Marcy Holmes Neighborhood Association

MINUTES of the MHNA General Membership Meeting
Tuesday June 17, 2008
University Lutheran Church of Hope, 601 13th Ave SE

1. Meeting called to order at 7:30 pm by President Arvonne Fraser.
2. The minutes of the March meeting were unanimously approved.
3. This was our annual election for board members and officers. Nominations were solicited from the floor three times. Hearing none, a slate of candidates was presented for a vote. A motion to accept a white ballot of acclamation (Doug Carlson) was unanimously approved. Elected officers ( 1 yr term) are:
Arvonne Fraser, President
Bob Distad, Vice Pres
Steve Swanson, secretary
Paul White, Treasurer

Directors (2 yr terms ending in 2010):
Gordon Kepner
Jo Radzwill
Sonny Schneiderhan
Douglas Carlson
Thomas Lincoln
Marnie Loven- Bell

4. A vote to approve by-laws changes was unanimously approved. The changes, which were sent to members in advance of the meeting, are:

ARTICLE V – FISCAL YEAR

The fiscal year and membership year for the association shall be from June 1 through May 31 of the following year.

Change to:
The fiscal year and membership year for the association shall be from January 1 through December 31.
ARTICLE VIII – MEETINGS OF THE ASSOCIATION

Section 5. Official notice of association meetings may be given in “Southeast”, the community newspaper, or by mail. Notice may be waived by a member either before, during or after an association meeting and notice shall be presumed waived at the conclusion of the following regular meeting of the association.

Change to:
Official notice of the association meetings may be given in the community newspaper that serves SE Minneapolis, or by mail. Notice may be waived by a member, either before, during or after an association meeting, and notice shall be presumed waived at the conclusion of the following regular meeting of the association.

5. Andrew Dresdner, of Cuningham Group Architecture, gave a presentation on the 15th Ave SE Urban Design Plan. The plan was created by an MHNA task force and the Cuningham Group over several months this spring. The draft plan will be posted on the MHNA website and comments will be sought from developers, MHNA members, nearby owners and the general public. A larger community-wide meeting will take place in the fall so comments can be considered for incorporation by the board. A final version will come before the board for a vote, and if approved will go to city council for approval.

6. Hennepin County Commissioner Peter McLaughlin spoke to the group about the University/Washington Ave LRT line. The 900 million dollar project will have 15 stations and cover 11 miles. The trains will have 3 cars. Plans are just beginning to develop for the neighborhoods along the route, including the Washington Ave pedestrian transit mall. The Northern Alignment, favored by U of MN and MHNA, was not chosen due to projected lower ridership, costs, problems dealing with railroads and unsure levels of pollution/contamination. Peter Wagenius, of the Mayors’ office, spoke about mitigation projects. A connection between East River Rd, under 35W, to Main Street SE is being designed as well as a plan to make a section of Second St SE a one way, so it does not become a truck route to Central Ave. The intersections at 4th St and 10th Ave SE and University at 10th will be improved. President Fraser presented some concepts MHNA favors – Consider bikers and walkers, not just vehicles, especially as entries, exits to 35W are concerned. We like the East River Road to Main St connection, but don’t want Granary Rd to go beyond 35W. We want the bridges and overpasses to look good. We want the 5th St overpass spiffed up and widened. Council member Diane Hofstede and U of MN’s Jan Morlock joined the group to answer questions. Some comments from the audience: Customize the stations to match the area; Disappointed with the loss of development opportunities when Northern Alignment wasn’t chosen; Concern about East River Road handling additional traffic.

7. Many new faces were in attendance tonight. All were welcomed. Many were interested in the board’s position on a development proposed for Florence Court. The July Land Use meeting will be moved to July 9 at 5:30, Univ Lutheran Church of Hope, 60 13th Ave SE.

8. Bob Miller, Director of NRP (Neighborhood Revitalization Program) spoke about the successes of NRP over the years and its impending demise in 2009. In Phase II, MHNA received approx $685,000. An alternative program, called Framework for the Future, proposes to move the work of NRP into a city department. The city can establish new Tax Increment Financing (TIF) districts to fund neighborhood revitalization. In the coming weeks the city council will be voting on the changes.

