Archive for January, 2008

SouthEast Library Open

The SouthEast Library is open – we need to use it! 

Did you know they have a great selection of books on tape? You can order any library book and pick it up at our Southeast Library.

The library is open Tuesday, Thursday (noon – 8 pm) and Saturday (10 – 6).

Stoplight at 6th and University: Grand Opening

February 7, 2008
9:00 amto9:30 am

We have a date to celebrate the “grand opening” of the new stoplight at 6th Ave SE & University Avenue.

Please meet at that corner on February 7th at 9:00 am.

Mayor R T Rybak will be there to join in our joy and relief that this long-awaited safety feature is finally here.

Stoplight at 6th and University: Grand Opening

We have a date to celebrate the “grand opening” of the new stoplight at 6th Ave SE & University Avenue.

Please meet at that corner on February 7th at 9:00 am.

Mayor R T Rybak will be there to join in our joy and relief that this long-awaited safety feature is finally here.

Alpha Gamma Delta Centennial

February 11, 2008
3:30 pmto7:30 pm

Our neighbors at Alpha Gamma Delta sorority are celebrating their centennial. We are invited to join them:

Monday Feb 11, 2008
3:30 – 7:30 pm

401 11th Ave SE.

RSVP 386-1357

Alpha Gamma Delta Centennial

Our neighbors at Alpha Gamma Delta sorority are celebrating their centennial. We are invited to join them:

Monday Feb 11, 2008
3:30 – 7:30 pm

401 11th Ave SE.

RSVP 386-1357

Light Rail: Metropolitain Council Listening Sessions

The Metropolitan Council has scheduled three listening sessions where they will be taking testimony from the public.

The first of these, on  February 6, will be held in this part of the Corridor:

Wednesday, February 6
12:00 noon to 2 p.m.

Weisman Art Museum, Shepherd Room 333 East River Road, Minneapolis
(Public fee parking is available at the Museum, entrance at the East
River Road level.)

The schedule for all three Met Council listening meetings is at
http://www.metrocouncil.org/transportation/ccorridor/ CCcalendar.htm#listening

Light Rail: Metropolitain Council Listening Sessions

February 6, 2008
12:00 pmto2:00 pm

The Metropolitan Council has scheduled three listening sessions where they will be taking testimony from the public.

The first of these, on  February 6, will be held in this part of the Corridor:

Wednesday, February 6
12:00 noon to 2 p.m.

Weisman Art Museum, Shepherd Room 333 East River Road, Minneapolis
(Public fee parking is available at the Museum, entrance at the East
River Road level.)

The schedule for all three Met Council listening meetings is at
http://www.metrocouncil.org/transportation/ccorridor/ CCcalendar.htm#listening

Central Corridor Light Rail

Decision-making on the Central Corridor light rail is reaching a critical point, with the region preparing to make a 100+ year investment.

There is much at stake for the campus and the campus-area communities. Among the decisions:

* Tunnel under Washington Avenue?

* If not, what would be necessary for an at grade alternative to work?

* Is there a feasible alternative alignment through Dinkytown?

The Metropolitan Council has agreed to study the feasibility of a northern alignment, and the University has agreed to pay for that study, while the analysis of the other options continues. The University has been active in advocating for the corridor, and in the analysis of alternatives as they impact our part of the city.

I-35W Bridge: Jan. 25, 2008

I-35W Bridge over the Mississippi

Jan. 25, 2008 Greetings!

For a diagram showing the various bridge elements described below, please click here:

http://projects.dot.state.mn.us/35wbridge/overview.html

Snowing and Pouring at I-35W Bridge

While fresh snow blanketed the I-35W Bridge construction site this past week, crews poured a whole lot of concrete, and the flurry of activity will continue, according to the forecast for the coming week.

Accomplishments this past week included:

* pouring concrete into the form for the stemwall at Abutment 1 (pictured above)
* excavating at Piers 2 and 3
* pouring the footing for Pier 4 northbound
* drilling and filling foundation shafts at Abutment 5
* getting started on erecting the temporary scaffolding that will support the forms for the superstructure on the south side and
* pouring the first upright section of Pier 3 southbound.

Construction Update

First segment to be cast in the casting yard

Read the rest of this entry »

I-35W Bridge over the Mississippi

I-35W Bridge over the Mississippi

Jan. 25, 2008 Greetings!

