Residents and small business owners of Saint Paul's East Grand Avenue corridor can anticipate a new face to the neighborhood following the city council's unanimous approval of zoning amendments. These changes are slated to encourage development flexibility, bolster support for local businesses, and augment the area’s walkability. This noteworthy municipal decision comes after a protracted period of study and substantial public involvement, laying a foundation for structural and communal progress on Grand Avenue.
To swiftly respond to the needs of a growing urban area, the Saint Paul City Council convened and decided to adjust zoning regulations along East Grand Avenue. Councilmember Rebecca Noecker emphasized the importance of achieving a fine equilibrium between development and preservation. "My goal in this rezoning was to make sure we got the balance right, preserving the character of Grand as a pedestrian-oriented, architecturally diverse retail street while making it for development to occur, at the right scale – and I believe we met that goal," Noecker told Saint Paul's official news portal. She thanked the community for its valuable input throughout the thorough advisory process.
This initiative is designed to rejuvenate the East Grand Avenue Overlay District (EGAOD), established back in 2006 to protect the street's historic appeal and provide guidelines for new constructions. The amendments align with the Saint Paul 2040 Comprehensive Plan, advocating transit-friendly density, adaptable design standards, and an emphasis on fostering neighborhoods amenable to foot traffic and ground-level commercial activity. Council President Mitra Jalali hailed the overhaul as a boon for mixed-use development that would ensure the corridor remains a regional draw. "I am excited to pass this long-overdue overhaul to bolster mixed-use development on Grand Avenue," Jalali expressed in a statement made by Saint Paul Minnesota.
City council member Nelsie Yang mirrored the sentiment of her peers, noting the importance of facilitating a conducive environment for developers and businesses. “This has been long overdue for East Grand Avenue," Yang said. "To create a better Saint Paul for developers and small businesses, we need to make these amendments to support them.”, Yang added, as stated by Saint Paul Minnesota. With the groundwork laid and expectations set high, East Grand Avenue stands on the cusp of transformation, one that aims to delicately blend the old with the new in a sustainable urban tapestry.
