Celebrate Black History Month in Minneapolis Parks

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Black History Month Celebration

Thursday, Feb. 23, Folwell Recreation Center, 6-8 pm

This free event features:

  • Spoken word
  • Story-telling
  • Lyrical dance
  • Fashion show
  • Dinner

Need a ride? Transportation is provided from the following locations:

Black History Month Movie Night

Thursdays in February, Green Central Gym, 6-8:30 pm

Join us for movie every Thursday in February! Movies are culturally based, with an emphasis on achievement and ovecoming adversity.

 

Neighborhood Board Representation Training!

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If you are a Person of Color or know a Person of Color interested in joining their neighborhood association or district council, CURA’s Neighborhood Organizing and Leadership Program is looking for participants for a free training to empower and assist them in their journey toward leadership. We are looking for People of Color that want to create change and fight injustice in their community through neighborhood board membership.

The first Board Representation Leadership Training for People of Color will beThursday, February 9, 2017, 6:30pm – 8:30pm at CURA on the University of Minnesota campus, 330 Humphrey, 301 19th Avenue South, 
Minneapolis, MN 55455.

We believe neighborhood residents are the most powerful force against injustice in their community. Our Board Representation Leadership Training for People of Color values recruiting and supporting people of color to join their local neighborhood board to create change in their community and to transform the injustice of not having diverse voices and leadership in neighborhood groups. Our program creates learning sessions and a support networks for people of color join their local neighborhood board and use their power to make their vision for their community a reality through organizing.

Who is this for?

The training is open to people of color who want to join their neighborhood board and create local change so they are prepared to run at their neighborhood association or district council annual meeting elections, or want to inquire about board vacancies in their community.

Register now!

For more information or to register, interested participants should email Malik Holt-Shabazz or call 612-791-7734.
The Board Representation Leadership Training for People of Color offers:

  • Community Organizing 101
  • The Power of YOUR Narrative / Story
  • Neighborhood Association / District Council Board Basics
  • Asking questions about neighborhood associations and district council from a former director of both bodies
  • Relationship building with other board of members and leaders of color
Neighborhood Leadership and Organizing is a program of the The Center for Urban and Regional Affairs (CURA). CURA connects the resources of the University of Minnesota with the interests and needs of urban communities and the region for the benefit of all.

You’re invited! Come hear about the future of St. Anthony Falls!

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Join us: Water Over the Dam

What does the future hold for St. Anthony Falls?

St. Anthony Falls has been a center of development along this part of the Mississippi River for more than two centuries, and part of a cultural heritage since long before that. As we bring our Riverfront Vitality Forum series into 2017, we’re starting with a discussion of the past, present and future of this centerpiece of the Minneapolis riverfront.

Water Over the Dam, to be held the evening of Tuesday, Feb. 28, will present a discussion of the different ways that our community depends on water flowing over the falls. We’ll talk about the falls from the Native American perspective, the industrial perspective, the recreational perspective and the economic one. Come join us!

Panelists include Peggy Lucas, co-founder of Brighton Development and a U of M Regent; Darlene St. Clair, professor of American Indian Studies at St. Cloud State; Dan Dressler, public programs manager, Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, part of the National Park Service; Neal Route, development associate for Dominium, owners of the Pillsbury A-Mill. Richard Kronick, an architectural historian and member of the board of Preserve Minneapolis, which is co-presenting this forum with Minneapolis Riverfront Partnership, will moderate the panel.

Doors open at 5:30 and program begins at 6. Registration is not required, but will help us plan.

Claim your tickets now!

Minneapolis Riverfront Partnership
2522 Marshall St NE
Minneapolis MN 55418 United States

If you believe you received this message in error or wish to no longer receive email from us, please unsubscribe.

 

Future of Neighborhood Organizations

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Minneapolis has over 70 neighborhood organizations currently funded by the city. The current source of this funding ends in 2020. The Neighborhood and Community Engagement Commission and the Neighborhood Community Relations Department will be hosting Community Conversations throughout the city in the next few months to discuss the Future of Neighborhood Organizations. These meetings will be open to everyone. The key questions for these conversations will be:

  • What are the unique services provided by neighborhood organizations?
  • What is the role of neighborhood organizations with the City government?
  • What are the major challenges or barriers neighborhood organizations face in serving their communities or partnering with the City?
  • How do we measure the impact of neighborhood work?
  • Do we have the right neighborhood infrastructure (number of neighborhoods, programming, changing demographics, resource availability etc.)?
  • What resources are needed to help support the goal of supporting inclusive, vibrant and effective neighborhood organizations?

