Media  Advisory  and Press Release

Environmental Impact Study: Dramatically Higher Air Pollution Deaths Near Lowry Avenue Bridge

North and Northeast Minneapolis have an industrial air pollution problem, and a new study indicates that residents near the Lowry Ave. Bridge may be paying with their lives.

Members of the press are invited to attend a question and answer session with the study’s researchers, Tonye Sylvanus, MD, MPH, and Stephanie Yuen, MPH, on Monday July 25 at 9 AM at Jaros River Garden parking lot, 2500 Marshall St NE.  Community activists from Eastside Quality of Life (EEQL) will also be on hand to voice their concerns.  EEQL’s demands include improved permitting of VOCs at GAF Shingle Plant by the MPCA and that the City of Minneapolis not re-new the lease for the GAF plant that expires this year.

The Environmental Impact Study compares four census tracts surrounding the Lowry Bridge on both sides of the river to data from a same-sized control area in Mound, Minnesota. Results show a rate of air pollution related deaths in the Lowry Area census tracts as 330% higher than the rate of air pollution related deaths in the Mound Area. Overall cancer deaths are 310% higher in the Lowry Area than in the Mound Area while death rates from asthma are 844% higher than in the Mound Area.

*Data from 2010 only

+Data from 2009-2013

East Side Environmental Quality of Life (EEQL) is a group of concerned citizens from neighborhoods near the Lowry Avenue Bridge on both sides of the river who are working to solve serious air pollution concerns in their communities.  Funded and coordinated by the Bottineau Neighborhood Association (BNA), Phase One of EEQL’s Cancer and Air Pollution Death Study is now complete. Except where noted, data in the table above (95% confidence, 1.96% margin of error) was derived from 19 years of vital statistics provided by the Minnesota Department of Health. For statistical comparison to other epidemiological studies, all data is calculated at a rate of occurrence per 100,000 residents.

The study’s research coordinator, Tonye Slyvanus, is a Master of Public Health candidate at the University of Minnesota and a practicing MD from Nigeria. He was assisted by Stephanie Yuen, a BNA and EEQL volunteer who has a Master of Public Health degree focused on biostatistics and epidemiology from Oregon Science and Health University.

The next phase of EEQL’s cancer study will be to interview residents and former residents in the four Lowry census tracts indicated above to determine the extent of cancer illnesses among the living. People who are willing to volunteer for phase two of this study should contact Bottineau Neighborhood Association at 612-367-7262 and leave a message, or send an email to [email protected]. Duties will include mailing out the cancer survey, follow-up phoning of residents, Facebook and social media outreach, and neighborhood canvassing.

Contact: Nancy Przymus

[email protected]

2205 California Street #107, Minneapolis, MN 55418

612-367-7262, 612-801-7834

Read the full news release on our website.

Construction begins soon on a new timber frame picnic pavilion at Beltrami Park. A news release with more information is attached and pasted below. Several project renderings and a map of where the pavilion will be built within the park are linked in the news release.

New Timber Frame Pavilion coming soon to Beltrami Park!

Partnership between neighborhood, public, non-profit, and corporate philanthropic sources comes together to create a unique, beautiful new picnic shelter in Northeast Minneapolis

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) is thrilled to announce work will begin soon on the construction of a new timber frame picnic pavilion at Beltrami Park.

“This distinctive new picnic shelter will be a wonderful new community gathering place and the creativity, resourcefulness and talent that is bringing it to fruition is a perfect example of what makes Northeast such a great place to live,” said MPRB Commissioner Liz Wielinski. “I’m deeply appreciative of the all the work done by Beltrami neighborhood, the generosity of US Bank and the Minnesota Vikings, the talent and time donated by Timber Framers Guild Member Clark Bremer and Spark-Y, and the guidance provided by MPRB staff.”

About the Pavilion

The project will result in the addition of a 26-foot-tall timber frame pavilion that will accommodate approximately 16-20 people at one or two picnic tables, which will also be constructed using timber framing methods.

Location Map

Pavilion Rendering

Pavilion Elevation View

Community involvement is a critical component of this project. Neighborhood residents are encouraged to attend any of the several opportunities to get involved listed below.

What is Timber Framing?

Timber framing is a distinctive style of building construction that has been used for thousands of years. Timber frame structures are built using carefully fitted timbers with complex joints secured by large wooden pegs instead of nails or other mechanical fasteners.

