Long List of Neighborhood Restaurants are Participating in the April 30 Dining Out for Life®

Founded in 1985, The Aliveness Project is a local nonprofit organization and community center providing on-site meals, food shelf options, integrative therapies, and vital services for individuals living with HIV/AIDS throughout Minnesota. 75% of their members live in poverty and depend on The Aliveness Project for daily meals.

This year, 200 Participating Restaurants in the Twin Cities, Duluth, Lanesboro, and Mankato have agreed to donate a portion of their proceeds to The Aliveness Project.

Last year's Dining Out for Life raised over $257,000 in donations from generous restaurants, sponsors, and 37,000 individual diners. This April 30, the goal is $275,000 and 40,000 diners. 

In our riverfront neighborhoods, the following restaurants are participating:

Mattie's on Main, J.D. Hoyt's, Sawahtee Thai Restaurant, Wilde Roast Cafe, Zen Box Izakaya, Day Block Brewing Company, HauteDish, The Smack Shack, Black Sheep Pizza, The Butcher Block Restaurant, Ginger Hop Restaurant, Kramarczuk Sausage Co., North East Social, Red Stag Supperclub, Republic Seven Corners and Sapor Cafe/Bar.

In the News - March 30, 2015

Riverfront neighborhoods in the news last week:

HYDRO PROPOSAL AT ST. ANTHONY FALLS LOCK TRIES AGAIN

http://www.startribune.com/local/blogs/297809531.html

HERE ARE THE LATEST PLANS FOR GIGANTIC 750-APARTMENT DEVELOPMENT IN NE MINNEAPOLIS

http://blogs.citypages.com/blotter/2015/03/here_are_the_latest_plans_for_gigantic_750-apartment_development_in_northeast_minneapolis.php

NEIGHBORHOOD CONCERNS BECOME OBSTACLE TO NYE'S REDEVELOPMENT

http://www.startribune.com/local/minneapolis/297716331.html

MINNEAPOLIS DEVELOPMENT: WE MUST EMBRACE CHANGE LIKE THE NYE'S SITE PROPOSAL

http://www.startribune.com/opinion/commentaries/297851841.html

DOWNTOWN EAST BETTING ON STADIUM MOMENTUM

http://www.startribune.com/local/minneapolis/297143131.html

NO DOCS NEEDED: U TO OPEN NURSE-LED CLINIC NEAR NEW VIKINGS STADIUM

http://www.bizjournals.com/twincities/news/2015/03/24/university-minnesota-primary-care-minneapolis.html

U OF M NURSE PRACTITIONER CLINIC AIMS TO HELP FILL DOCTOR VOID

http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/health/297468881.html

‘A’ MILL WILL SOON BE HOME TO ARTIST COMMUNITY

http://www.journalmpls.com/news-feed/%E2%80%98a%E2%80%99-mill-will-soon-be-home-to-artist-community

STREETSCAPES: NICOLLET MALL MAKEOVER MUST HONOR STREET'S PAST AND PRESENT

http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/297812581.html

DREAMING OF A FOOD MARKETPLACE IN DOWNTOWN MINNEAPOLIS

http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/taste/297794761.html

A New Resource for River Lovers

Today we launched River Hub, the most complete (we believe) listing of events related to the Minneapolis Riverfront on the web.  Our goal with River Hub is to serve the large community of people passionate about our riverfront by helping you stay up-to-date on events impacting the river, as well as Event Planners by helping to avoid scheduling conflicts with other river related events to the extent possible.

River Hub is a very simple site - just an activities list and a page for readers to submit events.  That's it.  There are plenty of great sources for general Riverfront news, but we wanted to make RH as easy to use as possible, so we decided to focus on just one thing.

Back in 2010 we launched Mill City Times as a simple web directory of local businesses, mainly because as new residents of the Riverfront we needed a resource for our own use (none existed).  It quickly took on a life of its own and has been growing ever since.  As we've become more engaged with Riverfront planning and advocacy, we spend an inordinate amount of time just trying to stay in the loop.  We check dozens of websites weekly just to stay on top of things.   We figured we might as well make use of that effort, just as we do with Mill City Times.

