MHNA January meeting at Pracna on Main
We’re trying something different in January- we’ll be holding our January meeting at Pracna on Main.
MHNA’s board wants to increase attendance by having the membership meetings at an interesting location, where social interaction would be possible.
Although there is no obligation to purchase, food and beverages will be available during, and after, the meeting.
Let us know how you like the change.
Our featured presentation, by Ignacio St. Martin of the Metropolitan Design Center, will cover U of MN 3rd year grad studio planning on the A-Mill site.
Minutes of October 2011 General Membership meeting
Link to the minutes.
Board and General Membership meetings (Jan. 17, 2012)
To: MHNA Board and General Membership
Re: Tuesday January 17, 2012 Meetings
(Board at 6 pm, General Membership at 7:30 pm)
NEW LOCATION for January 17 meetings:
PRACNA on Main
117 Main St SE
BOARD AGENDA (6 pm)
- Call to order, approve agenda
- Secretary’s Report – Approve agenda
- Treasurer’s Report and adopt draft 2012 budget
- Executive Committee Report
- Safety & Livability Committee Report
- Land Use Committee Report
- Misc updates including UD Alliance, website redesign, focus groups, 6th Ave bump-outs, Good Neighbor Fund and other grant info
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP AGENDA (7:30 pm)
- Call to order, approve agenda
- Approve October meeting minutes
- Board actions from earlier tonight
- Ignacio St. Martin, Metropolitan Design Center, presenting U of MN 3rd year grad studio planning on the Pillsbury A-Mill site.
- Misc updates and announcements
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Pracna on Main has generously donated their atrium space for our meeting this evening. While there is no obligation to do so, feel free to purchase a beverage or snack from their menu. Members and guests are invited to stay for social interaction following the meeting.
Have any great photos of the neighborhood? Our new website will have a slideshow and we are looking for additional images.
Send photos to: office@marcy-holmes.org (but in small batch emails so the files are not too large, thanks.)
Learn about the Local Food Resource Hubs (Feb. 25, Feb. 27)
Do you want to grow your own fresh produce?
Come and learn about the Local Food Resource Hubs, a new community project in the Northeast and Southeast Minneapolis neighborhoods that gives people the tools they need to grow their own healthy food. Members of the Hub are part of a network of gardeners and have access to discounted seeds, seedlings, classes, and tools. The Hub brings community members together to grow, eat, and preserve food, as well as opportunities to share, swap, and socialize. Membership is offered on a sliding scale and scholarships are also available. You can sign up on the spot, or simply learn and register later.
Please join us for one of two meet-and-greets for snacks, a winter sowing demonstration, information about compost and fruit trees, and to learn more about the NE/SE Hub!
Saturday, February 25, 2012
10:00 am-12:00 pm.
University Lutheran Church of Hope in Dinkytown- 601 13th Ave SE in the “Lounge.”,
or
Monday, February 27, 2012
5:00-7:00 pm.
Little Kitchen Food Shelf at the NE Community Lutheran Church – 1500 6th St. NE
For more information, contact Lina or Mallory at 612-821-2358 or info@gardeningmatters.org.
Good Neighbor fund grant application due March 2, 2012
The University of Minnesota is now inviting applications for grants from the 2012 Good Neighbor Fund.
Grant applications are due by 4:00 p.m. on FRIDAY, MARCH 2, 2012.
See the Request for Applications and Application Form on the web at http://www.community.umn.edu/gnf .
MHNA has received several Good Neighbor Fund grants in the past and we look forward to new ideas for the 2012 round of funding. Contact MHNA office if you have any ideas we should pursue. In 2012, a total of $47,000 will be available for grants for projects which are responsive to the purpose of the Fund, and which take place in and benefit the area impacted by the University’s on campus football stadium.
This year, applications for projects that respond to the theme of “the world at your doorstep”—a theme that may be interpreted in a variety of ways, appropriate to different locations and activities in the campus area communities – are encouraged.
Ted Tucker elected chair of University District Alliance
Former MHNA President Ted Tucker has been elected as chair of the University District Alliance.
Architect Day (March 31)
All of our warm weather may be inspiring some home improvement ideas….If so, get them down on paper and bring them to the next Architect Saturday.
PLAN AHEAD – Consult an architect, FREE!
