Anyone else here's favorite Minnesota city: St. Cloud (Bemidji, Trail: college, living in)

[marmac]

One of the " follies" , the St Cloud School District knew the property tax levy would be hard to pass last fall.

The pro-levy committee made a big push to register as many college students as possible to vote in the November election ( 2,420 new registered voters at SCSU)

By registering in St Cloud, they were able to vote on the property tax levy
( legal, as you can either register in your home town or where you attend school )

However, when caled for Stearns County Jury duty, many college students vehemently denied they were St Cloud residents.

The Times did an article immediately after the election that showed the property tax levy only passed in the college precincts, and failed in the rest.

However, the margin of passage was so great in the college precincts, that the property tax increase passed by a very narrow margin.

To this day, that remains a "sore" spot for property owners and passing future school property tax levies will be very difficult.

[knke0204]

I lived in St. Cloud for four years, while in college.

Its a nice place. Many of the "problems" are due to its rapid recent growth, and much of these problems will be ironed out soon.

Hwy 23 is being redone through downtown, with a new bridge, new library, new police headquarters, and new additions to SCSU.

Its a nice midwest city that is growing and becoming a very nice place. Its too bad they turned their back on the river.

[icequeen2008]

I love Saint Cloud. I lived their for 10 years and will be moving back soon. I just love the town. I cant think of one thing I dont like about it.

[yankee.peddler]

Actually, one thing that would make Division Street more attractive (in both St. Cloud and Waite Park) would be stricter ordinances governing commercial signs. I've never seen such unecessary sign pollution anywhere else.

[jerseygirlz]

thanks for all the replies!!

[jerseygirlz]

also another question.....how far is the closest beach to st. cloud? i know you guys dont have an ocean there but you seem to have a lot of big lakes in youre area so im sure they have beaches where you can lay out on the sand and tan and stuff so which one is the closest to st cloud?

[knke0204]

Originally Posted by jerseygirlz

also another question.....how far is the closest beach to st. cloud? i know you guys dont have an ocean there but you seem to have a lot of big lakes in youre area so im sure they have beaches where you can lay out on the sand and tan and stuff so which one is the closest to st cloud?

There is a beach nearby in St Agusta called Lake Warren, maybe...I cant remember. Also the city has the Quarry park which sees a lot of kids in the summer, its so fun..

Big Lake beach is about 20 minutes down highway 10...

and St Cloud is about an hour from the Brainerd Lakes Area which is hands down, the best lakes area in the United States.

[knke0204]

Originally Posted by yankee.peddler

Actually, one thing that would make Division Street more attractive (in both St. Cloud and Waite Park) would be stricter ordinances governing commercial signs. I've never seen such unecessary sign pollution anywhere else.

The CIty is working hard on that situation. Matt Glaesman , the city planner, is a great guy who is well aware of the situation. Unfortunatly its hard to convince business owners who contribute to tax base to take down a sign. Its also very hard to write new signage codes that can be retro-dated. Meaning, any new developments right now must comply with a signage code, but any existing businesses can keep their own.

You have to love Municipal Government.

[knke0204]

Originally Posted by icequeen2008

I love Saint Cloud. I lived their for 10 years and will be moving back soon. I just love the town. I cant think of one thing I dont like about it.

Uh Roosevelt Road, Division Street, and 3rd Street N, from 1 pm - 6 pm any and everyday of the week? That doesnt bother you?

[ozzie679]

I love living in St Cloud. The only thing I don't like is the traffic.