Project Contributors

This unique addition to the park was made possible through an extensive roster of project contributors:

• US Bank Places to Play program, which awarded the Beltrami Neighborhood Council a $27,000 grant for the project.
• Beltrami Neighborhood Council (BNC), which organized a series of public meetings that identified a picnic shelter as a top priority at Beltrami Park, successfully applied for the Places to Play grant and contributed a $25,000 match from its Neighborhood Priority Plan funding.
• The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, which contributed $8,000 in District 1 Commissioner funds and helped the BNC develop the concept, identify potential funding sources and secure partners for the project.
• Clark Bremer, a Northeast Minneapolis resident and member of the Timber Framers Guild. Bremer is donating his time and expertise to construct the pavilion.
• Spark-Y, a local non-profit providing staff and interns to assist Bremer. Spark-Y helped build a previous timber frame construction project at Edison High School in Northeast Minneapolis.

Stay Informed

Subscribing to email updates is the best way to stay informed on this project. Subscribe by visiting minneapolisparks.org/subscribe and selecting “Beltrami Park Timber Frame Pavilion” under “Planning Projects,” or by visiting minneapolisparks.org/planning, selecting “Beltrami Park Timber Frame Pavilion” and entering your email into the box under “Subscribe to Email Updates.”

Interested in saving money on your home or rental property? A Home Energy Squad visit is a great way to have a trusted expert come to your home and install free energy efficient materials, safety check your heating and water system and evaluate energy savings opportunities. This typically costs $70 and over 9,000 Minneapolis households have participated. For a limited time, the City of Minneapolis is offering FREE visits for income qualified residents along with 0% financing for insulation and/or air sealing upgrades. To learn more call 612 335 5874 or visit mncee.org/hes-mpls

Save energy, save money

Lower your energy costs and reduce your hot water use without sacrificing comfort with CenterPoint Energy’s FREE, easy-to-install showerheads and faucet aerators*.

• Showerheads are available in chrome or ivory finish.
• Kitchen and bathroom faucet aerators are both available.

*Offer valid for all CenterPoint Energy residential natural gas heating customers in Minnesota, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Oklahoma. Customers may receive up to a maximum of three showerheads and three aerators. Customers who have received low flow products in the past will only be able to receive additional units to the maximum allowed.

– See more at:  http://www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/residential/save-energy-money/efficiency-programs-rebates/low-flow-showerheads-faucet-aerators?sa=mn#sthash.4wectwkj.dpuf 

Be Safe with Fireworks, Keep 911 Open for emergencies

Noise reports can be made online, through 311 mobile app, and by phone; call 911 for fireworks-related life safety or fire hazard concerns

June 30, 2015 (MINNEAPOLIS) Fourth of July fireworks are part of Independence Day celebrations, and the noise complaints and safety issues they generate lead to high call volumes at 911 call centers across the country. That’s why the City, the Minneapolis Police Department and the Minneapolis Fire Department want to make sure folks stay safe this holiday weekend and know what to do if they have fireworks-related complaints.

Fireworks safety

• Read, understand and follow the instructions on each device prior to using.
• Use fireworks with close adult supervision.
• Choose a safe place to use fireworks. Fireworks should only be ignited outdoors and away from animals, buildings, storage tanks, brush or combustible materials.
• Anyone acting in an irresponsible manner or who appears to be under the influence of alcohol or other drugs should not handle or discharge fireworks.
• Keep fireworks away from small children and store them in a cool dry location away from sources of ignition (heat and flames).
• Never ignite fireworks inside another container, such as inside a bottle or can.

Visit http://www.fireworkssafety.org/safety-tips/ for more fireworks safety tips.

What’s legal, what’s not

It’s also important to know what’s legal and what’s not when setting off fireworks in Minneapolis:

• Non-explosive fireworks are legal in Minneapolis. Examples include sparklers, cones, tubes that spark, snakes, and party poppers.
• It is legal to use these types of fireworks in your yard or on your sidewalk.
• Fireworks that explode or take off are illegal in Minneapolis. Examples include firecrackers, bottle rockets, missiles, roman candles, mortars and shells.
• It is illegal to use any fireworks on public property including roads, alleys, schools, and parks.

Noise reports

On a typical July 4^th evening, Minneapolis 911 receives hundreds of calls per hour, most of which are related to fireworks noise complaints. On a normal day, Minneapolis 911 will receive fewer than 100 calls per hour. Because of the huge volume of calls, police officers cannot be dispatched to each fireworks noise incident on or near the 4th of July.

Reducing the number of noise complaints to 911 will help ensure that 911 emergency calls are answered as quickly as possible, and that all emergency responders are available to respond to calls about more serious crimes, fires and medical emergencies.