The University District Alliance will again sponsor a free Architect Day on March 31st, 2012, for homeowners in Alliance neighborhoods – Como, Marcy-Holmes, Prospect Park, and Cedar-Riverside. Architects will be available for free consultations, to discuss remodeling and landscaping ideas for upgrading homesteaded property, and to advise on cost and timing issues.
You’ll need to bring scale drawings and any relevant photos or other information about your home, so begin planning now. Make notes about improving your home “as you dream by the fire.” Watch neighborhood e-lists and web sites for details and registration information.
How to pay for your home improvements? MHNA’s Fix Up loans are attractively priced at 2.5% interest. Check the website for info: www.mncee.org (MN Center for Energy & Environment).
Online survey for potential residents of artist housing development
By now you have probably heard that a major artists’ housing development is getting underway in the Marcy-Holmes neighborhood. The Pillsbury A-Mill complex ( 3rd Ave SE – 5th Ave SE and Main St SE) will be preserved and refurbished to include affordable artist work/ living spaces and several shared facilities ( dance studio, clay room w/ kiln, rehearsal space, gallery space, etc). There are income restrictions and prospective tenants must interview with a panel to demonstrate their commitment to the
This is an opportunity for artists to live and work in a great location and a great neighborhood…
The developer has hired a consulting firm to get a better idea of what amenities artists would like to see here so they have created an online survey. Please tell your art friends to fill it out. The developer (Dominium) is refurbishing the Schmidt Brewery in St Paul at the same time- so two great choices. The affordable artists units will be guaranteed for 15 years. The consultants are going to put the site plans online as well. Units range from studios ($850) to 3-bedroom ($1250). Potential residents interested in this unique live/work opportunity may take the survey at:
http://surveys.placeonline.us/s3/twincities
Safety and Livability committee, new meeting time 5:30
MHNA’s Safety & Livability Committee has moved their meeting time to 5:30 PM.
The group meets the first Monday of the month at First Congregational Church, 500 8th Ave SE.
MHNA seeking rep to attend Dinkytown Business Association meetings
We are looking for a MHNA rep to attend the Dinkytown Business Association meetings. Our most recent rep, Gene Girard, has resigned the post.
The DBA meets the second Thursday of each month at 2:00 at Vescio’s.
Please contact MHNA if you would like to volunteer.
MHNA hosting creative resident get-together (Jan. 26)
Attention Writers, Artists, Designers, Musicians and Performers in the neighborhood!
MHNA is hosting a get together for our creative residents!
6:30 – 8 pm
Thursday January 26, 2012
Thomas Barry Fine Arts, 900 6th Ave. SE #225.
Beside an opportunity to see this fabulous rehabbed warehouse and the interesting artwork at Thom’s gallery, neighborhood creative types can meet, network and tell us what they would like to see in the neighborhood in the near future.
Creative people can be a powerful force for change – won’t you join us?
RSVP to MHNA by Tues Jan 24th.
Public hearing for development issues (Jan. 19)
NOTICE OF A PUBLIC HEARING
At the November 29, 2011 Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC) meeting, the HPC denied a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) application for a two-story rooftop addition to the historic St. Andrews Hospital building at 414 7th Avenue Southeast. Also at that meeting, the HPC denied a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) application for a six-story apartment building with a church at 401 8th Avenue Southeast and 414 7th Avenue Southeast
The applicant, Daniel Oberpriller of CPM Development, LLC, is appealing the HPC decision.
This matter will receive an additional public hearing before the Zoning and Planning Committee of the Minneapolis City Council on Thursday, January 19, 2012, at 9:30 a.m., in Room 317 City Hall, 350 S. 5th St., Minneapolis, MN. Interested parties are invited to attend and be heard.
You can access a copy of the November 29, 2011 HPC staff report and actions with the following web link: http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/cped/Agendas/hpc/. You will be able to access a copy of the Zoning and Planning Committee report with the following web link: http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/council/standing-committees/zoning-and-planning.asp approximately one week before the public hearing.
This meeting place is accessible to the handicapped, and a sign language interpreter is available for deaf or hearing-impaired citizens. For scheduling, please call 673-2157 TTY/VOICE.
In accordance with the Heritage Preservation Regulations, all property owners within 350 feet of the proposed facility are notified of this public hearing. Your comments can be made verbally at the meeting, or submitted in writing, to:
John Smoley, Ph.D.
