Dinkytown Greenway Phase 3: Grand Opening Celebration and Ride

Via a July 14 e-newsletter from the City of Minnapolis:

Please join the community this Sunday, July 20th for the grand opening celebration of the Dinkytown Greenway - Phase 3. This new trail project provides a direct bicycle and pedestrian connection from the East Bank of the University of Minnesota to downtown Minneapolis. Beginning at 1:00 p.m., Council Member Frey and Council Member Gordon will lead bike rides from Gateway Park and TCF Bank Stadium, respectively. The group rides will meet near the intersection of 20th Avenue South and Northern Pacific Bridge Number 9 for an opening ceremony and ribbon cutting at 1:30 p.m.

Event Details:

• What: Dinkytown Greenway - Phase 3 Grand Opening Celebration and Ride
• Who: Mayor Hodges, Council Members Frey & Gordon, and community members
• When: Sunday, July 20th, 2014
  • 1:00 p.m. - Pre-ceremony rides depart from TCF Bank Stadium and Gateway Park
  • 1:30 p.m. - Opening ceremony and ribbon cutting with Mayor Hodges. After remarks, join officials for a ceremonial ride through the tunnel.

An event flyer with a map is attached. We hope to see you there!

• DTGreenway3_GrandOpeningFlyer.pdf

Comment on the NIEBNA Draft Small Area Plan

The NIEBNA Small Area Plan, after a year of work by many in the neighborhood, was formally submitted to the CPED in mid-June. As part of the review and adoption process, there is a 45 day public comment period during which anyone can make comments regarding the Plan. Please do so using the process described below.

Plan documents are available from the City of Minneapolis website at the link given below and at the NIEBNA web site (www.niebna.com). 

How to Comment on the NIEBNA Draft Small Area Plan

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Nicollet Island-East Bank community stakeholders:

The Nicollet Island-East Bank Neighborhood Small Area Plan is now available for a 45 day public comment period prior to the commencement of the City’s formal plan approval process through the Planning Commission and City Council. The comment period will extend from Monday, June 30 until Wednesday, August 13, 2014. All comments received during the public comment period will be incorporated in the public record and taken into consideration in editing the final draft of the plan.

The draft plan for public review is available on the City’s website for the plan at: http://www.minneapolismn.gov/cped/projects/NIEBplan.

Paper copies will also be available for review at City planning offices and the Pierre Bottineau Library.

In order to ensure they are included in the public record, written comments should be submitted to Haila Maze, via email or regular mail, at the contact information provided below. Comments should be sent no later than August 13.

Haila Maze, AICP, Principal City Planner

Minneapolis Department of Community Planning & Economic Development Planning Division

105 5th Avenue South, Room 200, Minneapolis, MN 55401

Phone: (612) 673-2098; Fax: (612) 673-2728

haila.maze@minneapolismn.gov

Thanks for helping to plan for the future of the Nicollet Island-East Bank neighborhood. Please contact Haila if there are any questions.

Week 10 at the Mill City Farmers Market

July 12 - the first tomatoes of the 2014 Market season!

Display of Day - WEI.  I don't recall seeing Wheat Grass at the Market before.

This week Sonny's Ice Cream featured a French Lavender gelato, using lavender from French Nugget.

Loon Organics makes it easy for you - they include a pesto recipe with each bag of fresh basil.

Whoa - that is one gigantic radish! Is it starting to grow a twin?

It's too early!

The goat!

Reminder - Temporary Street Closures Monday, July 14

The Mill City Museum will be hosting a 5,000 person invitation-only Major League Baseball All-Star Gala the evening of July 14.

I've seen a number of road closure postings, all with conflicting info.  Here are some of the postings:

- Traffic will be reduced to one lane on West River Parkway on July 13, and the parkway will be completely closed on July 14.
- West River Parkway, from 4th Avenue North to 13th Avenue South – Closed 7 p.m. Monday to 1:30 a.m. Tuesday. The section of the parkway from Portland Avenue to 11th Avenue South will close all day Monday until 10 a.m. Tuesday.
- 2nd Street South, from Portland Avenue to 11th Avenue South – Closed from 9 p.m. Monday to 1:30 a.m. Tuesday. Side streets along this stretch will also be closed to Washington Avenue during this time.
- July 14- All-Star Gala - 12:00a.m. to 9:00:p.m. - West River Parkway - Between 11th Ave and Portland Ave.

