The UPDA was created by the state legislature to improve the Minneapolis neighborhoods adjacent to the U of MN. Many community members have been busy designing programs and initiatives to preserve the safety, health and vitality of the campus community. For example:

An ”Option to Buy” program is now available in target areas of Marcy-Holmes and Como neighborhoods. People 64, and older, who may be interested in selling their home to another owner occupant, can sell to the UPDA, which will then resell when an owner occupant is found. The target area in Marcy-Holmes is from 5th St SE to 7th St SE, 4th Ave SE to 8th Ave SE. For more info, call SE Seniors at 331-2302.

The University District Home Buyer Assistance loan program offered through the University District Partnership Alliance (UDPA) is a downpayment and closing cost assistance program to encourage and assist homebuyers in the University District neighborhoods. The program offers a $10,000 two-percent interest loan that is forgivable over five years to anyone buying a home in which they will live located in the five University District neighborhoods: Cedar Riverside, Marcy Holmes, Prospect Park, University and Southeast Como.  The UDPA partners are the University of Minnesota, City of Minneapolis and the Cedar Riverside, Marcy Holmes, Prospect Park and Southeast Como neighborhood organizations. A press release will announce contact information in the coming weeks – stay tuned.

A Live Near Your Work website is being launched by UPDA in the next few weeks. It will feature stories and photos of the district neighborhoods, and homes for sale with links to the sellers.

The website will be a marketing tool aimed at workers from the U of MN, nearby hospitals and downtown businesses. Anyone with web design experience is invited to join the committee assembling the site. Call the MHNA office.

Another initiative is looking to set up a University Overlay District for our area. The overlay district might have special rules about parking, development, zoning, inspections and “regulatory interface”, or how the City deals with these issues in our neighborhoods. Southeast  Sector planner Haila Maze will be working with a group of city officials (from planning, public works, heritage preservation, Regulatory Services, Zoning, etc) and she wants neighborhood input . Can two people volunteer to represent MHNA on this committee? Please call the MHNA office to volunteer.

So you see there is a lot going on, as usual, in our neighborhood. If you want to get involved, join a committee, come to National Night Out, serve at a Restorative Justice Community Conference or …. Just call the office for more info.

Happy August!

ST. ANTHONY MAIN OUTDOOR CONCERT SERIES
Concerts are FREE and open to all ages.

May 30 – Aug 24, 2008
Fridays and Saturdays, 7:30 – 10:30 pm
Sundays, 5 – 8 pm

Outdoor stage at St. Anthony Main between Tugg’s Tavern & VIC’s

Friday, August 1, 7:30 pm — Orange Whip
http://orange-whip.com
Pop/Rock

Saturday, August 2, 7:30 pm — Kubla Khan
Alt. Rock

Sunday, August 3, 5 pm –Rich Lewis Band
http://richlewisband.com
R & B/Rock

MINNEAPOLIS RIVERFRONT WALKING TOURS

Saturday, August 2, 11 am, and Sunday, August 3, 1 pm
Walk the Minneapolis riverfront and learn about its dramatic past and bright future. Participants

will visit the historic district at St. Anthony Falls, which was once the milling center of the world and is now a growing cultural, recreational, and residential neighborhood. A guide from Mill City Museum will lead visitors onto the Stone Arch Bridge for a spectacular view of the falls, the historic buildings surrounding it, and downtown Minneapolis. The guide also will tell stories of the people who have worked and lived in the area and how it has changed over the years. Each tour begins and ends at Mill City Museum where participants can visit the museum gallery (included in the price of the tour), and enjoy refreshments at the Mill City Museum Café.

Fee: $12 adults, $10 seniors and college students, $8 children 6-17 and MHS members.

Reservations: required, call 612-341-7555.

ST. ANTHONY FALLS HERITAGE BOARD WEB SITE

The St. Anthony Falls Heritage Board web site provides information about the history of the St.

