I-35W Bridge Update: Feb. 22, 2008
I-35W Bridge over the Mississippi
Feb. 22, 2008 Greetings!
First Piers To Be Unveiled on Saturday
Crews will remove the steel forms from Pier 3 southbound Saturday, providing the first opportunity to see the finished concrete columns inside. After the forms come off, crews will need to wrap the columns with insulation blankets almost immediately to protect the concrete from the cold. The best opportunity to see the fully unwrapped columns will be at approximately 11:45 a.m. Saturday.
At Piers 2 and 4, several columns grew another 20-30 feet high this past week, and crews poured the footing for Abutment 5.
Work scheduled the week of Feb. 25 includes:
Landscape Arboretum Raised Bed Workshop
The MN Landscape Arboretum is presenting a workshop on building raised bed gardens that may be of interest to you.
Neighborhoods are always seeking ways to create community, build friendships, enhance safety, enrich beauty, and learn from each other. Raised bed gardening can develop all of those assets.
When: Saturday, March 15, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Marion Andrus Learning Center at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
Cost: $50 (includes flowerpot lunches and 5 hours of CEU’s for teachers)
Registration: Call 952-443-1422 to reserve your spot!
Registration Deadline: Friday, March 7
<a href=”/docs/raised-bed-workshop-flyer.pdf”>Download Flyer</a> (PDF)
Come join us!
Nancy Nelson
Marion Andrus Learning Center
MN Landscape Arboretum
Landscape Arboretum Raised Bed Workshop
The MN Landscape Arboretum is presenting a workshop on building raised bed gardens that may be of interest to you.
Neighborhoods are always seeking ways to create community, build friendships, enhance safety, enrich beauty, and learn from each other. Raised bed gardening can develop all of those assets.
Download Flyer (PDF)
When: Saturday, March 15, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Marion Andrus Learning Center at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
Cost: $50 (includes flowerpot lunches and 5 hours of CEU’s for teachers)
Registration: Call 952-443-1422 to reserve your spot!
Registration Deadline: Friday, March 7
Come join us!Nancy Nelson
Marion Andrus Learning Center
MN Landscape Arboretum
35W Bridge Update: Feb. 15, 2008
I-35W Bridge over the Mississippi
Feb. 15, 2008 Greetings!
Piers rising on both sides of river
Crews are making progress on Piers 2, 3, and 4. Next week, concrete pours will include the top third of Pier 2 northbound, the middle third of Pier 2 southbound, the bottom third of Pier 3 northbound, and the middle third of Pier 4 southbound. By the first week in March, all of the piers are projected to be done.
Construction update
Sydne Westorff’s Letter MN Daily
Read MHNA Student Liaison Sydne Westorff’s letter in the MN Daily:
“Dialogue between University students and homeowners will enhance the goodwill of the community. ”
Bump-Out Gardens Up for Adoption
It doesn’t seem like it today, but spring is on its way and we have two
bump-out gardens up for adoption. If you would like to care for a 5th St SE
public garden, call the office 623-7633. The gardens up for adoption are at
8th Ave SE and at 6th Ave SE. Water on site is available, as are
instructions, plants, advice and encouragement from neighborhood gardeners.
Compost Bins
Compost Bins. Hennepin County is announcing a great opportunity for county
residents to purchase affordable compost bins for only $35 through the
program described below. Hennepin County has partnered with Bachman’s,
Lakewinds Natural Foods and The Reuse Center to sell compost bins.
Residents must pre-order by April 1 online at www.hennepin.us/compostbinsale.
Grafitti Prevention Web Page
The City of Minneapolis is starting a new webpage to allow neighbors to
share creative tips for preventing graffiti.
The webpage ci.minneapolis.mn.us/graffiti/solutions.asp shows examples such as landscaping, murals and types of fencing that deter graffiti. Residents are
encouraged to send in photos of their own efforts, and share helpful tips.
Graffiti often collects on large flat blank surfaces, such as buildings,
garages and flat fences. Landscaping, like ivy or other clinging plants
helps to reduce the likelihood of graffiti on a surface. Some fences are
less likely to be spray painted such as fences with board gaps, alternating
boards or lattices.
SE Library: New and Improved!
Have you visited the SE library since it reopened?
It’s been improved  new carpeting and shelves  and even more new book titles are on the way thanks to SE Mpls Council on Learning.
Stadium Area Advisory Group updates
Stadium Area Advisory Group updates:
A Good Neighbor Fund request for applications was announced in early
January; applications are due on or before April 1. Eligible applicants are
the organizations that are represented on the Stadium Area Advisory Group
(including MHNA). Eligible applicant organizations may partner with others
to plan or implement projects funded through the Good Neighbor Fund. A
total of $69,000 is available for grants this year. Further information,
including the request for applications and the application form, is
available at http://www.community.umn.edu/gnf
The Good Neighbor Fund is for projects that mitigate direct stadium
impacts.