Check for updates on these meetings in the LPNA newsletter and website. If you want more info on this process, email or call LPNA. Strong participation is encouraged!

Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board celebrates Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

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Join the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) for their annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration on Monday, January 16 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Recreation Center (4055 Nicollet Ave. S, Minneapolis, MN 55409).

The celebration will be emceed by Chad Jackson, Senior Account Executive with the Minnesota Twins. Duchess Harris, Professor of American Studies, Department Chair at Macalester College, and author of four books, will be the keynote speaker. Performances that evening will feature, Mike De’Cole, award winning singer/songwriter.

Performances and guest speakers also include: Sandra Richardson from the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy Council, and poetry from Victoria Champion.

The MPRB will present its “Living the Dream” award , which honors an individual, business, or community group who has demonstrated dedication and distinguished service to the MPRB and the lives of Minneapolis residents. This year’s recipient is Jovonta Patton, #1 billboard chart-topping artist/community activist.

The celebration will also mark the conclusion of the eighth annual “Feeding the Dream” Food Drive. Residents are encouraged to drop off non-perishable food items at their local MPRB Recreation Center through January 16.

The community service project was initiated in the fall of 2009 and since then more than 10,000 pounds of donations have been collected. This year, all donations will go to the Aliveness Project and Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative.

The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration is free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item to donate. Refreshments will be available following the program. For more information, please visit www.minneapolisparks.org or call

612-230-6400.

Discuss Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock at “Transforming the Lock” Open House January 24

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The Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock

The Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock closed to navigation in 2015. Now it’s used as a visitor center

Share ideas to improve Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock on Jan. 24, 6-8 pm at Mill City Museum

WHAT: Public Input Open House

WHEN: Tuesday, January 24th, 6-8 pm

WHERE: Mill City Museum, 704 S. 2nd Street, Mpls.

WHY:  The Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock in Minneapolis was closed to navigation in 2015. It now serves as a visitor center for the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, the national park in the Twin Cities. Help identify ways to improve access to the lock, provide a rich visitor experience at the site, and connect the lock to the surrounding riverfront.

The Lock is located within the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board’s (MPRB) Central Mississippi Riverfront Regional Park and the MPRB encourages participation in the Jan. 24Open House.

Light refreshments provided. Please RSVP to Christine Goepfert at [email protected] or(612) 270-8564.

Hosted by the National Parks Conservation Association and MSR Design.

Housing Forum: Gentrification in the Twin Cities

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Housing Forum: Gentrification in the Twin Cities – Fact or Fiction?

Friday, November 18, 2016
1:00pm – 2:30pm
Room L-110 (Honeywell Auditorium)
Carlson School of Management
321 19th Avenue S
Minneapolis, MN 55455

Register now.Gentrification, the process where once neglected inner city locales experience a spur in investment and a drastic shift in its residential characteristics, is one of the most important urban issues of our time. For many, this implies that long-term, low-income residents are displaced by higher-income residents, ensuring that the historic residents are unable to directly benefit from large-scale reinvestment.

Questions about gentrification in our region are being asked almost on a daily basis. It’s influencing advocacy efforts in neighborhoods and being discussed by our elected officials.

Questions animating the discussions include:

  • “What is gentrification?”
  • “Is it happening in our neighborhoods?”
  • “Is it good or bad?”
  • “What should we do about it?”

For the past year CURA has been doing research to help answer some of these questions. Using qualitative and quantitative methods we are both engaging with other scholarly work in this area to determine what kind of neighborhood change is happening or could happen, and we’re interviewing neighborhood leaders, elected officials, and staff at the Cities of Saint Paul and Minneapolis to examine how people are experiencing neighborhood change.

Our research suggests that at the neighborhood level, the effects of gentrification are much more nuanced than any generalizable definition. While our research is not complete, we’re far enough along we wanted to share what we’ve learned thus far.

