your backseat prior to getting into your vehicle.
Lock your doors as soon as you get in the vehicle.
Do not roll down your window to people approaching your car if you do not know that person.
Look around your car prior to walking out to your car.
If you see someone approaching that makes you uncomfortable get into your car or home as quickly as possible.
If you see suspicious behavior such as cars driving slowly down streets looking at or in other car windows, people concealing themselves in bushes, etc. CALL 911.

Contact Councilman Dai Thao & Mayor Carter

Aaron Gjerde — Mon, 21 May 2018 13:42:57 GMT

Please send your thoughts regarding the HPC proposed changes to:

Councilman Dai Thao

Mayor Carter

Suggested themes

We oppose the proposed changes to Chapter 73 that established the Heritage Preservation Commission. We believe these changes will damage the delicate renaissance our historic neighborhood and St. Paul are experiencing and will threaten Mayor Carter's economic development vision of "assets, assets, everywhere."

How? By massively increasing fees and penalizing appeals. By massively increasing the cost of historic preservation with overly detailed and prescriptive National Standards, rather than the intentionally more general local "guidelines" that were adapted from the national guidelines. The intention was not to create a museum, like the James J. Hill House or Alexander Ramsey House, which the National Standard is well suited for, but to prevent tear downs and to provide reasonable guidelines that encourage people to rehabilitate their houses and develop businesses. We are seeing some success from this general guideline as a piece in an overall community and economic development strategy - to undo this accomplishment now, when our work is not done, threatens to disrupt progress and put the Historic Hill District back on a path to abandoned buildings and blight all over again.

The HPC may argue that the only people impacted by the increased preservation costs and fees can afford it anyway. Well, that's plain old false and ignores the economic reality that Historic Preservation in St Paul is one of our assets. Right now, preservation can help a blighted neighborhood find root in its traditions where neighbors find each other, help each other, and work to improve the living conditions and housing all around them. We saw it on Ramsey Hill, in Irvine Park, and we're seeing it on Dayton's Bluff, Como, Hamline Midway, and other areas in St Paul. What you see across these areas is a wonderful mix of economic diversity. Ramsey Hill today represents perhaps the highest concentration of the wealthiest and the highest concentration of the poorest in St Paul. Living together in harmony - friends and neighbors. That must be a valuable asset. That must be what Mayor Carter wants to create as a vision.

That cannot happen when fees are so high and preservation costs driven by excessively prescriptive standards are so high and timelines so extended and criminal fines can be levied by the HPC.

What we do need is increased efficiency processing permit applications by the HPC. What we do need is better accessibility of the HPC to consult with neighbors and developers before applications are submitted. We need to remember that Historic Preservation is a tool that enhances an overall Community Development and Economic Development Strategy, OR if used inappropriately, will crush a delicate renaissance.

Remember the Back to the City Conference? We see the results all around us. Oppose the changes that increase bureaucracy and the cost of government and instead, let's help accelerate our momentum to further develop the "assets" our Mayor sees.

Confusing and Inconsistent HPC Changes

Aaron Gjerde — Mon, 21 May 2018 03:34:08 GMT

Commentary attributed to Mitch Rubenstein and posted here by Aaron Gjerde:

"The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties are regulatory only for projects receiving Historic Preservation Fund grant assistance and other federally-assisted projects. Otherwise, these Guidelines are intended to provide general guidance for work on any historic building."

Except for projects receiving federal funds, the guidelines are just that: guidelines. Most of the content of the Department of Interior's publication regarding features, materials, and procedures consist of things that are recommended or not recommended. Again, the key word is recommended, which implies discretionary, not required.

It seems that if the intent of the HPC's proposed rules is to prescribe in detail requirements for various projects, then HPC would be 1) deviating from the intent of the federal guidelines; and 2) prescribing things that Department of Interior left as discretionary to property owners and project directors. In the same vein, detailed regulations by HPC would make sense only if HPC were overseeing use of city grants or funds used for preservation, rehabilitation, or restoration.

[ed.] Indeed, providing access to funding for preservation work was an approach promoted by Jim Sazevich and others at the time of initial establishment of the HPC.

