Ward 1 Candidate Questionnaire Reponses
Omar Syed
Housing
1. Saint Paul is currently completing a 1-4 Unit Housing Study that would broadly allow 4 housing units per lot across the city, and relieve other zoning requirements that constrain our city’s housing options. Do you support this and other regulatory changes that allow for more housing in St. Paul?
Response: Yes. We need more affordable housing everywhere. As Vice-Chair of zoning on the St. Paul Planning Commission, I voted in support of 1-to-4 conversions to allow for condos and in-law suites. This was an important step towards creating more affordable housing options, particularly for seniors. I will continue to support efforts to open up zoning to allow for more mixed uses, support construction of more affordable housing, and level the playing field between big corporate developers and our small local developers.
2. Saint Paul’s SAFE Tenant protections, which included just cause eviction protections and rules around security deposits and tenant screening, were repealed in 2022. How would you work to sustainably instate tenant protections in Saint Paul?
Response: As a renter, I know what it’s like when your landlord is unaccountable. I will bring my voice as a renter to the city council. We must pass a replacement for SAFE that will stand up to litigation, making sure we learn lessons from the previous repeal and also similar efforts in Minneapolis. I will work with tenant advocates to ensure that we have common-sense tenant protections like just-cause eviction, rules around security deposits, and ensuring we are funding legal services for renters in all languages.
3. It can be difficult for cities such as Saint Paul to secure enough public funding for building affordable housing. Given this challenge, what do you see as the most promising strategies for increasing the supply of affordable homes in Saint Paul?
Response: The answer is not simple, however, I believe one big part of our strategy must be to ensure we are not limiting our city’s ability to build more housing. Currently our zoning laws are restricting our ability to build more dense and affordable housing. If we increase supply, we will lower costs. This means we need to expand our zoning laws, such as loosening building height restrictions, allowing for 1-4 conversions, and more mixed-use zoning, to encourage development of more housing. We must prioritize our use of public dollars by strengthening the Affordable Housing Trust Fund and using TIF and other tools strategically to ensure developers focus on affordable housing at 30% of area median income.
Transportation
4. The quality of the transit network in Saint Paul is improving, and we hope to see this continue. How would you work with local constituents along existing and planned transit routes to build support for further improvements of our bus and light rail network?
Response: We need a transportation system that works. Our public transit system is at times unsafe and unreliable. I will work with residents, transit advocates, and the Met Council to ensure we improve safety on our light rail, simplify our bus routes, and increase frequency and reliability. I’ll ensure our transit planners are doing better community engagement and reaching transit riders when making transit decisions. One project I am particularly excited about in Ward 1 is the upcoming B Line Rapid Bus, which will bring significantly faster and more reliable service along Route 21. I am looking forward to speaking with constituents along Marshall and Selby and highlighting how this new route has impacted them.
5. The future of the I-94 corridor, which runs through the heart of Saint Paul, is currently being considered by MnDOT through the Rethinking I-94 project. Sustain Saint Paul believes that the city deserves a future corridor that addresses historical harms to nearby neighborhoods, improves city connectivity across the highway, and reduces Vehicle Miles Traveled and associated vehicle pollution. What elements of a future corridor do you support? Some examples include an at-grade boulevard, a land bridge, a transit-only lane, reducing the number of vehicle lanes or street width; please be specific.
Response: As a Rondo resident, I am in favor of the proposed land bridge. I-94 destroyed a flourishing Black neighborhood in St. Paul. The land bridge is a first step in repairing the systemic racism and harm dealt to our Rondo communities. I’m optimistic in the potential of state and federal funding committed to this project. I’m excited to see more development opportunities to create more housing, greenspace, minority-owned businesses, a Rondo history center, and more. We must ensure the investment in and centering of Rondo every step of the way. Big development projects like this can attract many outside parties, some who don’t have the community’s best interests at heart. This process must be led by and for Rondo and its residents.
I-94 plans: MNDOT Link
6. The City of Saint Paul is currently preparing an update to the Saint Paul bicycle plan, with a focus on grade-separated bikeways and a more seamlessly connected network. Do you support this effort, and will you commit to ensuring its success if elected?
Yes. As a St. Paul Planning Commissioner, I did just that on one of the most controversial projects currently facing our city: the Summit Ave Regional Plan. I am committed to safe, affordable, walkable, accessible, environmentally friendly neighborhoods, and separated bikeways are a significant part of that. These projects often face small but vocal opposition, and Ward 1 deserves a candidate who will be consistent about standing up for safer streets - not one who alters their stance depending on the forum.
