Thomas Dale

The Choker. The Full Closure. The Neckdown. What do these descriptions have in common? No, they’re not extreme wrestling moves. They’re actually three of the many “traffic-calming” techniques used throughout Minnesota.

According to the Local Road Research Board, city officials are receiving increasing requests by residents to “calm” traffic in their communities. Meanwhile, elected officials and citizens can’t help but question the effectiveness of the techniques already in place. Speed limit signs often seem to serve as mere suggestions, and even the large speedometers (speed trailers) set up on streets such as North Dale and Snelling Avenue only seem to slow drivers down for the few seconds it takes to pass by. City engineers are working to come up with traffic slowing solutions that are affordable, have minimal drawbacks, and work in the long term. MORE »

A Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Statement (SDEIS) for the Central Corridor light-rail transit project is available for public review through Aug. 25. An environmental impact statement is a comprehensive study and document intended to guide local decision-making on a wide range of impacts related to large development projects. MORE »

On Saturday night, the Center for Hmong Arts and Talent (CHAT) will present the second annual Fresh Traditions fashion show at the Varsity Theater, featuring five of the region’s most talented Hmong fashion designers. MORE »

St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman announced in June that the city won one of the four grants being offered municipalities by the Ford Foundation. St. Paul’s grant is for development planning around the Central Corridor light rail line. Coleman said that the Central Corridor represents a “$1 billion investment opportunity that will forever change the face of St. Paul.” MORE »