So, out of passion and a little bit of frustration, River Hub was born:

http://www.riverhub.org/

Traffic Alert - 5th Street Downtown Closure - Update

Via a March 27 City of Minneapolis e-newsletter:

Four blocks of 5th Street close to traffic next week

Crews will be making changes that will improve how people get around downtown, whether they’re driving, walking or biking

On Monday, a section of 5^th Street South by the new stadium will close, and crews will begin modifying 6^th Street so it can handle that displaced traffic. In the meantime, drivers will need to follow posted detours.

The affected four-block section of 5^th Street South between Park Ave and 11^th Avenue is one-way westbound. It runs tandem to 6^th Street, which is now one-way eastbound. Along with closing 5^th Street to traffic, crews will add one westbound lane to 6^th Street. The new westbound lane of 6^th Street is expected to open by the end of the construction season, handling the traffic that used to use 5^th Street.

This work is being performed by the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority, which is coordinating it with the City. After 5^th Street closes to traffic, crews will remove the roadway and make the area part of the stadium construction site. When the stadium project is completed, the area that was once 5^th Street will include off-street bike paths. The skewed intersections along 5th Street and the concrete and chain-link barrier presently separating 5^th Street and 6^th Street will be removed, making it easier for people on foot to get around.

During this construction, the City plans to add two new traffic signals on 6^th Street at 9^th Avenue and 10^th Avenue. These signals will include audible pedestrian signals, countdown pedestrian crosswalk timers and other features. Some existing signals will be similarly upgraded.

Currently, 5^th Street handles traffic exiting from westbound Interstate 94. A joint project by the City and the Minnesota Department of Transportation will move the exit ramp from 5^th Street to 7^th’Street. Since 7^th Street crosses the entire length of downtown, traffic exiting here will have better access to downtown Minneapolis events, stores, restaurants, businesses and other destinations. Construction of the new 7^th Street exit ramp will begin this summer, with the switch from 5^th Street exit to a 7^th Street exit taking place in summer 2016.

Click here for more information on these and other street construction projects.

Click here for real-time information for lane closures and construction in downtown Minneapolis.

Traffic Alert - Hennepin Ave/First Street Downtown

Via a March 27 City of Minneapolis e-newsletter:

Portions of Hennepin Avenue and First Street downtown close for utility work Monday

Closures will last for up to two weeks

Southbound Hennepin Avenue just south of the bridge over the Mississippi River in downtown Minneapolis will close to traffic on Monday, along with a block of Second Avenue North, so crews can upgrade utilities beneath the roadway.

CenterPoint Energy is in the process of replacing a natural gas distribution pipeline in downtown Minneapolis.

Starting Monday, March 30, the following streets will be closed:

• Southbound Hennepin Avenue will be closed at First Street for approximately one week. Traffic on southbound Hennepin Avenue will be detoured west onto First Street, then south onto First Avenue and then east on Washington Avenue. First Street will remain open to traffic during this construction.
• Second Avenue North will be closed from Second Street North to First Street North for two weeks.

The CenterPoint Energy project is expected to last much of the construction season and will involve more street closures and lane restrictions. For more information, go to CenterPoint Energy's construction zone website. 

Click here for updated information on street closures and lane restrictions throughout Minneapolis.

Click here for real-time information for lane closures and construction in downtown Minneapolis.

Bohemian Flats Exhibit Opens April 30 with Free Program at Mill City Museum

"Remembering the Bohemian Flats: One Place, Many Voices" explores the many perspectives on the people and the conditions of this early immigrant neighborhood adjacent to the Mississippi River.

Through photographs, newspaper clippings, maps and surveys, visitors can "journey" down the 79 steps from the bluffs to the flats, and see how a community in the middle of the city could simultaneously be at the margins of the river, of society, and of historical memory.

Exhibit opening, April 30, 6-8 p.m., at the Mill City Museum.

The exhibit will open with a program by State Archaeologist Dr. Scott Anfinson who will discuss urban archaeology projects along West River Parkway including Bohemian Flats, the Hennepin Avenue Bridge and the Federal Reserve Bank. University of Minnesota students Rachel Hines and Stefanie Kowalczyk will be on hand to discuss how they turned student research into an exhibit. Complimentary East European food from Kramarczuk’s and a cash bar by D’Amico Catering will be available.

