Jan. 16: Keillor's clash with neighbors over garage sent to a mediator

David Brewster, Star Tribune

From the alley, Keillor’s house is on the left. At right is Anderson’s house, with some of the construction visible. The work was given a zoning variance and Heritage Preservation Commission approval.

Last update: January 22, 2008 - 11:45 AM

A courtroom clash over a Ramsey Hill garage that's drawn opposition from next-door neighbor Garrison Keillor was put off Tuesday in hopes a mediator could help resolve the St. Paul neighborhood dispute.

Ramsey County District Judge Edward Cleary announced the mediation at a hearing where Keillor was going to seek a temporary restraining order barring construction of the three-stall garage and studio behind the home of neighbor Lori Anderson.

The two sides were given until Jan. 23 to try to settle differences over the project, which earlier had been approved by the city's Heritage Preservation Commission.

On Monday, Keillor and his wife, Jenny Lind Nilsson, filed suit to block the two-story addition in the 400 block of Portland Avenue. On Tuesday, the "Prairie Home Companion" host showed up in court, along with legal representatives. Anderson and her fiancé, Paul Olson, attended without a lawyer.

Olson said afterward that the judge's proposal seemed a fair way to resolve the conflict, and the couple looked forward to mediation.

ANTHONY LONETREE