We can't vouch for any of these.  Just be aware that Monday night might get tricky for some buildings in and around the Mill District - so plan accordingly!

Mpls.St.Pa​ul Magazine'​s Restaurant Week is July 20-25

Mpls.St.Paul Magazine’s Restaurant Week started in 2007 in an effort to connect Twin Cities food enthusiasts with the best in Twin Cities dining. Participating restaurants will serve two course lunches for $10-$20 and three-course dinners for $15-$30 (beverage, tax and gratuity not included).

Click here for more info and to view the list of restaurants in our riverfront neighborhoods.

West River Parkway Remains Closed as Soil Testing Begins

Via a July 9 e-newsletter from the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board:

A section of West River Parkway remains closed as the Minneapolis Park Board, Fairview Hospital and engineers work to determine the stability of the slope above the parkway that collapsed on June 19. Due to the slope’s sharp angle and shifting, wet surface, moving the soil boring testing equipment into place has proved more challenging than anticipated. However, engineers are now expected to begin core sample testing today, July 9.

Patron safety is the Park Board’s primary concern. Until soil samples are taken and analyzed and the area is determined to be safe, West River Parkway will remain closed between 4th Street and the Franklin Avenue Bridge. This includes the parkway and the adjacent pedestrian and bike trails. Trail users are unable to travel beyond the barricades and fencing installed on both sides of the impacted area.

The parkway detour for motorized vehicles, cyclists and pedestrian traffic follows Franklin Ave E to Riverside Ave to 4th Street S. Trail and parkway users approaching the area from the south will access the detour at Franklin Ave. Trail and parkway users approaching the area from the north will access the detour at 4th Street S. Detour signs are posted along the detour route.

Cynthia Froid Group Invites You to View the Amazing River Rats Water Ski Show from a Kayak

As a special “Thank You” for the support of their clients and neighbors, the Cynthia Froid Group invites you to join them during Aquatennial week to view the Amazing River Rats Water Ski Show from KAYAKS (their treat!).

Details:

Wednesday, July 23, 6:30pm - meet at Above the Falls Sports, 120 3rd Avenue N.

RSVP by Friday, July 18, to admin@cynthiafroid.com,
or call Kyle at 612-568-8571.

The group will return at 9:30pm.

  

MPRB Announces Pollinator Party: A Celebration of Bees

Editors Note:  While this event takes place outside of our usual riverfront coverage area, we recognize the interest and concern many of our neighbors have for honey bees, and felt it was important to share this information.

Via a July 7 e-newsletter from the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board:

Pollinator Party: A Celebration of Bees
It’ll be a honey of a party!

Have you heard the buzz? Honey bees and wild bees play a major role in the productivity of American agriculture through the pollination of fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds.

Join us for the 2014 Pollinator Party on Thursday, July 24, from 5 – 8 p.m. at Lyndale Park Gardens on the east side of Lake Harriet. The party will be on the open lawn just north of the Peace Garden. This event is free. Enjoy a picnic in the park - food and beverage will be available for purchase from La Loma Tomales.

The Pollinator Party brings together bees, scientists, beekeepers, food, and live music. This annual event also provides an opportunity for people of all ages to celebrate the life and work of honey bees and native bees.

At dusk, enjoy the Disney movie “Wings of Life” which offers an intimate and unprecedented look at butterflies, hummingbirds, bees, bats and flowers.