"Remembering the Bohemian Flats: One Place, Many Voices" began as a senior thesis by University of Minnesota undergraduate Rachel Hines who earned the Elden Johnson Prize for the best senior thesis in archaeology. Three of Ms. Hines’s project advisors brought the project idea to a University collaborative sponsored by the Institute for Advanced Study and the Minnesota Historical Society. Undergraduate and graduate students delved into the local archives, and Rachel Hines and Stefanie Kowalczyk turned this wealth of research into an exhibit. A website featuring a blog and the student research papers will be available at http://riverlife.umn.edu/engagement/boflats_mcm_exh/.

"Remembering the Bohemian Flats: One Place, Many Voices" is located in the museum’s central Mill Commons, and is free and open to the public during regular museum hours. It is on view April 30-Nov. 1, 2015.

The exhibit is funded in part by the Legacy Amendment’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund through the vote of Minnesotans on Nov. 4, 2008.

MPRB Survey Re: West River Road Slope Failure/Mudslide

Via a March 26 Minneapolis Park and Rec Board e-newsletter:

Please take a survey regarding the design of the permanent repairs of the slope failure/mudslide along West River Parkway that occurred on June 19, 2014.  The survey can be found at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/XW38ZS9. 

The project will be bid in mid-April and repairs are scheduled to begin in mid-June.  Construction is expected to take 3 - 4 months.  West River Parkway will re-open when repairs are complete. 

Deborah Bartels, Registered Landscape Architect
Project Manager – Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board
2117 West River Road
Minneapolis MN 55411 -2227
dbartels@minneapolisparks.org
612-230-6438 direct

Minneapolis Milliner Celina Kane of Hat Make Featured in Minnesota Monthly

Thanks to Celina Kane of Hat Make, Minneapolis women now have a new option for making a fashion statement.  Celina is the daughter of Brenda Langton and Tim Kane, owners of Spoonriver, where she recently debuted her new line of hats.  Learn all about it in this Minnesota Monthly article.

In addition to the website, you can follow Hat Make on Facebook.

The Cynthia Froid Group Invites You to Two Private Screenings at the MSP International Film Festival

Volunteers Needed to Serve on Community Advisory Committees

Via a March 24 Minneapolis Park and Rec Board e-newsletter:

Applications are now being accepted for open positions on multiple community advisory committees.

Those interested in volunteering can find more information and an application for each advisory committee below. Individuals should submit the application by the due date in order to be considered. Applications are also available by calling Customer Service at 612-230-6400.

Green Line Extension (Southwest LRT) Community Advisory Committees

This year the Southwest LRT Project Office is working with project partners, consultants, public artists and the community on Southwest LRTstation design, public art and landscaping plans. This work includes integrating public art into each station design and developing landscape designs for the Kenilworth Corridor between West Lake Station and Penn Station. The MPRB is to appoint community representatives to two committees:

Southwest LRT Station Art Committee
•Committee Charter [PDF] and Application [PDF] - Due April 3, 2015

Southwest LRT Kenilworth Station Art and Landscape Committee (KSALC)
•Committee Charter [PDF] and Application [PDF] - Due April 3, 2015

Appointment notifications will be made shortly after April 3.

Blue Line Extension (BLRT) Community Advisory Committee

The METRO Blue Line Extension (BLRT) Community Advisory Committee is to provide guidance to the BLRT Corridor Management Committee on community issues during the engineering and environmental phases of Southwest LRT project development. In addition, the committee will advise the Hennepin County Community Works Steering Committee for elements regarding station area planning, other infrastructure investments and elements that may be implemented post revenue service. The MPRB is to appoint one community representative to this committee:

BLRT Community Advisory Committee
•Committee Charter [PDF] and Application [PDF] - Due April 15, 2015

Appointment notifications will be made shortly after April 15.

MPRB Urban Agriculture Activity Plan, Project Implementation Team

The urban agriculture activity plan was developed through an extensive community engagement process and contains recommendations related to policy, facility, program, and service improvements to better support urban agriculture within the parks. The work of this team is to guide the plan’s implementation for many years ahead.