HGA abandons plans for school at St Paul College

Aaron Gjerde — Sat, 19 May 2018 20:05:57 GMT

Rassoul Dastmozd, President of St Paul College, informed the board of RHA that Higher Ground Academy is no longer pursuing plans for a new school along Marshall Ave.

President Dastmozd thanked his staff for their diligence in considering the proposal.

RHA Zoning and Land Use Chair Peter Carlson thanked President Dastmozd for the transparency, consideration, and hospitality RHA board members were given when we met with the St Paul College executive team about the proposal.

I would like to thank neighbors for their respect and diligence in their efforts to understand the proposal and to seek solutions for the concerns identified.

Proposed School at 317 Marshall

Aaron Gjerde — Fri, 16 Mar 2018 21:12:24 GMT

Through our partnership with SUPC, RHA has learned of a proposal by Higher Ground Academy to build a new school in the unused build at 317 Marshall that is owned by St Paul College. Everyone is still in information gathering phase, but RHA has obtained the following information so you can better understand what is being proposed:

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AVAILABLE on the RHA website

Flyer from the Architects about Community Forum Monday, March 19

From Summit-University Planning Council:

Information on the Higher Ground Academy New Secondary School Proposal for 317 Marshall Avenue, Saint Paul, Minnesota Higher Ground Academy is a K-12 charter school located at 1381 Marshall Avenue in Saint Paul. The current location serves approximately 600 students, mainly of East African descent.

The Higher Ground Academy is exploring relocating the middle and high school programs to a new location at 317 Marshall Avenue, at the CLC building site currently occupied by Saint Paul College. Project Scope Approximately 10,000 square feet of an existing one-story building on the site will be remodeled, and 35,000 square feet of new construction will be added to the site to accommodate 450 students in the 7-12 charter school program.

The design for the new building will use materials and colors that complement the neighborhood and Saint Paul College. Construction is to start in the fall of 2018 and be completed for occupancy in the fall of 2019.

Higher Ground Academy and Saint Paul College hope to create a collaborative partnership in developing a new building and curriculum at this site, that will flexibly work for both institutions.

Zoning Variances The school will be applying to the City of St. Paul for a few zoning variances for the project, these variances will not impact other properties in the neighborhood.

The required zoning variances are:

• The proposed building footprint will cover more than the 30% of the site.

• The rear yard setback next to the parking area will be less than the required 25’.

• Parking will be accommodated through a shared parking agreement with St. Paul College.

Crime Alert

(Past member) — Mon, 04 Dec 2017 17:52:08 GMT

Please be advised that on Thursday November 30th, an adult female was walking at 1 PM on Summit Avenue near Chatsworth. A young male accosted her and grabbed her bag. She was able to retain it. He ran away and was picked up in an automobile by accomplices. The police were notified and are following up.

Ramsey Hill Association Crime Prevention

Playground Renovation at Boyd Park - Vivienne's Joy

Aaron Gjerde — Wed, 22 Nov 2017 18:43:49 GMT

As many neighbors know, Julia and Wade Burgess are working hard to renovate the playground at Boyd Park in memory of their daughter Vivienne who passed away in her sleep at the tender age of 3. As friends and neighbors, RHA is supporting their efforts and encourage you to learn more about how we can help pitch in at http://www.viviennesjoy.org/

Large House Fire at 251 Dayton

Aaron Gjerde — Tue, 10 Oct 2017 17:14:35 GMT

Large Fire at 251 Dayton - beautiful old home. No information about the safety of residents at this point.

https://twitter.com/StPaulFireDept/status/917796663913340928

http://www.fox9.com/news/251-dayton-fire-stpaul

http://www.twincities.com/2017/10/10/cathedral-hill-st-paul-house-fire/

KARE11 gives sneak peek of 2017 House Tour

Aaron Gjerde — Sun, 10 Sep 2017 18:03:27 GMT

Very nicely done KARE11 and Bryan Bedessem:

http://www.kare11.com/entertainment/television/programs/kare-saturday/sneak-peek-inside-ramsey-hill-house-tour/472714473

Saint Paul in a "Public Health Crisis" says Police Chief Axtell

(Past member) — Thu, 22 Jun 2017 18:10:50 GMT

St. Paul in 'public health crisis' as gunshots, violence increase, Axtell says

Excellent article from Mara Gottfried of the St. Paul Pioneer Press summarizing Police Chief Axtell's public policy update to the City Council on Wednesday 06.21.17

http://www.twincities.com/2017/06/21/as-911-calls-gunshots-increase-city-considers-adding-cops/

RHA Partners with Solo Vino--Join the Fun!