250 South 4th Street, Room 300, Minneapolis, MN 55415
Phone: 612-673-2830 Fax: 612-673-2526
E-mail: john.smoley@ minneapolismn.gov
MHNA has opposed this project in the 5th St Historic District and low-density core of our neighborhood.
Safety and Livability committee now starting at 5:30 pm
PLEASE NOTE — MHNA’s Safety & Livability meetings are now starting at 5:30 pm.
After the January 2012 meeting, we will return to our regular meeting day of first Monday of the month.
Safety & Livability Committee meeting (Jan. 9)
MHNA’s Safety & Livability Committee will be meeting on the second Monday of the month
January 9, 2012
5:30 pm (new time, was 6:30)
First Congregational Church.
Note that this is a change from our usual schedule due to holidays.
Items of Interest, December 2011
Items of Interest in downloadable formats:
Items of Interest, December 2011 (MS-Word format)
Items of Interest, December 2011 (PDF format)
These are the same Items of Interest which in the MHNA blog.
Happy holidays from MHNA
Happy holidays from MHNA.
Please remember MHNA in your year-end charitable giving. All donations are tax deductible.
Send checks to address below or give with a credit card on:
www.givemn.org.
Many neighbors and businesses have kindly donated to MHNA already and it is really appreciated.
Crime Prevention Specialist funding found
Good News – Crime Prevention Specialist funding found
City Council and Chief Dolan have found funding to maintain all of the Crime Prevention Specialists. We value our Crime Prevention Specialists on the Eastside and expect to have 2 of them for 2012. Thank you to our City Council members and Police Chief Dolan who found funding to make this possible. (MHNA recently sent letters urging support for the funding for Nick Juarez, our Crime Prevention Specialist.)
Soap Factory Awarded Grant
Soap Factory Awarded National Endowment for the Arts Challenge America Fast-Track Grant
The Soap Factory has been selected by the National Endowment for the Arts to receive one of the 162 grants of $10,000 awarded to organizations nation-wide. The Soap Factory will receive funding in support of concept design for a new entrance to the building, including charrettes for community involvement.
“As a first-time NEA grantee, The Soap Factory is honored by this evidence of the merit of our continued work on our historic building,” said Ryan Kronzer, Soap Factory Board President. “Taken together, these Challenge America Fast-Track grants provide an extraordinary sampling of the work that arts organizations do to reach underserved communities,” said NEA Chairman Rocco Landesman. “With these grants, we are helping to ensure that art works for all Americans.”
Homegrown Minneapolis community meeting (Dec. 12)
Homegrown Minneapolis community meeting
Monday, Dec. 12, 2011
5 to 7:30 p.m.
University Research and Outreach Center (UROC)
2001 Plymouth Ave. N.
A community meeting is scheduled for Dec. 12 to report on the first two phases of Homegrown Minneapolis, announce the new Food Council members and check in on the priorities community members have around development of a more healthy, sustainable local food system.
Homegrown Minneapolis is a citywide initiative expanding the community’s ability to grow, process, distribute, eat and compost more healthy, sustainable, locally grown foods. For more information on Homegrown Minneapolis, visit:
Seeking home for hospital bed
Message from Southeast Seniors: a Marcy Holmes resident is trying to find a home for a hospital bed. It’s free.
Contact: 612-331-2302 or Jean Hanson, Service Coordinator at jeanneses@mtn.org
Historic Central Riverfront community meeting (Dec. 15)
What could rise from the ruins of Minneapolis Water Works?
Historic Central Riverfront site reinvention explored
Public invited to community meeting:
6 – 8:00 PM
Thursday, December 15, 2011
The public is invited to participate in a “designer-ask” community meeting about a potential new park along the city’s Central Riverfront. Dubbed “Water Works” (former Fuji-Ya Restaurant site) because the city’s first water supply and fire fighting pumping stations were located there in the 19th Century, the site encompasses Minneapolis Park Board-owned land between Portland Avenue South and the Third Avenue Bridge, and between First Street South and the Mississippi River.
The community meeting, which takes place 6-8:00 PM at the Mill City Museum, 704 South Second Street (in the ADM Room on 6th floor), is the first step in a preliminary feasibility study that will explore options for what could be a significant new park destination in downtown Minneapolis. The Minneapolis Parks Foundation is leading the project in partnership with the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, for which it is also a forerunner to the Central Riverfront Regional Park Update master planning process.
