Originally published in the Park Bugle, June 2026.
More than 50 neighbors gathered this spring to discuss the future of transit along Como Avenue as the St. Anthony Park Community Council (SAPCC) hosted a community conversation with Metro Transit about the proposed METRO H Line.
Held during SAPCC’s May Transportation Committee meeting, the discussion brought together residents, business owners, Metro Transit staff, Saint Paul Public Works representatives, and Jenne Nelson from the Ward 4 office to discuss how the proposed Bus Rapid Transit project could shape transportation and daily life in St. Anthony Park in the years ahead.
Several businesses expected to be directly impacted by proposed station locations also participated in the discussion, joining neighbors from across the community to share questions and concerns.
Metro Transit representatives answered questions and shared details about the proposed H Line project, which would bring faster and more frequent service to the corridor through upgraded stations, fewer stops, transit signal priority, and enhanced rider amenities. The H Line is planned to connect downtown Minneapolis, the University of Minnesota, Como Avenue, Maryland Avenue, and White Bear Avenue before ending at Sun Ray Transit Center in Saint Paul.
One of the strongest themes raised during the conversation was concern about the future of transit connections between North St. Anthony Park and downtown Saint Paul. Many neighbors spoke about the importance of maintaining a reliable “one-seat ride” downtown for students, workers, seniors, and residents who regularly rely on Route 3 service.
Attendees also raised questions about future transfers, accessibility during winter months, stop spacing, preservation of mature trees along Como Avenue, impacts to local businesses and parking, and how future bike infrastructure could fit alongside the project.
A significant portion of the discussion focused on the proposed station location near Doswell Avenue in the North St. Anthony Park business district. Neighbors and business representatives expressed concerns about the possible loss of trees and parking spaces, as well as how station placement could affect nearby storefronts and outdoor seating areas.
While Metro Transit representatives noted that proposed station locations are already identified within the Draft Corridor Plan, they also shared that public engagement has influenced final station placement decisions on previous transit projects and that community feedback remains part of the ongoing process.
Following the meeting and additional community input, SAPCC submitted formal comments to Metro Transit on behalf of the Council. The letter expressed support for improved transit investment while also sharing several community recommendations related to station placement, future bike infrastructure, preservation of trees and parking, and maintaining strong connections to downtown Saint Paul.
Among the recommendations, SAPCC urged Metro Transit to consider relocating the proposed North St. Anthony Park station from Doswell Avenue to Carter Avenue and encouraged continued planning coordination around a future separated bike path along Como Avenue. SAPCC also recommended studying an additional station near Buford Avenue to support future redevelopment near Luther Seminary and extending the proposed Route 66 farther west to maintain stronger transit connections for neighborhood residents.
“The turnout showed how much neighbors care about the future of transportation in St. Anthony Park,” said Zev Radziwill, Executive Director of SAPCC. “There were thoughtful comments from residents, businesses, transit riders, and community members across the neighborhood. We appreciate Metro Transit taking the time to hear those perspectives directly.”
While Metro Transit’s formal public comment period on the Draft Corridor Plan has concluded, engagement around the project is expected to continue as the H Line moves into future design and engineering phases. SAPCC leaders said they hope the strong participation and feedback from neighbors will continue helping inform the project as plans evolve.
Metro Transit’s current project schedule anticipates planning work continuing through 2026, followed by design work in 2026-2027 and potential construction between 2028 and 2029.
More information about the METRO H Line project is available at metrotransit.org/h-line-project.