Minneapolis 911 increases staffing during this busy period, but folks can help us make sure emergency calls are answered as quickly as possible, by not calling 911 with fireworks noise complaints. Instead, noise reports can be made online, through the 311 mobile app or by calling 311.

Residents should note that Minneapolis 311 is closed July 4, and will be open from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Sunday, July 3, but the mobile application can be used any time to make a report. City staff will review the complaint during normal business hours when offices open again and may follow up with the property owner the complaint references, but a police squad will not be dispatched.

For fireworks-related issues that pose life safety threats or fire hazards, residents should call 911 and police, fire or medical help will be dispatched.

Examples of calls that should go to 911 include:

• A situation where a person has been injured by fireworks.
• Airborne fireworks landing on a building or wooded area posing a fire risk.
• When the size of the fireworks gathering and the unruly behavior of the people involved begins to pose a threat to others.

FLYERS ARE ATTACHED BELOW

Renee AllenMinneapolis Police Department, First Precinct
[email protected]
(612) 673-5163

• FIREWORKS COMPLAINTS 2016.doc
• FIREWORKS FACTS 2016.doc

Work continues on three I-35W bridges in northeast Minneapolis
Directional closures on Johnson Street, Broadway Street switch sides beginning July 1

ROSEVILLE, Minn. – Motorists traveling on three Interstate 35W bridges in northeast Minneapolis will encounter new directional closures beginning July 1, weather permitting.

Crews will switch the directional closure from one side of each bridge to the other side.

• Johnson Street
  Northbound Johnson Street between Broadway Street and 14^th Avenue will close July 1 through mid-August.

Currently, southbound Johnson Street is closed. Southbound Johnson Street will reopen to one lane prior to the closing of northbound Johnson Street.

Northbound motorists will be detoured around the closure via westbound Broadway Street, northbound Central Avenue and eastbound Lowry Avenue.

• Broadway Street
  Eastbound Broadway Street between Buchanan Street and Johnson Street will close July 1 through mid-August.

Currently, westbound Broadway Street between Johnson Street and Lincoln Street is closed. Westbound Broadway Street will reopen prior to the closing of eastbound Broadway Street.

Eastbound motorists will be detoured around the closure via southbound Central Avenue, eastbound East Hennepin Avenue and northbound Johnson Street.

• East Hennepin Avenue
  Westbound East Hennepin Avenue at Johnson Street will close July 6 through mid- August.

Currently, eastbound East Hennepin Avenue between 10^th Avenue and Johnson Street is closed. Both directions will be open from July 1 through July 5.

Westbound motorists will be detoured around the closure via northbound Johnson St., westbound Broadway Street and southbound Central Avenue.

Motorists also can expect off-peak ramp and lane closures on I-35W from 8^th Street SE to New Brighton Boulevard.

This project will extend the lifespan of the four bridges and improve accessibility for pedestrians when competed.

For more information, please visit www.dot.state.mn.us/metro/projects/i35wnemplsbridges/.

Experience life-changing growth while supporting your local school. Become a Minnesota Reading Corps or Minnesota Math Corps tutor and be a hero to students who struggle with reading or math. Whether you want to explore a career in education, re-enter the workforce, or give back to your community, you can make a difference as a tutor. Last year, Minnesota Reading Corps and Minnesota Math Corps tutors helped more than 35,000 children in more than 900 schools across the state. Near Logan Park, PreK and Elementary Literacy tutors are needed at the following schools for the 2016-17 school year:

• Minnesota Transitions Charter Elementary
• PICA Northeast-Neighborhood Early Learning Center
• Sheridan Arts Magnet
• Webster Elementary

As a tutor, you’ll see a student’s progress as they gain new skills and as they light up with confidence and the satisfaction of knowing they can do it. No child wants to stand out because they can’t learn as quickly as their classmates. We’re helping more kids catch up and soar on their own. And you can be part of it.

Tutors receive extensive training and support from onsite coaches. Tutors are paid a living allowance, given federal student loan forbearance, and are eligible for an education award of up to $5,775 at the end of their service. Tutors 55 or older may gift the award to their child or grandchild. Full- and part-time positions are available.

Here’s what a few tutors love about serving:

• “I give the children in our community the individualized attention they need to thrive in school. This is awesome work that makes Minnesota mighty!” – Sarah W., children’s book author and former PreK teacher
• “I absolutely love what I do! I get to come to school each day and see the kiddos I work with succeed.” – Andrea M., stay-at-home parent

Learn how you can get involved by visiting MinnesotaReadingCorps.org or MinnesotaMathCorps.org. You can also help by telling a friend or family member about openings in our community and statewide! Positions start in August for the 2016-17 school year. Send questions to [email protected] or call 866-859-2825.

Celebrate the Fourth of July during Minneapolis Red, White and Boom, a two-day celebration hosted by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board. The event, held along the downtown Minneapolis Riverfront, features live music, great food, fun activities for the whole family, and the grand finale – fireworks!

On Monday, July 4, Father Hennepin Bluff Park will offer FREE family activities in the Family Fun Zone, 6–9:30 pm including balloon twisters, caricature artists, and hair and face painting. Bands performing this year are as follows:

Father Hennepin Bluff Park

6–7:30 pm Matthew Hannah

8-10 pm Funktion Junction

Mill Ruins Park

6–7:30 pm Plaid Brixx

8–10 pm Dylan Jakobsen

Boom Island Park

8:30–9:45 pm Minnesota Orchestra (NEW this year!)

The Red, White and Boom Celebration closes with a spectacular fireworks display along the Riverfront at 10 pm. For more information please go to www.mplsredwhiteboom.com.

Pre-Fourth of July Celebration

Sunday, July 3 | 7 pm | Nicollet Island

Enjoy free live music starting at 7 pm courtesy of Kerns and the Hemispheres, followed by the outdoor classic film “Field of Dreams.” Movie starts at dusk and food trucks will be on site for food purchases.

Ward One Update City Council Member Kevin Reich 350 S. 5th Street, Room 307, Minneapolis, MN 55415 (612) 673-2201 · [email protected]

You’re invited to…

A community conversation about Shoreham Yards and an activity center concept that features a velodrome, retail and multi-purpose space. This meeting is co-hosted by Columbia Park Neighborhood Association and Shoreham Area Advisory Committee.

Wednesday, July 13, 6:30 p.m.

Columbia Manor, 3300 Central Avenue NE

The City of Minneapolis is offering free home visits from energy-saving experts to income-qualified Minneapolis residents including renters. Join more than 9,000 households that have already benefited from the program. Home Energy Squad visits bring energy efficiency experts to participants’ homes to install energy-saving materials and make recommendations on energy-saving upgrades. Minneapolis households over the income limit for the free visits can still receive the visit for $70.

At the home visit a team of energy consultants will:

• Install energy-saving materials such as door weatherstripping, a water heater blanket, compact fluorescent lightbulbs, a programmable thermostat, and high-efficiency showerheads and faucet aerators.
• Test for air leaks.
• Inspect attic and wall insulation using an infrared camera.
• Recommend energy upgrades based on the test results.
• Check heating systems and water heaters for safety.
• Provide a quote for insulation and/or air sealing and the opportunity to connect with a qualified contractor if applicable.

Free visits and no-interest financing

The City of Minneapolis offers free visits to qualified households with an income less than $48,100 for one person, $54,950 for two people, $61,850 for three people, or up to $90,650 for eight people. If the Home Energy Squad recommends insulation or air sealing, income-qualified residents also have special access to zero percent financing to complete that work. Homeowners can call 612-335-5874 to confirm eligibility and schedule a visit. Funds are limited.

Home Energy Squad is provided by CenterPoint Energy and Xcel Energy in partnership with the City of Minneapolis and delivered by the Center for Energy and Environment (CEE), a Minneapolis nonprofit.

To schedule a Home Energy Squad visit, call 612-335-5874 or visit mncee.org/hes-mpls.

Car-Free and Car-Light Living:

Transportation Options in the Urban Environment

Could you live without a car? Would you live without a car? Or downsize from two to one? Significant investment has been made in the past decade in multi-modal transportation options, from light rail and high-frequency bus service to bicycle infrastructure and car- and bicycle-share programs like Nice Ride, Car2Go, HOURCAR and others, all of which make car-free and/or car-light lifestyles more viable in Minneapolis.

Join Council Member Reich and your friends and neighbors on Thursday, June 9, 6:30 p.m. at Northeast Library, 2200 Central Avenue NE for a discussion about our City’s changing transportation landscape. Guest panelists will include Gene Tierney, founder of the non-profit organization CarFreeLife; Metro Transit planner Kyle Burrows; Nice Ride executive director Bill Dossett; and Center for Energy & Environment president Chris Duffrin.

For questions or further information, contact Lisa Brock at [email protected] or 612-673-2201.