Title
Approving the use of grant fund through the Neighborhood STAR Year-Round Program for improvements to Margaret Park and Sir Boxing Gym.
Body
WHEREAS, on November 20, 2020, the Neighborhood STAR Board reviewed proposals for STAR grant financing through the Ward 7 Neighborhood STAR Year-Round Program for assistance with improvements to Margaret Park and the build out of vacant commercial space on East Seventh Street; and
WHEREAS, repairing the mural and installing two additional benches in Margaret Park will positively impact residents in Saint Paul’s East Side neighborhood; and
WHEREAS, upgrades to a formerly vacant storefront resulting in the addition of the social enterprise focusing on at-risk youth, Sir Boxing and Fitness Gym, will be a welcome addition to East Seventh Street; and
WHEREAS, on a scale from 1 (low) to 5 (high), the Neighborhood STAR Board rated the Margaret Park proposal a 3.7 and the Sir Boxing and Fitness Gym build out project a 4.5; and
WHEREAS, due to the community significance of the Margaret Park improvements, a waiver to Neighborhood STAR Guidelines requiring a minimum $1 for $1 match is recommended; and
WHEREAS, it is the intent of the Mayor and the Saint Paul City Council to participate in the financing of these activities by providing grant financing up to $6,900 for improvements to Margaret Park and up to $15,000 for the new Sir Boxing and Fitness Gym through the Ward 7 Neighborhood STAR Year-Round Program is being recommended; now be it
RESOLVED, upon the recommendation of the Mayor, the Council of the City of Saint Paul hereby authorizes and directs the appropriate City officials to execute the necessary grant documents to implement this Resolution, subject to approval by the City Attorney; and be it
FINALLY RESOLVED, staff of the Department of Planning and Economic Development are further authorized and directed to proceed with all other actions necessary to implement this Resolution.