From Coleman’s State of the City: ‘We Saw the Face of Evil and We Will Not Let It Stand’

Three days after a triple homicide shocked St. Paul’s North End, Mayor Chris Coleman promised to expand crime-reduction programs Monday night during his State of the City address.

“In the Friday morning darkness, we saw the face of evil and we will not let it stand,” Coleman said. While he pointed out that overall crime is down in St. Paul, he said the city plans to continue targeted overtime during the summer and to expand programs aimed at reducing and preventing crime.

In his second address since his election, Coleman also talked about economic development, education, the environment and “the soul of our city.”  He spoke extensively about development projects and opportunities in the city including the central corridor, the Ford plant site and the 2008 Republican National Convention, which will be held in St. Paul. He did not mention the controversial Bridges of St. Paul project.

He gave no specific direction for the Ford plant site, but encouraged members of the task force to dream big: “The elements of magic abound on the St. Paul site.” The Ford plant in Highland Park will close next year, opening a vast area for potential redevelopment.

He said “the future of downtown is bright,” pointing to the Penfield, the indoor farmer’s market and the West publishing building as examples of downtown development opportunities along with the expansion of many of the hospitals creating new jobs and new opportunities. Next year’s Republican National Convention in downtown will be “our moment in the sun,” he said, explaining he is very interested in “telling the world the story of St. Paul.”

In discussing the central corridor project, which includes light rail along University Avenue, he said downtown’s Union Depot will be an east metro transit hub.  “It will not be a spoke off the west metro system,” he said.

Coleman also emphasized the importance of the city’s neighborhoods in his address. “Our civic pride comes from our unique sense of place and our connection to our communities,” he said. He talked about the Invest St. Paul project, which will bring money to neighborhoods including Frogtown and Rondo.

The mayor also announced a partnership with the Minnesota Early Learning Foundation that would establish scholarships in the North End and Frogtown neighborhoods for up to two years of pre-kindergarten education.

Coleman also spoke of the strength of the arts and making St. Paul a key arts and culture hub. He also acknowledged the private foundations and others who have helped the city accomplish goals in spite of budget shortfalls.

“Today I’m proud to report that St. Paul’s a strong city, made stronger by our shared values of cooperation, responsibility and respect,” he said.