Protect Our Youth, Strengthen Our Neighborhood
The Issue
Protect Our Kids. Protect Our Parks. Protect Our Community.
As a mother, educator, and lifelong advocate for youth, I am tired of seeing businesses that profit from addiction placed right next to the spaces where our children learn, play, and grow.
In Saint Paul, there are far too many liquor stores and tobacco shops operating within just a few blocks of schools, libraries, and parks. If we truly care about public safety, youth development, and healthy communities, then we must start creating laws that reflect those values.
I am calling on the City of Saint Paul to change its zoning and licensing laws to prevent liquor stores and tobacco shops from operating within a one-mile radius of schools, libraries, parks, and other spaces designed for children and families.
As a Rondo descendant and resident, I have witnessed firsthand how the liquor store and tobacco shop near University and Dale impact Central Village Park. This is not just any park. Central Village Park sits on historic Rondo land that community members fought to preserve after the destruction of Interstate 94. It should be a place where children feel safe, where families gather, and where community thrives.
Instead, residents continue to witness issues connected to alcohol abuse, drug activity, violence, and other unsafe behaviors occurring around businesses that have no place being so close to spaces intended for youth.
We cannot continue investing millions into youth programs while allowing environments that undermine those efforts to exist right outside our parks, schools, and libraries.
Our children deserve better. Our neighborhoods deserve better.
By signing this petition, you are joining a movement to demand that the City of Saint Paul put children and families first by:
• Creating stronger distance requirements between liquor stores, tobacco shops, and youth-centered spaces.
• Prioritizing community health and safety over profits.
• Protecting parks, schools, and libraries from unsafe activity of businesses that contribute to harmful community impacts.
• Creating healthier and safer neighborhoods for future generations.
Central Village Park belongs to the people. Our children deserve spaces that inspire hope, not addiction.
If YOU believe our kids deserve safe places to learn, play, and dream, sign this petition and help us DEMAND change from the City of Saint Paul.
Let’s make Central Village Park safe again—and create a Saint Paul that truly puts children first.
267
The Issue
Protect Our Kids. Protect Our Parks. Protect Our Community.
As a mother, educator, and lifelong advocate for youth, I am tired of seeing businesses that profit from addiction placed right next to the spaces where our children learn, play, and grow.
In Saint Paul, there are far too many liquor stores and tobacco shops operating within just a few blocks of schools, libraries, and parks. If we truly care about public safety, youth development, and healthy communities, then we must start creating laws that reflect those values.
I am calling on the City of Saint Paul to change its zoning and licensing laws to prevent liquor stores and tobacco shops from operating within a one-mile radius of schools, libraries, parks, and other spaces designed for children and families.
As a Rondo descendant and resident, I have witnessed firsthand how the liquor store and tobacco shop near University and Dale impact Central Village Park. This is not just any park. Central Village Park sits on historic Rondo land that community members fought to preserve after the destruction of Interstate 94. It should be a place where children feel safe, where families gather, and where community thrives.
Instead, residents continue to witness issues connected to alcohol abuse, drug activity, violence, and other unsafe behaviors occurring around businesses that have no place being so close to spaces intended for youth.
We cannot continue investing millions into youth programs while allowing environments that undermine those efforts to exist right outside our parks, schools, and libraries.
Our children deserve better. Our neighborhoods deserve better.
By signing this petition, you are joining a movement to demand that the City of Saint Paul put children and families first by:
• Creating stronger distance requirements between liquor stores, tobacco shops, and youth-centered spaces.
• Prioritizing community health and safety over profits.
• Protecting parks, schools, and libraries from unsafe activity of businesses that contribute to harmful community impacts.
• Creating healthier and safer neighborhoods for future generations.
Central Village Park belongs to the people. Our children deserve spaces that inspire hope, not addiction.
If YOU believe our kids deserve safe places to learn, play, and dream, sign this petition and help us DEMAND change from the City of Saint Paul.
Let’s make Central Village Park safe again—and create a Saint Paul that truly puts children first.
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Petition created on June 10, 2026