Anthony Falls area and history-related things to do (including web versions of the various walking tour brochures); visit http://www.stanthonyfalls.org

August 19 at the downtown Minneapolis Hennepin County Library (includes talk by historian Penny Petersen)
6-7 p.m.: Building Minneapolis
7:20-8:20 p.m.: Minneapolis: Late 19th and Early 20th Century Growth

Public Hearing about Neighborhood Revitalization Program –

Aug. 20, 2008
5:00 p.m.

Location: Minneapolis City Hall, Room 317

The Minneapolis City Council will hold a public hearing to hear your input on “Framework for the Future,” a proposal on the future of neighborhood revitalization.  Document can be found on the city’s Web site at www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us.

The City Council is expected to vote on this proposal in mid-September.

Great News ! We recently learned that the city applied for and received a grant from Transit for Livable Communities to create a bikewalk corridor on 6th Ave SE from University Ave to Fillmore NE. Sixth Avenue SE (and thus the Stone Arch Bridge) has been chosen as one of three streets in the Metropolitan area to become a Bike-Walk Street, financed through the $25 million Oberstar bike allocation.

Learn more at the Eastside Bicycle Task Force meeting:

Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2008
6:00 p.m.

Location: Northeast Library, 2200 Central Ave. N.E.

Find out about proposals for new bicycle boulevards, bike lanes, and bicycle-trail planning initiatives on the Eastside.  A $25 million federal allocation for bicycle and pedestrian trails in the metropolitan area is being managed by the Transit for Livable Communities (TLC), a non-profit organization.  TLC selected Fillmore Street from the city’s northern border through East Hennepin Avenue to Sixth Avenue S.E. and the Stone Arch Bridge as one of three streets in the metropolitan area to become a Bike-Walk Street.  The north-south routes under consideration are Fillmore, Fifth Street N.E., and Marshall/Main Street.  Potential east-west routes include 22nd Avenue N.E., 18th Avenue N.E., and 8th Avenue N.E.

Staff from both the City of Minneapolis and TLC will be in attendance to answer questions.  This meeting is open to the public.

Our regular Eastside Bicycle Task Force rep is unable to attend – any volunteers from MHNA? Contact the MHNA Office if you can attend. The goal is to have two reps from each neighborhood to receive and disseminate information.

FYI - Bike riding has gone up 30% since gas prices have risen.

NEW LAW – carbon monoxide alarms are required by August 1

Carbon monoxide (CO) alarms are required in all single-family homes in Minnesota by August 1, 2008. CO alarms will be required for multi-family or apartment dwellings by August 1, 2009.

See the fact sheet issued by the State Fire Marshal.

The one-year anniversary of the Interstate 35W Bridge collapse is August 1.  The public is invited to attend ceremonies to remember the victims, survivors, their families, and rescue workers.

Friday, August 1, 2008:

Outdoor memorial ceremony, starting at 4:30 p.m., Gold Medal Park, 10th Avenue South and 2nd Street South.  Music touching on the many cultures of survivors and victims will be performed, followed by a procession to the Stone Arch Bridge. A moment of silence will be observed on the bridge at 6:05, ending with church bells chiming throughout Minneapolis and the state.

NRP Home Improvement Loans Now Available for Marcy-Holmes Residents

Thinking about making home improvements? Need to replace your roof, drafty windows or siding? The Marcy-Holmes Neighborhood Association has 5% fixed rate interest loans available for eligible properties in the Marcy-Holmes Neighborhood to assist you in completing these improvements.

The Marcy-Holmes Home Improvement Program offers:

· 5% fixed rate Loans
· $20,000 Maximum Loan
· No maximum income limit
· Eligible properties include owner-occupied and absentee-owned properties no larger than 4 units.  Town homes and condominiums are not eligible.
· Eligible improvements include additions, renovations, repairs and code violation corrections.

The Marcy-Holmes Neighborhood Association has contracted with the Center for Energy & Environment (CEE), a local non-profit organization, to administer these and offer other funds to Marcy-Holmes residents.

