Saint Paul Neighborhoods to Receive Funding Awards

Soon, the St. Paul City Council will be distributing money for large neighborhood projects.  The proposals for nearly $2.6 million in projects have been reviewed and will be given out in the form of loans or grants throughout St. Paul neighborhoods.  The improvements range from new playground equipment to new buildings.

The money to pay for these new features in Saint Paul comes from a portion of the city's half-cent sales tax, known as STAR funds. There are two types of STAR programs, one for neighborhood projects and one for cultural projects.

Public and private groups, nonprofit or for-profit, are eligible to apply for the funds.  Applicants must match their requests dollar for dollar, and for-profit applicants must seek a combination of loans and grants, as they are not eligible for grants only.

The applications are reviewed and ranked by a 21-member board of St. Paul residents. Mayor Chris Coleman will have input, and the City Council has the final word on decisions.

This year, the recommended projects are:

• Expansion of Smyth Companies' facility - $250,000 grant and $250,000 loan

• Roof replacement at Women of Nations' Eagle's Nest Shelter - $25,000 grant

• An enclosed wheelchair-accessible breezeway at Midwest Special Services - $48,000 grant

• Replacement of two old elevators at Union Gospel Mission's Naomi Family Center - $200,000 grant

• Replacing playground equipment and installing benches and bike racks at the Rondo Education Center playground - $75,000 grant

• Demolition of existing building and new construction for Holy Land deli on the West Side - $300,000 loan

• Two-story event center construction next to Water and Oil Art Gallery - $250,000 grant and $250,000 loan

• Mississippi Market construction on West Seventh Street - $200,000 grant and $400,000 loan

• Cinema St. Paul construction - $36,000 grant and $53,000 loan

• Deferred loan program for Pride in Neighborhood Housing - $150,000 grant

• Construction of new restrooms and concession stand at Midway Stadium - $100,000 grant

For more information, such as future application deadlines and eligibility requirements, on the STAR program, go to www.stpaul.gov and click on "arts, culture and events."