Quality urbanism
7. One of Sustain Saint Paul’s top policy priorities is “mixed-use zoning.” Our current zoning policies prohibit retail stores, coffeeshops, restaurants, and other neighborhood businesses in residential areas, and we think our city would be more vibrant and resilient if we allowed such neighborhood areas throughout the city. Do you support zoning changes to allow this?
Response: Yes, I strongly support changing our zoning laws to allow for more mixed-use zoning in our city. As a planning commissioner, I have advocated for this change and will continue to advocate for this as a council member. As a small business owner, I understand the positive impact this will have on our city’s entrepreneurs. This will create more walkable neighborhoods while also opening up opportunities for small businesses to thrive.
8. Sustain St. Paul believes that whenever the city rebuilds or repairs a street, it should redesign the street to reduce traffic speeds for the safety of pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers alike. Would you champion policies to encourage this?
Response: Yes. When our streets are rebuilt, we should take the opportunity to make standard, data-driven safety improvements. Improvements that will undoubtedly save lives. I did just that as a Planning Commissioner when I voted in favor of the Summit Ave Regional Plan. I believe this plan will fix Summit Ave and create a safer, more accessible street for everyone.
More than just the separated bike lane, the Regional Plan includes many other effective safety measures - raised pedestrian crossings, speed-reducing “waving,” reworked intersections and bump outs, improved sightlines, and more. These improvements will make your life better, whether you are a driver, pedestrian, or cyclist.
Response: After spending dozens of hours talking to residents and city engineers, I'm assured that this plan will maintain a beautiful, historic, and green Summit Avenue while also helping us reach our city’s environmental commitments. As your council member, I’ll continue to champion policies that create safer, more accessible streets for our future.
9. What other urbanism-focused ideas do you have for making Saint Paul a more pleasant, safe, and vibrant place to live, work, and play?
Response: There are many urbanism-focused actions we can take to make St. Paul a more pleasant, safe, and vibrant place to live, work, and play. Some of these actions include: fixing and installing more street lights; allowing for more mixed-use development; loosening zoning restrictions to allow for more dense and affordable housing; installing more safe and protected bike lanes; investing in our business corridors and our small businesses across the city; investing in our libraries, parks, and community centers; supporting community lead events like National Night Out or the Selby Jazz Fest; and ensuring our transit system is safe, accessible, and reliable. I look forward to continue working with advocates to create a St. Paul that is thriving and vibrant.
Anika Bowie
Housing
1. Saint Paul is currently completing a 1-4 Unit Housing Study that would broadly allow 4 housing units per lot across the city, and relieve other zoning requirements that constrain our city’s housing options. Do you support this and other regulatory changes that allow for more housing in St. Paul?
Response: I wholeheartedly support the ongoing 1-4 Unit Housing Study, which aims to broaden housing options in St. Paul by allowing four housing units per lot and alleviating other zoning constraints. These changes are essential to address our city's housing challenges and provide residents with more choices and opportunities to settle down in our great city.
2. Saint Paul’s SAFE Tenant protections, which included just cause eviction protections and rules around security deposits and tenant screening, were repealed in 2022. How would you work to sustainably instate tenant protections in Saint Paul?
Response: I am a housing justice champion, I am an unapologetic advocate for tenant protection, including the Right to Counsel, to ensure a fairer process and prevent unjust evictions. I firmly believe that every resident should have access to safe and healthy housing, regardless of their background or income. My approach to instate tenant protections would involve the following process:
Build a Coalition: Collaborate with other tenant advocacy groups, nonprofits, and community organizations to form a strong coalition. A united front can be more effective in advocating for tenant rights.
Educate and Mobilize Tenants: Conduct outreach and education campaigns to inform tenants about their rights and responsibilities. Empower renters to become informed advocates for their own rights.
Provide assistance and resources for tenants facing eviction, including emergency financial aid, legal aid, and mediation services to resolve disputes.
3. It can be difficult for cities such as Saint Paul to secure enough public funding for building affordable housing. Given this challenge, what do you see as the most promising strategies for increasing the supply of affordable homes in Saint Paul?
Response: Securing public funding for affordable housing can be incredibly challenging, but there are several promising strategies to increase the supply of affordable homes in Saint Paul:
Incentives and Zoning Policies: Offering incentives, such as density bonuses or reduced permitting fees, to developers who include affordable housing in their projects can encourage the construction of affordable units. Additionally, revising zoning policies to allow for more flexible development can create opportunities for affordable housing construction.
