NEW AND IMPROVED CPNA LOANS

Posted on April 25, 2021 by staff

We have revamped our loan programs and are offering home improvement loans with 0% financing, Emergency loans with the same and a forgiveness program and down payment assistance to those who need it and are new to the neighborhood, same low rate and forgiveness after 10 years.

If you have been putting off the new roof, or some qualifying energy improvements now is the time to get it done.

For more information check out what’s available through our partner in administration at the Center for Energy and the Environment (CEE).

Happy Spring

Posted in Neighborhood Issues | Comments Off on NEW AND IMPROVED CPNA LOANS

CPNA Board/General Meeting Monday April 19, 2021 6:30pm

Posted on April 18, 2021 by staff

The Board /General Meeting for the Columbia Park Neighborhood will be held Monday April 19, 2021 at 6:30 pm via ZOOM. Please follow the link below or call in at the number that is part of the ZOOM invitation below. We have provided links to the documents which are part of the meeting in the agenda. If you will need paper copies please let Liz know and they will be printed for you to pick up.

For reasonable accommodations, alternative formats, translation services, please contact CPNA staffer Liz at 612-390-3735 or contact at columbiapark dot org. People who are deaf or hard of hearing may use a relay.

Elizabeth Wielinski is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: CPNA Board/General meeting April 19,2021
Time: Apr 19, 2021 06:30 PM Central Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
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Meeting ID: 997 0964 9007
Passcode: 327647
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Meeting ID: 997 0964 9007
Passcode: 327647
Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/acSBQynndi

6:30 – Call to Order for Board Actions

6:31 – Approval of the Agenda

6:35 – Approval the CPNA Draft Minutes March 15, 2021 meeting

6:39 – April 2021 Treasurer’s Report– Receive and File

6:45- Open Time

Cass would like to discuss neighbor’s issues with power outages.

6:59 – General Meeting

7:00 – New Business

MCCP would like to come present to us. Staff is asking for direction.

*MCCP is a political committee formed by members of Twin Cities Coalition for Justice for Jamar (TCC4J)

Annual Meeting in June…suggestions?

Flower Fund

7:15 – Old Business

Review of OPUS project, consideration of comments/letter to the city good/bad neutral

Link to video of original presentation

Extra replies to questions presented to OPUS and their replies…

Q1: Hours of operation regarding trucks backing/ beeping are a concern.

Is this something you can regulate or is it regulated by the city?

The city has ordinances related to noise, and noise levels during the day/night (Article IX 535.620 Noise & Chapter 389).  Back-up alarm devices on trucks are exempt, as they are a safety feature.

Q2: What environmentally friendly systems are you including in the building and surrounds?  Will there be a white or green roof, is any of the parking lot permeable?  Is the building going to be LEED certified?

The project will incorporate a white roof, LED lighting, efficient insulated structural wall system, a storm water management system, clerestory windows for natural daylighting, bike racks to promote alternative transportation methods, and pollinators incorporated into the landscaping.  We do not intend to use permeable pavement.  That would not be plausible because we don’t want the storm water to infiltrate into the contaminated soils.  Our storm system will capture and filter all surface storm water before it is outleted into the municipal system.  While the project will meet or exceed current energy codes, we do not plan to submit for LEED certification.

Q3: Will you be requesting any of the following from the city regarding traffic flow?  A left turn lane or arrow at the intersection of 37th and University?  Better light timing at the intersection?

We plan to discuss these items with the City Planner.

Q4: How much stormwater will the underground system be able to hold?  We wonder about the capacity during our more frequent heavy rains?

The underground stormwater system is designed to retain and slowly discharge the 100-year storm event (7.4 inches of rain in 24 hours) on site prior to discharging to the city sewer system. The City of Minneapolis requires that the development discharge stormwater runoff at rates less than the existing runoff rates in today’s condition. The construction of the underground system will improve stormwater runoff conditions for areas receiving drainage from the site and reduce the runoff demand on adjacent city sewers.