A Game Day Operations Committee has been charged by President Bruininks and will begin its work in the coming weeks. The Committee will be co-chaired by Laurie Scheich, Associate V.P. for University Services, and Joel Maturi, Director of Intercollegiate Athletics. Two members of the Stadium Area
Advisory Group will serve on the committee:Â Gene Girard, of the
Marcy-Holmes Neighborhood Association, and Skott Johnson, of the Dinkytown
Business Association. Thank you to those two SAAG members who have agreed
to serve on this important committee.
The University District Partnership Alliance, formed by the University, the City of Minneapolis, and the campus-area neighborhoods in response to the
recommendations in the 2007 neighborhood impact report, has put out a
request for ideas for demonstration projects that will help to address the
priorities expressed in the report. A Demonstration Projects Work Team,
chaired by 2nd Ward Council Member Cam Gordon, will review ideas and make
recommendations to the Alliance Steering Group. The Work Team is inviting
your ideas by February 29, 2008. More information about the Alliance and
the request for ideas is at http://www.community.umn.edu/alliance
Message from the second Precinct Police Station
Message from the second Precinct Police Station:
As of February 15 the old email alert system through CCPSafe.Org will be
shut down. If you want to keep getting our crime alerts you’ll need to link
to http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/police/crimealert/signup.asp to
resubscribe.
Sign up for training as a block-club leader
Block-club leader training is happening again in Minneapolis  February 21,
6:00 to 7:30 p.m., at the 2nd Precinct Station, 1911 Central Ave. N.E.
Sign up now to find out how you can make your neighborhood a safer and
friendlier place to live. Call 612-673-2874.
For monthly crime stats go to:
Block-Club Leader Training Feb. 21
Sign up for training as a block-club leader
Block-club leader training is happening again in Minneapolis  February 21,
6:00 to 7:30 p.m., at the 2nd Precinct Station, 1911 Central Ave. N.E.
Sign up now to find out how you can make your neighborhood a safer and
friendlier place to live. Call 612-673-2874.
State of the Precinct Program, Feb. 23
We’re invited to the State of the Precinct Program at Aveda Institute, Sat
Feb 23 from 10 am  to noon. Inspector Skomra give an update on 2nd Precinct
initiatives, plans for burglary suppression and neighborhood policing plans.
Registration, social time and info tables from 9:30 Â to 10 am.
State of the Precinct Program, Feb. 23
We’re invited to the State of the Precinct Program at Aveda Institute, Sat
Feb 23 from 10 am  noon. Inspector Skomra give an update on 2nd Precinct
initiatives, plans for burglary suppression and neighborhood policing plans.
Registration, social time and info tables from 9:30 Â to 10 am.
River Clean-Up: Sat. April 19, 2008
Save the date! Annual Earth Day River Clean-Up is coming Sat April 19. Come
down to the river that morning and join neighbors with bags and gloves
cleaning our stretch of the riverfront.
Volunteers needed for the Marcy Arts Gala
Volunteers needed for the Marcy Arts Gala.
This year’s event is Sat April 12, 6 Â to 11 pm at the Soap Factory.
Volunteers are needed to solicit and collect art and food. People are needed on the decorations committee, to bartend, staff the sign-in and check-out tables, and set up and tear down.
This is a great event that brings the school and neighborhood together for a lively night of food, music, entertainment and an art auction. Practically
everything is donated so the money raised goes directly to fund arts integration activities at the school.
What’s arts integration? It’s a way to teach core subjects using the arts and artists in the classroom.
Volunteers should contact Margie Siegel at 612-578-4621 or email msiegel@bitstream.net.
Marcy Arts Gala: April 12, 2008
Volunteers needed for the Marcy Arts Gala.
This year’s event is Sat April 12, 6 Â to 11 pm at the Soap Factory.
Volunteers are needed to solicit and collect art and food. People are needed on the decorations committee, to bartend, staff the sign-in and check-out tables, and set up and tear down.
This is a great event that brings the school and neighborhood together for a lively night of food, music, entertainment and an art auction. Practically everything is donated so the money raised goes directly to fund arts integration activities at the school.
What’s arts integration? It’s a way to teach core subjects using the arts and artists in the classroom.
Volunteers should contact Margie Siegel at 612-578-4621 or email msiegel@bitstream.net.
Support Our Local Businesses
You may have read about neighborhood businesses that have suffered losses since the 35-W Bridge collapse.
Please try to support our local businesses whenever possible. Thanks.
Rudy Maxa Riverfront Podcast
RUDY MAXA “WALKS OF A LIFETIME” MINNEAPOLIS RIVERFRONT PODCAST
Travel journalist Rudy Maxa has prepared a podcast featuring the historic
Minneapolis riverfront as part of National Geographic’s “Walks of a
Lifetime” series. Check it out at either of these sites:
River Drawdown, February 20
River Drawdown
On Wednesday, February 20th, you will have a rare opportunity to see the
Mississippi River at Saint Anthony Falls lower than it has been for over 20
years. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will be drawing down the river about 3 feet between Upper and Lower Saint Anthony Falls locks and dams.
