The Midtown Community Works Partnership recently passed a resolution to develop a shared funding strategy for the Making the Connection: Midtown Greenway to Lake Street plan. The partnership, which includes members of the county board and city council, as well as private and non-profit partners, agreed to work together to identify funding opportunities to implement elements of the plan, and to bring their recommendations back to the next partnership meeting later this year.

The plan was developed by the City of Minneapolis, the Midtown Greenway Coalition and the Lake Street Council with extensive research and community outreach. It identifies barriers that limit the greenway’s effectiveness as a transportation route, economic driver, and neighborhood asset and makes recommendations that address these barriers. You can read or download the plan summary or detailed recommendations at www.hennepin.us/midtown. 

Join your neighbors in advancing the next phase of landscape restoration at the Cepro greenspace between 10th and 11th avenues on the Midtown Greenway. We will be planting more than 300 small shrubs and perennials this fall. The low-growing plants will attract pollinators, maintain good visibility and discourage foot traffic on a slope that has been leading to soil erosion.

Cepro Greenspace Fall Planting

Monday, October 17, 3:30 to 6 p.m.

2828 11th Avenue South 

Please RSVP to midtowncw@hennepin.us, so we know how many volunteers we have (we're seeking 15 to 20), and remember to bring your garden gloves and wear sturdy shoes or boots. The planting is supported by funds from the Midtown Phillips neighborhood through the City of Minneapolis Neighborhood Revitalization Program.

A big thanks to Tree Trust’s STEP-UP crew, ages 14 and 15, who were hard at work for this summer improving the Midtown Greenway. Sixteen youth from nearby neighborhoods, including East Phillips, Powderhorn Park and Corcoran, learned the art (and frustration) of building modular retaining walls. Their first wall beneath Oakland Avenue measured 50 feet long and 4.5 feet high. Their second wall beneath Columbus Avenue took about half that time as they picked up needed skills and learned to work as a team. The walls help keep the greenway safe by preventing erosion and debris on the path.

Youth Employment Opportunities
Each year Tree Trust hires young people ages 14 to 21 to complete outdoor improvement projects on the greenway and in park areas that bring real, lasting value to the community. They earn wages, develop pride in their abilities, and gain skills transferable to future jobs. If you, or someone you know, might be interested in working with Tree Trust next summer, see their website for more information. Applications for Minneapolis youth will be available through the city's STEP-UP program beginning in December.

Participate in the annual Phillips Community Clean Sweep and build community, clean up the streets, meet new neighbors, and safely dispose of unwanted household items. 

Clean Sweep schedule

9-10 a.m., Free breakfast and sign-in

Pick up a free t-shirt and cleaning supplies at Welna Hardware (2438 Bloomington Ave.) or Lutheran Social Services (2400 Park Ave.)

9 to 12 noon, Community litter pick up 

Bring your family, friends, block club or worship group and clean up!

12 to 2 p.m., Free lunch

Includes entertainment in Stewart Park with Minneapolis Mad Dads.

For details and more information call 952-996-6490 or visit the Clean Sweep Facebook event. Photo: courtesy the Alley Newspaper.

Up to $15,000 is available (up to $8,000 for first time applicants) through the county's Green Partners Environmental Education program for projects that empower residents to reduce waste, recycle, reduce household hazardous waste, conserve energy, protect natural resources, and improve air and water quality.

Information meeting

Get more information and feedback on your project ideas.

Thursday, September 29, 10 - 11 a.m. 

Hosmer Library, 347 East 36th Street

Apply

Applications for Green Partners grants are due October 14, 2016. Learn more and apply. 

For alternate meeting times or more information, contact Patience Caso at 612-348-9352 or patience.caso@hennepin.us.