Q5:  With the large exterior walls with few openings, how will you meet the city’s requirement to offset this?  Have you any alternative compliance suggestions?

The north elevation, facing 37th, exceeds the minimum requirement for windows and is the primary building face with pedestrian level interaction. The east and west elevations incorporate high clerestory windows to provide flexibility to potential tenants that may require racking/storage or manufacturing activities that would create safety and security concerns if windows were located closer to the floor level.

Suggestions for alternative compliance include the Public Art Zone and additional bike parking beyond the minimum required.

Motions?

Brother Justus outdoor expansion.

Any word on speed limit signs on 5th ST NE?

7:30 – Crime and Safety Update

Chauvin Jury will be sent to deliberate Monday

Mental health resources

As the trial of former officer Derek Chauvin progresses, many community members may be seeking ways to cope with trauma and retraumatization.

The City has created this list of mental health support resources to help residents and their loved ones.

You can also explore the cultural wellness directory, a directory of trauma informed wellness services that uses the power of community members to heal and to build community.

Additional resources from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA):

7:50 – Announcements/ Communications.

Metro Transit will be building a restroom for their drivers on the CP land near the community gardens on 27th AV NE near 7th ST NE at the end of the line 17 route.  It will NOT be available to the public.

RentHelpMN is coming soon.  Please check renthelpmn.org or call 211 for updated information.

MPD establishes new tip line

The Minneapolis Police Department has established a new tip line with better technology to replace the existing one.  Call 612-673-5335 to provide tips to MPD about suspicious activity not requiring an immediate response, such as vehicles driving without license plates, etc. If someone’s safety is at risk and an immediate response from police, fire or medics is required, call 911.

The new 612-673-5335 tip line brings added and scalable capacity for staff and better technology to intake, manage and act upon tips that are received if necessary.

Businesses and property owners can call 612-673-2499 with questions about business operations during the trial and general information about regulations and resources.

For all other City services and questions, call 311.

8:00- Adjourn

Posted in CPNA Agenda, CPNA Meeting, CPNA Minutes, Crime and Safety, Gateway Site at 37th and University, Neighborhood Issues | Tagged , , | Comments Off on CPNA Board/General Meeting Monday April 19, 2021 6:30pm

City Radio for all

Posted on April 14, 2021 by staff

The City’s multi-lingual radio shows.
• KMOJ 89.9 FM (English) – “Minneapolis 360” on KMOJ (Wednesdays from 1:30-2 p.m.), KMOJ playlist
• La Raza 95.7 FM (Spanish) – “Mi Ciudad” La Raza 95.7 FM y 1400 AM (Tuesdays from 3-4 p.m.), La Raza playlist
• KALY 101.7 FM (Somali) – “Magaaladayda Minneapolis” KALY (Thursdays, 3/11, 3/25, 4/8 and 4/22 from 2-3 p.m.) Playlist unavailable.
• WIXK AM1590 (Hmong) – “Kuv Lub Nroog Minneapolis” WIXK (Thursdays from 2-3 p.m.), WIXK playlist.

Posted in Neighborhood Issues | Comments Off on City Radio for all

OPUS’ proposed building for 37th and University

Posted on March 15, 2021 by staff

This link will take you to the 5 slides (much clearer than the photo below) presented by OPUS for the proposed building at 37th and University.  View the presentation HERE.

OPUS Project

Posted in Neighborhood Issues | Comments Off on OPUS’ proposed building for 37th and University

CPNA Board/General Meeting Monday March 15, 2021 6:30pm

Posted on March 9, 2021 by staff

The Board /General Meeting for the Columbia Park Neighborhood will be held Monday March 15, 2021 at 6:30 pm via ZOOM. Please follow the link below or call in at the number that is part of the ZOOM invitation below. We have provided links to the documents which are part of the meeting in the agenda. If you will need paper copies please let Liz know and they will be printed for you to pick up.

For reasonable accommodations, alternative formats, translation services, please contact CPNA staffer Liz at 612-390-3735 or contact at columbiapark dot org. People who are deaf or hard of hearing may use a relay.

