Check out the Draft Parks Comprehensive Plan

Posted on December 1, 2020 by staff

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) published a draft of Parks for All, the MPRB 2021 Comprehensive Plan. Parks for All is a new comprehensive plan will set MPRB priorities and policy direction for the next decade. Minneapolis community members, park users, MPRB staff and partners are encouraged to review the plan and send feedback during a 70-day public comment period that ends Monday, Jan. 18, 2021.

Following the public comment period, the draft plan will be revised based on public input and presented to MPRB Commissioners for review and approval. Use the link below to view the draft Parks for All plan, give feedback on it and learn more about the processes and input used to create it.

Draft Parks for All Plan

Posted in Parks | Comments Off on Check out the Draft Parks Comprehensive Plan

Worried about your winter heating bills?

Posted on November 26, 2020 by staff

Low Income Energy Assistance Program

The Energy Assistance Program (EAP) helps pay for home heating costs and furnace repairs for income-qualified households.

EAP is federally funded through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Grants are:

  • For renters or homeowners
  • For households with income at or below 50 percent of the state median income
  • Based on energy cost, household size, and income

For more information look here

Posted in Neighborhood Issues | Comments Off on Worried about your winter heating bills?

The NEWEST Covid-19 restrictions from the State

Posted on November 21, 2020 by staff

New COVID-19 Restrictions Effective Midnight, November 20

New COVID Restrictions

Governor Walz announced new state restrictions to control the explosive spread of COVID 19. The following restrictions take effect on Friday, November 20 at 11:59 p.m.

  • Bars and restaurants must close in-person food and drink service, both indoor and outdoor. Take-out, curbside, and delivery may continue.
    • Minneapolis businesses with curbside pickup zone can continue using those spaces. Businesses who do not have a curbside pickup zone can request one.
  • The following facility types must be closed.
    • Gyms and other fitness facilities, public pools, including facilities within housing complexes.
    • Recreation and entertainment facilities, such as bowling alleys, theaters, movie theaters, museums, arcades, etc.
    • Other venues providing indoor or outdoor events, such as festivals or fairs. Drive-in events may continue.
  • No wedding receptions or gatherings after funerals will be allowed. Weddings, funerals and church services will be able to continue.
  • No changes are being made to retail, personal services (e.g. salons and barbershops), schools, or places of worship.

These closures will be in effect from Friday, November 20 through Friday, December 18.

See staysafemn.gov for more details

Minneapolis businesses can contact the Small Business Team at SmallBusiness@minneapolismn.gov or 612-673-2499 with questions.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged | Comments Off on The NEWEST Covid-19 restrictions from the State

Stormwater Pond Project Update

Posted on November 16, 2020 by staff

minneapolis park and recreation

Northern Columbia Golf Course
and Park Stormwater Management

Project Update:
Construction of stormwater management improvements
at Columbia Golf Course
Northern Columbia golf course and park

Construction work at the golf course and park

Construction phases and scope

On October 26, our partners, the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization (MWMO), began construction on a project to improve stormwater management on the northern portion of Columbia Golf Course and Columbia Park.

Phase 1 of the “Northern Columbia Golf Course and Park Stormwater BMPs” project runs through February 2021. It includes: removal/abandonment of the old stormsewer in the northern half of the golf course and through Columbia Park; construction of the new stormsewer; tunneling under the Canadian Pacific Railway; earthwork; and mass grading.

Phase 2 will run from May through August 2021. It includes final grading; park and golf course restoration; and native seeding for permanent restoration.

Temporary Public Impacts

Project construction includes a range impacts that may affect the public:

  • Construction vehicles on Columbia Parkway and Central Avenue
  • Fifth street closure – reopening soon
  • Columbia Park parking lot closure for duration of project (construction staging area)
  • Trail on west side of golf course closed for the duration of the project
  • Fifth Street detour for pedestrians and bicyclists detoured to west side of the street up to 35th Ave NE
  • Once Fifth Street reopens, bicyclists can use Fifth Street and Columbia Parkway, full lane
  • Columbia picnic shelter rental closed through July 2021
  • Columbia Park multi-purpose athletic field closed through July 2021
  • Columbia Golf Course – temporary reduction from 18 holes to 11 holes through August 2021
  • Tot playground equipment replacement after project – community engagement in fall 2021, construction in spring 2022
  • Impacts to trees – tree replacement included in restoration plan

About the Project

New storm sewer, stormwater best management practices (BMPs) and habitat restoration at Columbia Golf Course and Columbia Park will improve stormwater quality, mitigate flooding, improve ecological systems, and enhance golf play and other recreational opportunities in Northeast Minneapolis. The project is part of the Northeast Stormwater Management Initiative.

