LBNA Initiatives
The Little Bohemia Neighborhood Association (LBNA) is dedicated to enhancing the quality of livability in our neighborhood. Through regular meetings and consistent communication with neighbors, city officials, civic groups, businesses and other interested organizations and individuals, we strive to create a vibrant, safe and welcoming community. The LBNA supports a number of initiatives that work to achieve these goals.
The Little Bohemia Neighborhood Association (LBNA) is dedicated to enhancing the quality of livability in our neighborhood. Through regular meetings and consistent communication with neighbors, city officials, civic groups, businesses and other interested organizations and individuals, we strive to create a vibrant, safe and welcoming community. The LBNA supports a number of initiatives that work to achieve these goals.
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Invest Saint Paul / Neighborhood Stabilization Program
In 2008 the neighborhood now known as Little Bohemia was declared a "blighted" neighborhood and eligible for city funding via the Invest St Paul and Neighborhood Stabilization programs. Designed to help neighborhoods hard hit by the housing foreclosure crisis, these programs provide funding to purchase, rehabilitate and resell some of the beautiful old homes in our neighborhood. In partnership with the City of Saint Paul and the Fort Road Federation, the LBNA is guiding the rehabilitation of 18 properties included in the Invest St Paul and Neighborhood Stabilization programs. In the case of the Little Bohemia neighborhood, calling us "blighted" was actually a big step to get us to "beautiful." In 2012, two house sold on Banfil Ave. Two more houses, one on Harrison Avenue and one on Douglas Street were sold in the spring of 2013. The Thurwald house, located on 29 Douglas Street, was sold in the spring of 2015. Four other houses on Forbes we rehabilitation and were sold in the winter of 2015/16. To see these homes and for more information, visit the Homes for Sale section of littlebohemiastpaul.org. Phase 3 of the Fort Road Federation's ISP/NSP plan includes rehabilitation of houses at 326 Harrison Ave, 457 N Smith Ave, and 301 Sturgis Ave beginning the summer of 2016. |
St. Paul's plan to sell vacant lots, substandard homes nears approval
Posted 2/6/15 by the Pioneer Press Acting as the St. Paul Housing and Redevelopment Authority, the St. Paul City Council is poised to approve a $2.9 million plan Wednesday to sell 27 vacant lots and substandard homes to nonprofit developers, including houses and vacant lots on Goodrich, Harrison and Sturgis streets in Little Bohemia. Read more... |
Safe Neighborhood/Problem Properties
The LBNA works with the Saint Paul Police department, Licensing and Inspection, and Fire and Safety to increase the safety of our neighborhood to effectively address problem rental properties. We have established regular meetings with our districts Beat Officers to ensure clear communication and gain a better understanding of the nature of certain crimes and the best way to respond. We have an up-to-date email list that allows residents to report criminal activity or related information with our neighbors. We have met with city departments to develop effective procedures in dealing with problem properties.
In 2012, the LBNA started a neighborhood watch program. Thank you to Degidio's restaurant for their support! In September of 2013, we hosted a public safety event with the Saint Paul Police Department. The LBNA will continue to focus on public safety as a top priority for our neighborhood.
Responsible Landlord Partnerships
The Little Bohemia neighborhood is home to a variety of property owners and we welcome responsible property investors to our neighborhood. In order to protect the investment of all property owners we have defined expectations for rental properties. Responsible landlords are a welcome addition to the LBNA and our future initiatives.
The LBNA works with the Saint Paul Police department, Licensing and Inspection, and Fire and Safety to increase the safety of our neighborhood to effectively address problem rental properties. We have established regular meetings with our districts Beat Officers to ensure clear communication and gain a better understanding of the nature of certain crimes and the best way to respond. We have an up-to-date email list that allows residents to report criminal activity or related information with our neighbors. We have met with city departments to develop effective procedures in dealing with problem properties.
In 2012, the LBNA started a neighborhood watch program. Thank you to Degidio's restaurant for their support! In September of 2013, we hosted a public safety event with the Saint Paul Police Department. The LBNA will continue to focus on public safety as a top priority for our neighborhood.
Responsible Landlord Partnerships
The Little Bohemia neighborhood is home to a variety of property owners and we welcome responsible property investors to our neighborhood. In order to protect the investment of all property owners we have defined expectations for rental properties. Responsible landlords are a welcome addition to the LBNA and our future initiatives.