Join us for a CURA Housing Forum on November 18 where we’ll share our findings to date and engage in critical discussion around this important issue in our region.

Register now.

Thomas Edison High School’s Fifth Annual Autumn Bazaar to be held

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                                               Press Release

Thomas Edison High School’s
Fifth Annual Autumn Bazaar to be held
Saturday, November 19th
October 12, 2016

Contact:  Holly Hatch-Surisook at [email protected]

Edison High School Tommie Boosters, a parent organization supporting and invigorating student spirt and enrichment, is hosting the fifth annual Autumn Bazaar.  This free event, open to anyone in the community, will take place on Saturday, November 19 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm in the Edison High School Gymnasium:  700 22nd Avenue NE, Minneapolis, MN  55418.

The event will feature affordable art, creative crafts, concessions and a raffle.  Organizers anticipate 60 local vendors will be on site to sell their creations, just in time for holiday gift buying.  All proceeds will be used to fund activities for Edison students.

Thomas Edison, a Minneapolis public school and International Baccalaureate World School, is located in northeast Minneapolis.   Through innovation and personal empowerment, the Edison community partners with its students, igniting a passion for lifelong learning, instilling the ideals of international mindedness, and leading its students to succeed at Edison and in their post-secondary aspirations.

For more information visit Edison’s website:  http://edison.mpls.k12.mn.us/autumn_bazaar_2

Or contact Holly Hatch-Surisook at [email protected].

October Minneapolis 2040 Engagement Opportunities – Open Houses, Tweet with a Planner and more

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Minneapolis 2040 and City logos

October 18, 2016

Help the City of Minneapolis Plan for the Future

Minneapolis 2040 is an update to the City’s Comprehensive plan, a document that shapes how Minneapolis will grow and change. The plan covers housing, job creation, the design of new buildings, and how we use our streets.

As we work to update this plan, we want to hear from YOU!

Your City

We want Minneapolis to be a strong, growing, diverse and inclusive city.  How can we do this and provide diverse housing options, sustainable jobs, and a transportation system that works for everyone?

Your Community

Your community should be safe, livable, healthy, and sustainable. Do you have access to what you need on a daily basis?

Your Voice

Your voice is important in helping shape the future of Minneapolis.  You know how you experience the city ever day and what it takes to create a more equitable future for everyone.Help us build on what’s working and fix what isn’t.

We are doing a variety of outreach events this month and hope you will participate!

Tweet with a Planner

Participate in an online conversation with Minneapolis 2040 City planners. Share your feedback on topics such as housing, job creation, the design of new buildings, and how we use our streets!

Thursday, October 20, 2016
12:00-1:00 p.m.
@GrowingMpls
#MplsBigIdeas

Attend an Interactive Open House

Attendees may drop in either open house any time between 5:00-7:30 p.m. to take guided or self-guided tours of interactive, artist designed event stations focused on the following topic areas: transportation, jobs, housing, the environment, and a healthy and equitable city. Complimentary refreshments and food from local vendors will also be provided.

Tuesday, October 25
5:00-7:30 p.m.

Midtown GLobal Market
920 E. Lake Street
Minneapolis, MN 55407

-or-

Thursday, October 27
5:00-7:30 p.m.

North Commons Park
1801 James Ave N
Minneapolis, MN 55411

 Juneteenth Outreach Photo

Participate Online at www.minneapolis2040.com

Go online to www.minneapolis2040.com to learn more about and voice your opinion on the future of Minneapolis on the policy topics: Transportation, Jobs, Housing and Environment. The Minneapolis 2040 website features new interactive content and an opportunity for you to submit feedback.

Be sure to sign up for our e-mail list and check out the calendar of events for other upcoming activities.

If you need a disability-related accommodation, such as a sign language interpreter, wheelchair accessible meeting site or materials in an alternative format, please Contact 3-1-1 for more information regarding this City of Minneapolis Long Range Planning project by October 18.
Para asistencia 612-673-2700 – Rau kev pab 612-673-2800 – Hadii aad Caawimaad u baahantahay 612-673-3500

October Learning Lab – Renter Engagement

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Registration is Now Open for the City of Minneapolis October Learning Lab. October’s Learning Lab topic will be Renter Engagement.

