Midway Como Frogtown Monitor

“Comets are amazing night sky objects to observe. They are relatively rare, and absolutely striking. Comet Neowise, pictured here, was the brightest comet seen from Earth in the last 20 years.” (Photo submitted by Mike Shaw)

Between the months of March-September on a clear, moonless night, it’s easy to find astrophotographer Mike Shaw. He will be in his car heading north.In August 2019, he was doing just that. … more

By MARGIE O’LOUGHLIN | 12/9/20

{ Monitor in a Minute } December 2020

Hamline Park playground fundsNew playground equipment for Hamline Park is getting a boost in the form of a grant. On Nov. 18, 2020, the St. Paul City Council authorized the Department of Parks and … more

By JANE McCLURE | 12/9/20

Como seniors Kalid Ali has taken an active role in promoting political participation as interns with the League of Women Voters. (Photo submitted by Eric Erickson)

Teens serve as election judges

During the intensity of the 2020 General Election, many Como students took it upon themselves to participate in our democracy. Very few high school students are eligible voters, the exception being a … more

By Eric Erickson Social studies teacher | 12/9/20

Thanks to the astounding generosity of Como residents, 150 seniors in the neighborhood and 50 homeless youth at Booth Brown House received freshly made Thanksgiving meals. Como residents donated more than $2,300 to make it happen, and nearly 50 volunteers delivered the meals in person. Here, Joan McKernan picks up meals to deliver from Molly Fitzel, executive director of the North End-South Como Block Nurse Program, who helped the Como Community Council coordinate the effort. (Photo submitted)

We’re making our list of best holiday decorations

The Como Community Council is looking for the best holiday decorations in the neighborhood. Here’s how it works.1. Now: Sign up you house or a neighbor’s by filling out the form at … more

By Michael Kuchta, Executive Director district10@district10comopark.org | 12/9/20

Erin Foss, program director of the Emergency Shelter and the Foyer Housing Program at Booth Brown House, said, “The outreach of emergency housing is essential to stabilizing the underserved, homeless youth population.” (Photo by Margie O’Loughlin)

How COVID-19 is affecting youth at Booth Brown House

The historic brick mansion on Como Ave., one block east of the Minnesota State Fairgrounds, has stood guard on its corner for more than 100 years. Designed by Minnesota state architect Clarence … more

By MARGIE O’LOUGHLIN | 11/11/20

Tax break?

Some St. Paul homeowners could get a break in 2021 after years of property tax increases. That’s because St. Paul and Ramsey County are holding their 2021 property tax levies flat and St. Paul … more

By JANE McCLURE | 11/11/20

‘Profiles in Kindness’

Paul Kotz, a writer living in the Como neighborhood, knows that everyone at some time goes though crises. He is hoping his latest book, “Profiles in Kindness: Stories of Servant Leadership and … more

By JAN WILLMS | 11/11/20

{ Development Roundup } November 2020

1825 UniversityA 243-unit affordable housing complex at the northwest corner of Fairview and University avenues is moving toward a 2021 construction start. The St. Paul City Council, acting as the … more

by Jane McClure | 11/11/20

{ Monitor in a Minute } November 2020

Auto repair business can openA former Frogtown creamery can be reused as an auto repair business, with approval of a conditional use permit Oct. 16 by the St. Paul Planning Commission. The commission … more

By JANE McCLURE | 11/11/20

The Como Park Cougars celebrated their season-opening “W” against Highland Park. Como had a record of 3 wins and 0 losses as the Monitor went to press. (Photo submitted by Eric Erickson)

Spirit week goes virtual

Distance learning has entered its third month of the 2020-2021 school year. St. Paul Public Schools announced that high schools will continue with the format until at least January.One of many … more

by Eric Erickson Social studies teacher | 11/11/20

Take action with League of Women Voters

Nonpartisan group informs and engages citizens for a healthy democracy Members of the St. Paul League of Women Voters celebrate 100 years. (Photo submitted) By TESHA M. CHRISTENSEN The League of … more

by Tesha M. Christensen | 10/18/20

{ Development Roundup }

Zoning changes could bring more density The revamp of St. Paul’s multi-family residential zoning is seen as a way to add housing density, with a focus on affordable housing, … more

By JANE McCLURE | 10/17/20

{ Monitor in a Minute }

Neighborhood STAR fund allocated for area projects Twenty-one small businesses, housing providers and community organizations are recipients of 2020 Neighborhood Sales Tax Revitalization (STAR) … more

By JANE McCLURE | 10/17/20

CONNECTING WHILE DISTANT

The Como Marine Corps JROTC held a socially-distanced outdoor ceremony to celebrate recent awards and the changing of the guard to the class of 2021’s senior … more

By Eric Erickson Social studies teacher | 10/17/20

Learn about justice system and racial equity

Series emphasises equity Richard Lemore II will speak about “Our Justice System and Racial Equity” during the Sunday Series on Oct. 25, 1-2:30 p.m. via video conference or … more

By Michael Kuchta, Executive Director district10@district10comopark.org | 10/17/20

BE A LEADER & Be Counted: 2020 Census

Artika Tyner (Photo submitted) The 2020 U.S. Census is of critical importance. It will shape the future of our community. To raise awareness about the Census, Planting People Growing Justice in … more

by Dr. Artika R. Tyner | 9/24/20

Ridership was setting records... then there was a pandemic

Metro Transit says it is a good thing fewer people have been using light rail since March By CHLOE PETER Since opening in 2004, the Blue Line has offered folks an alternative way to get to … more

By CHLOE PETER | 9/18/20

{ Development Roundup } September 2020

Kimball court Kimball Court, which provides supportive housing in Hamline-Midway, can be enlarged with a new conditional use permit. The St. Paul Planning Commission July 20 approved a new … more

By JANE McCLURE | 9/18/20

{ Monitor in a Minute } September 2020

Charter school prompts debate Hmong College Prep Academy has won St. Paul City Council and Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) approval for conduit financing, on a 4-3 margin Aug. 26. But … more

By JANE McCLURE | 9/18/20

Election Sept. 15 for board vacancy in District 4

Special elections Community members in South Como or Energy Park can vote online until 5 p.m. on Tuesday Sept. 15 in a special election to fill a vacancy on the District 10 board. To request a … more

By Michael Kuchta, Executive Director district10@district10comopark.org | 9/18/20