Project Partners

Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board (MPRB)

Mississippi Watershed Management Organization (MWMO)

City of Minneapolis

Learn More

MPRB Project Contact

Andy Schilling

Design Project Manager, Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board

612.230.6466 / aschilling@minneapolisparks.org
Posted in Neighborhood Issues | Comments Off on Stormwater Pond Project Update

CPNA Board/General Meeting Monday November 16, 2020 6:30pm

Posted on November 14, 2020 by staff

The  Board /General Meeting for the Columbia Park Neighborhood will be held Monday November 16, 2020 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 November 16, 2020
Time: Nov 16, 2020 06:30 PM Central Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/96507283933

Meeting ID: 965 0728 3933
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Meeting ID: 965 0728 3933
Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/adb0bFqN5y

6:30 – Call to Order for Board Actions
6:31 – Approval of the Agenda
6:35 – Approval the CPNA Draft Minutes for October 19, 2020 Meeting
6:39 – Treasurer’s Report– Receive and File
6:45- Open Time
Vickie and Niels Jensen re: 2PAC and Columbia Park playground

6:59 – General Meeting

7:00 – Old Business

Changes to NRP Phase II language regarding home improvement revolving loan program

Motion to approve the following

“Funds may also be used to support other Columbia Park home improvement and home buyer programs”.

Motion to move funds from NPP reserve to the revolving loan program

“Transfer $25,000 of non-contracted Neighborhood Priority Program funds to the revolving loan program from the Neighborhood Priority Reserve.”

Raingardens

Staff will present the responses she received from Metro Blooms regarding their program for raingardens in 2021 and what CPNA would be responsible for and for how much.

7:20 – New Business

Proposed language changes to CEE contract

Letter requesting changes of NCR attachment will be included when form is received.

Staff Contract…. Staff would like to go to a month to month contract with 60 days notice.

7:40 – Crime and Safety Update

Rashid Ali ( and Inspector Loining tentative)

Possible letter to city of Minneapolis  Draft letter re budget for 2021

7:55 – Announcements/ Communications.
Most current links for Crime Updates from the MPD

https://www.minneapolismn.gov/resident-services/public-safety/police-public-safety/crime-maps-dashboards/

https://www.minneapolismn.gov/resident-services/public-safety/prevent-prepare/crime-prevention/crime-alert-signup-map/

You can help shape the future of University and Central avenues!

The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) is studying how to improve Highway 47 (University Ave.) and Highway 65 (Central Ave.) for everyone who uses these roads. And your input is needed.

MnDOT is asking communities from Northeast Minneapolis to Blaine what these streets should look like in the future.

Share your ideas!  Take this survey.

Upcoming trainings hosted by the Minnesota Peacebuilding Leadership Institute 

Introduction to Restorative Justice for Community Healing and Transformation
Pay-What-You-Can-Up to $50; CEs available for MN social workers, teachers, and nurses
Tuesday, November 17, 2020, 9am-11am CST
Monday, November 23, 2020, 9am-11am CST

Introduction to Strategies for Trauma Awareness and Resilience for Cultural Competence, Racial Healing and Equity
Pay-What-You-Can-Up to $30;  CEs available for MN social workers, teachers, and nurses
Friday, November 20, 2020, 3pm-5pm CST
Monday, November 23, 1pm-3pm CST
Friday, December 4, 10am-12pm CST

Coming to the Table (CTTT) Racial Healing Talking Circles
These free monthly events are free, and donations are gratefully accepted
Wednesday, November 18, 2020, 7pm-8:30pm CST
Saturday, November 21, 2020, 10:30am-12pm CST
Monday, November 23, 2020, 7pm-8:30pm CST

Introduction to Self-Care for Resilience: Training for Practice in Everyday Life
Pay-What-You-Can-Up to $50; CEs available for MN social workers, teachers, and nurses
Friday, November 13, 2020, 3pm-5pm CST
Friday, December 4, 2020, 2pm-4pm CST