Community Land Trusts: Expanding the community land trust can help ensure long-term affordability. These trusts acquire and hold land for the community, making it more accessible for affordable housing development. I support making the community land trust pilot permanent to advance perpetual affordable housing and commercial properties.
Housing First Approach: Prioritizing a "Housing First" approach to address homelessness, where individuals are placed into stable housing before addressing other needs. This can help reduce homelessness and the associated costs to the city.
Preservation of Existing Affordable Housing: Focusing on preserving existing affordable housing units by offering incentives to landlords, rehabilitating older buildings, and ensuring that affordable housing remains affordable during property transitions.
Tenant Protections: Strengthening tenant protections, such as rent control and just-cause eviction policies, can help maintain affordability for existing rental units and prevent displacement. The most effective approach often involves a combination of these strategies, tailored to the specific needs and circumstances of Saint Paul. By prioritizing affordable housing and exploring a range of financing and policy options, the city can make significant progress in increasing the supply of affordable homes and addressing the housing affordability challenge.
Transportation
4. The quality of the transit network in Saint Paul is improving, and we hope to see this continue. How would you work with local constituents along existing and planned transit routes to build support for further improvements of our bus and light rail network?
Response: I'm committed to the ongoing improvement of Saint Paul's transit network, with a focus on making it more accessible and efficient. To build support for further enhancements along existing and planned transit routes, I believe in a collaborative approach with local constituents and community stakeholders.
Community Engagement: I will actively engage with residents, community groups, and transit riders along these routes to understand their specific needs and concerns. Community input is invaluable for designing effective transit solutions.
Advocacy and Education: I will advocate for increased funding for public transportation and educate local constituents on the benefits of a well-functioning transit system, including reduced traffic congestion, lower emissions, and improved access to jobs and essential services.
Transit-Oriented Development: I support transit-oriented development, which can revitalize neighborhoods and encourage greater use of public transit. I'll work with local developers to create transit-friendly communities that make it easier for people to choose public transportation.
Accessibility and Equity: Ensuring that transit improvements are equitable and accessible for all residents is a top priority. I will work with constituents to identify areas where accessibility can be enhanced and strive for improvements that serve the needs of the entire community.
Sustainability: Sustainable and environmentally friendly transit solutions are essential. I'll promote green infrastructure and sustainable transit options that contribute to the resilience of our city.
Public Awareness: I will continue to raise public awareness about the importance of a strong transit network for our city's future and the well-being of our communities. Through open communication and collaboration, we can work together to create a more efficient, accessible, and sustainable transit system in Saint Paul.
5. The future of the I-94 corridor, which runs through the heart of Saint Paul, is currently being considered by MnDOT through the Rethinking I-94 project. Sustain Saint Paul believes that the city deserves a future corridor that addresses historical harms to nearby neighborhoods, improves city connectivity across the highway, and reduces Vehicle Miles Traveled and associated vehicle pollution. What elements of a future corridor do you support? Some examples include an at-grade boulevard, a land bridge, a transit-only lane, reducing the number of vehicle lanes or street width; please be specific.
Response: I strongly endorse a pro-transit, pro-climate, pro-housing land bridge that can foster community growth while prioritizing sustainability. I support a comprehensive plan that not only creates opportunities for increased housing but also green spaces. My vision extends from Rice to Snelling, as the expansion of the land bridge offers greater potential to restore and support the historically displaced Rondo community. This land bridge should encourage walkable transit options, promoting accessibility and inclusivity. I am dedicated to investing in public transportation and biking infrastructure, reducing our reliance on cars and advancing sustainable transportation alternatives. Together, we can create a more connected, green, and equitable future for our community.
6. The City of Saint Paul is currently preparing an update to the Saint Paul bicycle plan, with a focus on grade-separated bikeways and a more seamlessly connected network. Do you support this effort, and will you commit to ensuring its success if elected?
Response: Yes, I do support this effort. It is proven by several studies that protected bike lanes drastically reduce the rates of collisions and accidents. Not only have protected bike lanes seen great successes across the country, but even right here in Saint Paul and across the river in Minneapolis. Modeling Minneapolis’ Grand Round, streets like Wheelock have beautiful protected bike lanes that see many visitors and commuters alike. These plans also have shown to be a lot more cost effective for the city, and overall a safer option. Come winter time, snow and other residue gets pushed to the curb of the street, and cars often park far into the bikeline, forcing anyone using the lane into a dangerous situation where they could get injured. If elected, I would proudly support more protected bike lanes in the bicycle plan and work towards developing an effective winter maintenance plan so that these trails are functional year round. Saint Paulites deserve to live in a safe & accessible city, and these updates are a step in that direction.
