Summary:

Preservation has long been an important part of Saint Paul, and we have several great historic preservation districts. My idea, however, is to recognize each distinctive Saint Paul neighborhood by designating it a Conservation District, thus preserving the unique community character of each neighborhood.

Saint Paul is ideally situated to become part of a “new wave” of cities with conservation districts — places like Davis, California and Iowa City, Iowa — who model themselves on successful programs but which take risks and try new ideas in order to form deeply personalized kinds of conservation districts that celebrate their unique heritage.

Conservation districts are thus an ideal solution for Saint Paul at this time. They capitalize on some of the city’s major strengths — its community participation and strong neighborhoods — and simultaneously address some of its planning and administrative weaknesses without casting blame on these areas where the city has been less than successful. Conservation districts are a viable option for the city of Saint Paul — in fact, they are almost an imperative if the city is to expand and succeed.