The MPRB is to appoint three Minneapolis residents to this team:
•Team Charter [PDF] and Application [PDF] - Due April 20, 2015

Appointment notifications will be made shortly after April 20. 

Contact:

Ginger Cannon, Planning Division
Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board
Office: 612-230-6413
gcannon@minneapolisparks.org

News Release from University of Minnesota Health

New nurse-led clinic in Minneapolis poised for downtown revival

Recent legislation helps University of Minnesota Health launch its first clinic with nurses at the helm
 
MINNEAPOLIS – March 23, 2015 – In the heart of Minneapolis’ rapidly evolving Downtown East neighborhood, a new clinic led by nurses opens April 6 to treat patients and teach the next generation of care providers.

With help from recent legislation that allows the most highly educated clinical nurses to practice independently from physicians, this new primary care clinic operated by the University of Minnesota School of Nursing is modernizing health care infrastructure for the state’s fastest growing city.
 
“This is an all-hands-on-deck moment in health care. We are seeing growing numbers of nurses leading, delivering and coordinating care. They’re on the frontlines treating chronic conditions, diagnosing common problems and educating patients,” said Brooks Jackson, dean of the University of Minnesota Medical School. “Our University of Minnesota Health Nurse Practitioners Clinic is the latest example of how we’re evolving to this new care model.”

The legislation, which passed with an overwhelming majority, aims to reduce health care costs and alleviate a growing shortage of primary care providers by allowing nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, clinical nurse specialists and nurse anesthetists to practice more autonomously.

Nurse-led clinics could significantly improve people’s access to qualified care providers. In urban centers, these care providers can improve patient flow across the health care system. That’s because nurse practitioners and other highly trained nurses are able to accommodate common health needs, like diabetes, women’s care and pediatric milestones, making room for more involved consultations at area doctors’ offices.

In addition to nurse practitioners, the clinic will be a training ground for an inter-professional team including clinical pharmacists, undergraduate nursing students and other primary care providers. When a patient presents complex symptoms, the clinic’s nurses are able to refer that person to leading specialists within the University of Minnesota.

“When we look at the new stadium, the apartments and condominiums, and the employers moving into the Downtown East area, we see an opportunity to serve a vibrant, diverse and growing community,” said Connie White Delaney, dean of University of Minnesota School of Nursing. “This clinic – and the legislation that helped make it a reality – is paving the way for a healthier Minnesota.”

The clinic is located at 814 S. 3rd St., Minneapolis, MN, 55415. For appointments starting April 6, call 612-888-9792 or visit www.umnhealth.org/np.

About University of Minnesota Health

University Of Minnesota Health Represents collaboration between University of Minnesota Physicians and University of Minnesota Medical Center. Working together, we provide exceptional care in a wide range of specialties at our hospitals, clinics and in community‐based facilities throughout the region. Visit: www.UMNHealth.org

About University of Minnesota School of Nursing

The University of Minnesota School of Nursing offers three graduate programs and one undergraduate program serving a total of 950 students. Its Doctor of Nursing Practice program is the third largest in the nation, preparing nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, clinical nurse specialists, nurse anesthetists, public health nurses and other specialists. The school is a leader in nursing research and discovery.  

To make an appointment (after April 6), call 612-888-9792

Learn more at:  umnhealth.org/np

University of Minnesota Health Nurse Practitioners Clinic Facts
• First nurse-led clinic in the University of Minnesota Health system
• First clinic opened by the University of Minnesota School of Nursing
• One of five nurse-led clinics in the region
• 2,600 square feet
• Onsite lab
• Five clinic exam rooms
• Initially staffed by two nurse practitioners, a clinical pharmacist, three staff
• 300 yards from the entrance to the new Vikings Stadium
• One block north of the Downtown East station served by the blue and green lines
• Opened at the invitation of RS EDEN, a regional provider of affordable housing and other social services, which runs a 100-unit facility in Downtown East

22 Reasons You Should Never Visit Minneapolis

Minneapolis used to be a regular, old city full of Scandinavians, Germans and Polish folks who enjoyed a quiet glass of 3.2 beer with their suppers of unflinchingly white, starchy foods. You could live a calm life with little excitement. Now all that's gone to hell: I wouldn't go there if I were you.