Share best practices on renter engagement and learn about Regulatory Services Open Data Portal and Neighborhood Reports.

RSVP via Eventbrite.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/renter-engagement-learning-lab-city-of-minneapolis-tickets-21455592254

 

Questions can be directed to Michelle Chavez, 612-673-3564 or [email protected]

City Offers 0% Financing for Residential Insulation and Air Sealing Upgrades – limited time

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The City of Minneapolis is offering free Home Energy Squad visits to income-qualified Minneapolis households while funds last. Visits are available for $70 to Minneapolis households over the income limit. The Home Energy Squad visits bring energy efficiency experts to participants’ homes to install energy-saving materials and make recommendations on energy-saving upgrades. More than 9,000 Mpls households have already benefitted from the program.

New!  For a limited time, the City of Minneapolis also offers no-interest financing to Minneapolis participants making insulation and air sealing upgrades recommended by the Home Energy Squad (no income limits).

Call Beth today at 612-335-5874 or visit mncee.org/hes-mpls

Gayle Prest, Director

Minneapolis Sustainability Office

(612) 673-2931

[email protected]

www.minneapolismn.gov/sustainability

 

MRP Backyard by the River

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MRP Backyard by the River, October 11, 2016. 
This is your opportunity to invite your friends to learn more about MRP – a Friendraiser!  It is also a great opportunity to show off the Upper River and hear about the unique stories in this area.  Susan Overson, from the National Park Service, will be talking about the Canoe Sharing Program.  We’ve just enlisted Jack Driscoll, who is steeped in the history of this area, to tell tales of the Red River Oxcart Trail.  This will be a fun opportunity to introduce your friends to the Upper River.

The Eventbrite link is here.  Please share with your friends and encourage them to attend!
At MRP, we know the river. We study it. We tell people about it. We bring people together to celebrate it, to learn about it, and to plan for its future development and use.  Your neighborhood is essential to that work. Your board, your community, and their families are part of that future, and I wanted to make sure your neighborhood is connected to our work and has a voice in our organization.
Kathleen Boe, Executive Director
minneapolis RIVERFRONT partnership
what gets measured gets done

Request for Proposals – 2017 Great Streets Facade Grant Program

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The City of Minneapolis is seeking proposals from organizations to administer the Façade Improvement Matching Grant Program in commercial corridors, neighborhood commercial nodes, activity centers, and Hiawatha and Central Corridor Light Rail Transit (LRT) station areas. The City provides Façade Improvement Matching Grant administration contracts to organizations as an incentive to encourage private investment in and improve the appearance of our neighborhood business districts. The Department of Community Planning and Economic Development (CPED) issued the 2017 Façade Improvement Program RFP on Monday, October 3, 2016. Proposals are due on Monday, October 31, 2016 by 4:00 p.m.For more information, contact Judy Moses.

Link to the RFP webpage:
http://www.minneapolismn.gov/cped/rfp/cped_rfp

Judy Moses
Sr. Economic Development Specialist
 
City of Minneapolis – Community Planning and Economic Development
105 Fifth Avenue South – Room #200
Minneapolis, MN 55401-2534

 

Office: 612-673-5283

[email protected]

www.minneapolismn.gov/cped

Help the City of Minneapolis Plan for the Future

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Attend a Minneapolis 2040 Open House this October

Minneapolis 2040 is an update to the City’s Comprehensive plan, a document that shapes how Minneapolis will grow and change. The plan covers housing, job creation, the design of new buildings, and how we use our streets.

We want to hear from YOU! Join us at one of these family friendly, interactive open houses. You will have the opportunity to share feedback with City planners and engage with artists to plan for the future development of Minneapolis. Enjoy complimentary refreshments and food from local vendors.

Tuesday, October 25
5:00-7:30 p.m.

Midtown GLobal Market
920 E. Lake Street
Minneapolis, MN 55407

-or-

Thursday, October 27
5:00-7:30 p.m.

North Commons Park
1801 James Ave N
Minneapolis, MN 55411

 Juneteenth Outreach Photo

These open house events will provide an opportunity to talk to planners and share your ideas on the following topics:

Your City

We want Minneapolis to be a strong, growing, diverse, and inclusive city. How can we do this and provide diverse housing options, sustainable jobs, and a transportation system that works for everyone?

