|
Winter Parking Restrictions began on Wednesday, Feb. 27. This means parking will be banned on the EVEN numbered side of non-Snow-Emergency-routes until April 1, unless conditions allow the City to lift the ban earlier. Parking is allowed on Snow Emergency routes, parkways, and the ODD numbered side of non-Snow Emergency-routes, unless otherwise posted. The heavy accumulation of snow has narrowed streets, which pose a safety hazard when emergency vehicles cannot navigate these streets to reach people who need assistance.
If a Snow Emergency is declared while Winter Parking Restrictions are in effect, the Winter Parking Restrictions rules will be temporarily suspended as described here, and Snow Emergency rules will apply. Drivers may start moving their cars off of Snow Emergency routes and on to EITHER side of non-Snow Emergency routes beginning at 4 p.m. on the day the Snow Emergency is declared (Day 1). Winter Parking Restrictions resume again at 8 a.m. the morning following Day 3, when the Snow Emergency comes to an end.
The City of Minneapolis has a detailed video about Winter Parking Restrictions and more information here, http://www.minneapolismn.gov/snow/snow_winter-parking-restrictions.
 Today the City Council approved the “Concept Plan” for the Upper Harbor Terminal. I am excited about the amendments that were added to this plan that calls for a co-creation team with representation from the impacted communities. As the Chair of the Race Equity Subcommittee I am encouraged by the emphasis on Race Equity and anti-displacement efforts. We have a tremendous opportunity to fully utilized this powerful community asset (Mississippi River) to bring housing, economic development and stability to a once neglected part of our city.
The approval of the concept plan comes after an extensive multi-year community engagement process that has guided a vision for the site, which is home to a former barging terminal that closed in 2014. The City owns the terminal site, and the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board will oversee future parkland. United Properties, THOR Companies and First Avenue Productions make up the development team working with the City, Park Board and community on the redevelopment plan.
Highlights of community benefits for phase one of redevelopment
- Housing development with 300 to 500 units, including 40 percent affordable units.
- One-mile of public riverfront access and 19.5 acres of parkland overall (to be completed in multiple phases).
- Mixed-use development with space for 10 to 20 businesses focused on community-ownership models, office space and a hospitality component.
- An outdoor music performance venue with free community programming and extensive job training opportunities.
A newly established 15-member Community Planning and Engagement Committee will work with the project team on community engagement, refinement of the phase one plan and visions for future development phases. A more detailed redevelopment plan for the Upper Harbor Terminal site will be presented to the City Council in about a year after additional community engagement, testing and refinement of the Concept Plan elements, environmental review and financial analysis.
Next steps
The City Council and Mayor Jacob Frey are expected to appoint the Community Planning and Engagement Committee members in mid-May after a two-month application and review process. The committee is expected to have its first meeting in late May.
To learn more about the Upper Harbor Terminal project, visit the project website: upperharbormpls.com.
Apply by March 8 for the Minneapolis Fire Department’s EMS Pathways Academy, an 11-week paid internship to become an emergency medical technician (EMT). The course begins in mid-April.
Obtaining emergency medical technician certification opens the door to many career paths. More than 20 graduates of this program have been hired as Minneapolis firefighters. Many more have been hired as EMTs and dispatchers. There may even be an opportunity to further your education and become a paramedic.
This is a rapidly expanding field. It is necessary to fill EMT positions with qualified candidates who reflect the multilingual and culturally diverse communities they serve. The first class of graduates included 91 percent people of color and more than half females.
Apply
To learn more or to sign up for notifications about the EMS Pathways Academy visit www.minneapolismn.gov/fire or call 612-673-2890.
There is no cost to apply. Participants must be at least 18 years of age, have a high school diploma or GED, and be able to work in the United States.
Apply for these internships at Minneapolismn.gov/jobs by March 8.
Icicles and ice dams mean that a lot of energy – and money – is being wasted as heat escapes through the roof of your house. You can get rid of that problem by having air leaks between your house and attic sealed and putting more insulation in your attic. Insulation can help protect your house from ice dams and water damage while saving you money and energy – and even reducing the pollution that contributes to climate change.
Resources
- CenterPoint Energy offers rebates for 30 percent of the cost ($500 maximum) when you air seal and insulate your attic.
- The City of Minneapolis offers loans for the work with no interest.
For information and to get started on the rebates, visit www.centerpointenergy.com/rebates.
To see if you are eligible for the no-interest loans or to apply, call 612-335-5884 or visit mnlendingcenter.org/mpls.
 This winter’s frequent snowfalls have made it difficult for crews to collect garbage, recycling and organics, and pulling a cart out of a snowdrift can injure them. Remember before your collection day to shovel a 36-inch-wide path from your garbage, recycling and organics carts to the street or alley.
City ordinances require this path be cleared for garbage, recycling and organics carts within 48 hours after the snow stops falling. If City crews have to shovel out the cart(s), a fee of $30 per cart will be added to your utility bill. If the snow stops for less than 48 hours and the carts aren’t shoveled out, for their safety crews can’t empty the carts.
Learn more about garbage, recycling and organics collection here.
 MnDOT is studying I-35W between Park Avenue in downtown Minneapolis and Ramsey County Road C in Roseville to identify future construction projects along I-35W north of downtown. This evaluation includes assessing the condition of bridges, pavement and interchanges as well as working with the community to understand other needs related to mobility and transportation.
MnDOT wants to hear about your experiences on or crossing this stretch of I-35W. Please take this brief survey by March 8 and share the link with family and friends who travel in the area, too. Consider signing up for email updates if you want to follow MnDOT’s progress: mndot.gov/metro/projects/i35w-north-gateway.
Stay connected
Follow MnDOT on Facebook: facebook.com/mndot and Twitter: @mndotnews.
For real-time travel information anywhere in Minnesota visit 511mn.org/ or dial 5-1-1.
| 