Help Others Stay Informed - Spread the Word

We have received positive feedback from many of you about the weekly project updates, particularly the addition of photos that highlight work underway at the site. As the project progresses and work becomes more visible, there will be even more exciting images and developments to share. Help us spread the word.

More Open House opportunities

Thanks to everyone who attended the Open House on Tuesday, the 22nd. For those still interested in attending an event and talking with project representatives, there are two more opportunities next week.

Tuesday, January 29th and Wednesday, January 30th
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Crystal Court - IDS Center
80 South 8th St., Downtown Minneapolis
www.ids-center.com

Handouts, presentations and interactive tools will be available.
For more information about these events or the project, please call the hotline at 612-236-6901 or visit the website at www.mndot.gov

I-35W Bridge over the Mississippi

I-35W Bridge over the Mississippi

Jan. 18, 2008 Greetings!

For a diagram showing the various bridge elements described below, please click here:

http://projects.dot.state.mn.us/35wbridge/overview.html

Minnesota Twins truck leads off at Pier 3

The pour began at 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 14, and lasted approximately 12 hours. This photo shows what the operation looked like from the outside:

Construction Update

More concrete coming

Read the rest of this entry »

35 Bridge Project Open Houses

I-35W Bridge over the Mississippi

Jan. 16, 2008 Greetings!

Please join us for an upcoming Open House on the I-35W Bridge Project.

With the start of a new year and 100 days of work complete (as of Jan. 15), Mn/DOT and the Flatiron-Manson Joint Venture are hosting community Open Houses for those interested in receiving updates on the progress of the bridge project. Project leaders will be on hand to provide information and answer your questions.


I-35W BRIDGE PROJECT - JANUARY OPEN HOUSES

Tuesday, Jan. 22

5-7 p.m.
University Lutheran Church of Hope
601 13th Ave. SE
Minneapolis, MN 55414
Directions and transit information: www.ulch.org

Free parking, wheelchair accessible

Tuesday, Jan. 29 and Wednesday, Jan. 30

11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Crystal Court - IDS Center
80 South 8th St., Downtown Minneapolis
www.ids-center.com
Handouts, presentations and interactive tools will be available to describe the stages of development, describe the construction process and illustrate how the bridge will look when complete.

For more information about these events or the project, please call the hotline at 612-236-6901 or visit the website at www.mndot.gov

35 Bridge Project Open Houses

I-35W Bridge over the Mississippi

Jan. 16, 2008 Greetings!

Please join us for an upcoming Open House on the I-35W Bridge Project.

With the start of a new year and 100 days of work complete (as of Jan. 15), Mn/DOT and the Flatiron-Manson Joint Venture are hosting community Open Houses for those interested in receiving updates on the progress of the bridge project. Project leaders will be on hand to provide information and answer your questions.


I-35W BRIDGE PROJECT - JANUARY OPEN HOUSES

Tuesday, Jan. 22

5-7 p.m.
University Lutheran Church of Hope
601 13th Ave. SE
Minneapolis, MN 55414
Directions and transit information: www.ulch.org

Free parking, wheelchair accessible

Tuesday, Jan. 29 and Wednesday, Jan. 30

11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Crystal Court - IDS Center
80 South 8th St., Downtown Minneapolis
www.ids-center.com
Handouts, presentations and interactive tools will be available to describe the stages of development, describe the construction process and illustrate how the bridge will look when complete.

For more information about these events or the project, please call the hotline at 612-236-6901 or visit the website at www.mndot.gov

35 Bridge Project Open Houses

January 22, 2008
7:00 pmto11:00 pm
January 29, 2008
11:00 amto1:00 pm
January 30, 2008
11:00 amto1:00 pm

I-35W Bridge over the Mississippi

Jan. 16, 2008 Greetings!

Please join us for an upcoming Open House on the I-35W Bridge Project.

With the start of a new year and 100 days of work complete (as of Jan. 15), Mn/DOT and the Flatiron-Manson Joint Venture are hosting community Open Houses for those interested in receiving updates on the progress of the bridge project. Project leaders will be on hand to provide information and answer your questions.


I-35W BRIDGE PROJECT - JANUARY OPEN HOUSES

Tuesday, Jan. 22

5-7 p.m.
University Lutheran Church of Hope
601 13th Ave. SE
Minneapolis, MN 55414
Directions and transit information: www.ulch.org

Free parking, wheelchair accessible

Tuesday, Jan. 29 and Wednesday, Jan. 30

11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Crystal Court - IDS Center
80 South 8th St., Downtown Minneapolis
www.ids-center.com
Handouts, presentations and interactive tools will be available to describe the stages of development, describe the construction process and illustrate how the bridge will look when complete.