(Warning: Extreme sarcasm in this article)

http://www.newscastic.com/news/22-reasons-you-should-never-visit-minneapolis-2602548/

Get Set for a Permanent Detour - 5th Street Ramp to Close

The plan for the stadium site is to close 5th street and make 6th street a wider, two way street.

5th Street (and the ramp from I94) near the new Vikings Stadium will close beginning Monday, March 30, 2015. Notication signs are posted at 5th and 11th streets to alert commuters. The detour route is 11th Avenue to 7th Street to Park Avenue (see attached map), until 6th Street has been constructed into a two way road later this year. Be prepared to make alternate travel plans.  Scroll the document below for map of the affected area:

Tuesday, March 24 / Loring Park Annual Meeting

Citizens for a Loring Park Community is holding its Annual Meeting Tuesday night at the Women's Club of Minneapolis.  Download flyer for details:

This Week at City Hall - Mill City Quarter

Community Development and Regulatory Services Committee Agenda

Standing Committee of the City Council, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Regular Meeting

March 24, 2015 – 1:30 p.m.

Room 317, City Hall

Members:   Council Members Lisa Goodman (Chair), Jacob Frey, Kevin Reich, Abdi Warsame, Alondra Cano and John Quincy (Quorum 4)

Council Committee Coordinator: Irene Kasper 612-673-2219

Presentation

1.   Presenting resolution honoring Erik Hansen for 12 years of service to the City of Minneapolis.

Staff Reports: Erik Hansen RESL

Public Hearings

Department of Community Planning & Economic Development (CPED)

2.   Land Sale (2933 5th Ave S and 2937 5th Ave S):

Considering a resolution authorizing sale of properties to Cedar and Riverside Company for $36,000 each, subject to conditions: a) land sale closing must occur on or before 90 days from the date of City Council approval; b) payment of holding costs of $300.00 per month if the land sale closing does not occur on or before the closing deadline. The sale conditions may be waived or amended with approval of the CPED Director. 

Staff Reports: 2933 5th Ave RCA; 2933 5th ATTACH

3.   Land Sale (2600 Irving Ave N):

Considering a resolution authorizing sale of property 600 Irving Ave N to Andre Duke for $6,000, subject to conditions: a) land sale closing must occur on or before 90 days from the date the City receives title; and b) payment of holding costs of $300.00 per month if the land sale closing does not occur on or before the closing deadline. The sale conditions may be waived or amended with approval of the CPED Director. 

Staff Reports: 2600 Irving Ave N RCA; 2600 Irving Ave N ATTACH1; 2600 Irving Ave N ATTACH2

4.   Corcoran Triangle, LP (3120 24th Ave S):

Considering a resolution giving preliminary approval to the issuance of up to $13,000,000 in Tax-Exempt Multifamily Housing Revenue Entitlement Bonds to assist in the acquisition land and the construction of a 135-unit multifamily rental housing development and of facilities functionally related.

Staff Reports: Corcoran Triangle RCA; Corcoran Triangle ATTACH1; Corcoran Triangle ATTACH2

5.   Ecumen Mill City Quarter, LLC – Abiitan (428 2nd St S):

Considering a resolution granting preliminary and final approval to the issuance of up to $32,000,000 in Tax Exempt Senior Housing and Healthcare Revenue Bonds to assist in the acquisition, construction, and equipping of a 151-unit multifamily rental apartment development, and facilities functionally related and subordinate thereto, comprised of approximately 48 memory-care units and approximately 103 apartment homes with home-care services that will be provided to residents as a separate charge on an as-needed basis. 

Staff Reports: Ecumen Mill City Quarter Bonds RCA; Ecumen Mill City Quarter Bonds ATTACH

6.   Mill City Quarter (300 2nd St S):

Considering a resolution granting preliminary and final approval to the issuance of up to $22,000,000 in Tax Exempt Multifamily Housing Revenue Entitlement Bonds to assist in the acquisition, construction, and equipping of a 150-unit multifamily rental apartment development.