Tue, 02 May 2017 19:35:40 GMT

Annual Rose' Wine Tasting Event

Sunday May 21st
PURCHASE TICKETS HERE

Facebook Event Page for Updates

Short Term Rental Study

Aaron Gjerde — Tue, 18 Apr 2017 20:47:09 GMT

Results from recent Short Term Rental Study published by the City of St Paul.

HPC Historic Guidelines

Aaron Gjerde — Sat, 18 Mar 2017 21:49:11 GMT

https://www.stpaul.gov/DocumentCenter/View5/15221.pdf

Ramsey Hill on BBC2: Great American Railroad Journeys

Aaron Gjerde — Sat, 18 Mar 2017 21:12:17 GMT

BBC2 aired a series on Great American Railroad Journeys, which features the Ramsey Hill neighborhood.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-KzqtI_XfPQ

RHA Film Documentary Enters Next Phase!

Sat, 11 Mar 2017 18:59:12 GMT

The Ramsey Hill Association presents

Ramsey Hill: from Reviled to Remarkable in a generation:

A documentary film exploring the rich history, entertaining stories, and unprecedented resurgence of the Ramsey Hill neighborhood, starting with its early history, onto today!

Our exciting project continues. We are entering a new phase and are looking for a production team and a project manager.

So here are two RFP's for Video Production Team and Project Manager--please see attached.

Feel free to distribute to anyone who you think might be interested in responding to the RFP's.

After all, there’s no place like home!

For more information, contact film creator Dan Reed: socialevents@ramseyhill.org

Crime Prevention Reminder

(Past member) — Mon, 06 Mar 2017 23:33:39 GMT

There have been multiple residential, garage and commercial burglaries in Western Police District in recent days. This is reminder to all neighbors to report any and all “suspicious” activity in the neighborhood. The police need, want, and do appreciate calls for what looks out of place to them. Also always lock doors, including garage doors, even when you are at home and windows should always be closed and locked when leaving the house or retiring for the day.

Red Bull Crashed Ice Permit Application Feb 3-4

Aaron Gjerde — Tue, 18 Oct 2016 13:47:52 GMT

Red Bull Crashed Ice Event

10/17/2016

A permit application has been submitted for Red Bull Crashed Ice Event on 2/3/17 from 11am-10pm and 2/4/17 from 4-10pm at Cathedral Hill. For more information please contact Community Engagement Unit at 651-266-5485 (Sgt. Nikula or Tina Curtis)

Police Respond by Making Changes

Aaron Gjerde — Thu, 13 Oct 2016 14:33:16 GMT

Last night, about 20 people attended a meeting hosted by the St Paul Police where they shared their response so far to the outcry after the May meeting about the 7 year old girl who was kidnapped and sexually assaulted in Cathedral Hill.

Pioneer Press was there and so was Fox9 News.

As mentioned in other Ramsey Hill Association news posts, the new Emergency Citizen Communications system has been implemented. I have personally signed up for it and think it is a great step forward. I encourage everyone to sign up for it as well - you don't need a smartphone; it will call your home phone with a notification as well as email and text messages. Downloading an app to your smartphone enables GPS-based notifications to where you are in addition to the addresses you enter. I entered my home, my typical business locations, and the location of each of my children's schools.

The Police also said they were already in the process of replacing their outdated Records Management System and have taken the conversations with us to guide their implementation, which is tentatively planned to go live before the end of 2017.

Lastly, they introduced Sue Abderholden, executive director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness’ Minnesota chapter, who said she is planning to introduce new legislation at the State level to establish a committee to review our system for handling people who are dangerous and mentally ill or commit sex crimes.

Much work remains and it will take time and effort to change multi-agency challenges in what is a highly complex, multidimensional issue. But, the Police recited back what they heard, and it was consistent with what we said and better yet they have already taken some actions.

