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<br />Living in Harmony (1/23/2000) <br /> <br />"I don't think we can get a better deal than this," said Craig <br />Christenson, the resident who headed the task force. "Basically, <br />our work has succeeded." <br /> <br />That success comes in the form of Sunrise Assisted Living, a <br />proposed 79-unit assisted-living center for 2555 N. Snelling Ave. <br />The building would replace the Knights of Columbus clubhouse. <br />The city's Planning Commission approved the concept Jan. 12. <br /> <br />Residents finally feel they will have a business neighbor whose <br />purpose will be consistent with their needs. The task force's <br />recommendation for the site was some type of senior housing. <br /> <br />"What I was looking for was peace and quiet," said resident Al <br />Sands. "Senior citizens don't make a lot of noise and produce a <br />lot of traffic." <br /> <br />City officials and task force members praise Christenson for <br />spearheading the effort to protect the neighborhood. <br /> <br />"If it wasn't for Craig, I don't think this would have progressed <br />as it did," Sands said. "He has the background to see what other <br />neighbors can't see." <br /> <br />Christenson, a 20-year James Addition resident, is a civil <br />engineer for Metropolitan Council Environmental Services in St. <br />Paul. <br /> <br />"Craig had the long-term vision necessary to lead a group of <br />people through a planning process," said Dennis Welsch, the <br />city's community development director. "He also had the <br />patience to listen to staff." <br /> <br />While the task force is generally pleased with the result of its <br />efforts, some residents can't help but recall the neighborhood's <br />original character. <br /> <br />"When this area was first built, there was nothing behind us," <br />remembered George Lindgren, who moved in in 1956. "It was <br />just Mother Nature back there -- weeds and scrub trees." <br /> <br />The group realizes its work is far from done. Concerns remain <br />about the overall safety and appearance of the neighborhood. <br /> <br />"Traffic is still a big issue," Nelson said. <br /> <br />Though officially disbanded, the group's bond stems from its <br />members' mutual interests. <br /> <br />http://www.pioneerplanet.com/news/mtc_docs/000422.htm <br /> <br />Page 2 of3 <br /> <br />1/23/00 <br />