STAR-Lite Training: Learning Strategies for Trauma Awareness and Resilience in a Single Day for Cultural Competence, Racial Justice Healing and Equity 
Early Tuition: $99 Standard Tuition: $155  CEs/CLEs available for MN mental health professionals, attorneys, teachers, and nurses.
Thursday, December 10, 2020, 9am-5pm CST

8:00- Adjourn

Posted in CPNA Meeting, CPNA Minutes, Crime and Safety, Neighborhood Issues, Neighborhood Programs, Public Meetings | Tagged , , | Comments Off on CPNA Board/General Meeting Monday November 16, 2020 6:30pm

MWMO asks for Comment on their 2021-31 Plan

Posted on November 11, 2020 by staff

Draft 2021-2031 Watershed Management Plan Now Available for Review
The MWMO has completed the initial draft of its 2021-2031 Watershed Management Plan, which is now available for public review and comment through December 17, 2020. This plan, which is updated every 10 years in accordance with state law, guides all of our work at the MWMO. Links to the draft plan and appendices can be found on our website, along with instructions on how to submit comments. You can also learn more about the plan, its history, and the plan update process and timeline.

Check here for the plan and the links to comment.    https://www.mwmo.org/planning/watershed-management-plan-update/

Posted in Neighborhood Issues | Comments Off on MWMO asks for Comment on their 2021-31 Plan

Share Your Thoughts on our local State Highways

Posted on November 3, 2020 by staff

Central & University Graphic

The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) is developing a future vision for Hwy 47 (University Ave.) and Hwy 65 (Central Ave.).

Thousands of Minnesotans travel along University and Central avenues every day—driving cars, walking or rolling, biking, and riding public transit. MnDOT wants to learn from your experience using these streets to understand what is needed to improve them for everyone.

This website will be active through November 25, 2020 as part of MnDOT’s first phase of public outreach for this study. Please explore this site, join us for a virtual open house, provide your feedback, and share this webpage with anyone else who might be interested.

See the graphic to the left for the study area (shown in orange) for University and Central Avenues, including Blaine, Columbia Heights, Coon Rapids, Fridley, Hilltop, Spring Lake Park and Northeast Minneapolis.

Posted in Neighborhood Issues | Comments Off on Share Your Thoughts on our local State Highways

New to the neighborhood? You can still vote.

Posted on October 26, 2020 by staff

VOTE 2020

New to the neighborhood?  Have not voted yet?   Have you lived here for 30 days and have no impediment to voting?  You can register and vote on election day?

WHERE : https://pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us/

WHEN: Polling places are usually open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.  ( you need to be at least in the voting line by 8:00pm)

How to register on Election Day?

In Minnesota, you can register or update your registration at your polling place on Election Day. Find out what you’ll need to bring with you.

REGISTER ON ELECTION DAY TUE 11/3/2020

To register at your polling place on Election Day, bring one proof of residence listed below.

①  ID with current name and address

  • Valid Minnesota driver’s license, learner’s permit or ID; or a receipt for any of these.
  • Tribal ID with name, address, photo and signature.

Print a factsheet on this topic

Download Election Day Registration factsheet.

②   Photo ID and a document with current name and address

APPROVED PHOTO IDS (CHOOSE ONE)

The ID can be expired.

  • Driver’s license, state ID or learner’s permit issued by any state
  • U.S. Passport
  • U.S. Military or Veteran ID
  • Tribal ID with name, signature and photo
  • Minnesota university, college or technical college ID
  • Minnesota high school ID

APPROVED DOCUMENTS (CHOOSE ONE)

Can be shown on electronic device.

  • Bill, account or start-of-service statement due or dated within 30 days of the election for:
    • Phone, TV or internet
    • Solid waste, sewer, electric, gas or water
    • Banking or credit card
    • Rent or mortgage
  • Residential lease or rent agreement valid through Election Day
  • Current student fee statement

③  Registered voter who can confirm your address

A registered voter from your precinct can go with you to the polling place to sign an oath confirming your address. This is known as ‘vouching.’ A registered voter can vouch for up to eight voters. You cannot vouch for others if someone vouched for you.

④  College student ID with housing list

Colleges and universities may send election officials a student housing list. If you are on the list, show your college photo ID to complete your registration.

⑤  Valid registration in the same precinct

If you are registered in the precinct but changed names or moved within the same precinct, you only need to tell the election judge your previous name or address.

⑥  Notice of Late Registration

If you registered to vote within 20 days of the election, you may get a Notice of Late Registration in the mail. Bring it with you and use it as your proof of residence to register.