Pleasant Place
Pleasant Place is a new urban green space located at the corner of Harrison Avenue and Garfield Street, situated along the 35E Bike Path. The park is a central gathering place for neighbors and is the location for our annual national night out celebration. Pleasant Place is an ongoing focus of the LBNA and we are continuously looking for ideas and resources to further enhance our park.
The park was dedicated in October 2010 with the installation of four new public art pieces that serve as fitness stations. The art was funded through the City of Saint Paul's RSVP street maintenance program. In 2011, the LBNA adopted two large planters and sponsors a trash container as a part of the City's Come Clean program.
Pleasant Place is a new urban green space located at the corner of Harrison Avenue and Garfield Street, situated along the 35E Bike Path. The park is a central gathering place for neighbors and is the location for our annual national night out celebration. Pleasant Place is an ongoing focus of the LBNA and we are continuously looking for ideas and resources to further enhance our park.
The park was dedicated in October 2010 with the installation of four new public art pieces that serve as fitness stations. The art was funded through the City of Saint Paul's RSVP street maintenance program. In 2011, the LBNA adopted two large planters and sponsors a trash container as a part of the City's Come Clean program.
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In 2012, the LBNA received funding from Community Neighborhood Housing Services for landscape improvements to Pleasant Place, including a welcome garden. Also in 2012, the LBNA received a grant from Greening the Avenue for the design and installation of a new sign identifying the park.In 2013, the LBNA again partnered with Neighborhood Community Housing services to create and install three new gabion-style benches. The LBNA continues to look for opportunities to bring additional enhancements to the park and seeks funding for benches, paths, a community message board, pavilion and other amenities.
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35E Bike Path/Little Bohemia Trail
The 35E bike path has been identified by the LBNA as a neighborhood asset that is underutilized and has great potential to be a popular regional trail. Recognized by the Saint Paul Parks and Recreation department as a part of the City's trail system, the path runs through Little Bohemia from Smith Ave to the East, along 35E to St Claire Ave. In 2011, a portion of the path was recently renovated as a part of the City's RSVP street maintenance program. In addition, in October of 2010, the LBNA dedicated a new park, Pleasant Park, the features a series of public art in the form of decorative exercise equipment. The LBNA is working on 5 year plan to design and raise funds for additional improvements to the path.
In 2013, the LBNA submitted a Capital Improvement Budget (CIB) proposal for a full rehabilitation of the path, in addition to crosswalk enhancements at St Clair and Grand Aves, signage, water access and other amenities. Although the project did not receive funding for the 2014-2015 cycle, we hope to qualify for other funding sources and will apply for CIB funds again in 2015.
In 2015, The Minnesota Department of Transportation in partnership with the Little Bohemia Neighborhood Association, the City of Saint Paul, Minnesota Tree Care Advocates and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has launch a 3-year project to enhance the landscape surrounding the bike path that runs along 35E, from Grand Ave to St Clair Ave in the Little Bohemia Neighborhood. Click here to find out more.
In January, 2016, the LBNA formally voted to adopt a new name for the bike path that runs along 35E from Grand Ave to St Clair Ave as the "Little Bohemia Trail." Known informally as the 35E Bike Path, the LBNA thought the time was right to give the path a new name, in light of the work that has been done as a part of a 3-year project to enhance the landscaping around the path. Input and suggestions on a new name for the path had been sought from neighbors through our monthly meetings, social media and an ad in the Community Reporter newspaper.
Little Bohemia Neighborhood Association Awarded CIB Grant
In addition to the landscape work, the LBNA has also secured Capital Improvement Budget funds to rehabilitate the path, add new lighting, and other trail enhancements. The LBNA proposal for enhancements to the 35E Bike Path has been included in the final recommendations of the Capital Improvement Budget Committee! The proposal includes resurfacing the path from Grand Ave to St Clair, additional lighting, cross walk improvements at Grand and St Clair Aves, and access to water in Pleasant Place. Work will began in 2016, and the project concluded in 2017. Click here to read the full LBNA proposal, and click here to see the final CIB recommendations.