For more information about these events or the project, please call the hotline at 612-236-6901 or visit the website at www.mndot.gov

35W Bridge Update: Jan. 16, 2008

I-35W Bridge over the Mississippi

Jan. 16, 2008 Greetings!

Please join us for an upcoming Open House on the I-35W Bridge Project.

With the start of a new year and 100 days of work complete (as of Jan. 15), Mn/DOT and the Flatiron-Manson Joint Venture are hosting community Open Houses for those interested in receiving updates on the progress of the bridge project. Project leaders will be on hand to provide information and answer your questions.


I-35W BRIDGE PROJECT - JANUARY OPEN HOUSES

Tuesday, Jan. 22

5-7 p.m.
University Lutheran Church of Hope
601 13th Ave. SE
Minneapolis, MN 55414
Directions and transit information: www.ulch.org

Free parking, wheelchair accessible

Tuesday, Jan. 29 and Wednesday, Jan. 30

11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Crystal Court - IDS Center
80 South 8th St., Downtown Minneapolis
www.ids-center.com
Handouts, presentations and interactive tools will be available to describe the stages of development, describe the construction process and illustrate how the bridge will look when complete.

For more information about these events or the project, please call the hotline at 612-236-6901 or visit the website at www.mndot.gov

I-35W BRIDGE WEBCAM

I-35W BRIDGE WEBCAM

The installation of a webcam on the roof of the U of M steam plant on the
north bank of the Mississippi provides an opportunity to keep an eye on
construction activities at the St. Anthony Falls (I-35W) Bridge site 24
hours a day. The webcam, which went live on Friday, January 4, shows a
panoramic view of the site and will archive images daily. A time-lapse
photography feature will eventually provide an opportunity to see the
construction of the entire bridge, start to finish, in rapid sequence. To
see the live webcam view, visit the MnDOT website, www.mndot.gov.

A second camera will soon be mounted to a light pole on the 10th Avenue
Bridge. The second camera will zoom in periodically on specific activities,
such as drilling shafts, pouring concrete, and lifting bridge segments into
place.

General Membership Meeting: January 15, 2008 Minutes

MINUTES of the MHNA GENERAL MEMBERSHIP meeting Jan 15, 2008

University Lutheran Church of Hope, 601 13th Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN

1. Meeting called to order at 7:30 by Arvonne Fraser, president.

2. Those present discussed and approved a motion (T Tucker) to re-allocate NRP funds to create a $150,000 revolving loan program for housing improvements. Dave King, of Center for Energy & Environment, talked about his organization’s role in administering the program. In the past, MHNA has done matching grants and deferred loan programs. Once that money was spent, it was gone. So far in Marcy-Holmes, NRP residential improvement programs tallied $493,075 for rental properties and $592,674 for owner occupied properties. A revolving loan program means every dollar we lend out is interest bearing and returned. It is up to us to set the terms of the loan, interest rates, eligibility, etc. We can use money returned to fund our neighborhood organization. MHNA’s new revolving loan would be appealing because we can offer a lower interest rate, probably 4 - 5%, with more flexibility than traditional bank terms. Mr King suggested we concentrate our program for owner occupants as CEE already has existing programs geared to rental properties. Details will be worked out at the Feb 2008 MHNA board meeting. Contact the office to give input.623-7633

3. CM Diane Hofstede addressed the group. The stoplight at 6th & University is now operating. She thanked the neighborhood for efforts to get it here. The Andrew House/ T-Mobile antennae settlement passed at city council on Dec 21, 2007. We should see it moved shortly. CM Hofstede has also been working with bar owners and the U of MN on livability issues and ways to prevent over-consumption. The construction at 35W Bridge was discussed. People tonight did not have any noise complaints so far. MN DOT has scheduled a meeting at Univ. Lutheran Church of Hope Jan 22 to answer questions.

The University is exploring an alternative Light Rail route for the Central Corridor line, linking Mpls and St Paul along University Ave. The plan was to have the line cross at Washington Ave Bridge, but due to costs, a new crossing is needed. The line may go farther west and cross at Bridge #9, 10th Ave Bridge or possibly 35W. Those present were generally in favor of the line coming into our neighborhood, depending where the route and stops are located. There are many issues to be worked out – could the Dinkytown trench be used?