9. Meeting adjourned at 9:15 PM Melissa Bean, Exec. Director

Since MHNA General Membership didn’t meet in April or May 2008, here is an update on Board Actions and Activities:

April 2008

Executive Committee:

OK’d 4 Good Neighbor Fund applications:

Clean Sweep 2009 Funding

Welcome Students Initiative

Boulevard Tree planting & stump removal

Trash/Recycling Bin placement

Decisions will be made in May.

Land Use Committee:

Approved Land Use Committee’s recommendation to support variance needed for Phoenix condominiums to add windows.
The Waves of Grain Building (801 16th Ave SE) plan is to convert a warehouse into rental housing with 28 3-4 bedroom units and 41 parking places. There are 28 spaces underground and 13 outside, making .45 per bedroom. Board voted to support this project with the caveat that this developer support and spearhead a petition to the city to improve 8th St SE from 15th Ave SE to the eats of his property, specifically with curb, gutter and pavement installed to the current city standards. The MHNA encourages the developer to follow up on his offer to participate in our 15th Ave planning process, now underway. (Note this project is just outside our official boundaries, but since there is no neighborhood organization there, we were asked for comment.)

Another item heard by the committee, 4 stories mixed use with rental above at former Gopher Cleaners site, was continued and no actions were taken until more information and committee concerns can be addressed.

Central Corridor Light Rail Train The University’s study of the “northern alignment” will be ready in mid-May. President Fraser distributed the following resolution, made by Bob Distad, concerning MHNA’s position:

RESOLUTION OF THE MARCY-HOLMES NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING April 15, 2008

CONCERNING THE CENTRAL CORRIDOR LRT

WHEREAS, the Central Corridor is a significant economic development initiative for our metropolitan region and the State of Minnesota; and

WHEREAS, local and county governments, community, business, labor, and other leaders have formed a historic, diverse partnership to advance the Central Corridor as the spine of a strategic regional transit plan; and

WHEREAS, the federal government will be asked to commit $455 million to Central Corridor at such time as a 50% local match is identified and that federal funding cannot be obtained without the state’s commitment; and

WHEREAS, Governor Pawlenty chose to line-item veto the funding for Central Corridor in the bonding bill; and

WHEREAS, “the University’s Board of Regents reaffirmed a 2001 resolution that the ‘northern alignment’ of the line is preferred over the current plans of running tracks at street level down Washington Avenue (Star-Tribune, Sat. April 12, 2008);

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Marcy Holmes Neighborhood Association, Minneapolis, situated near the University and the proposed Central Corridor line, does hereby call on the Governor and the Minnesota Legislature to continue efforts to secure state funding of at least $70 million for the Central Corridor.

AND FURTHER, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Marcy Holmes Neighborhood Association does hereby call on the Governor and the Minnesota State Legislature to prevail on the Metropolitan Council to carefully consider the disastrous consequences of re-routing 25,000 vehicles and 1,500 buses into the neighborhoods surrounding the University of Minnesota, as a result of the proposed LRT Washington Avenue alignment, and to, instead, expedite development of the ‘Northern Alignment,’ to serve the University of Minnesota.

AND FINALLY, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Marcy Holmes Neighborhood Association does hereby call on the Governor to prevail on the Metropolitan Council to comply with NEPA, FTA Regulations, MEPA regulations, Section 4(f) of the Department of Transportation Act Of 1966, and Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, in its Central Corridor review process.

Motion passed with one abstention (T. Lincoln).

MAY 2008 Board actions

1. The board agreed to have MHNA act as fiscal agent for Marcy One Call, as foundation grants require a nonprofit 501© 3 status.

2. The Executive Committee approved a draft letter opposing proposed changes to the city’s ordinance for maximum occupancy levels. A proposal from CM Cam Gordon would tie occupancy rates to dwelling size, instead of zoning classification.