The 35E bike path has been identified by the LBNA as a neighborhood asset that is underutilized and has great potential to be a popular regional trail. Recognized by the Saint Paul Parks and Recreation department as a part of the City's trail system, the path runs through Little Bohemia from Smith Ave to the East, along 35E to St Claire Ave. In 2011, a portion of the path was recently renovated as a part of the City's RSVP street maintenance program. In addition, in October of 2010, the LBNA dedicated a new park, Pleasant Park, the features a series of public art in the form of decorative exercise equipment. The LBNA is working on 5 year plan to design and raise funds for additional improvements to the path.
In 2013, the LBNA submitted a Capital Improvement Budget (CIB) proposal for a full rehabilitation of the path, in addition to crosswalk enhancements at St Clair and Grand Aves, signage, water access and other amenities. Although the project did not receive funding for the 2014-2015 cycle, we hope to qualify for other funding sources and will apply for CIB funds again in 2015.
In 2015, The Minnesota Department of Transportation in partnership with the Little Bohemia Neighborhood Association, the City of Saint Paul, Minnesota Tree Care Advocates and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has launch a 3-year project to enhance the landscape surrounding the bike path that runs along 35E, from Grand Ave to St Clair Ave in the Little Bohemia Neighborhood. Click here to find out more.
In January, 2016, the LBNA formally voted to adopt a new name for the bike path that runs along 35E from Grand Ave to St Clair Ave as the "Little Bohemia Trail." Known informally as the 35E Bike Path, the LBNA thought the time was right to give the path a new name, in light of the work that has been done as a part of a 3-year project to enhance the landscaping around the path. Input and suggestions on a new name for the path had been sought from neighbors through our monthly meetings, social media and an ad in the Community Reporter newspaper.
Little Bohemia Neighborhood Association Awarded CIB Grant
In addition to the landscape work, the LBNA has also secured Capital Improvement Budget funds to rehabilitate the path, add new lighting, and other trail enhancements. The LBNA proposal for enhancements to the 35E Bike Path has been included in the final recommendations of the Capital Improvement Budget Committee! The proposal includes resurfacing the path from Grand Ave to St Clair, additional lighting, cross walk improvements at Grand and St Clair Aves, and access to water in Pleasant Place. Work will began in 2016, and the project concluded in 2017. Click here to read the full LBNA proposal, and click here to see the final CIB recommendations.
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Community Gardens
Whether you are interested in perennial gardening or finding your own plot for vegetables, the LBNA is working to build a community garden for you. With funding from the Community Neighborhood Housing Services, in 2012, the LBNA planted a new welcoming garden located in Pleasant Place, located at the corner of Harrison Avenue and Garfield Street. Work will continue to expand, enhance and maintain this new neighborhood garden, volunteers are needed to help support our work. Community gardens not only improve health through increased fresh vegetable consumption and providing a venue for exercise. Community gardens also help to combat two forms of alienation that plague modern urban life, by bringing urban gardeners closer in touch with the source of their food, and by breaking down isolation by creating a social community. Community gardens provide other social benefits, such as safer living spaces because active communities experience less crime and vandalism.[11] A couple of different areas have been identified as suitable locations for a LBNA community garden. We are working on funding and water sources in order to make this dream a reality. |
Neighborworks Neighborhood Garden Event Enhances Pleasant Park
In June, 2012, volunteers, neighbors and the Neighborhood Community Housing Services came together to impement landscape improvements to Pleasant Park, the greenspace located on the corner of Garfield St and Harrison Ave. Thanks to NCHS for their generous support of our community! Click here for a video that shows some of the work that was done. |
Residential and Commercial Zoning
The residents of the Little Bohemia Neighborhood Association know first hand the importance of responsible zoning regulations. In order to protect our investment in the neighborhood the LBNA was active in showing support for improved zoning of both commercial and residential areas. We welcome property owners and business owners interested in becoming a part of our community.
The residents of the Little Bohemia Neighborhood Association know first hand the importance of responsible zoning regulations. In order to protect our investment in the neighborhood the LBNA was active in showing support for improved zoning of both commercial and residential areas. We welcome property owners and business owners interested in becoming a part of our community.
Get Involved
Like what you see and want to get involved? Visit the contact us page to join our email list, our Facebook group or to call us for more information.
Like what you see and want to get involved? Visit the contact us page to join our email list, our Facebook group or to call us for more information.