Saint Paul Police Department Launches New Mass Notification System

(Past member) — Fri, 23 Sep 2016 15:31:25 GMT

Saint Paul Police Department launches new emergency notification system

The Saint Paul Police Department has a new tool to notify the public of emergency situations. In cooperation with Ramsey County, the department now has the ability to quickly send emergency alerts to residents, businesses and people who frequently visit Saint Paul.

The Emergency Notification System is a free service to which people can subscribe. The system will call, send text messages or email subscribers, alerting them of developing situations that immediately affect the areas in which they live, work or visit.

“Saint Paul is a vibrant, thriving city in which hundreds of thousands of people live, work and play every day. This tool will help keep everyone safer by ensuring they are informed of local emergencies and know what actions they should or can take to protect themselves,” said Mayor Chris Coleman.

The alert system will only be used for incidents where there is an imminent threat to health and safety, such as active shooter events, in-progress searches for violent suspects or anything that immediately impacts public safety and awareness is urgently needed to aide law enforcement. The alert is geographically specific and will only notify people in the area who could be affected by the event. Subscribers of the service may choose the specific geographic areas for which they would like to receive alerts.

Anyone interested in receiving alerts must sign up by going to

https://www.stpaul.gov/departments/police/emergency-notification-system

May Child Abduction Community Follow Up Meeting

(Past member) — Fri, 23 Sep 2016 15:28:36 GMT

On May 12^th of this year there was a community meeting held to address the abduction of a child days before this date. The meeting was held at Saint Paul College, 235 Marshall Avenue which is near where the abduction took place. The meeting was very well attended and it was agreed that a follow up meeting would be held so we could discuss what is being done to address these issues in our system etc.

Deputy Chief Mary Nash has made arrangements for this follow up meeting to take place on Wednesday, October 12^th from 6 – 8 PM at the same Saint Paul College location. She will have initiatives to talk about as well as updates on our reporting systems.

Please share this information with your neighbors so all who are interested can plan to attend.

Thank you.

Cathedral Hill on KSTP5 - severe weather sirens

Aaron Gjerde — Wed, 14 Sep 2016 03:30:36 GMT

http://kstp.com/weather/national-weather-service-consistency-activating-outdoor-warning-sirens/4262470/

Judy McLaughlin remembered

Aaron Gjerde — Tue, 06 Sep 2016 23:33:42 GMT

Ramsey Hill owes much to Judy McLaughlin's tireless devotion and visionary accomplishments. She passed away 5 years ago yesterday. Judy's son David and his wife Amber are raising the next generation of Ramsey Hill pioneers at their home in the Summit Manor.

https://mccollum.house.gov/congresswoman-mccollum-honors-life-judy-mclaughlin-st-paul

A historical perspective of Ramsey Hill

Aaron Gjerde — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 18:12:28 GMT

Although not precisely accurate, this is a nice piece on our neighborhood!

https://thetcneighborhoodproject.wordpress.com/2012/05/25/the-history-of/

KARE11 - Changes to Mental Illness Laws Missed in Recent Session

Aaron Gjerde — Wed, 01 Jun 2016 03:42:40 GMT

See the latest. More work to be done.

http://www.kare11.com/news/investigations/kare-11-investigates-mental-health-care-flaws-exposed/225364594

KARE11 - audio recordings from Meihofer "God told me I can do it."

Aaron Gjerde — Wed, 18 May 2016 14:30:03 GMT

AJ Lagoe from KARE11 reported last night that the kidnapper has a mental illness and believes it's ok to do what he did.

It seems pretty clear that this man needs help and should NOT be unsupervised in the community.

http://www.kare11.com/news/investigations/kare-11-investigates-st-paul-accussed-kidnapper-claims-god-told-him-to-do-it/200036149

Crime Meeting - what people are saying

Aaron Gjerde — Fri, 13 May 2016 11:36:13 GMT

Media Coverage:

Friday, May 13

Fox9 St. Paul neighbors want answers, not tips after kidnapping

MPR Neighbors: St. Paul police didn't act when told of accused kidnapper's disturbing behavior

WCCO4 Emotions Run High at St Paul Child Safety Meeting

KSTP5 Angry Residents Attend Child Safety Meeting in St Paul

KSTP5 Records: Health Experts Previously Raised Concerns About Man Accused of Kidnapping, Assaulting St Paul Child

