Sorensen Neighborhood

Update from City Council member Sue Sanger

Sep 02, 2007

Wi-Fi installation: The city is continuing the installation and testing of the wi-fi system. The schedule was delayed slightly, in order to address both technical and aesthetic issues, and is now back on track. We expect that the system will be functional in the Sorensen neighborhood by approximately the end of October 2007. The entire citywide network will be completed this year. Details about the system, including registration information, are available on the city?’s web site.

Sidewalks and trails: One of the major conclusions of the Vision St. Louis Park process is that residents want more sidewalks and bike trails, to promote safe connections and recreational opportunities throughout the community. As a result a citizen task force has been meeting for several months, to make recommendations to the City Council regarding construction of new trails and sidewalks. The task force will host a citywide open house in October, so that residents may provide input into the plans, and is expected to complete its?’ work this year.

Bridge safety: The recent 35W bridge collapse has significantly raised community awareness of our aging infrastructure. Within SLP, bridges are owned and maintained by MnDOT, Hennepin County,
railroads, and the city. The city has long had a process for inspection and maintenance of our bridges. Some of this information is now posted on the city?’s web site. Our state legislators have made a formal request to MnDOT for its?’ documents relating to bridges in our community. The city is also working with other nearby communities to press for additional state funds to address needed infrastructure maintenance.

Construction: The City Council has recently approved construction of another major addition to Methodist Hospital. A Cancer Center and parking ramp will be built on the existing parking lot.

Rental properties: The City Council recently passed an amendment to our licensing requirements for rental housing. The goal is to assist landlords to avoid renting homes and apartments to persons who commit crimes or otherwise disrupt their neighborhood, or to evict tenants who commit these acts. The city will provide appropriate training to landlords, and will supply a required lease provision which will facilitate eviction if necessary. We developed this ordinance, with input from landlords and neighborhood residents, due to the disproportionate number of police calls and crimes at rental units compared with owner-occupied homes. I am hopeful that this approach will lead to increased focus on tenant selection, quieter neighborhoods, and only rarely to evictions.

As always, please feel free to contact me with your questions, concerns and compliments about the city. You can reach me at 952-926-4192 and suesanger@comcast.net.

Sue Sanger,
Ward One Council member
952-926-4192
suesanger@comcast.net