|
Hello to all my 3rd Ward neighbors,
Lots of news as the 2024-2025 City Council term is in full swing. For the last month we have spent a lot of time debating a resolution calling for a ceasefire in the Hamas/Israel war. I voted for the resolution authored by Council Member Palmisano which called for:
- A full, immediate, and sustainable ceasefire, along with urgently needed humanitarian aid as a necessary step towards lasting peace.
- Ensure the release of all Israeli hostages taken by Hamas.
- Ensure the release of thousands of Palestinians held indefinitely without cause and trial in Israeli military prisons.
- Support a two-state solution, recognizing the sovereignty of both Israeli and Palestinian states.
Unfortunately this resolution was voted down and in its place a resolution which was one-sided and will further divide our community was passed. In the month that staff and Council spent on this, hours and hours of time was taken away from addressing the local crises of addiction, homelessness, affordable housing, climate change, job creation, and public safety.
A big shout out to Oro by Nixta, located in the Sheridan neighborhood. They have been nominated for a James Beard award. Congratulations!
I want to thank Alexa Huth, Joan Willshire, and Ken Rodgers for accepting seats on the Minneapolis Committee on People with Disabilities. Their volunteer spirit is appreciated. Keep your eyes on the newsletter for other City Committee opportunities.
The 2023 construction value results were announced, and if you feel as if you're seeing a lot of construction in the 3rd Ward, you are correct. Last year, $110,000,000 was invested in our Ward.
A sure sign of Summer is the planning for the 2024 Open Streets events. The Request for Proposal was issued for the five Open Streets events. The locations for this year are: West Broadway, Lyndale Ave S, Central Ave NE, Franklin Ave, and Nicollet from 31st St to 46th St.
As always, Henry, Patrick, and I are here to serve you. When reporting a City issue, please reach out to 311 first to receive a case number and alert the proper City staff. This creates a documentation trail and helps our office resolve your issues faster. Our direct email is Ward3@minneapolismn.gov.
Your neighbor,
Michael
Celebrate Black History Month with us. The City of Minneapolis is offering free, public events under the theme African Americans & the Arts.
Upcoming Black History Month events
- Black Music and the Arts – The Minneapolis Sound A panel discussion to explore the history of Black contributions to music with a focus on the “Minneapolis Sound.” Noon-1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 7 City of Minneapolis Public Service Building, Conference Room 100 505 Fourth Ave. S.
- Black and Belonging A community discussion around belonging to a collective and creating welcoming spaces where we all belong. Noon-1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 14 City of Minneapolis Public Service Building, Conference Room 100 505 Fourth Ave. S.
- Family Feud: Black History Month Trivia Featuring Hennepin County and City of Minneapolis employees: a live event to have fun, laugh, show off what you know about Black history, or learn something new. Noon-2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 21 North Point Conference Center, Fifth Floor, Suite 5200 1256 Penn Ave. N.
- History Makers at Home The Minneapolis Civil Rights Department will recognize leaders in the areas of business, criminal justice, education, economic development, health, housing and government. 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 22 Capri Theater, 2027 West Broadway Ave.
- Rock Your Crown This is the event where hair rules! With the State of Minnesota signing the Crown Act into law, we will celebrate the history of Black hair and the art of styling it. Noon-1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 28 City of Minneapolis Public Service Building, Conference Room 100 505 Fourth Ave. S.
The mayor and City Council passed a resolution honoring Black History Month. The resolution states that “the Mayor and City Council do hereby commemorate the achievements of Black Americans as history makers and legacy trailblazers and their role in the development of the region and the nation since its inception, and we join in recognizing the annual celebration of Black History Month and the anniversary of the Minneapolis Black Employee Network.”
The events for Black History Month are presented in partnership with the City of Minneapolis and Hennepin County through the efforts of these employee resource groups: City of Minneapolis Black Employee Network, Hennepin County People of Color Employee Resource Group and Hennepin County African American Employee Resource Group. History Makers at Home is presented by the Minneapolis Department of Civil Rights.
Open Streets will once again take place in 2024, and the City of Minneapolis is seeking event organizers for the 2024 event series.
The City is soliciting proposals for up to five event organizers to coordinate and implement up to two Open Streets events each. The City will provide up to $50,000 for each event. If an event organizer is awarded two events, the contract would be up to $100,000.
Open Streets Minneapolis events give local businesses, artists and community groups a one-day opportunity to transform the streets into a place where people can gather and celebrate the diversity and creativity of the city while walking, biking and rolling. From the first event in 2011 through the 2022 season, Open Streets events have drawn more than 677,000 people.
There are plans for five Open Streets events in 2024:
- West Broadway.
- Lyndale Avenue South.
- Central Avenue Northeast.
- Franklin Avenue.
- Nicollet Avenue.
Proposals are due by 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 15.
Open Streets Minneapolis was first inspired by other initiatives around the world. However, our version is one of a kind and specific to our city. It stands apart from Open Streets events in other states, nations or globally. During Open Streets, our local businesses, artists and community groups come together to turn the streets into a special space temporarily free from car traffic. They’re a place to grow community connections and embrace what’s unique about Minneapolis.
Find more information on the City’s website.
In February the City plans to start accepting grant applications to repair failing private sewer pipes and connections to the public sewer. Homeowners can receive grants between $5,000 to $10,000 and may need a match to receive the funds. The City expects this year’s funding to provide grants to 30-35 property owners. You can look at information now to get ready with bids and then apply when applications open.
Eligibility
- Residential property in Minneapolis.
- Owner occupied property.
- Uses a City of Minneapolis Target Market Program contractor. At least three bids will be required from this vendor list.
- Copies (photos or scanned images) of three bids uploaded with the application.
- Copy of proof of residency (license, utility bill or mortgage statement) uploaded with the application.
The Metropolitan Council funds these grants.
Find more information on the City website.
A milder winter can still have storms. Take some time to equip your vehicle for winter road safety.
If you’re traveling and your vehicle becomes stuck, stay inside if the weather conditions are dangerous or if you aren't in a safe place to be outside (like on the side of the freeway). Then call 911 for assistance.
Before driving in winter conditions, make sure you have an emergency supply kit for the vehicle. This supply kit should include:
- Jumper cables and printed instructions on how to use them.
- Sand or non-clumping cat litter to put underneath tires for grip.
- A shovel to move snow away from your vehicle.
- A flashlight.
- Warm clothes.
- Blankets.
- Bottled water.
- Nonperishable snacks.
Besides having the supply kit, try to keep the vehicle's fuel tank as full as possible during the winter.
Find more information from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.
To prepare for repairs to the Stone Arch Bridge in the spring, the Minnesota Department of Transportation has an inspection truck on the bridge. It’s measuring stones under the bridge to be replaced. The truck will limit the space for walking and biking through the first week in February. You can still cross the bridge. Please follow all signs and directions while crews finish this work.
More about the Stone Arch Bridge repair starting this spring
Starting in the spring, crews will begin repairing the Stone Arch Bridge. Pedestrians and bicyclists will not be able to cross the full length of the bridge through fall 2025. Crews will close half of the bridge at a time during construction. People will be able to walk or bike to the middle of the bridge and turn around at the closure. Construction is anticipated to finish by spring 2026.
The stone repair and mortar replacement will slow deterioration and improve the condition of the bridge.
For more information, visit the project webpage.
| 