Pioneer Press Cathedral Hill child abduction puts neighborhood on edge - and on a mission

Star Tribune St. Paul Police, Catholic Charities hear neighborhood's frustration over girl's sexual assault

The more we learn, the more we want to know about Sexual Assault

Aaron Gjerde — Thu, 12 May 2016 02:16:04 GMT

MEETING NOTICES

St Paul Police Department, Summit University Planning Council, Ramsey Hill Association

Thursday, May 12

WCCO4 Assaults On Children Prompt Community Meeting In St. Paul

Wednesday, May 11

KARE11 New Details about St Paul Kidnapping Suspect

Fox9 St. Paul neighbors wary before man sexually assaulted 7-year-old

Pioneer Press Kidnapping Suspect Investigated in 2015 Exposure Report

Tuesday, May 10

KARE11 Child abduction, assault spurs call for change

Pioneer Press After abduction, Cathedral Hill asks what can be done?

Monday, May 9

Pioneer Press 7-year-old's alleged kidnapping, sex assault, $2M bail set

Friday, May 6

KARE11 Police: Child was kidnapped, sexually assaulted

Pioneer Press Stranger charged in sexual assault of 7 year old girl

Fox9 Man kidnapped, sexually assaulted 7 year-old in St Paul

KSTP5 Suspect Charged with Criminal Sexual Conduct in Kidnapping and Assault of St. Paul Girl

WCCO4 Kidnapped Girl Sexually Assaulted

Worst Nightmare & What We Do About Child Abduction and Sexual Assualt

Aaron Gjerde — Mon, 09 May 2016 17:44:57 GMT

Nothing could be more upsetting than what happened last Thursday to a beautiful, innocent 7 year-old child in our neighborhood.

On Thursday early evening around 6:45 PM a Kidnapping/Abduction of a 7 year girl occurred in the on the 300 block of Dayton Avenue. The child was found and the suspect was arrested and charged with kidnapping and first degree sexual assault.

There will be a public meeting for the community this upcoming week to voice our concerns and ascertain what steps need to be taken to prevent an incident like this from happening again.

DATE: THURSDAY, May 12, 2016

LOCATION: Saint Paul College / cafeteria area

235 Marshall Avenue

Saint Paul, 55102

TIME: 6:30 PM

Media Coverage:

Pioneer Press

Pioneer Press - Mental Illness Options Insufficient in Minnesota

Burn Ban Today due to warm, dry, windy conditions

Aaron Gjerde — Fri, 06 May 2016 18:53:42 GMT

See this important warning from the St Paul Fire Department and the National Weather Service:

https://summit-university.nextdoor.com/news_feed/?post=25033669

Great Fun at the Progressive Dinner!

Aaron Gjerde — Wed, 04 May 2016 14:11:42 GMT

Thank you to the 42 households that hosted our four course progressive dinner and a big "cheers!" to the 103 people that participated in the event!

The feedback has been overwhelmingly warm, kind, and positive. Thanks to all for being patient as we try some new ways to organize the dinner! Here are some excerpts:

"In a time when this country is experiencing much divisiveness and incivility, it is lovely to see our neighborhood coming together!"

"Thank you for all of your hard work! The progressive dinner was absolutely lovely. I think everyone had a wonderful time!"

"Just want to thank you for helping us have such a great progressive dinner. We truly enjoyed meeting so many new young people in our neighborhood."

"Everything worked out beautifully with the progressive dinner. Thank you for all your work."

"It took me a couple minutes to figure [the schedule] out – but now I think it is brilliant!"

"What a wonderful and efficient schedule! Thanks for coordinating."

Murder Charges Filed, as the story behind the shooting unfolds.

Aaron Gjerde — Fri, 08 Apr 2016 22:42:25 GMT

Washington Times Man charged with killing law clerk above St. Paul restaurant

Star Tribune Murder charge filed in St. Paul law firm shooting

KARE 11 Selby Avenue murder victim identified

Official statement from Employer of Victim

Aaron Gjerde — Fri, 08 Apr 2016 22:29:55 GMT

This is the official statement from one of our local businesses, North Star Criminal Defense, where the shooting occurred yesterday.

May our thoughts, hearts, and prayers be with the family, friends, and colleagues of Chase Passauer, 23, the young man who died yesterday.