Elizabeth Wielinski is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: CPNA Board and General Meeting Monday March 15, 2021
Time: Mar 15, 2021 06:30 PM Central Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
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Meeting ID: 973 2730 9171
Passcode: 539266
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Meeting ID: 973 2730 9171
Passcode: 539266
Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/adcQhdQMrH

6:30 – Call to Order for Board Actions
6:31 – Approval of the Agenda
6:35 – Approval the CPNA Draft Minutes for Monday February 22, 2021
6:39 – March 2021 Treasurer’s Report– Receive and File
6:45- Open Time
This is the time we open the floor to those who wish to speak before the board on a non agenda item. All are welcome.

6:59 – General Meeting
7:00 – New Business

Presentation by OPUS regarding their plans for the former gateway site at University AV and 37th AV NE.  This is to be followed by questions from the neighbors.  We have included an invitation to those living in the nearby housing in Columbia Heights to attend as well.

No later than 9pm- Adjourn

Posted in construction, CPNA Agenda, CPNA Meeting, CPNA Minutes, Gateway Gardens, Gateway Site at 37th and University, Neighborhood Issues, Public Meetings | Tagged | Comments Off on CPNA Board/General Meeting Monday March 15, 2021 6:30pm

Need some help with energy bills/ rent this winter?

Posted on February 23, 2021 by staff

Low Income Energy Assistance Program (EAP) Information

If you are having troubles paying your energy bills, I encourage you to apply for Minnesota’s Energy Assistance Program that offers eligible residents help to pay their energy bills so they do not have to choose between life’s necessities.

The Energy Assistance Program:

  • Serves both renters and homeowners.
  • Provides benefits to pay for home heating ranging from $200 to $1,400, with an average benefit of about $500.
  • Benefit amounts are based on the household’s heating costs, household size, and income.
  • Provides help with energy disconnections, no/low fuel in the tank, and homeowners’ furnace repairs.
  • Eligibility is based on the household’s past 3 months of income and assets are not counted.

Visit mn.gov/commerce/eap.jsp to learn more or call 1-800-657-3710 to connect with your local service provider.

Emergency Rental Assistance For Minneapolis Residents

The City has received a direct allocation of $12.8 million from the Treasury Department to provide emergency rental assistance to Minneapolis residents. The emergency rental assistance program should become available to residents in March. Under federal rules, landlords can apply for funds on behalf of tenants and tenants can also apply for funds on their own behalf.

The City will be updating our Coronavirus Housing page with more details as we have them, and will also notify Minneapolis residents through channels like this as we finalize information about how to apply and what the eligibility requirements are. In the meantime, you can continue to contact the Tenant Resource Center for assistance. There are some resources currently available through Emergency Assistance and other ongoing programs. The Tenant Resource Center can also be reached at (612) 767-9737.

Posted in Neighborhood Issues, Uncategorized | Tagged , | Comments Off on Need some help with energy bills/ rent this winter?

CPNA Board/General meeting Monday February 22, 2021 6:30pm

Posted on February 21, 2021 by staff

The  Board /General Meeting for the Columbia Park Neighborhood will be held Monday February 22, 2021 at 6:30 pm via ZOOM.  Please follow the link below or call in at the number that is part of the ZOOM invitation below.  We have provided links to the documents which are part of the meeting in the agenda.  If you will need paper copies please let Liz know and they will be printed for you to pick up.

For reasonable accommodations, alternative formats, translation services, please contact CPNA staffer Liz at 612-390-3735 or contact at columbiapark dot org. People who are deaf or hard of hearing may use a relay.