Thriving on a Human-dominated Planet (Dec. 14)
A SIP OF SCIENCE
Future Earth: Thriving on a Human-dominated Planet
Pat Hamilton, Director of Global Change Initiative, Science Museum of Minnesota
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
5:30p.m.
No Cover.
A SIP OF SCIENCE bridges the gap between science and culture in a setting that bridges the gap between brain and belly.
Food, beer, and learning are on the menu in a happy hour forum that puts science in context through storytelling.
The talk takes place during happy hour at the Aster Cafe — Food and Drink Available for Purchase
The MPD’s Citizens Academy set for 2012
Priority seating for each of those sessions to new block club leaders. These sessions are presented at no charge.
If you live on a block where we currently have no identified leader, you can commit to being our key partner on your block. Your application will move to the front of the line. Besides four of the most commonly requested topics for crime prevention meetings, these sessions include the basics from our block leader training. Block leaders are MPD’s primary contact that officers and Crime Prevention Specialists reach out to when significant crime patterns develop on their block.
MPD has four training sessions in March & April to choose from.
Contact :
Luther.Krueger@MinneapolisMN.gov
Community Energy Services Workshops
Worried about ice dams again this winter? Community Energy Services workshops and home consultant visits can tell you what to do to prevent ice dams and also achieve energy savings.
To get started you must attend a CES workshop and then sign up for the $30 home consultant visit. The consultants audit your current energy use, install a number of energy saving devices (up to $400 worth depending on your home), and develop a prioritized plan for energy improvements in your home. CES will also provide information about current rebates and tax credits for your energy improvements.
Workshop dates and locations for December:
At 6:30 p.m.
Dec. 13, 2011: Jenny Lind School, 5025 Bryant Ave. N
Dec. 20, 2011: Northrop School, 4315 31st Ave. S
At 10 a.m.
Dec. 10, 2011: Lake Harriet Upper School, 4912 Vincent Ave. S
You can sign up by going to http://www.mnenergychallenge.org/Community-Energy-Services/Sign-Up-for-CES.aspx and finding your preferred date on the calendar, or by phoning Kyle Boehm at 612/219-7334.
Community Energy Services is a program of the Center for Energy and the Environment.
Twin Cities Free Market
Here’s another place to advertise your unwanted goods — don’t add them to the landfill if there is still life in them.
A quick and easy and free way to give away goods, it’s a nonprofit online recycling site. Save money and time.
Get Items or Give Items — Twin Cities Free Market is a great way to give and get stuff free.
Sponsored by Eureka Recycling and Hennepin County.
More legal help for renters
For Minneapolis renters who need legal advice regarding a landlord, more help is now available.
Home Line, a nonprofit located at 3455 Bloomington Avenue, is adding low-cost legal services for all Minneapolis renters. For as little as $25, renters will be able to consult in person or over the phone with an experienced attorney.
“Renters need to be informed so they don’t get taken advantage of,” says Home Line Director Beth Kodluboy. “Talking to an attorney can save renters a lot of trouble and money.” HOME Line’s four staff attorneys have a combined 36 years advising over 44,000 Minnesota renters. Through consulting with an attorney, renters can find out what is important to review in a lease, how to sue landlords in conciliation court and how to deal with privacy intrusions. Home Line’s tenant hotline at 612-728-5767.
Minneapolis renters may also find HOME Line’s book on tenants’ rights useful. Additionally, Minneapolis renters can find self-help materials online at LawHelpMN.org, and low-income renters may qualify for Legal Aid at 612-334-5970.
Meeting about possible Sound Walls (Dec. 14)
Important meeting about possible Sound Walls coming to 35W in our neighborhood:
Wednesday December 14, 2011
Location: Logan Park
690 13th Ave NE, near Broadway & Monroe
5:30 – 7:30 pm
Speak up/speak out about MN DOT’s plans to erect a 20′ sound barrier wall to replace the current 5′ freeway fence.
Neighborhood Candidate Foruma
MHNA is co-sponsoring a State Senate seat in Senate District 59
Neighborhood Candidate Forum
Monday, December 5, 2011
6:30 p.m.
