District 12

Annual meeting, elections

The District 12 Community Council annual meeting and elections are just around the corner.

The meeting will be held from 6:30 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, November 13, at the Zvago Cooperative Housing Community Room, 2265 W. Luther Place.

The evening will celebrate 50 years of community leadership, marking the anniversary of both St. Anthony Park Community Council and the St. Paul District Community Council system.

Neighbors will hear updates from District 12’s four committees and local elected officials, including St. Paul Ward 4 Council member Molly Coleman and Ramsey County Commissioner Garrison McMurtrey, before the launch of District 12’s board election.

Voting begins that evening and runs through Dec. 3. All residents, renters, homeowners and business owners in District 12 are encouraged to participate. Ballots are available online only, with special assistance available for neighbors who need help accessing the ballot.

“The annual meeting is where our neighborhood comes together,” said Melissa Pappas, District 12 executive committee co-chairperson. “It’s always a time to reflect on what we’ve accomplished.”

Learn more and cast your ballot at sapcc.org/vote.

Joyful finale at Westgate Commons Park

The Summer at Westgate Commons Park program wrapped up in late September with a celebration that brought together more than 200 neighbors for one last afternoon of art, bikes and community connection.

Families, elders and many new immigrant neighbors came out to enjoy the day, far exceeding the 120 neighbors originally expected.

From May through September, District 12 partnered with Joy of the People to host Pop-Up Play Days and Park Activity Saturdays.

The final event featured a community bike giveaway, youth-led activities, ice cream and special guests from the Towerside Innovation District, including Executive Director Stephen Klimek.

“You could feel the sense of community in every corner of the park,” Klimek said. “It’s exciting to see so many neighbors coming together and sharing ideas for the future of the Westgate area of St. Anthony Park and Towerside.”

Guests were also invited to share their ideas by taking the new Towerside Neighborhood Pulse Survey, now open at bit.ly/Tower25.

“We saw new faces every week, and by the end, people from across the neighborhood were coming regularly,” said Lucid Thomas, District 12 tenant outreach coordinator. “The park became a true community space. We’re so thankful to everyone who helped make that happen.”

Hampden Park’s 4th annual Ice Cream Social

It was all smiles and plenty of sprinkles at the fourth annual Ice Cream Social at Hampden Park on Sept. 13. More than 300 neighbors came out to enjoy sunshine, live music, and free Ben & Jerry’s ice cream served by the District 12 Community Council.

Partners included the Hampden Park Co-op, Bright Side Produce, Minnesota Department of Transportation, St. Paul Parks and Recreation, St. Anthony Park Area Seniors, Como Community Seed Library, St. Paul Public Works, St. Paul Public Library and Moms Demand Action.

“This started as a simple way to connect with neighbors,” said John Maurer, former Equity Committee chair and current SAPCC treasurer. “Now it’s something people really look forward to every year.”

To get involved, email [email protected]

Upcoming District 12 meetings

District 12 encourages neighbors to attend monthly committee meetings, available in-person and online. Learn more at sapcc.org.

• Land Use Committee: 7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 6

• District 12 Board: 7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 13

• Equity Committee: 7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 20

• Transportation Committee: 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 25

• Environment Committee: 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 26

Submitted by District 12 executive director Zev Radziwill.