River Drawdown, February 20
River Drawdown
On Wednesday, February 20th, you will have a rare opportunity to see the
Mississippi River at Saint Anthony Falls lower than it has been for over 20
years. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will be drawing down the river about 3 feet between Upper and Lower Saint Anthony Falls locks and dams.
The Corps is conducting the drawdown, which they do every 20 years, to
facilitate a tunnel inspection. Taking advantage of this opportunity,
Friends of the Mississippi River and the National Park Service will offer an
interpretive tour of the Mississippi River at Saint Anthony Falls.
John Anfinson and Dave Wiggins, from the Mississippi National River and
Recreation Area, a unit of the National Park Service, will lead a walking
tour of the area. Starting on the Stone Arch Bridge overlooking the river,
John and Dave will discuss the site’s historical significance, provide an
overview of the lock and dam’s construction, and identify important points
of interest exposed by the lower water level. The tour will head across the
bridge to Mill Ruins Park where participants will get a close look at the
exposed river bottom. National Park Service rangers will also be in the area
to answer questions throughout the day.
If you are interested in attending this tour, please sign up in advance with
Friends of the Mississippi River at spt@fmr.org or 651-222-2193 x16.
R and R Social Club, Thursday Feb. 21
R & R Social Club gathering
Thursday Feb 21 from 7 Â to 10 pm
U Otter Stop Inn, 617 Central Ave.
$3/door. Karaoke night! Join your riverfront neighbors for a fun evening, as usual with prizes, treats and deals.
R and R Social Club, Thursday Feb. 21
R & R Social Club gathering
Thursday Feb 21 from 7 Â to 10 pm
U Otter Stop Inn, 617 Central Ave.
$3/door. Karaoke night! Join your riverfront neighbors for a fun evening, as usual with prizes, treats and deals.
South Minneapolis Housing and Home Improvement Fair
Looking for a contractor for spring? Check out the South Minneapolis Housing and Home Improvement Fair:
Saturday, March 8, 2008, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
South High School, 3131 19th Ave. S, Minneapolis, 55407
www.housingfair.org
South Minneapolis Housing and Home Improvement Fair
Looking for a contractor for spring? Check out the South Minneapolis Housing and Home Improvement Fair:
Saturday, March 8, 2008, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
South High School, 3131 19th Ave. S, Minneapolis, 55407
www.housingfair.org
Stadium Construction Update, Feb. 2008
TCF Bank Stadium Construction Update for February 2008
Editors Note: Now that the roadways and infrastructure are complete, the focus of the Stadium Construction Update will shift to what is going on the construction site. General updates will be monthly but we will provide special updates if other issues arise.
FIRST STEEL ERECTED ON STADIUM SITE
The Stadium foundation has now been poured and steel columns for the stadium itself began to arrive by truck on Friday Jan. 25th.
35W Bridge Update: February 8, 2008
I-35W Bridge over the Mississippi
Feb. 8, 2008 Greetings!
Bridge foundations near completion
On Saturday, Feb. 2, the project achieved another important milestone: All of the drilled shafts and piles for the main bridge are now complete. Drilling will continue on the north side for a few more weeks as the shafts for the Second Street Bridge are completed.
Construction Update
New Stoplight Celebration
Feb 7, 2008 celebration to welcome the new stoplight at 6th & University Ave SE.
Left to right:
Marcy Open School Project Citizen students
Mayor R T Rybak
MHNA President Arvonne Fraser
MHNA Executive Director Melissa Bean
Thord Ward Council Member Diane Hofstede
Marcy-Holmes resident Janet Martin
35W Bridge Update: Feb. 1, 2008
I-35W Bridge over the Mississippi
Feb. 1, 2008 Greetings!
Construction of Main Span Begins
On Thursday, Jan. 31, crews poured concrete into the form for the first of 120 segments that will eventually be connected to create the 504-foot main spans (northbound and southbound) of the bridge over the Mississippi River.
Segments are 50 feet wide, 16 feet long and 25 feet deep, and they weigh about 200 tons. New segments will be “cast-in-place” in the Casting Yard every couple of days for the next few months.
Now that the casting process has begun, trucks will frequently need to enter the construction area from Washington Avenue. Although trucks will enter the site by using the on-ramp to I-35W northbound, the ramp remains closed to other motorists. An attendant wearing high-visibility safety gear will be posted at the gate whenever it is open to help direct traffic.
Construction Update
MHNA Safety & Livability Meeting, Feb. 4
MHNA Safety & Livability Meeting
Monday Feb 4, 7 pm at First Congregational Church