To request an application or learn more about the program as well as others CEE has to offer, please contact CEE at 612-335-5884 or visit www.mncee.org

Funds available September 2, 2008

If you left a bowl and plastic salad tongs at the June Garden Potluck, please call to retrieve:

612-379-9451.

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT is next Tuesday August 5th.

COME TO THE MARCY-HOLMES
NATIONAL NIGHT OUT BLOCK PARTY & POTLUCK

Tuesday, August 5th, 2008
from 5PM - 9PM
500 block of 7th Avenue SE

If you live on an AVENUE, bring a main dish,
If you live on a STREET, bring a salad or dessert.

MEET YOUR NEIGHBORS AND ENJOY AN EVENING OF GOOD FOOD AND FUN!

Other highlights include:

• visit from firefighters and their firetruck
• cakewalk
• local musical entertainment

SEE YOU THEN!

Many thanks to donors to our event: MATCOM, Inc., HOLIDAY, PRACNA on MAIN,  VIC’s, WILDE ROAST, TARGET and LUND’s.

I-35W Bridge over the Mississippi
July 22, 2008

Crews Close Gaps between Cantilevers

Construction crews closed the gap on the northbound span of the I-35W bridge on Wednesday night, July 16, by pouring concrete into forms built between the cantilevers extending from both sides of the river. The closure pour on the southbound span will take place this week.

It took seven concrete trucks, loaded with eight cubic yards of concrete each, to supply the concrete needed to fill the form.

After about three hours, most of the concrete had been placed, and the surface of the deck had been smoothed out.

Construction Update

Other construction activities scheduled for the week of July 21 include:

Read the rest of this entry »

The Marcy-Holmes Neighborhood Association is pleased to present a draft plan to guide development and improvements to the 15th Ave SE corridor, from 5th St SE to the railroad tracks, in our neighborhood.

View the Draft Plan (PDF format).

This three and a half block site is zoned R5, is situated on a bus transit line and is the most heavily used bicycle route in the city. 15th Ave SE is a gateway to the University of Minnesota, and as such deserves special attention. At a time when increased gas prices mean more university staff, faculty and students will desire to live closer to campus, we believe this area is poised for both density and innovation. When the University Avenue light rail line is complete, this area will be within walking distance of the Washington Ave. station.

Briefly, the plan links aggressive development with historic preservation and other public amenities, including a more attractive streetscape featuring a “promenade”. The document outlines a design strategy and makes recommendations on how to transition density with existing buildings. We are looking for potential partners for high quality development on 15th Ave SE that can bring significant benefits to all residents and businesses in the neighborhood.

The MHNA Board of Directors invites your comments. We will take them into consideration as we refine the plan and eventually send it to the city for official adoption.

A 15th Ave Task Force worked for several months with Cuningham Group Architecture on the plan.

Send your comments by email to office@marcy-holmes.org.  Please send your comments by October 15, 2008. (The plan will also be featured on the agenda of the Oct. 16 MHNA General Membership meeting, 7:30 pm at University Lutheran Church of Hope, 601 13th Ave SE.)

We thank you in advance for taking the time to review the draft 15th Ave SE Urban Design Plan and we look forward to your response.
Sincerely,

Arvonne Fraser
President, MHNA

THE SIDEWALK SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
July 11, 2008 - PDF

STADIUM STEEL STRUCTURE TOPS OFF

On Friday June 27, the final steel beams were placed on top of the Stadium’s auxiliary scoreboard signifying the completion of the main portion of the steel Stadium structure. 8, 800 tons of steel were erected and assembled to build the stadium frame. The beams, which had been signed by Stadium construction workers, project executives and supporters, were hoisted onto the scoreboard by two large cranes. Steel for the scoreboard and architectural detailing will be erected and placed over the summer.

Minnesota-based Le Jeune Steel Company, along with American Structural Metals, Inc. are the steel fabricators.

Now that most of the steel structure is in place, the focus is on continuing to enclose the building in brick and finishing the concrete seating bowl.