⑦  Staff person of a residential facility

If you live in a residential facility, a staff person can go with you to the polling place to confirm your address. This is known as ‘vouching.’ A staff person can vouch for all eligible voters living in the facility.

The staff person must prove their employment at the facility. There are several ways to do this, including by showing an employee badge. Learn more about voter registration in residential facilities.

Need help?

Call us at 1-877-600-VOTE (8683) or contact your county election office

Posted in Elections, Neighborhood Issues | Tagged , | Comments Off on New to the neighborhood? You can still vote.

Fall Street Sweep Begins October 20

Posted on October 19, 2020 by staff

Minneapolis Public Works will begin the big task of curb-to-curb sweeping and leaf collection on streets throughout the city on Tuesday, Oct. 20. During the four weeks of the comprehensive fall street sweep, crews will clean about 1,000 miles of city streets. To make sure crews can do the best job possible, temporary “No Parking” signs will be posted at least 24 hours in advance so streets will be clear of cars when they’re swept. The first signs will be posted Monday, Oct. 19, and sweeping will begin the next day. Anyone who parks on the street will need to follow posted parking rules or their cars may be ticketed and towed.

Ways to stay informed of the parking rules:

  • “No Parking” signs – City crews will post “No Parking” signs at least 24 hours before sweeping any streets. Parking will be banned from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on the day a street is swept. However, the “No Parking” signs will be removed as soon as possible after a street has been completely swept to allow people to resume parking after the signs are removed. Vehicles not in compliance with “No Parking” signs may be ticketed and towed to the Minneapolis Impound Lot.
  • Social media – The City will use Facebook and Twitter to post periodic street sweeping updates and information.
  • Phone calls to residents – In addition to the “No Parking” signs that will be posted the day before sweepers come through, the City will make about 3,000 automated phone calls each evening to let residents know their street will be swept the next day. There’s no guarantee that the calls will reach everyone, so residents should be sure to check the various ways to be aware of the rules, and watch for signs.
  • Interactive web feature – You can use a feature on the City’s website to find out when the sweepers are coming through your neighborhood. The Street Sweeping Schedule Lookup will be available on the City’s website once we get closer to the start date. The fall street sweep takes four weeks, and visitors to the website will be able to find out which week their street is scheduled to be swept. Then, on the weekend before each of the four weeks, the schedule for the upcoming week will be broken down to show which day of the week streets are scheduled to be swept.
  • Videos – Street sweeping is explained in English, Spanish, Somali and Hmong on the City’s YouTube channel and on Minneapolis City TV. Residents who have friends or neighbors who speak these languages are encouraged to share links to the videos.

Clean streets mean a healthier environment

Minneapolis is known for its sparkling lakes and waterways, and we want to keep it that way. That’s why protecting and enhancing our environment is one of the City’s top priorities. Street sweeping is one way we work to protect our environment because it keeps leaves and debris from clogging our storm drains and polluting our lakes and rivers. It also helps keep our neighborhoods clean and livable.

Minneapolis streets are swept completely curb to curb with enforcement of parking rules once in the spring, and again in the fall. Residents should not push leaves, grass clippings, or other debris into City streets – it’s bad for our lakes and waterways, can cause safety hazards, and is against the law. Anything that goes down a storm drain flows directly into our lakes and river, and decomposing plant material in the water encourages the growth of harmful aquatic plants and algae.

Posted in General News | Tagged | Comments Off on Fall Street Sweep Begins October 20

CPNA Board/General Meeting Monday October 19, 2020 6:30pm

Posted on October 18, 2020 by staff

The  Board /General Meeting for the Columbia Park Neighborhood will be held Monday October 19, 2020 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 service to call.

Elizabeth Wielinski is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: CPNA Board and General Meeting Monday October 19, 2020
Time: Oct 19, 2020 06:30 PM Central Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/99253896377

Meeting ID: 992 5389 6377
One tap mobile
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+19292056099,,99253896377# US (New York)

Dial by your location
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Meeting ID: 992 5389 6377
Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/ahlYBGdM

6:30 – Call to Order for Board Actions
6:31 – Approval of the Agenda*
6:35 – Approval the Minutes for Monday September 21, 2020*
6:40- Treasurer’s Report- Receive and File*(none)
6:45- Open Time
6:59 – General Meeting
7:00 – New Business          

Metro Blooms and Raingardens…do we want to offer the program again in 2021 and for how much?  If we choose to offer them, we need a motion so staff can move things along.