Van Cleve Park Community Center
901 – 15th Ave. SE, Minneapolis
The following people have been invited to attend:
- Peter Wagenius (DFL)
- Jacob Frey (DFL)
- Ben Schwanke (R)
- Mohamud Noor (DFL)
- Paul Ostrow (DFL)
- Kari Dziedzic (DFL)
List of sponsoring neighborhoods to-date:
- Audubon Neighborhood Association
- Marcy-Holmes Neighborhood Association
- St. Anthony West Neighborhood Organization SE
- Como Improvement Association
Other candidate forums on: 11/28 by the Minnesota Daily,
7 pm
#130 Murphy Hall, 206 Church St SE
11/30 by the SD59 DFL
6:30 – 9 pm at Sheridan School auditorium
1201 University Ave NE
The DFL primary will be held on Tuesday, December 6, 2011
The general election will be held on Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Questions? Contact Jennifer (612-676-1731
jen@comogreenvillage.info)
Help support MHNA, contributions are tax deductible
We recently sent out our annual fundraising appeal. Your donation
means a lot to us financially, but it also shows you care about the
organization and the neighborhood work we do.
If you do your charitable giving
at the end of the year, please remember MHNA. Contributions are tax deductible
and truly appreciated. Our mailing address:
MHNA, 415 4th Ave SE
#116, Mpls, MN 55414
Thank you.
Noise barrier walls
Some residents were recently notified that MN DOT (MN Dept of
Transportation) is considering a concrete noise barrier wall from 4th St SE to
8th St SE along both sides of 35W. Others were not. As much as most of us
object to freeway traffic noise, these walls also present their own set of
problems -– so much so that some neighborhoods are trying to get rid of them.
Below see the points that MHNA VP Arvonne Fraser has been making to MN DOT and
other public officials. MHNA has not yet officially considered the matter, due
to the short notification and Thanksgiving holiday, but if you have an opinion
you are urged to send it on.
1.
This time period–Dec. 1, 2011– for comments is far too
short for such a serious barrier for our neighborhood.
2.
We already have a 20’ dirt bank beside the freeway. Is 40’
needed?
3.
Hundreds of trees and other vegetation along the
freeway—planted years ago by the neighborhood with consent of DOT–would be
destroyed.
4.
The barrier would cut off light, inhibit air flow, and is
dangerous. Numerous dead end streets and sidewalks parallel 35W. A high
barrier would create dangerous, dark caverns for the many pedestrians and
bicyclists and for cars parked in this area.
5.
Such a barrier invites graffiti, costing the city or state
money to remove.
6.
The small opening/gap in the proposed barrier at the 5th St.
overpass for pedestrians and cyclists creates another dangerous site.
7.
There is considerable evidence that such walls only spread
noise farther from the freeway. Some neighborhoods are already requesting that
such ugly barriers be taken down.
8.
The neighborhood was never notified of these proposed barriers by
or at the "public involvement meetings," only that lanes were being
added to the freeway
Whether you agree with Arvonne or not, get your comments to:
Karen
Allen, PE, Project Manager, HNTB,
7900
International Drive, Suite 69009,
Bloomington,
MN 55425.
and to
Hennepin County Commissioner Peter McLaughlin:
commissioner.mclaughlin@co.hennepin.mn.us
or by mail:
Hennepin County Commissioner Peter McLaughlin
A2400 Government Center
300 S. 6th St.
Minneapolis, MN 55487-0241
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Another public hearing of interest to the neighborhood will be the Heritage Preservation Commission meeting
on Tuesday Nov 29 at 4:30 pm, City Hall room 317. The commission will be
hearing plans to develop parts of the “Andrew Riverside” block from 8th Ave SE to 7th Ave SE, 4th Street to 5th St SE,
which is within the 5th Street SE Historic District. The
commission will be deciding the appropriateness of building a 6-story apartment
building within a church at 401 8th Ave SE and adding two floors to
the historic Andrews Hospital building (apartments) 414 7th Ave SE
(front door is on 5th St SE). MHNA previously opposed a “Planned Unit Development” here that would
have added too much density in this low-density( zoned R2B) block, but has not heard from the developer
about any other plans. The corner site (401 8th Ave SE) has a higher
density zoning.
Comments may also be directed to city planner John Smoley
612-673-2830.
At the same meeting, a demolition application for the old Totino’s
building on Central Ave will also be considered. This meeting is open to the
public.