Staff Reports: Mill City Quarter RCA; Mill City Quarter ATTACH

7.   Land Sale (Mill City Quarter and Abiitan):

a)   Considering resolution authorizing sale of 300 2nd St S and 428 2nd St S to Eagle Iron Partners, LLC or Assigned Developers (322 Second Street Apartments, LLP and Ecumen Mill City Quarter, LLC) for a collective price of $3,161,000;

b)   Considering resolution authorizing a waiver of the Park Land Dedication requirement contingent on execution and filing of a Parkland Development and Easement Agreement as described herein between the City, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, 322 Second Street Apartments, LLP, Ecumen Mill City Quarter, LLC and Mill Place, Inc.;

c)   Approving a $350,000.00 loan in accordance with term sheet;

d)   Authorizing a Redevelopment Contract(s) and execute any other necessary documents consistent with the term sheet;

e)   Authorizing staff to execute a Parkland Development and Easement Agreement;

f)    If requested by the development entities, terminate the Parking Lease between Canal Street Limited Partnership and the City upon closing; and

g)   Authorizing execution of one or more agreements with Ecumen Mill City Quarter, LLC and Eagle Iron Partners directing a portion of the brownfield grant funds awarded to Eagle Iron Partners to be provided to the Ecumen Mill City Quarter, LLC project instead.

Staff Reports: Mill City Land Sale RCA; Mill City Land Sale ATTACH1; Mill City Land Sale ATTACH2; Mill City Land Sale ATTACH3; Mill City Land Sale ATTACH4; Mill City Land Sale ATTACH5; Mill City Land Sale DFC MEMO

CPED/Licenses & Consumer Services

8.   Ambiente Gallerie (505 1st Ave NE):

Considering application for a Rental Hall license (New Business).

Staff Report:  Ambiente Gallerie RPT

9.   La Ceiba Bistro (3500 Bloomington Ave S):

Considering application for an On Sale Wine with Strong Beer license (New Business).

Staff Report:  La Ceiba Bistro RPT

10. Sal’s on Fifth (10 N 5th St):

Requesting an Extended Hours license with Operating Conditions (New License).

Staff Report:  Sal’s on Fifth RPT

11. The Bad Waitress (2 E 26th St):

Requesting an On Sale Wine with Strong Beer license (License Upgrade).

Staff Report:  The Bad Waitress RPT

Consent

CPED/License & Consumer Services

12. License Applications:

Granting licenses recommended for approval (see separate Licenses Agenda-not available in electronic format). 

New liquor, wine & beer establishment owners, licenses, permanent expansions, upgrades and added conditions to existing licenses detailed as follows: Doubletree Suites by Hilton Hotel Minneapolis, 1101 LaSalle Ave (New Proprietor); Prairie Dogs, 610 W Lake St (New Proprietor); Spearmint Rhino Gentlemen’s Club, 725 Hennepin Ave (Permanent Expansion); Westin Minneapolis, 88 S 6th St (New Proprietor).

Staff Reports:  License RCA, Doubletree Suites RPT;  Prairie Dogs RPT; Spearmint Rhino Gentlemen’s Club RPT;  Westin Minneapolis RPT

CPED

13. Housing Replacement District III – Removal and Subsequent Reinstatement of 3712 28th Ave S):

Approving resolution removing 3712 28th Ave S from Housing Replacement District III and placing it back in the district once a new Property Identification Number has been assigned. 

Staff Reports:  HRD III RCA

14. Lifetrack Resources Master Contract:

Authorizing increase in the maximum amount of eligible employment and training services expenditures for Master Contract C-28857 with Lifetrack Resources by $250,000, for a new maximum amount of $500,000.  

Staff Reports:   Lifetrack Resources RCA

15. Conurbation LLC Contract Extension:

Authorizing execution of an amendment for $50,000 to an existing contract for continued project management services (Refer to W&M).

Staff Reports:   Conurbation RCA

16. Nicollet Hotel Block Development Rights Designation (30 S 3rd St):

Awarding exclusive negotiating rights to United Properties as the developer of the City-owned property (Nicollet Hotel block) for a period of 12 months and authorizing a redevelopment contract terms and, upon successful negotiation, return for further City Council review and approvals. 