Justus Brothers Whiskey, having seen the letter submitted for their license (vote Monday AM) are there any comments we would like to have on hand if this comes before another city body?

7:15 – Old Business

Loan Programs, which to move to November general meeting, and send out notice*

  • Changing the max loan amount from $10,000-$15,000?
  • Change the interest rate (lower)
  • Making the loans forgivable if the neighbor/owner remains in place for 10/15 years (deferred)? This would only be available for owner occupied properties.
  • Adding a down payment assistance plan.  We would like to make the homes in our neighborhood more rather than less affordable and again only owner occupied and would include the 10/15year deferment option.

501c3 application

Train Park on 27th AV NE and Holland Neighborhood community gardens.

 AFCAC update from Liz W, UHT did get bonding from the state.

7:30 – Crime and Safety Update

2 PAC is looking for more participants.  The meetings are online now for ease of attendance.

7:50 – Announcements/ Communications.

The Minnesota Energy Assistance Program is available to help Minnesotans pay for home heating costs, furnace repairs and fuel delivery to ensure our neighbors stay warm and safe. For more information, please visit the Department of Commerce Energy Assistance Program website. Here you can find the service provider for your area.

The Cold Weather Rule ensures Minnesotans don’t have their primary source of heat cut off in the cold winter months. More information is available at the Public Utility Commission’s Shut-off Protection website.

VOTE 2020

New to the neighborhood?  Have not voted yet?   Have you lived here for 30 days and have no impediment to voting?  You can register and vote on election day?

WHERE : https://pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us/

WHEN: Polling places are usually open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.  ( you need to be at least in the voting line by 8:00pm)

How to register on Election Day?

In Minnesota, you can register or update your registration at your polling place on Election Day. Find out what you’ll need to bring with you. https://www.sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting/register-to-vote/register-on-election-day/

REGISTER ON ELECTION DAY TUE 11/3/2020

To register at your polling place on Election Day, bring one proof of residence listed below.

①  ID with current name and address

  • Valid Minnesota driver’s license, learner’s permit or ID; or a receipt for any of these.
  • Tribal ID with name, address, photo and signature.

Print a factsheet on this topic

Download Election Day Registration factsheet.

②   Photo ID and a document with current name and address

APPROVED PHOTO IDS (CHOOSE ONE)

The ID can be expired.

  • Driver’s license, state ID or learner’s permit issued by any state
  • U.S. Passport
  • U.S. Military or Veteran ID
  • Tribal ID with name, signature and photo
  • Minnesota university, college or technical college ID
  • Minnesota high school ID

APPROVED DOCUMENTS (CHOOSE ONE)

Can be shown on electronic device.

  • Bill, account or start-of-service statement due or dated within 30 days of the election for:
    • Phone, TV or internet
    • Solid waste, sewer, electric, gas or water
    • Banking or credit card
    • Rent or mortgage
  • Residential lease or rent agreement valid through Election Day
  • Current student fee statement

③  Registered voter who can confirm your address

A registered voter from your precinct can go with you to the polling place to sign an oath confirming your address. This is known as ‘vouching.’ A registered voter can vouch for up to eight voters. You cannot vouch for others if someone vouched for you.

④  College student ID with housing list

Colleges and universities may send election officials a student housing list. If you are on the list, show your college photo ID to complete your registration.

⑤  Valid registration in the same precinct

If you are registered in the precinct but changed names or moved within the same precinct, you only need to tell the election judge your previous name or address.

⑥  Notice of Late Registration

If you registered to vote within 20 days of the election, you may get a Notice of Late Registration in the mail. Bring it with you and use it as your proof of residence to register.

⑦  Staff person of a residential facility

If you live in a residential facility, a staff person can go with you to the polling place to confirm your address. This is known as ‘vouching.’ A staff person can vouch for all eligible voters living in the facility.

The staff person must prove their employment at the facility. There are several ways to do this, including by showing an employee badge. Learn more about voter registration in residential facilities.

Need help?

Call us at 1-877-600-VOTE (8683) or contact your county election office

8:00- Adjourn

Posted in Community Gardens, CPNA Agenda, CPNA Meeting, CPNA Minutes, Crime and Safety, Elections, Homeownership, Neighborhood Issues, Neighborhood Programs, Public Meetings | Tagged , , | Comments Off on CPNA Board/General Meeting Monday October 19, 2020 6:30pm