Quality urbanism
7. One of Sustain Saint Paul’s top policy priorities is “mixed-use zoning.” Our current zoning policies prohibit retail stores, coffeeshops, restaurants, and other neighborhood businesses in residential areas, and we think our city would be more vibrant and resilient if we allowed such neighborhood areas throughout the city. Do you support zoning changes to allow this?
Response: I am unquestionably in support of mixed-use zoning. Our city deserves a chance to fully embrace every opportunity to grow and expand. Here are a few reasons why I am in support of mixed-use zoning:
Fostering Vibrant Communities: Mixed-use zoning promotes vibrant and lively neighborhoods. When businesses are integrated into residential areas, it creates a sense of community where people can live, work, and play within close proximity.
Economic Benefits: Allowing neighborhood businesses in residential areas can stimulate local economies. It provides opportunities for entrepreneurs and small businesses to thrive, create jobs, and contribute to the local tax base.
Walkability and Reduced Traffic: Mixed-use zoning can reduce the need for long commutes and car dependency. When essential services and businesses are within walking distance, it encourages residents to walk or bike, reducing traffic congestion and decreasing the city's carbon footprint.
Resilience and Adaptability: Mixed-use zoning supports urban resilience. By diversifying land use, cities can become more adaptable to changing circumstances, such as economic shifts or public health emergencies. Preserving
Cultural Identity: Local businesses often reflect the unique character of a neighborhood. By allowing them in residential areas, cities can preserve and celebrate their cultural identity and distinctiveness. This, in turn, can attract tourism and strengthen the community's sense of identity.
Affordable Housing: Mixed-use zoning can potentially contribute to more affordable housing. By increasing housing supply in areas with existing infrastructure, it can help mitigate rising housing costs, making it more accessible for a diverse range of income groups to live in desirable areas.
Reducing Sprawl: Encouraging mixed-use development can counter urban sprawl. Instead of expanding the city into new areas, cities can make more efficient use of existing infrastructure, which is more environmentally sustainable and cost-effective.
Increased Tax Revenue: More businesses in residential areas can lead to increased tax revenues for the city. This additional revenue can be used to improve public services, infrastructure, and amenities, benefiting all residents. In conclusion, mixed-use zoning can make our cities more vibrant, resilient, and economically sound while improving the quality of life for residents.
8. Sustain St. Paul believes that whenever the city rebuilds or repairs a street, it should redesign the street to reduce traffic speeds for the safety of pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers alike. Would you champion policies to encourage this?
Response: In short, yes, I would happily support policies like this. I wholeheartedly support the goal of redesigning streets in Saint Paul to reduce traffic speeds for the safety and well-being of all residents, including pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. Safety and accessibility are top priorities in my platform, which extends to people with disabilities as well. I am committed to making government services and infrastructure more inclusive and accessible for everyone, and that includes prioritizing pedestrian and cyclist safety. I believe that sustainable transportation options not only enhance safety but also contribute to a more livable and equitable city. To encourage this policy, I will work to expand accessible transportation options, advocate for disability rights, and improve pedestrian and bike infrastructure. By taking these steps, we can make our streets safer, more accessible, and better suited for all residents, including those with disabilities. It's an essential part of my commitment to building a city that works for everyone, where safety and inclusivity go hand in hand.
9. What other urbanism-focused ideas do you have for making Saint Paul a more pleasant, safe, and vibrant place to live, work, and play?
Response: I am a strong proponent of establishing a vibrant cultural arts and business district within Ward 1. This district would serve as a dynamic hub, showcasing the rich and diverse identities that define our city's neighborhoods. My vision is not only to create a space that celebrates our cultural heritage but also to leverage it as a catalyst for economic growth and innovation. In this cultural arts and business district, we can harness the creative energy of our community, providing a platform for local artists, entrepreneurs, and cultural events. By doing so, we stimulate economic growth within the Ward, opening up new opportunities for residents, particularly for small business owners and artisans. This endeavor is more than just about commerce; it's about fostering a sense of community, belonging, and pride. The district will not only be a reflection of our heritage but also a testament to our collective vision for the future. Through this initiative, we can strengthen the social fabric of Ward 1, enriching the lives of its residents, and promoting the values of inclusivity and diversity that our community holds dear.