Event details:

- Learn about honey bees and urban bee keeping
- Discover the life cycles of honey bees and wild bees – and sample Minnesota honey
- Mother Earth Gardens will be on hand with native plants and information about making your own backyard bee-hospitable.
- Earn a cone of ice-cream made with honey
- Discover the wild bees of the park – help catch, identify, and release bees
- Engage in Art in the Park with the Minneapolis Institute of Arts
- Meet Elena Hoffman, the 2014 American Honey Princess
- Make seed bombs with Eggplant Urban Farm Supply
- Learn about native bee nests with the Xerces Society
- Get arty with Bee Swell
- Learn about skin care from bee products with Worker B
- Book signing for “Pollinators of Native Plants” with author Heather Holm
- Learn about monarchs with Monarch Joint Venture
- Get honey recipes from MN Honey Company
- Play the pollination game with the MN DNR's Biological Survey
- Learn how to protect bees and other beneficial insects with Pollinator Revival
- Listen to live music from: Pop Wagner, Dreamland Faces and the Brass Messengers

Event partners include the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, University of Minnesota Bee Lab and Bee Squad, the Bell Museum and the Beez Kneez.

The 2014 Pollinator Party is sponsored by sponsored by KFAI 90.3 Fresh Air Radio.

Please visit the MPRB’s website for more information about beekeeping programs and events in our parks!

Week 9 at the 2014 Mill City Farmers Market

The previous late night revelry of the Independence Day Holiday had no affect on the July 5 Market bustle. The first raspberries of the season arrived at the Market today - and they didn't last long. We couldn't pass up a surprise late season batch of tender asparagus from Prairie Hollow Farm.  The Star Trib was at the Market interviewing Melanie Ebertz of Art Andes and master weaver Wilber Quispe for an upcoming Duets feature in the Lifestyle section - can't wait to read it!

One of the many breakfast options at the Market...

Garlic scapes trying to escape?

I can sum up these new Bourbon Marshmallows from Very Prairie real quick: MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM-MMMMMMMMMMM!

The goat!

Oops - it was such a busy morning we totally spaced out the "Display of the Day" shot.  Look for it next week. In the mean time, this ice cream cone from Sonny's pretty much sums up a great day at the Market - delicious summer joy.  :)

Happy Independence Day! Here's What's Happening!

The day starts at 6:30am in Father Hennepin Bluffs Park with the Red, White & Boom! TC Half Marathon, which runs through scenic Northeast Minneapolis, ending on the beautiful Stone Arch Bridge.

Live Music and Family Activities 6pm-10pm

Join friends and family in Father Hennepin Park for FREE family activities in the Family Fun Zone. Live music will be playing at Mill Ruins Park and Father Hennepin Bluffs Park.

Fireworks 10pm

The Red, White and Boom Celebration closes with a spectacular fireworks display along the Riverfront at 10pm.
View More Information

July 24 Riverfront Vitality Forum: What's Next for the Upper Harbor Terminal?

Via a July 2 e-newsletter from the Minneapolis Riverfront Partnership:

Minneapolis Upper Harbor Terminal –  What's Next for the 48 Acres of Riverfront Property?
 
With the closing of the Upper Harbor Terminal along the Mississippi Riverfront in North Minneapolis at the end of 2014, 48 acres will be available for development.
 
Join a panel of local experts as we discuss the question:     
 
How do we redevelop in a way that both creates jobs and provides a meaningful place to live, work and interact with our environment?  What does that mean in an urban setting?
 
The panel will be kicked off by City Council President Barb Johnson.  The panel includes experts from the City, Park Board, Metropolitan Council, development community and the National Park Service, including:

•Joe Mullery, Northside neighborhood resident, Minnesota House of Representatives
•Gary Cunningham, Council Member, Metropolitan Council
•John Anfinson, Interim Superintendent, National Park Service
•Kjersti Monson, Director of Long Range Planning, City of Minneapolis Community Planning and Economic Development
•Kristin Guild, Business Development Manager, City of Minneapolis Community Planning and Economic Development
•Bruce Chamberlain, Assistant Superintendent for Planning, Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board
•Kit Richardson, Principal, Schafer Richardson

Time: 6pm to 7:30pm
Location: Mississippi Watershed Management Organization, 2522 Marshall Street NE

Space is limited. Click here to reserve your ticket now!

Your Input is Needed on New Rules to Protect the Mississippi River

Via a July 1 e-newsletter from Friends of the Mississippi River:

Attend a public meeting on the draft MRCCA rules in July. Let's make sure the public's support for strong river protections is heard loud and clear by the DNR.

