Meet the Greater East Side
The Greater East Side, also known as District 2, is one of 17 planning districts in St. Paul, MN. Our boundaries are: Larpenteur Ave. on the north; McKnight Road on the east; Minnehaha Ave. to the south; and Johnson Parkway and the old Burlington Northern railroad berm to the west.
The Greater East Side encompasses 10 different neighborhoods in the Northeast corner of St. Paul. Beaver Lake Heights, East Phalen Frost Lake, Hayden Heights Hazel Park Hillcrest Lincoln Park Parkway/Greenbrier and Phalen Village.
Mission Statement
The Greater East Side Community Council engages the community to create a vibrant and thriving neighborhood for all.
Vision Statement
A cohesive, safe, thriving, and engaged community
Functions of District Councils
District Councils are independent non-profit organizations that receive funding from City to hire staff, maintain an office and perform planning & engagement tasks.
District Councils provide advisory recommendations to City officials on physical, economic, and social development issues.
They identify neighborhood needs, initiate community programs, recruit volunteers. Advocate for, Create & Execute 10-Year Neighborhood Plan and small area plans such as the Hillcrest Golf Course Development.
They also serve as neighborhood’s primary information and referral source for programs, policies, issues
Commitment to Equity
A commitment to equity is foundational to successful community engagement. In 2017, the district councils proposed a change to the Community Engagement Program's Innovation Fund that was adopted in 2018. The fund is now divided equally among the 17 district councils to promote equitable practices and neighborhood outcomes. The goals of this program are:
District council staff and volunteers more accurately reflect the communities they serve.
District councils review and adopt policies and practices that intentionally create space for residents who are currently under-represented.
District councils pursue systemic work that reflects the needs and priorities of residents who have been historically under-represented.
Additionally, district council staff are required to participate in a peer support/best practices network composed of district councils or similar grassroots, place-based organizations in the region.
Meet District 2
Greater East Side Community Council
The Greater East Side encompasses 10 different neighborhoods in the Northeast corner of St. Paul.
Beaver Lake Heights,
East Phalen
Frost Lake
Hayden Heights
Hazel Park
Hillcrest
Lincoln Park
Parkway/Greenbrier
Phalen Village
Our boundaries are:
Larpenteur Ave. on the north
McKnight Road on the east
Minnehaha Ave. to the south
Johnson Parkway and the old Burlington Northern railroad berm to the west.
Community Partners
White Bear Ave Business Association
The White Bear Avenue Business Association has formed a coalition of civic, public and private resources. Members come from businesses and organizations through the area that surrounds White Bear Ave. You can help your “Avenue” to grow by supporting our charitable gambling sites. By your patronage, you will always win because your community benefits from a successful and active Business Association which oversees and regulates the proceeds incorporation back into the neighborhood. Since being licensed in 1995 for charitable gambling, the Association has grown strong and established its success to serve the people.
We provide both professional and volunteer services to help seniors remain in their own homes for as long as possible, and stay safe, healthy, and independent while staying socially involved in our community.
Our geographical area of the East Side does not have a senior or community center. We provide services not otherwise offered by area programming. We coordinate with volunteers, community members, and organizations to create and maintain resources to help seniors overcome barriers to staying in their own homes, as well as ensure services are not duplicated by various agencies.
Connect Cafe
Once a month, we host the Connect Cafe which is devoted to connecting local elders with each other and the community. Free lunch is served at every Cafe.
Transportation
We can assist seniors with transportation to appointments, getting groceries, and to senior social and health gatherings. The senior must be able to transfer to and from a car without lifting assistance.
Wellness Programs
We provide a variety of services to help you stay healthy, safe, and comfortable in your own home. We can provide care coordination, help to identify both immediate and longer-term needs and resources.
Senior Home Improvement Program
In 2014 we started a simple home improvement & modification program with help from the City of Saint Paul STAR funding to provide fixes to keep seniors safe and comfortable in their own homes.
Home Visitation
Our staff would love to get to know you and your family! At our first visit we want to first and foremost to get to know you and find out what matters to you, both to help you take care of yourself and maintain your independence, and to identify ways you can help the community.