Work is proceeding on the interior of the building as well.

Read the rest of this entry »

Our neighborhood National Night Out Block Party is
Tuesday, August 5th, 2008
from 5PM - 9PM.

In an earlier email, I asked for help with various aspects of the party, including donated paper products.

The city is encouraging neighborhoods to be as green as possible at their parties. I agree and think we can easily cut down on our waste with a small change in plans:

PLEASE BRING REUSABLE PLATES AND UTENSILS for your use at the block party. We’ll have a hose available so you can rinse them off. THANKS for helping out in this way. Not to worry if you forget, we’ll have some back-up.

ALSO, I’m looking for help in distributing flyers about the Block Party. I’d like to get them out next week sometime. Please email me (mcgnelson@aol.com) or call (378-7578) if you can help. THANKS!
Robin Nelson

All shows from 7 to 8:30 pm

Father Hennepin Bluffs Park, southeast Minneapolis bank of the Mississippi River at the Stone Arch Bridge

Wednesday, July 16 — Blues 211; Blues - Rock

Concert schedule is subject to change. Please check the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board’s Website for the most up to date concert and parking information.

All shows from 7 to 8:30 pm

Father Hennepin Bluffs Park, southeast Minneapolis bank of the Mississippi River at the Stone Arch Bridge

Monday, July 14 — The Mary Klueh Band; Original Folk/Rock/Pop/Country

Wednesday, July 16 — Blues 211; Blues - Rock

Concert schedule is subject to change. Please check the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board’s Website for the most up to date concert and parking information.

Wednesday, July 16, 2008
5:30 — 6:30 pm

The Soap Factory, 518 Second Street SE

Executive Director Ben Heywood and artist/historian Andy Sturdevant will lead a tour of The Soap Factory, a gallery and organization housed in the historic National Purity Soap Factory. The organization is celebrating its twentieth anniversary. It is dedicated to the production, presentation and promotion of emerging contemporary practice across the visual arts. Come and learn more about this unique building and the organization. The event is FREE!

Thursday, July 17, 2008 @ 6 – 8 p.m.

Enjoy the sounds of acoustic folk as Roma di Luna takes the stage in the Mill Ruins Courtyard at Mill City Museum.

Set in the museum’s dramatic open air Ruin Courtyard, “Mill City Live” features eight great evenings of free outdoor music by some of the best local artists.

Performances take place on the first and third Thursday of each month from 6 to 8 p.m., with food and drink for purchase by D’Amico Catering.

Sunday, July 20, 2008
1 – 4 pm (program begins at 2 pm)
Nicollet Island Pavilion

People from around the world will share their cultures and celebrate Minneapolis’ 150th Anniversary during Sister City Day. Representatives from at least four of Minneapolis’ sister cities will join in the festivities, which will include Native American dancers, Japanese baton twirlers and Connie Evingson singing Hot Club jazz, which originated in France. Light refreshments will be served. Sister City Day is a free opportunity for the public to learn about cultures from around the world.

Minneapolis has eight sister cities, including: Santiago, Chile; Kuopio, Finland; Ibaraki City, Japan; Novosibirsk, Russia; Tours, France; Harbin, China; Uppsala, Sweden; and Eldoret, Kenya.

The sister city relationships are supported by citizen groups here in Minneapolis whose members organize exchanges and other activities with our sister cities around the world.

Learn more about Minneapolis’ sister cities.

Through August 24, 2008
Fridays and Saturdays, 7:30 – 10:30 pm
Sundays, 5 – 8 pm
Outdoor stage at St. Anthony Main
between Tugg’s Tavern and VIC’s
219 Main Street SE, Minneapolis

Friday, July 18, 2008 @ 7:30 pm — Deb Brown Band
Rock/Blues

Saturday, July 19, 2008 @ 7:30 pm — Tejas Brothers
Alt-Country/Rock

Sunday, July 20, 2008 @ 5 pm – MN Barking Ducks
Rock/Blues

Concerts are FREE and open to all ages.