The DNR has released draft Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area (MRCCA) rules and opened their public comment period which will close August 15, 2014.  Your voice, values, and concerns need to be heard to protect, enhance, and restore the Mississippi River corridor and the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area (MNRRA) in the Twin Cities area for generations to come.

1) Attend an upcoming DNR meeting
Three public information meetings are scheduled:
 
Wednesday, July 16th - 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Greenhaven Golf Course (courtesy of City of Anoka)
2800 Greenhaven Road, Anoka, MN 55303 
 
Tuesday, July 22nd - 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Nova Classical Academy
1455 Victoria Way W., St. Paul, MN 55102 
 
Thursday, July 24th - 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Schaar's Bluff Gathering Center (Spring Lake Park Reserve)
8395 127th Street E, Hastings, MN 55033
Get more information about these meetings

Download a printable meeting flyer

2) Submit written comments
For submission information and tips on written comments, please visit the DNR's site.

Interested in more information?

1) Visit FMR's Critical Area webpage

2) Contact us! 

Irene Jones, River Corridor Director
ijones@fmr.org
651-222-2193 x11

Alicia Uzarek, Policy Advocate
auzarek@fmr.org
651-222-2193 x29

Sound Point Provides Audio Tour of METRO Green Line Public Art

Via a Metro Transit e-newsletter:

MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL – (July 1) – METRO Green Line customers can experience another dimension of public art at new light-rail stations with Sound Point® – an interactive audio tour offered by Metro Transit and Minnesota Public Radio.

Each of the 18 new Green Line stations – from Union Depot Station in Lowertown St. Paul to West Bank Station on the Minneapolis campus of University of Minnesota – features public art representative of its surrounding community. The stories behind the artworks can now be discovered through first-person recorded interviews with the artists themselves. Sound Point interviews can be accessed by mobile device via texting a short code or scanning a QR code printed on posters at each station. Interviews are also available online through Green Line station pages at metrotransit.org.

“There are millions of stories related to the neighborhoods served by the Green Line,” said Metro Transit General Manger Brian Lamb. “Public art at stations helps express the unique stories of those communities and Sound Point allows artists to express the stories behind these inspiring works.” 

“MPR knows how to tell stories with sound, and now mobile devices let us share stories about a place with listeners who are standing right there," said Jeff Jones, MPR's Sound Point producer. "It's great that there are 18 brand new works of public art spread across our cities. This partnership allows Green Line riders to learn directly from the artists who created them."

Metro Transit and MPR have previously collaborated on a Sound Point tour of the Northstar Commuter Rail line that runs from Target Field in Minneapolis to Big Lake, Minn. The Northstar audio tour is available at metrotransit.org/northstar. Other Sound Point locations around the state include the Enger Tower in Duluth and public art and murals in Minneapolis.

Direct links to METRO Green Line station pages:

> Union Depot
> Central
> 10th Street
> Robert Street
> Capitol/Rice
> Western Avenue
> Dale Street
> Victoria Street
> Lexington Parkway
> Hamline Avenue
> Snelling Avenue
> Fairview Avenue
> Raymond Avenue
> Westgate
> Prospect Park
> Stadium Village
> East Bank
> West Bank

In addition to Sound Point, the posters at each Green Line station feature photos and descriptions of the surrounding neighborhood. Content was developed in collaboration with neighborhood groups from each station area to provide residents and visitors additional history and information about communities along the Central Corridor.  

Metro Transit is a service of the Metropolitan Council. Customers boarded buses and trains operated by Metro Transit more than 81 million times in 2013.

Minnesota Public Radio® (MPR) operates a 45-station radio network serving nearly all of Minnesota and parts of surrounding states. Reaching 900,000 listeners each week, MPR and its three regional services — MPR News, Classical MPR and The Current — produce programming for radio, online and face-to-face audiences. Programs produced by MPR’s parent company, American Public Media™, reach more than 18 million listeners on more than 900 radio stations nationwide each week. A complete list of stations, programs and additional services can be found at minnesotapublicradio.org.  MPR meets all 27 of the Charities Review Council (CRC) Accountability Standards. Source: Data are copyright Nielsen Audio. Data are estimates only.