Elizabeth Wielinski is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: CPNA Board and General Meeting Monday February 22, 2021
Time: Feb 22, 2021 06:30 PM Central Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
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Meeting ID: 979 9262 5209
Passcode: 306643
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Columbia Park Draft Meeting Agenda for Monday February 22, 2021

6:30 – Call to Order for Board Actions

6:31 – Approval of the Agenda

6:35 – Approval the CPNA Draft minutes for January 25, 2021 meeting

6:39 – Treasurer’s Report- Receive and File: none for January

6:45- Open Time

6:59 – General Meeting

7:00 – New Business

           Elliot Fisher… fence

           Gregg Graton Proposed triplexes on 37th AV at 5th ST NE

           NRP: Proposed changes to neighborhood plan modification approval process

                     Comments due April 6th… NRP Policy Board seeks public comments on proposed changes to neighborhood plan modification policy (govdelivery.com)

            Train Park Playground on 27th AV NE on CP property ( a joint effort with the Holland Neighborhood)

7:40 – Old Business

            Metro Blooms…postpone again

            Non-Profit status update

            Neighborhood Organization Recognition Requirements

7:45– Crime and Safety Update

7:50 – Announcements/ Communications.

            AFCAC Meeting Tuesday 2/23/2021  see what’s happening on the upper river

            Zoom Connection:  Web: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88605275975

Community Forum: The State of the Cooperative Economy

Join Council Member Kevin Reich and special guests from Nexus Community Partners, Eastside Food Co-op, Northeast Investment Cooperative, Broken Clock Brewing Cooperative, and Fair State Brewing Cooperative for a community conversation about the current state of cooperatives and the cooperative economy on

Tuesday, February 23, 6:30-8 p.m.

Join on your computer or mobile app

Click here to join the meeting

Or call in (audio only)

+1 612-276-6670,,160441228#   United States, Minneapolis

Phone Conference ID: 160 441 228#

Learn more about the cooperative business model as a tool for community development and economic empowerment and meet some of the Eastside’s thriving cooperatives. We’ll also talk about the City of Minneapolis’ Cooperatives Technical Assistance Program (C-TAP) and how that initiative supports the development of local cooperative businesses.

COMMUNITY SOLAR OPPORTUNITY

Emerge Second Chance Community Solar Garden: Subscribers Wanted!

Did you know you have an opportunity right in Ward 1 to use renewable solar energy, save on your electric bill, reduce pollution and promote local green jobs? The Second Chance Community Solar Garden is installed on the Emerge Second Chance Recycling facility at 1179 15th Ave SE in Minneapolis and we are signing up subscribers now for a projected early summer launch!

Community solar gardens (CSG) are solar arrays on a larger roof (in this case, Emerge) whose electricity is shared by more than one property. CSGs are an opportunity for Minneapolis neighbors to participate in the solar energy revolution, regardless of income, credit score or whether you rent or own, and get a credit on their electric bill. And there are options to participate with no upfront money. The only requirement is that you pay your own Xcel electric bill and not a landlord or third party.

BENEFITS of Community Solar Gardens:

  • Enables renters or those with roofs unsuitable for solar to use renewable energy and get a credit on your electric bill.
  • Enables participation regardless of income or credit score, with a Pay-As-You-Go option that does not require upfront money.
  • Energy bill credits move with you, even if you move homes.
  • Make your money back (& then some…) with an estimated 8 year Return on Investment (ROI) with the Pay Up Front Option.
  • Subscriptions can cover up to 120% of your annual electricity usage.
  • Electricity rates are locked in for 25 years.
  • Quality assurances, turn-key maintenance and energy guarantees.

Community Solar – Minneapolis Climate Action (mplsclimate.org)

Northeast Winter Market

Saturday, March 6th

11am – 1pm

University Ave & 7th Ave NE Minneapolis

Parking lot of St Boniface Church

COVID-19 | NEFM (northeastfarmersmarket.com)

8:00- Adjourn

Posted in Community Gardens, CPNA Agenda, CPNA Meeting, CPNA Minutes, Crime and Safety, Local Services, Neighborhood Issues, Northeast Area Issues, Public Meetings, Railroads | Tagged | Comments Off on CPNA Board/General meeting Monday February 22, 2021 6:30pm

Comment Opportunity on Hennepin County Climate Action Plan

Posted on February 16, 2021 by staff

Climate Action Update banner

Reminder: Opportunities to provide feedback on the Climate Action Plan

Hennepin County has released a draft of our first Climate Action Plan (PDF). The county is gathering feedback on the plan through online meetings and a comment form through Wednesday, March 3.

