North/East news briefs: Anoka adopts new rules for sidewalk dining

Diners can now enjoy both food and alcohol on Anoka's sidewalks, thanks to new rules recently approved by the City Council.

Local businesses can apply for an annual permit that allows them to place tables and chairs on public sidewalks and serve food and drink in an outdoor seating area.

The permit costs $100 if the business serves alcohol and comes at no cost if it doesn't, according to the city.

Since city leaders approved the ordinance last month, several places have already applied for permits, including 10K Brewing and Danno's, said City Manager Greg Lee.

Hannah covington

Three cities are undertaking a sensitive effort to upgrade one of the more troubled areas of suburban Ramsey County.

Maplewood, Roseville and St. Paul are "initiating a process to define common goals to support redevelopment and reinvestment" in the Rice Street-Larpenteur Avenue Gateway Area.

The area, a gateway to all three cities that intersects two important county roads, has suffered from poverty and other troubles. The partners seek "strategies for short- and long-term improvements within the project area."

More information is at www.riceandlarpenteur.com/.

David Peterson

An open house to acquaint the public with design proposals for the Hadley Avenue interchange at Hwys. 35 and 36 in Oakdale will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday at the Oakdale Discovery Center, 4444 Hadley Av. N.

Washington County engineers say the project is intended to improve safety and mobility at the intersection, one of the busiest in the county, and also reduce travel delays.

For more information, see the project website at www.co.washington.mn.us/2504/HadleyInterchange, or contact Frank Ticknor, Washington County project manager, at 651-430-4319 or Frank.Ticknor@co.washington.mn.us/.

Kevin Giles

The seasonal Farmers Market in Bayport, sponsored by the Bayport Community Action League, will open Monday at Village Green Park on Hwy. 95 (St. Croix Trail), across the street from Andersen Elementary School.

Held every Monday through October, the market features local vendors selling produce, meats, cheeses, eggs, berries, artisan breads, baked goods, honey products, jams and salsas, apples, flowers, plants, handmade soaps, lotions and bath salts.

In addition, special market events are scheduled throughout the summer: Plant with a Master Gardener (June 26), Kids Day at the Market (July 24), Dutch Oven Cooking Day (Aug. 21), Pie Baking Contest (Sept. 12) and Vendor Appreciation Day (Oct. 2).

Officials with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs will take questions and listen to concerns of veterans at a town hall meeting to be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday.

Participants will include representatives from the Minneapolis VA Health Care System, the St. Paul office of the Veterans Benefits Administration and Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

The meeting, open to the public, will be held in the lower level auditorium at the Whipple Federal Building, Hwy. 55 and Minnehaha Avenue, near Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. Security checks will be conducted on those attending the forum.

Kevin Duchschere

Golden Valley police and firefighters are hosting several public safety events starting Wednesday.

Police officers and firefighters also are scheduled to start their summer visits of local parks. They will be at Gearty Park at 11 a.m. Thursday and at Wesley Park at 2:30 p.m. on June 29.