Suz Woehrle
Housing
1. Saint Paul is currently completing a 1-4 Unit Housing Study that would broadly allow 4 housing units per lot across the city, and relieve other zoning requirements that constrain our city’s housing options. Do you support this and other regulatory changes that allow for more housing in St. Paul?
Response: Yes, I support increasing housing density in Saint Paul. We should especially be building density around transit corridors. This will make it so much easier for people to get around without a car.
2. Saint Paul’s SAFE Tenant protections, which included just cause eviction protections and rules around security deposits and tenant screening, were repealed in 2022. How would you work to sustainably instate tenant protections in Saint Paul?
Response: I support tenant protections and rent control. If elected I will work to reinstate these particular protections and more.
3. It can be difficult for cities such as Saint Paul to secure enough public funding for building affordable housing. Given this challenge, what do you see as the most promising strategies for increasing the supply of affordable homes in Saint Paul?
Response: As a city, Saint Paul could be doing a better job of leveraging federal grants and programs like the Inflation Reduction Act. We should also increase the tax base by building more housing in general. We can also be using a PILOT program to get voluntary contributions from non-profits like hospitals, universities and religious institutions to pay for basic services like plowing, road repair and water/sewer. Combined with the 1% sales tax, these will free up more money in our general fund to build more public housing. I would also like to facilitate housing coops and other innovative ways to make our existing housing more affordable.
Transportation
4. The quality of the transit network in Saint Paul is improving, and we hope to see this continue. How would you work with local constituents along existing and planned transit routes to build support for further improvements of our bus and light rail network?
Response: I would send out surveys and have a map of our most frequent transit users and where they would like the stops to be. I would make more shelters that are more comfortable and make sure we have them cleaned and maintained. I would also ask where local transit users go on their most frequent trips and find a holistic way to make transit more easy, safe and fun. I don't own a car and get around by bike, bus and on foot so this is a priority for me.
5. The future of the I-94 corridor, which runs through the heart of Saint Paul, is currently being considered by MnDOT through the Rethinking I-94 project. Sustain Saint Paul believes that the city deserves a future corridor that addresses historical harms to nearby neighborhoods, improves city connectivity across the highway, and reduces Vehicle Miles Traveled and associated vehicle pollution. What elements of a future corridor do you support? Some examples include an at-grade boulevard, a land bridge, a transit-only lane, reducing the number of vehicle lanes or street width; please be specific.
Response: I favor the Boulevard Plan because it will be hugely transformational and beneficial. I do like one aspect of the Re-Connect Rondo plan which is the black commercial corridor. I would like the Boulevard to be two lanes for cars, a transit-only lane, separated, protected bike lanes, wide pedestrian walkways and regular benches, parks and drinking fountains. I would also like to incorporate native plantings, rain gardens and small buildings for local vendors to sell food, etc. We could potentially get lots of housing built along the boulevard as well.
6. The City of Saint Paul is currently preparing an update to the Saint Paul bicycle plan, with a focus on grade-separated bikeways and a more seamlessly connected network. Do you support this effort, and will you commit to ensuring its success if elected?
Response: I am hugely in favor of the Saint Paul bicycle plan and I also support the Summit Avenue Regional Trail, specifically. I would love to expand on this plan and have streets that are for non-motorized traffic only. I would also like to bring Open Streets to Saint Paul and expand our bike-sharing program.
Quality urbanism
7. One of Sustain Saint Paul’s top policy priorities is “mixed-use zoning.” Our current zoning policies prohibit retail stores, coffeeshops, restaurants, and other neighborhood businesses in residential areas, and we think our city would be more vibrant and resilient if we allowed such neighborhood areas throughout the city. Do you support zoning changes to allow this?
Response: I fully support mixed-use zoning. Communities thrive when people can get coffee, food, services and supplies within an easy distance without needing a car.
8. Sustain St. Paul believes that whenever the city rebuilds or repairs a street, it should redesign the street to reduce traffic speeds for the safety of pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers alike. Would you champion policies to encourage this?
Response: I am the leading proponent of the Summit Avenue Regional Trail among the Ward 1 candidates. Others may claim to support it but I am the only candidate who has enthusiastically advocated for it at every opportunity and at every forum.
I support traffic-calming measures and reduced speeds throughout the city.
9. What other urbanism-focused ideas do you have for making Saint Paul a more pleasant, safe, and vibrant place to live, work, and play?
Response: I would love to see more public amenities in Saint Paul like skate parks and roller rinks. I have met with Eric Moran and Paul Forsline of City of Skate to talk about ways to bring these to Saint Paul. People shouldn't have to drive across town to go roller skating at a roller rink.