Staff Reports:    Nicollet Hotel Block Dev Rts RCA

17. Interim Parking Rental Agreement for 205 Park Ave:

Authorizing an interim parking rental agreement with Ecumen Mill City, LLC for parking vehicles on the City-owned 205 Park Ave lot during the construction of the Mill City Quarter senior housing development at 300 2nd St S consistent with the terms of report.

Staff Reports:  Interim Prkg Agrmt RCA; Interim Prkg Agrmt ATTACH

Department of Intergovernmental Relations/Grants & Special Projects

18. 2015-2019 Consolidated Plan:

Setting a public hearing for April 7, 2015, at 1:30 p.m., to receive public input on the 2015-2019 Consolidated Plan which is the City’s application to U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for the entitlement programs of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Home Investment Partnerships (HOME), Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG), and Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA). 

Staff Reports: Con Plan Set Pub Hrg RCA; Link to Con Plan Website

Regulatory Services

19. License Fees for Tiered Rental Licenses and Condos Ordinance:

Setting a public hearing for April 7, 2015, at 1:30 p.m., to received public input on an ordinance amending Title 12, Chapter 244 of the Minneapolis Code of Ordinances relating to Housing: Maintenance Code, amending provisions related to license fees for tiered rental licenses and condominiums (by B. Johnson).

Staff Reports:  None

Referred from City Council 3/20/2015

20. Director’s Fee Schedule Ordinance:

Referring to staff the subject matter of an ordinance amending Title 5, Chapter 91 of the Minneapolis Code of Ordinances relating to Building Code:  Permit Fees, amending the fee schedule and fee refundsrelating to the Director's Fee Schedule (by Quincy) (Also in W&M).

Staff Reports:  None

Discussion

Finance & Property Services Department

21. Target Center Renovation Project:

Authorizing execution of a Renovation Agreement, with terms modified from previously approved Term Sheet (Refer to W&M).

Staff Reports: Target Center Renovation RCA

Notice: A portion of this meeting may be closed to the public pursuant to MN Statutes Section 13D.03 or 13D.05

34th Annual Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival runs April 9-25

The MSP International Film Festival is the largest film event in the region, and one of the largest and longest running film festivals in the country.  It annually presents 200+ feature length and short narrative and documentary films from 60+ countries. Tickets

Public Forum: Design Alternatives for the Downtown East Commons on April 8 at the Mill City Museum

Mark your calenders / Wednesday, April 8 at Mill City Museum

Be the first to see the design alternatives for the newest Minneapolis Park. 

RSVP on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/events/1066602576689577/

WHAT:             On Wednesday, April 8, 2015 the City of Minneapolis will be hosting a public meeting at the Mill City Museum from 6:00-7:30 p.m. to unveil the first set of draft alternative approaches for the Downtown East Commons. 

The draft alternative approaches will be presented by Hargreaves Associates, the nationally and internationally recognized landscape architecture firm the City hired to lead the project after a competitive Request for Proposal process. The draft approaches will incorporate feedback the Hargreaves-led design team received during a public meeting that took place on February 24, through the 2,350 plus surveys completed to date (online surveys will be accepted through March 31, 2015), and community outreach done by City staff. 

Following the presentation, attendees will have the opportunity to comment and ask questions about each approach. The design team will consolidate the feedback they receive at this meeting into a single preferred scheme for the Downtown East Commons design. The City currently has a public meeting planned for Wednesday, May 27, 2015 to present the preferred approach. The location is yet to be determined. For more details on the Downtown East Commons project visit the project website.         

WHEN: Wednesday, April 8, 2015

                    6:00-7:30pm

WHERE: Mill City Museum, 704 South 2^nd Street, Minneapolis

RSVP on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/events/1066602576689577/

MORE: Downtown East Commons

The Downtown East Commons is a two-block, 4.2-acre area bounded by Park Avenue, 4th and 5th Streets, and a proposed building on 5th Avenue South. The idea for a public green space was unveiled in May 2013 as a part of the Ryan Development concept now under construction in Downtown East. 