Your Community

Your community should be safe, livable, healthy, and sustainable. Do you have access to what you need on a daily basis?

Your Voice

Your voice is important in shaping the future of Minneapolis. You know how you experience the city every day and what it takes to create a more equitable future for everyone. Help us build on what’s working and fix what isn’t.

Drop by anytime between 5:00-7:30pm at either open house and tell us what you think!

Learn more at:

minneapolis2040.com
@MPLS2040
#MPLSBigIdeas

The materials that will be presented at these two open house events will also be made available online at minneapolis2040.com

Minneapolis Mural Map Project

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Minneapolis Mural Map Project

Minneapolis Mural Maps

Northeast Minneapolis Murals

Welcome to the Minneapolis Mural Map project by Art Force Academy. This project came about on one of those summer days – you know the ones… We were cruising through the Northeast Minneapolis Arts District when a glorious mural peaked over the horizon.

As it drew nearer, we wondered, “Who painted this mural? Where can we find out?”Much to our surprise, there was no single source detailing all of Minneapolis’ murals. So we set out to do it ourselves. Enter the Minneapolis Mural Map! We hope to add mural maps – neighborhood by neighborhood – and could really use your help hunting them all down. In the meantime, please see the Northeast Minneapolis Mural Map as it takes shape below. For more detail on the artists, orgins and more, be sure to read the blog post linked below!

Read the Blog
mural map NE arts district

612 Brew Mural - 945 Broadway St. NE - by Adam Turman
Untitled - 3800 Central Ave. NE (alley) - By Nick Dahlen
Cultivate Northeast - Corner of Central and Lowry - By Chank Diesel
Cultivate Northeast 2
Welcome to the Northeast Mural - 924 NE Lowry Ave. - By Unkown
Fireside Stories - 2506 Central Ave NE - by J. Charboneau & Tim Skrivseth
Untitled - 400 NE Lowry Ave (The Hive Salon) - By Broken Crow
Welcome to the NE Arts District Mural - 2433 Grand St. NE by Chris Taylor & Harrelson
Orange Crush - 2210 Marshall St. NE - By Greg Degrace
Procession - (Ruff Love) 1528 Marsall St. NE - By Greg Degrace
Untitled @ 1029 University Ave. NE (1209 Bar) - By Broken Crow
Untitled - 165 13th Ave NE by Broken Crow
Untitled - 165 13th Ave NE - by Unknown
Mural on 212 13th Untitled - 212 13th Avenue NE - by UnknownNE Minneapolis MN, 55413
Minneapolis Mural Maps

North Minneapolis Mural Map

Click for Larger Images

4th St. Saloon
West Broadway & Emerson
Juxtaposition West Broadway and Emerson
Juxtaposition 2
W. Broadway & N. Girard
W. Broadway & N. Irving
Penn and N. Logan Ally 1
Penn & N. Logan Ally 2
1200 W. Broadway
W. Broadway & N. Emerson
W. Broadway & N. Irving
W. Broadway & N. Logan
2418 Plymouth
2418 Plymouth Ave. N.
North Commons Community Center
St. Olaf Community Campus Garden
N Emerson & N Lowry
N. Lowry & N. Oliver
Glenwood & Morgan
Glenwood Ave & Morgan
Glenwood Ave. & Morgan

Help Us Grow Mural Maps!

#MPLSMuralMap. Mural Maps are something we want every neighborhood in the metro to enjoy. Help us spread the joy of these beautiful works of art! If you come about a mural in your journeys throughout the metro, please share it with us. Every mural you share automatically enters you in a contest to win a free art print from Art Force. And hey, even if you don’t win, you can be proud to be part of this ambitious project!

 

Contact Us

Sign Up!

Portfolio

TEMPLATE DESIGN © VIBETHEMES. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Bicycling and Walking Update – Very last chance to volunteer at Open Streets Minneapolis!

