North/east metro briefs: Rice Creek twists again through heart of Arden Hills project

About 500 "new feet of stream" has been created as part of Rice Creek, an eight-month effort undertaken as part of the development of Rice Creek Commons.

The site long has been better known as TCAAP, the former Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant.

The creek once twisted and turned many times, officials say, but was straightened as part of a farm. That created faster flow but also more erosion on the banks and below.

Parts of the stream now have been re-meandered to match its original, natural path — lending a nice ambience to the site as Ramsey County and Arden Hills seek to ensure the success of the live/work project.

The re-meandering also facilitates a new roundabout at County Road H and Interstate 35W, the entrance to the site. A wider effort included creating wetlands and restoring flood plain, thus improving wildlife habitat.

More information on the project can be found at RiceCreekCommons.com.

David Peterson

The Lake Johanna Fire Department — which fights fires in North Oaks, Shoreview and Arden Hills — is closing Fire Station No. 1, which along with a predecessor has occupied the same site since the department was launched in 1943.

The closure comes in the wake of a move to full-time staffing in two of the department's three remaining stations, which should improve response times and foster more cooperation with nearby departments.

Department officials said they held off on closing the facility, which needs repairs, until a buyer could be found in the station's residential area at New Brighton Road and Jerrold Avenue.

The department protects 36 square miles and just over 40,000 residents.

David Peterson

In July, the Blaine City Council directed staff to establish the body after an alleged drunken driver caused a fatal hit-and-run, outraging residents.

The commission will review neighborhood traffic concerns on local streets, define issues, review alternatives, look at costs, hold public hearings and make recommendations to the City Council, according to city documents.

The mayor and City Council will control the makeup on the traffic commission. Staffers have proposed a framework under which members would serve two-year terms.

Shannon Prather

A 5K walk that includes many of Stillwater's outdoor staircases and winds up and down the city's steep streets will be held Aug. 20.

"We help young people participate in athletics, pursue their passion in music, fine arts, theater and dance; join a science or computer club, go to camp and so much more," said Executive Director Suzanne Block.

The event begins at 9 a.m. at Lowell Park in downtown Stillwater, south of the lift bridge.

More information, including discounted advance registration, is available at youthadvantage.org/stairsofstillwater.

Kevin Giles

St. Paul crews are rolling through alleys and streets in several neighborhoods this month, giving new life to damaged and crumbling roadways.

This year, crews will focus on the Frogtown, North End, Payne-Phalen and Thomas-Dale neighborhoods.

Teams were to work on alleys through Aug. 8 and then begin resurfacing streets. That process is expected to last another month, Public Works spokesman Joe Ellickson said.

The city will ban parking in neighborhoods affected by the work, and cars parked in restricted areas will be ticketed and towed.

Streets and alleys will reopen to traffic shortly after the roller comes through.