Shooting suspect CAUGHT!

Aaron Gjerde — Fri, 08 Apr 2016 13:32:26 GMT

Suspect ARRESTED! St. Paul Police said on Twitter this morning at 5:40am that the Suspect, a 37 year old male from Woodbury is in custody after an 11 mile chase last night near Stillwater.

KSTP 5 story

Shooting today in Dacotah Bldg at Western and Selby: HELP POLICE FIND THE SUSPECT!

Aaron Gjerde — Fri, 08 Apr 2016 02:29:47 GMT

Sad news today. Shots were reported fired in an upstairs office in the Dacotah Bldg around 4pm this afternoon that left one person dead.

St. Paul Police spokesman Sgt. Mike Ernster said, "This neighborhood is a very safe neighborhood. People can feel confident coming down here. This was an isolated, non-random incident."

Minnesota Public Radio

KARE 11 News

KSTP 5 News

Star Tribune

Level3 Sex Offender being released to Ramsey Hill neighborhood. Public meeting Weds Feb 10 6pm.

Aaron Gjerde — Tue, 09 Feb 2016 17:36:23 GMT

POST-PUBLIC MEETING UPDATES as of 02/11/2016:

http://kstp.com/news/convicted-rapist-oliver-dority-moving-to-st-paul-neighborhood/4044684/?cat=127

http://www.kare11.com/news/sex-offender-released-to-st-paul-halfway-house/39763736

http://www.twincities.com/2016/02/10/st-paul-neighborhood-braces-for-arrival-of-civilly-committed-sex-offender/

FDR once said, "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself." I believe this to be true. Each of us will have our own reactions to a convicted sex offender moving into our neighborhood, based on our own experiences and lens by which we see the world, and we may not all agree. What I hope is that we can all have as much knowledge of Mr. Dority and his situation as possible, so that our opinions are deeply informed and we can respond with prudence, wisdom, and respect.

----- end of update -----

Lots of news about this lately. Learn more at the public meeting on Dority's release from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, 285 Dale St. N in St. Paul.

The Pioneer Press piece is most complete:

http://www.twincities.com/2016/02/05/st-paul-sex-offender-leaving-msop

More facts:

The facility is located at 532 Ashland and is called Reentry Ashland, which is run by RS Eden. The facility was audited on Jan 20, 2015 and found to have no deficiencies. It can house up to 38 men and has been operating at this location since 1978.

From RS Eden website: http://www.rseden.org/index.asp?SEC=F2EE1F94-CB66-4C37-9B52-5363C670C712&Type=B_BASIC

Some history about RS Eden and it's mission: http://www.mnmcca.com/Resources/Documents/Fall%202005%20Happenings.pdf

MNHS Summit Ave Video Tour

Aaron Gjerde — Tue, 14 Jul 2015 16:22:49 GMT

Nicely done video tour highlighting some of Ramsey Hill's Historic Landmarks. Thank you to the Minnesota Historical Society for creating this tour!

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL72B2BD13963C529A

Sidewalk Poetry in Ramsey Hill

Aaron Gjerde — Fri, 05 Jun 2015 15:34:08 GMT

Each year five poems are chosen from dozens submitted to be imprinted into sidewalks in the city of St. Paul. Walking around Ramsey Hill we are fortunate to have many poems to stop and read. Take a few minutes and explore the City of St. Paul's web page about Sidewalk Poetry. On the page are a number of interesting page links including a 6 minute videoabout how the poetry is cast into the sidewalk. Enjoy! See the 2012 winners by following this link.

Here is the first poem in the list of 2012 winners:

Don't buy me dinner on my birthday

and then tell me

you're too tired

to dance.

by Emily Gurnon

Emily Gurnon shares her Highland Park house with two kids and a very energetic beagle. She attended Hamline University and is proud to work as a reporter for our hometown paper, the St. Paul Pioneer Press.

Ramsey Hill Association News - now online!

Aaron Gjerde — Thu, 04 Jun 2015 11:41:05 GMT

As we move forward in our ability to reach out to and connect with each other as friends and neighbors, we have implemented a new way to write articles that will inform, inspire, and keep us connected.

It's the new Ramsey Hill Association News!