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Open Streets Minneapolis is heading back to the University of Minnesota on Saturday, October 1st. It’s the very last Open Streets of the 2016 season, and for the first time will be rolling out on the East Bank and West Bank! The Open Streets team is very excited to present many vendors, community groups, and performers – there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Come be a part of it! Volunteer in one of these fun roles for your free 2016 Open Streets t-shirt and help bring this amazing community event to life!
Open Streets University of Minnesota
October 1st, 11am-5pm
Cedar Riverside/West Bank/Dinkytown
Open Streets Minneapolis gives residents an opportunity to explore their neighborhoods and local businesses in a safe, fun, and family-friendly way. They encourage the use of active transportation and healthy living, and have a goal of giving residents an opportunity to rethink our streets as public space. Come be a part of it! 150 volunteers power this event, and each one makes a difference to bring out communities together. Sound like fun? Learn more and sign up here!
Hope to see you in the Streets!
Matthew Dyrdahl, Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator
Invitation to September 29 Upper Harbor Terminal Site Tour, Open House and Public Meeting
09/19/2016

Upper Harbor 2
September 2016

Come to the September 29 Upper Harbor Terminal Phase 1 Site Tour, Open House and Public Meeting

Upper Harbor Photograph

The community is invited to learn more about the Upper Harbor Terminal site, see a concept for its redevelopment and join in a discussion of what “equity” could mean relative to this site. A tour of the Phase 1 portion of the site also will be available (but spots are limited).
When: 
Thursday, September 29
5:00 – 6:30 pm, tour and open house
6:30 – 8:00 pm, meeting
Where:
Supreme Marine,
3456 North Washington Ave.
(main entrance off Washington)
The tour from 5:00 –6:00 pm will give participants a chance to visit the Phase 1 portions of the site. Tour spots are limited, so please contact Siciid Ali at or 612-230-6576 to reserve your spot. Please note that the site is industrial in nature, may not be safe for children, and may require walking on rough terrain. Participants should dress accordingly, including sturdy shoes. A liability waiver will be required of all participants.
Note: This tour is intended for community members. If you are with a firm interested in development and/or business on the site, we ask that you not take these spaces.
From 5:00 – 6:30 pm, you may view the 3-D model built by Juxtaposition Arts apprentices to encourage visioning and discussion for the Phase 1 portion of the site. Learn about their concept, and share input on possible improvements and project equity in an informal setting.
The meeting from 6:30 to 8:00 pm will be a more focused discussion on how equity can be a centerpiece to the Upper Harbor Terminal site redevelopment.
Light refreshments will be provided, and family members are welcome. The City Clerk’s office is also planning to have a table available where attendees can register to vote.

Second Precinct Inspector Loining Meet & Greet Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2016

Uncategorized
Ward 1 Community Forum: Tuesday, Sept. 13
08/22/2016

Second Precinct Inspector Loining

Meet & Greet

Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2016

6:30 – 8 p.m.

Firefighters Hall & Museum, 664 – 22nd Avenue NE

 

This summer Police Chief Harteau announced new leadership assignments within the Police Department. As a result, Inspector Todd Loining takes over the Second Precinct, while Inspector Kathy Waite has been transferred to the Fifth Precinct. You’re invited to join Council Member Reich in welcoming Inspector Loining to our community. This will be a family-friendly event with light refreshments.

For more information and to RSVP, contact Lisa Brock at 612-673-2201 or[email protected].

 

 

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

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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.

 

Per 100,000 All Deaths All Cancers Lung Cancer Leukemia Bladder Cancer Asthma Other Cancer Air Pollution Related

Deaths
CT1005 Marshall Terrace 790.02 172.17 49.88 0.00 2.45 4.99 119.85 57.31
CT1009 McKinley 901.50 177.33 42.43 2.26 1.33 1.33 122.50 45.08
CT1016 Hawthorne 2110.51 325.31 93.20 7.92 10.40 7.92 213.79 111.52
CT1017 Bottineau 1207.24 249.66 73.26 4.49 11.91 0.00 160.00 85.17
Lowry Area Census Tracts 1103 212.15 58.19 5.33 5.18 2.28 142.98 65.67
Mound Area Census
Tracts		 238.47 68.40 17.89 .98 1.77 .27 47.96 19.93
Minnesota 651.5* 161+ 40.4+ 7.64+ 4.04+ ___ ___ ___
US Overall 747* 171.7* 47.4* 6.9* 4.4* ___ ___ ___

 

*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