Cover of the draft Climate Action Plan

Online community meetings

The county is holding two online meetings where county staff will present core goals and strategies. Anyone interested in the county’s response to climate change is encouraged to attend.

Using online facilitation tools, participants will complete polls about the goals and strategies, offer comments, and ask written questions that will be answered through a moderated process. Meetings will be held:

  • Monday, February 22 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Monday, March 1 from 4 to 5:30 p.m.

Sign up to attend a meeting now by completing the RSVP form.

Both sessions will have the same agenda, so you only need to attend one session. Information about how to access the meeting will be emailed a few days prior to the event.

Comment form

Individuals who wish to offer feedback on the plan but do not want to attend an online meeting may share their comments through an online feedback form.

Learn more

County staff will summarize the feedback and made final edits to the plan in March. The board would take up formal adoption of the plan, which will include a final public comment process, in April.

Read more about the plan development and previous community engagement efforts process at hennepin.us/climateaction.
Posted in Special Events | Tagged | Comments Off on Comment Opportunity on Hennepin County Climate Action Plan

Tax Prep Help from Prepare and Prosper

Posted on February 3, 2021 by staff

Prepare + Prosper

Financial wellness for everyone
Free Tax Preparation + Financial Services
Whether your return is simple or complicated, we can help you. We offer free tax preparation and financial services to help you make the most of tax time and your refund.

Our services are provided by a team of 550+ IRS-certified volunteers who are passionate about taxes and finances.

With us, free really does mean free.
Individuals making less than $35,000 and families or self-employed making less than$55,000 qualify. All tax returns are double-checked for accuracy to make sure we’re getting you the maximum refund.

www.prepareandprosper.org

651-287-0187

contact@prepareandprosper.org

Posted in Local Services | Tagged | Comments Off on Tax Prep Help from Prepare and Prosper

What’s that smoke???

Posted on January 25, 2021 by staff

Columbia Golf Course & Columbia Park

Brush pile burns begin at
Columbia Golf Course,
Columbia Park next week

In the coming weeks, visitors at Columbia Park and Columbia Golf Course may smell or see smoke from controlled burns of brush piles. The burns are scheduled to begin the week of January 18 and continue periodically through February.

 

This activity is part of the current project to improve stormwater management and restore habitat at the golf course and park. The Mississippi Watershed Management Organization (MWMO) is leading construction; the City of Minneapolis and Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) are among the partners (details below).

 

About the brush pile burns

Buckthorn, honeysuckle and other woody invasive species are being cleared and gathered into brush piles; controlled burning is recommended as an efficient and effective way to manage this type of debris, reducing impacts from heavy hauling equipment.

 

The controlled burns will be conducted by a contractor that has obtained all required permits and notifies local municipal police and fire departments. MPRB customer service staff and the Park Police Department are also notified; signs at the site will inform park and golf course users of this activity.

 

About the habitat restoration

Later this year, cleared areas will be planted with trees and seed mix for plants that are native to the region. In all, nearly 20 acres will be restored as woodland, oak savanna and prairie habitats, enhancing the local ecosystem and aiding in stormwater management.

 

About the Project 

The Northern Columbia Golf Course and Park Stormwater BMPs project is a joint effort to improve water quality, mitigate flooding, improve ecological systems and enhance recreational opportunities in Northeast Minneapolis, as part of the Northeast Stormwater Management Initiative. Partners include the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization,

Board of Water and Soil Resources, City of Minneapolis, Hennepin County and Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board.

MPRB project contact

Andrew Schilling

Planning Services Division, Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board

ASchilling@minneapolisparks.org / 612-230-6466
Posted in golf, Neighborhood Issues, Special Events | Comments Off on What’s that smoke???