CM Hofstede reminded all to use our SE Library, now that it has reopened. She thanked all the volunteers who helped to make this possible.

1. Board actions taken earlier tonight:

MHNA General membership meetings will be moved to four times a year:
January, March, June and October. Board meetings will continue on a monthly basis. Board meetings are open to the public – all are welcome, 6 pm at University Lutheran Church of Hope.

The board approved the Land Use motion to support several variances requested by Pinnacle Services, 722-724 Central Ave. The renovation will require approximately $1.3 million to complete the project. The MHNA Land Use committee unanimously supports Pinnacle Services’ plan for developing the property at 722-724 Central Avenue for offices and parking. Specifically, the committee supports the following variances requested by the developer:

*Variance to reduce the number of required parking spaces to a total of 30 spaces·

*Variance to reduce the minimum width of the driving aisle required in the lower-level parking garage

The board passed an NRP Scope of Services ($50,000) contract to fund further implementation of our Master Plan. A committee is looking at improvements for 15th Ave SE area.

The board approved a 2008 budget and some streamlining measures to help office operations.

5. New Neighborhood Concierge Service Planned
MHNA board member Paul White announced that he is looking at starting a “concierge” business in the neighborhood. Called Marcy One Call, it would be like a buyers’ club where members could negotiate better rates and services for our area. If people are interested in knowing more, getting involved, contact Paul at : paul@projectresources.net or check out the website at http://marcyonecall.blogspot.com/ to hear about it and give your feedback.

6.Eric Nauman, chair of Safety & Livability Committee, invited people to attend the State of the Precinct meeting Feb 26 at Aveda, from 10 am – noon.

Meeting adjourned 8:40 pm Melissa Bean, Executive Director

REMINDER – Application forms for the Good Neighbor Fund are now available. The fund is a result of the TCF Gophers Stadium legislation. Funding is available for projects to address negative impacts of the stadium in our neighborhood. If you have an idea, pick up an application. Copies were available tonight and can also be downloaded at www.community.umn.edu/gnf . First round of applications is due April 1, 2008.

Board Action Feb 2008:

1. Secretary Bob Distad reported that two board members have resigned, Leonard Paredes and Norman Lynskey, and that one new board member has been found, Jordan Broston. Jordan is a student at the U who will fill the MSA seat on our board. He is a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon, expecting to graduate in 2009, with lots of leadership experience. His appointment was approved by MSA president Emma Olson. The board approved a motion ( R Distad) to approve Jordan’s appointment to the MSA seat on the board.

2. The board approved several measures to streamline our office operations, including closing all but one bank account and authorizing application for a credit card.

3. Taking into account the recommendations and comments of the board and CEE comments and proposed guidelines, the board authorized the executive committee to prepare guidelines for the new revolving loan fund and report back to the board at the March meeting.

4.A joint MHNA/DBA application for the city’s Great Street Façade Improvement Program was supported providing it would not require financial contribution from MHNA and any time staff devotes to program will be reimbursed. (Proposal would refurbish the historic painted Dinkytown business signs still partially visible, like Simms Hardware, as a reminder of Dinkytown history.) MHNA would act as fiscal agent.

5.The MHNA board voted to approve the Land Use committee’s support for the addition of the loading dock to the RyKrisp facility.

6.Central Corridor Light Rail Action: The committee unanimously adopted the following: “If the Washington Avenue tunnel is not feasible, the Marcy-Holmes land use committee supports an alignment using the Dinkytown Trench and Bridge #9. We oppose any alternate route that uses Fourth Street SE and University Avenue SE through the Marcy-Holmes neighborhood.” Because of the short deadline on comments regarding the Central Corridor LRT, the motion was forwarded to the Executive Committee for action. The MHNA Executive Committee adopted the motion on February 11, 2008 and the statement was entered into the public record as the position of the Marcy-Holmes neighborhood.

Board and General Membership: Jan. 15

January 15, 2008
6:00 pmto9:00 pm

To: MHNA Board and General Membership
From: President Arvonne Fraser
Re: Jan 15, 2008 Meeting Agendas

University Lutheran Church of Hope, 601
13th Ave SE, downstairs in Fellowship Hall

6:00 Board meeting

7:30 General membership mtg.

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