The Commons will serve as a retreat for the everyday needs and wants of residents and daytime workers of Minneapolis as well as a destination for the City’s biggest events, including once in a decade events such as the 2018 Super Bowl and once in a year events such as civic celebrations.

Hargreaves Associates

Hargreaves Associates creates transformative public realm projects that embody a commitment to civic vitality and creative urban solutions, balancing complex social and ecological processes in bold simple ways. With offices in San Francisco, New York, and Cambridge, Hargreaves Associates works on landscape architecture and planning projects that encompass a wide range of scales and locations, both national and international. Signature projects include Discovery Green in Houston, TX; Crissy Field in San Francisco, CA; and both the Sydney Olympic Park in Australia and the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London. Hargreaves Associates has received over three dozen American Society of Landscape Architecture awards and numerous international awards.

RSVP on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/events/1066602576689577/

Northern Spark Returns June 13

ALL NIGHT: Join us!

WONDER: Northern Spark 2015 Commissioned & Presented Artists Preview

WANDER: 2015 Festival Locations

ILLUMINATE: Announcing our wonderful partners

TOGETHER: Be a part of this year's Festival

 Click here for details!

Tomorrow (March 20) - Minneapolis Bicycle Coalition Joyride Series Kick Off Ride at Gold Medal Park

Join the Minneapolis Bicycle Coalition for their Joyride Series Kick Off Ride this Friday, March 20.

4:00pm: Meet at the top of Gold Medal Park
4:30pm: Roll Out

Take a leisurely roll around the beautiful Mississippi & end back at Izzy's Ice Cream for an afternoon treat.

March 20 kicks off Minneapolis Bicycle Coalitions Joyride Series for the season. Join them for a no-drop (no one is left behind) easy and fun ride. Some Joyrides will end with root beer floats in a sunshine filled park, some days you'll loop to Hopkins for a Depot Coffee House snack, sometimes you'll find a happy hour.

New Development Coming to the Mill District at 800 South Washington Avenue or the “Guthrie Liner Parcel”

The City of Minneapolis is Seeking Redevelopment Proposals for the City-Owned Property Located at 800 South Washington Avenue or the “Guthrie Liner Parcel”

The City of Minneapolis is seeking redevelopment proposals for the City-owned property located at 800 South Washington Avenue, commonly referred to as the “Guthrie Liner Parcel.”  The 24,419 square foot site is the undeveloped portion of the block that runs along Washington Avenue from Chicago Avenue to Ninth Avenue and is immediately adjacent to the Riverfront (Guthrie) parking ramp.

This parcel benefits from significant public and private investments in the immediate vicinity, including the Mill City Museum, Mill Ruins Park, West River Parkway, and its associated riverfront trails, Open Book, Guthrie Theater complex, American Academy of Neurology headquarters, Mill City Farmers Market, the new multipurpose stadium, and the Ryan/Wells Fargo development.

The City’s development goals for the project include maximizing the site’s development potential and contributing to the vibrancy of the Mill District area with a well-designed development that will bring employees, residents, customers, hotel guests and/or visitors to the area.  If housing is included in the proposal, the City would like to see a mixed-income project with at least 20% of the proposed units affordable to households at or below 50% of Area Median Income.  Additionally, the City would like to see proposals that, at a minimum, include retail at both corners fronting along Washington Avenue.

“Washington Avenue could be a happening, bustling boulevard teaming with vibrancy, people, and shopping,” said Ward 3 Council Member Jacob Frey, “To realize this potential, however, we need proposals that activate the street level in a big way, so substantial ground floor retail is an absolute must.”

Questions regarding the Request for Proposal (RFP) must be submitted via e-mail to Bob Lind, City of Minneapolis, Department of Community Planning and Economic Development (CPED), 105 Fifth Avenue South, Suite 200, Minneapolis, MN 55401, no later than Wednesday, April 8, 2015, at 4:00 p.m. CST.   Questions will be answered and posted on the CPED website by Wednesday, April 22, 2015 CST.

Proposals are due to City offices no later than 4:00 p.m. CST Wednesday, May 20, 2015.  Proposals received after the deadline will not be accepted.  The redevelopment RFP for 800 South Washington Avenue or the “Guthrie Liner Parcel” is available below: