Discussion on long term housing and shelter , introduction by Sue Watlov Phillips – Executive Director for Metropolitan Interfaith Coalition for Affordable Housing – featuring guests Senator Kari Dziedzic, Representative Sydney Jordan, Council Member Kevin Reich, Hennepin County Commissioner Irene Fernando, & Elim Church pastors
NOTE: The public is welcome at all LPNA meetings. All meetings are accessible and requests for special accommodations at LPNA meetings may be made by contacting us no less than one week prior to the event. Please contact LPNA with specific requests.
As a board, we commit to engaging with our city, county, and state representatives to advocate that resources and services are provided to the encampment to ensure the safety of the sheltered and unsheltered residents of Logan Park. With homelessness becoming increasingly visible in Minneapolis, the Logan Park Neighborhood Association Board supports the operation of the Logan Park encampment, as permitted by the Minneapolis Park Board and administered by Junail Anderson. During the course of the encampment’s administration, we commit to engagement with local police, city, county, state, and park officials to ensure that the encampment remains safe and well organized.
We do not believe that park encampments are suitable long-term solutions, and demand effective, pragmatic solutions from the city of Minneapolis, Hennepin County, and the state of Minnesota that will result in sheltering the encampment residents in safe transitional housing as well as long-term housing. We commit to engaging with Junail on a regular basis to maintain visibility into encampment needs, including supplies and specific advocacy actions needed to ensure they are able to operate effectively and peaceably.
-The LPNA Board of Directors 9.3.2020
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Please continue to contact your elected officials to share your feedback and ask for permanent, long-term housing for our unsheltered neighbors in the encampment. You can find a template letter here. or download here.
Sue Watlov Phillips is the Executive Director of Metropolitan Interfaith Council on Affordable Housing (MICAH), and before that she was the ED of Elim Transitional Housing based out of Elim church and involved with the NE Food Shelf. She has provided a very detailed report on the history of homelessness.
As COVID-19 continues to bring out the interconnectedness of people, health, and the systems of our society, Chowgirls Catering has been making the most of this tough situation, partnering with other organizations with similar values to implement positive changes. On March 17, 2020, with Second Harvest Heartland and Loaves & Fishes, Chowgirls launched Minnesota Central Kitchen to prepare emergency meals for people in need throughout the Twin Cities metro area. The collaboration has been ongoing since then with Chowgirls making 10,000-12,000 meals per week and kitchens at Surly, United Health, Appetite for Change, The Sioux Chef, and others using the same model. The meals are prepared with donated ingredients as well as ingredients from local farms.
Chowgirls Greenhouse Project, an innovative partnership with urban farmer David Gray of Bullthistle Gardens, is motivated by a spirit of collaboration. David, whom Chowgirls knows through long-time work with the Northeast Farmers Market, is no stranger to growing food with a higher humanitarian purpose. Ten years ago, he developed the disabled adults job program at eQuality Farms, where they grew all organic and heirloom vegetables in Buffalo, Minnesota. He then launched his own endeavor with Bullthistle Gardens, a family urban garden in South Mpls, to grow for farmers markets, local restaurants, and grocery stores.
David recognized Chowgirls work with Second Harvest Heartland as a “powerful mission” and offered to donate a 90’ x 30’ greenhouse for Minnesota Central Kitchen and Chowgirls. The first challenge to make this dream come true was finding a space. The parking lot at Chowgirls headquarters was not large enough. Thanks to the community spirit of Solar Arts Building landlord Duane Arens and neighbors at Indeed Brewing, the big empty lot behind the Solar Arts Building was just the ticket.
The frame was built in June, rich organic compost was laid out in rows, organic peppers and tomatoes seedlings were planted, beans, cucumbers, squash, and herbs were planted from seed. A greenhouse can yield 3 times the harvest of an outdoor farm by using vertical growing methods and season extension practices. The heat from the asphalt will help accelerate the growing process. Hopes are to run the greenhouse at least through the end of October, extending the season as long as weather conditions allow. David believes he can continue to harvest into early December.
As Chowgirls target at least 10% of each Minnesota Central Kitchen meal prepared to feature locally sourced ingredients, this project goes a long way to their goal to invest in Minnesota to feed Minnesota.
Chowgirls is grateful to David for sharing his growing knowledge and willingness to experiment. Growing on a parking lot poses new kinds of challenges that are worth the energy to resolve as a way to find a higher purpose for under-utilized urban space and to make fresh food accessible to everyone, not just those who can afford it.
We have received many questions and statements of support as well as concerns about the encampment. There is a shared concern that encampments in public parks are not a solution and that our elected officials need to deliver on better long term housing for our community members living in the encampment. We share these sentiments.
Per the MPRB, on 8/13/2020:
“We have set the date of Aug 17 as the deadline for an application at Logan Park. At this point, we have communicated a deadline of Aug 17 for applications directly to individuals at the encampment. If an application is not received, the encampment will be identified as an unpermitted encampment and be subject to removal per Resolution 2020-267.
We have approximately 40 parks with encampments at the moment that vary in size. We are prioritizing removal of encampments based health and safety issues and whether it is capable of a permit. Removal of larger encampments can take about 3 days if they go well. We have been working this week to address three sites. ”
We want to share what we know about the camp and want you to be aware that the LPNA board is not sponsoring the camp. We will not be applying for a permit, and we are not directly coordinating volunteers.
We aren’t experts, but here is the best information we could gather based on a variety of sources:
COVID-19 has reduced the space available in homeless shelters. Board members have spoken to folks at the encampment who are hesitant to go to shelters due to safety issues. Additionally Minneapolis, like all major cities in the US, has a drastic shortage of affordable housing units. These factors (and more) have led to a larger and more visible homeless population in our community than in the recent past.
The economic recession will likely not improve in the short term, and has made existing homelessness worse this year. Many people facing financial hardship now are projected to lose their housing when the state moratorium on evictions expires. Homelessness is a long term problem. (news articles on future predictions:NBC, New York Times, Fox).
Continuation of the Governor’s peacetime emergency order, originally declared on March 13, 2020, in response to COVID-19.
Highlights how the state’s homeless population is particularly vulnerable to the COVID-19 health pandemic.
Calls for specific action from local governments to help unsheltered people stay safe during the health pandemic.
States that homeless encampments shall not be subject to law enforcement sweeps or disbandment unless there is a documented threat to the health, safety or security of residents. This is due to the potential to increase the spread of COVID-19. As of today (8/10/20), neither the city of Minneapolis nor the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board (MPRB) have found the Logan Park encampment to be this kind of threat to the community.
Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board (MPRB)
Since June 12, MPRB has beenresponding to the growing number of people experiencing homelessness that are living in parks temporarily until dignified alternative spaces can be found.
MPRB is not a housing authority. They do not have the staff, expertise, or resources to house unsheltered people. They are providing what support they can to people who are camping in city parks while following the Governor’s executive order.
MPRB is working with state, county and city health and human service agencies to find short and long-term solutions.
Temporary Encampment Permits
Since July 15, MPRB staff have been working to get encampments temporarily permitted and to designate parks capable of accommodating encampments. Over time, the number of encampments in the park system will be reduced to no more than 20 park Refuge Sites, with a limit of 25 tents per site, including tents for storage or support.
From the MPRB website: “Getting sites permitted is a fluid situation while outreach continues,encampment permit applicationsare communicated and processed, and park spaces are delineated.” Park board staff evaluate all permit applications.
We are unsure if any permit application for Logan Park is in process. LPNA will share more information with the neighborhood as it becomes available on this topic.
As of today (8/12/20), encampment permits have been issued for four parks
Lake Harriet
Marshall Terrace Park
The Mall
William Berry Park
Park staff have designated Logan Park, along with 11 other parks, as capable of accommodating an encampment. Logan Park is tagged “full”.
We do not know if any other encampments have been denied permits.
Logan Park Encampment
25 tents (including supply tents), in the southwest corner of the park
Port-a-potties, handwashing stations and additional trash bins supplied by Park Board
Junail is the lead volunteer and onsight each day and holds a 7 pm community meeting every evening. Logan Park residents are welcome to attend. LPNA board members have visited with Junail and other encampment residents and will continue to interact and monitor events during this time.
Volunteers are providing security. More volunteers are needed and welcome, especially at night.
Unsheltered people have slept in or near Logan Park well before the encampment formed in the park, and some unsheltered people are staying in or near the park that are not part of the encampment.
The size and visibility of the encampment draws additional traffic and visitors. Neighbors have shared concerns about this and some incidents that have taken place.
Logan Park Neighborhood Association
We encourage and support our neighbors to do the following:
Donate supplies or your time to the encampment (if you are able).
Contact our elected officials, share your feedback and ask for permanent, long-term housing for our unsheltered neighbors in the encampment. You can find a template letter here. or download here.
Sue Watlov Phillips is the Executive Director of Metropolitan Interfaith Council on Affordable Housing (MICAH), and before that she was the ED of Elim Transitional Housing based out of Elim church and involved with the NE Food Shelf. She has provided a very detailed report on the history of homelessness: http://wraphome.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/2010%20Update%20Without%20Housing.pdf
Joshua Howe has submitted the following land use applications to allow the construction of a new six-story mixed-use building with 111 dwelling units, approximately 3,600 square feet of light industrial space, and approximately 1,700 square feet of retail space at 1200 Central Ave NE:
Conditional use permit to allow dwelling units in the Industrial Living Overlay District.
Conditional use permit to increase maximum height in the I1 Light Industrial District.
Site plan review.
The City Planning Commission will meet on Monday, July 6, 2020, at 4:30 p.m. During the declared local public health emergency, Minneapolis has transitioned to an electronic format for its public meetings and hearings, authorized under Minn. Stat. Section 13D.021, to minimize the risk of exposure to or potential spread of COVID-19. The public may view the public hearing using the following options: Watch on Comcast Channel 14 or 799, CenturyLink Channel 8001 or 8501, or live on www.minneapolismn.gov/tv/citycounciltv.
In accordance with the Zoning Code, all property owners within 350 feet of the subject property are notified of this public hearing. The public may submit comments or participate by phone in the meeting by using the following website: www.minneapolismn.gov/meetings/index.htm.
If you have questions about the project, please contact the City staff person listed below. If you would like to submit comments, you may submit them via the link above or by emailing:
Andrew Frenz, Senior City Planner – 250 S 4th St Room 300, Minneapolis, MN 55415
Planning Department staff will issue a recommendation to the Planning Commission. After hearing from the public, the Planning Commission will make a determination based on required legal findings of fact. Please visit www.minneapolismn.gov/meetings/planning for the agenda with staff reports (web page will be updated by the end of the day Wednesday prior to the meeting date).
For reasonable accommodations or alternative formats please contact 612-673-3710. People who are deaf or hard of hearing can use a relay service to call 311 at 612-673-3000. TTY users call 612-673-2157 or 612-673-2626.
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The LPNA Board of Directors, with the guidance from the LPNA Development Committee, have written a letter of support for the conditional use permits.
Join Hennepin County Library for a free, live, online class, Researching the History of Your Minneapolis Home, on Thursday, June 18, 7-8:30pm. Registration is required in order to receive the Microsoft Teams meeting link, which you can join via web or app.
Learn about the historical resources at the library and across the county that will help you piece together a history of your Minneapolis house, neighborhood or property. Staff from Hennepin County Library’s Special Collections will explain and demonstrate resources, emphasizing online resources that will allow you to jump-start your research from home – including permit records, maps, city directories, photos and more.
The link to the live online presentation (Microsoft Teams) will be emailed to registrants in advance.
The Logan Park Neighborhood Association (LPNA) supports the need for change that protesters, starting with our Black neighbors, are tirelessly working toward. Police brutality and the murder of George Floyd have no place in any community, we recognize a systemic problem that exists in specific communities and will work with and support our neighbors toward change. We stand in solidarity with those working for justice and healing in Minneapolis and beyond.
We request our council member and representatives pursue these concrete short terms steps:
Join the chorus of community members and organizations who are calling on Bob Kroll to resign.
Support Indeed Brewing and other local businesses who are requesting changes to the event permitting process – which currently requires they hire off duty officers
Show of support for the Minneapolis school board and Park Board who voted to end their relationship with the MPD
Enact the “8 can’t wait” policies from the Campaign Zero framework.
Support the call for new community-based services for public safety and outreach
We have heard Black organizers ask for direct donations and direct support.
The LPNA believes the trial might call on Darnella Frazier, the young woman that videotaped the killing of George Floyd and whose testimony and videotaped evidence will play a role in the trial of Mr. Floyd. Ms. Frazier’s efforts exposed a crime of humanity and a system that has permitted racial bias to perpetuate, we offer this support to Ms. Frazier as an involved member of her community and a show of support for the emotional trauma she may encounter. This is a self-determining fund that directly supports Darnella and her family. LPNA contribution: $1000
The LPNA also recognizes the need to support organizations that promote justice for all community members and specifically marginalized ones that encounter individuals hired to protect and serve without brutality or life threatening actions. We encourage and challenge every neighborhood group and resident of our city to align themselves with issues facing our city that have become systemic and no longer tenable as they currently exist. LPNA contribution to Black Visions Collective: $1000
These are merely first steps in pursuit of justice, change and policy. We recognize that anti-racism requires continuous action. LPNA should be a source of advocacy and community, and we recognize now is the time to act, invest and commit to action. LPNA is examining our role in deeply entrenched racism, and we commit ourselves to improving how we serve our community. We must work together to dismantle the systems that have allowed this violence and injustice to occur, and we join the voices calling for equity and justice in Minnesota.
Dial by your location +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 929 436 2866 US (New York) +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) +1 253 215 8782 US +1 301 715 8592 US Meeting ID: 954 1556 7130 Password: 682919
La Asociación del Barrio de Logan Park (LPNA) Reunión Anual de Afiliación de Mayo El 20 de mayo de 2020, 7 de la noche, Reunión en línea por Zoom Agenda: Actualizaciones de Prioridades de Planear, Elecciones del Directorio, Actualizaciones del Barrio
We interview Spark Y’s executive director, Zach Robinson, about Spark Y’s mission of youth empowerment, aquaponics, and tree hugging. Spark Y’s world headquarters are located right here in Logan Park. Part of Spark Y’s programming includes a summer youth internship. This summer, the interns will help construct a timber framed pavilion in Logan Park.
Proyecto de Pabellón de Logan Park: Participación Comunitaria – 15 de abril, 7 de la noche
Reunión en línea por ZoomLa Asociación del Barrio de Logan Park (Logan Park Neighborhood Association o LPNA en inglés) planea edificar un pabellón de armazón de madero y lugar de funciones en Logan Park este verano.
¡Únete a nosotros el 15 de abril para hacer preguntas y proveer reacciones!
Como parte de nuestro proceso de planear para la priorización del barrio, los proyectos relacionado a los parques se identificaron como una de las áreas de prioridad general. Entonces conducimos una sesión de lluvia de ideas del barrio y solicitamos unas ideas de proyectos específicos por los residentes a través nuestro boletín informativo mensual, lista de correo electrónico, y redes sociales.
Celebramos y se publicó una votación general del barrio en febrero de 2019 aprobando la lista de proyectos. El plan de priorización que se aprobó por la ciudad en julio de 2019. El proceso y el plan final aprobado están disponibles en el sitio web de LPNA.
El pabellón serviría como refugio de picnic además como un escenario para música y otras funciones en el parque. Actualmente, Logan Park no tiene un refugio de picnic. Participantes y espectadores para varias actividades atléticas dentro del parque disfrutarán el pabellón como un lugar sombreado de concurrentes.
LPNA se asignó un mínimo de $35.000 hacia éste proyecto por nuestro fondos del Programa de Revitalización del Barrio (NRP en inglés). LPNA ha recibido un subsidio de $15.000 por People for Parks (Gente para los Parques). LPNA también buscará contribuciones en especie por negocios locales y la biblioteca de herramientas al noreste de Minneapolis para materiales y equipos de alquiler. Residente de LPNA y obrero de armazones de madera, Clark Bremer, dona su tiempo y pericia en este proyecto. El Laboratorio Juvenil de Acción Spark-Y (Spark-YYouth Action Lab en inglés), basado en Logan Park, se une con nosotros como una actividad de entrenamiento juvenil. Residentes y miembros de la comunidad se animarían a que se ofrezcan como voluntarios durante todo del proyecto a ayudar construir además proveer comida y apoyo a los obreros. El directorio de Parques y Recreación de Minneapolis será responsable para el mantenimiento continuo de la estructura.
Planeamos empezar la preparación del trabajo in situ en la primavera de 2020, con la finalización fijada a finales del verano de 2020.
Visita loganparkneighborhood.org para escuchar el podcast de LPNA en que aparece el líder del proyecto del pabellón, Clark Bremer.
Logan Park Pavilion Project: Community Engagement— April 15th, 7pm Online Zoom Meeting
Logan Park Neighborhood Association (LPNA) is planning to build a Timber Framed Pavilion & Performance Space in Logan Park this summer
Join us on April 15th to ask questions and provide feedback!
As part of our neighborhood priority planning process, park-related projects was identified as one of 5 general priority areas. We then conducted a neighborhood brain-storming idea session and solicited specific project ideas from residents through our monthly newsletter, email list and social media.
We held a published general neighborhood vote in February 2019 approving the list of projects. The priority plan was approved by the city in July 2019. The process and the final approved plan are available on the LPNA website.
The pavilion would serve as a picnic shelter as well as a performance stage for music and other performances in the park. Currently, Logan Park does not have a picnic shelter. Participants and spectators for the many athletic activities within the park will enjoy the pavilion as a shady gathering area.
LPNA has committed a minimum of $35,000 towards this project from our NRP funds. LPNA has received a grant of $15,000 from People for Parks. LPNA will also seek in-kind contributions from local businesses and the NE Tool Library for materials and equipment rental. LPNA resident and timber framer, Clark Bremer, is donating his time and expertise to this project. Spark-Y Youth Action Labs (based in Logan Park) is partnering with us as a youth training activity. Residents and community members will be encouraged to volunteer throughout the project to help build as well as provide meals and support for the workers. Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board will be responsible for the ongoing maintenance of the structure.
We plan to start site work preparation in the spring of 2020, with completion scheduled for late summer 2020.
Visit loganparkneighborhood.org to listen to the LPNA podcast featuring Pavilion project lead, Clark Bremer.
Proyecto de Pabellón de Logan Park: Participación Comunitaria – 15 de abril, 7 de la noche
Reunión en línea por ZoomLa Asociación del Barrio de Logan Park (Logan Park Neighborhood Association o LPNA en inglés) planea edificar un pabellón de armazón de madero y lugar de funciones en Logan Park este verano.
¡Únete a nosotros el 15 de abril para hacer preguntas y proveer reacciones!
Como parte de nuestro proceso de planear para la priorización del barrio, los proyectos relacionado a los parques se identificaron como una de las áreas de prioridad general. Entonces conducimos una sesión de lluvia de ideas del barrio y solicitamos unas ideas de proyectos específicos por los residentes a través nuestro boletín informativo mensual, lista de correo electrónico, y redes sociales.
Celebramos y se publicó una votación general del barrio en febrero de 2019 aprobando la lista de proyectos. El plan de priorización que se aprobó por la ciudad en julio de 2019. El proceso y el plan final aprobado están disponibles en el sitio web de LPNA.
El pabellón serviría como refugio de picnic además como un escenario para música y otras funciones en el parque. Actualmente, Logan Park no tiene un refugio de picnic. Participantes y espectadores para varias actividades atléticas dentro del parque disfrutarán el pabellón como un lugar sombreado de concurrentes.
LPNA se asignó un mínimo de $35.000 hacia éste proyecto por nuestro fondos del Programa de Revitalización del Barrio (NRP en inglés). LPNA ha recibido un subsidio de $15.000 por People for Parks (Gente para los Parques). LPNA también buscará contribuciones en especie por negocios locales y la biblioteca de herramientas al noreste de Minneapolis para materiales y equipos de alquiler. Residente de LPNA y obrero de armazones de madera, Clark Bremer, dona su tiempo y pericia en este proyecto. El Laboratorio Juvenil de Acción Spark-Y (Spark-YYouth Action Lab en inglés), basado en Logan Park, se une con nosotros como una actividad de entrenamiento juvenil. Residentes y miembros de la comunidad se animarían a que se ofrezcan como voluntarios durante todo del proyecto a ayudar construir además proveer comida y apoyo a los obreros. El directorio de Parques y Recreación de Minneapolis será responsable para el mantenimiento continuo de la estructura.
Planeamos empezar la preparación del trabajo in situ en la primavera de 2020, con la finalización fijada a finales del verano de 2020.
Visita loganparkneighborhood.org para escuchar el podcast de LPNA en que aparece el líder del proyecto del pabellón, Clark Bremer.
Edison High School students, in partnership with Logan Park Neighborhood Association and Sheridan Neighborhood Organization, have created a video promoting the 2020 Census in several languages. Thanks to Edison High School students, Edison teacher David Salzer, and MTN TV Studios for making this video happen!
We interview Logan Park neighbors to find out how they are responding to the #StayHomeMN order, how they are connecting, and how they are finding ways to help the community.
We here at LPNA acknowledge this is a difficult time for our community and will do our best to continue connecting people digitally.
The Minnesota Department of Health is leading the state and city preparedness and information dissemination. If you have health questions about COVID-19, the Minnesota Department of Health offers a specific COVID-19 hotline: 651-201-3920 (7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CT).
Electricity: Xcel Energy, the electricity provider for Minneapolis residents and business owners, announced over the weekend that it will indefinitely suspend service disconnections. The company also said it would work with customers who face difficulty paying their electricity bill to arrange payment plans to meet those circumstances. If you have questions about your electricity bill or service, call Xcel’s customer service line at 1-800-895-4999.
Gas: CenterPoint Energy, the gas provider in Minneapolis, also announced it will suspend service disconnections and work with customers who need payment assistance, extensions, or other help. If you have questions about your gas bill or service, contact CenterPoint Energy’s customer service line at 1-800-245-2377.
Internet: Comcast announced yesterday that it will open Xfinity WiFi network nationally for free, will be offering free unlimited data, and will not disconnect a customer’s internet service or assess late fees if they contact the company and let them know that they can’t pay their bills during this period. More information on what Comcast is doing to help make sure everyone has internet access, especially low-income families, can be found here.
Looking for information on coronavirus disease 19 in more languages? The Minnesota Department of Health has translated some of its coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) information and materials into several languages. Please share these links with your neighbors, colleagues and connections and help protect our communities:
Logan Park Pavilion Project: Community Engagement—March 18th, 7pm @ Logan Park – Cancelled
Logan Park Neighborhood Association (LPNA) is planning to build a Timber Framed Pavilion & Performance Space in Logan Park. Come to the March 18th meeting to ask questions and provide feedback!
As part of our neighborhood priority planning process, park-related projects was identified as one of 5 general priority areas. We conducted a neighborhood brain-storming idea session and solicited specific project ideas from residents through our monthly newsletter, email list and social media. We held a published general neighborhood vote in February 2019 approving the list of projects. The priority plan was approved by the city in July 2019. The process and the final approved plan are available on the LPNA website.
The pavilion would serve as a picnic shelter as well as a performance stage for music and other performances in the park. Participants and spectators for the many athletic activities within the park will enjoy the pavilion as a shady gathering area. LPNA has committed a minimum of $35,000 towards this project from our NRP funds. LPNA has received a grant of $15,000 from People for Parks. LPNA will also seek in-kind contributions from local businesses and the NE Tool Library for materials and equipment rental.
LPNA resident and timber framer, Clark Bremer, is donating his time and expertise to this project. Spark-Y Youth Action Labs (based in Logan Park) is partnering with us as a youth training activity. Residents and community members will be encouraged to volunteer throughout the project to help build as well as provide meals and support for the workers. Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board will be responsible for the ongoing maintenance of the structure. We plan to start site work preparation in the spring of 2020, with completion scheduled for late summer 2020. Visit loganparkneighborhood.org to listen to the LPNA podcast featuring Pavilion project lead, Clark Bremer.