3. We received word that three more possible teardowns were headed for the east side of the neighborhood: 1015 7th St SE, 1113 8th St SE and 1120 8th St SE. The BZZ report we were sent by city zoning staff doesn’t list any owner, project or planner for 1120 8th St SE. The Land Use Committee is writing a letter stating our opposition to the flurry of teardowns in our neighborhood.
4. The LU Committee and MHNA Board reviewed a draft of the Alliance Demonstration Project’s pilot program boundaries, based on CURA mapping of residents over 64 years of age, homesteaded properties that haven’t sold in the past 10 years, and other criteria. The selected area is between 4th Ave SE and 8th Ave SE, from 5th St SE to both sides of 7th St SE. This program is intended to preserve home ownership by introducing an option to buy program that would ensure buyer is an owner occupant. It is the first of several improvement projects planned in the University District.
5. Board member Doug Carlson spoke about the Central Corridor Light Rail line. The Metropolitan Council plans to make a decision on the route (Washington Ave at grade or the Northern Alignment) before the facts are all in. The U does not support the Washington Ave. route, which would add thousands of cars to our neighborhood streets and eliminate much needed parking for businesses. There is also concern for the increased air pollution and stress on our historic structures. The mitigation costs have not been fully considered. It is thought that only the public can cause minds to change at this point. There may be federal laws that have been violated. MHNA Board agreed to join CM Hofstede and set up an informational meeting to discuss the two routes and gauge neighborhood sentiment. The date and time were decided. It is critical that people contact legislators, mayor and city council.

To: MHNA Board & General Membership
Re: June 17, 2008 Meetings
Board at 6 pm, General Membership at 7:30 pm

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

Agenda.

With 20 segments in place and 100 left to go, the main span of the I-35W Bridge is now one-sixth done. Crews will place up to four segments a day from now until the main span is complete in July. Initially, they have been focusing on the south side of the river in an effort to clear the river channel as soon as possible so that construction will not interfere with boat traffic. They did, however, place the first two segments at Pier 3 on the north side of the river on Thursday, June 5.

River Channel Closed to Daily Vessel Passage until June 13

The Lower St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam, just upriver of the I-35W Bridge construction site, will be closed to boat traffic from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through June 12 to meet safety needs while the barge crane erects the first several concrete segments for the main span in that area. The navigation channel will reopen to daytime boat traffic on June 13.

Construction Update

Read the rest of this entry »

Second Annual Red Stag Block Party

Saturday June 14, 2008
5 – 10:30 pm
509 First Ave NE, Mpls. MN
Rain or Shine
Music, Hula Hoop

contest, flea market and fun.

Second Annual Red Stag Block Party

Saturday June 14, 2008
5 – 10:30 pm
509 First Ave NE, Mpls. MN
Rain or Shine
Music, Hula Hoop

R & R Social Club is gathering at Picosa in Riverplace
on Wednesday, July 16th, 2008
from 5:30-9pm
for a Salsa Evening.

For more info go to: www.rrsocialclub.com

R & R stands for Riverside Residents, meeting and exploring great city places alongside the Mississippi.

R & R Social Club is gathering at Picosa in Riverplace
on Wednesday, July 16th, 2008
from 5:30-9pm
for a Salsa Evening.

For more info go to: www.rrsocialclub.com

R & R stands for Riverside Residents, meeting and exploring great city places alongside the Mississippi.

Grand Rounds Missing Link Hearings on Recommended Route.

The Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) has recommended a route for the completion of the Grand Rounds (from St. Anthony Boulevard, down Industrial Boulevard, through the industrial property in SE Minneapolis, over the rail yard and connecting south to 27th Ave SE) to the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board.

Draft study (pdf)

Public Hearings: June 18 and 23, 2008

The Park Board has set two Public Hearings for June 18, to be held at MPRB Headquarters and on June 23, at Van Cleve Park (at this point, a time has not been set for either meeting).

Grand Rounds Missing Link Hearings on Recommended Route.

The Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) has recommended a route for the completion of the Grand Rounds (from St. Anthony Boulevard, down Industrial Boulevard, through the industrial property in SE Minneapolis, over the rail yard and connecting south to 27th Ave SE) to the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board.

Draft study (pdf)

Public Hearings: June 18 and 23, 2008

The Park Board has set two Public Hearings for June 18, to be held at MPRB Headquarters and on June 23, at Van Cleve Park (at this point, a time has not been set for either meeting).

Grand Rounds Missing Link Hearings on Recommended Route.

The Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) has recommended a route for the completion of the Grand Rounds (from St. Anthony Boulevard, down Industrial Boulevard, through the industrial property in SE Minneapolis, over the rail yard and connecting south to 27th Ave SE) to the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board.

Draft study (pdf)

Public Hearings: June 18 and 23, 2008

The Park Board has set two Public Hearings for June 18, to be held at MPRB Headquarters and on June 23, at Van Cleve Park (at this point, a time has not been set for either meeting).

Minneapolis National Night Out

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

For information about organizing your National Night Out block party go to: www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/nno

Submit your application to block off the street by 22 so there won’t be a charge.

Contact the MHNA office if you are having an event in Marcy-Holmes and we will post info on our website.

Minneapolis National Night Out

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

For information about organizing your National Night Out block party go to: www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/nno

Submit your application to block off the street by 22 so there won’t be a charge.
Contact the MHNA office if you are having an event in Marcy-Holmes and we will post info on our website.

The City of Minneapolis is hosting an open house to solicit public input for a new Bicycle Master Plan.

Wednesday June 18, 2008
4:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Room 319
City Hall.

A brief presentation will be given at 5PM, 6PM, and 7PM.

Read the rest of this entry »

Bicycle Master Plan Public Open House

Wednesday June 18, 2008
4:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Room 319
City Hall.

A brief presentation will be given at 5PM, 6PM, and 7PM.

The City of Minneapolis is hosting an open house to solicit public input for a new Bicycle Master Plan.

Wednesday June 18, 2008
4:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Room 319
City Hall.

A brief presentation will be given at 5PM, 6PM, and 7PM.

Unlike the last bicycle plan (which was approved in 2001), the 2008 plan will include goals, policies, and design guidance in addition to a map of future facilities.  The plan will focus on the 6 E’s required to make a city bicycle friendly:

Education, Enforcement, Engineering, Encouragement, Evaluation, and Equity.

The plan will also include a prioritized list of projects and initiatives.

FFI contact Donald Pflaum, Transportation Planner, 612-673-2129

What better place to celebrate the Fourth of July than along the Mississippi riverfront, historic Main Street and West River Parkway in downtown Minneapolis?

“Red, White and Boom!” is an exciting afternoon and evening of amazing music, great food and activities for the whole family.

Events begin at 5 p.m. — highlights include:

Read the rest of this entry »

What better place to celebrate the Fourth of July than along the Mississippi riverfront, historic Main Street and West River Parkway in downtown Minneapolis?

“Red, White and Boom!” is an exciting afternoon and evening of amazing music, great food and activities for the whole family.

Events begin at 5 p.m. — highlights include:

* A performance stage on West River Parkway
* Three stages of live music on historic Main Street
* Free family games and activities at Father Hennepin Bluffs Park
* Spectacular fireworks show at 10 p.m.

Prime viewing areas are West River Parkway from the 8th Ave. Bridge to 35W, Main Street from Central Ave. to 6th Ave. SE and the Stone Arch Bridge.

The event also commemorates the 125th anniversary of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board.

SOLSTICE RIVER XII: BRIDGING THE CYCLES OF LIFE

Saturday, June 21, 2008
8 pm
Stone Arch Bridge

Come out onto the Stone Arch Bridge to be part of the 12th annual celebration of the Mississippi River. This year Solstice River acknowledges the life cycles of bridges and humans.

Read the rest of this entry »

SOLSTICE RIVER XII: BRIDGING THE CYCLES OF LIFE

Saturday, June 21, 2008
8 pm
Stone Arch Bridge

Come out onto the Stone Arch Bridge to be part of the 12th annual celebration of the Mississippi River.  This year Solstice River acknowledges the life cycles of bridges and humans.

The Stone Arch Bridge had its beginning 125 years ago and the 35W bridge had its ending last August.  The performance will be a tribute to the 13 individuals who lost their lives in the 35W bridge collapse.  The intention is to help the community heal.

When words aren’t enough, dance allows a deeper connection to that part of the experience that isn’t verbal and creates an opportunity for people to honor and grieve together. This event weaves together the man-made wonders of downtown Minneapolis with the world of nature.

There will be dancers on the dike of the lock, the banks and mooring cells, high up on the grain silos and the Guthrie and on the St. Anthony Falls Hydrology lab.  A bevy of kayaks will pirouette for the audience.

At the conclusion of the performance, the audience is invited to participate in the “Blue Highway,” during which a 1200-foot length of blue fabric is unfurled across the Stone Arch Bridge by a Park Board vehicle. The music, written especially for the dance at this site, was composed by J. David Moore.

Solstice River XII is presented by the Center for Global Environmental Education at Hamline University; and is held in cooperation with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the University of Minnesota’s St. Anthony Falls Laboratory, the Mill City Museum and the Guthrie Theater.

The performance begins at 8:00 p.m. and concludes as the sun sets. This is an excellent family event; wheelchair accessible.

FREE.

globalsiteperformance.org