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Hello to all my 3rd Ward neighbors,
This week I will update you on some of my initiatives, updates I received at committee, and events around the City:
- Revitalizing the Downtown Central Business District.
- A staff report on programs in other cities that allow for safe outdoor spaces for people experiencing homelessness.
- Crime statistics and trends in the 3rd Ward.
- Fun events celebrating Black Business Week, the renaming of portions of Plymouth Ave N to honor Spike Moss, and the City's Aquatennial celebrations.
In the fall of 2023 I authored a legislative directive for City Staff to engage Metro Transit on removing buses from Nicollet Mall to create a pedestrian, bicycle, and non-motorized vehicle public plaza. The idea is to revitalize all of Downtown by making Nicollet Mall the most pleasant urban space in the Upper Midwest. In speaking with the Central Business District building managers, their tenants want a greener, more active Nicollet Mall. The recent success of the Taste of Minnesota and Promenade Du Nord have shown how exciting the Mall can be.
Public Works staff will soon hold community engagement sessions to share their planning to date and get feedback from residents, office workers, visitors, and transit users. Earlier this week I facilitated a brainstorming session with the Downtown Improvement District and Council Member Cashman to being creating a plan to activate a "New Nicollet."
Crime continues to trend downward in the 3rd Ward, especially compared to the three year average.
At the Public Health and Safety (PHS) Committee, staff gave an update on public safety staffing and response times as well as ongoing planning for the Office of Community Safety, 911, and MPD.
At the Business, Housing, and Zoning Committee we received a staff report on what other cities are doing to provide safe outdoor spaces for people experiencing homelessness. Please review the report to see all the pros and cons to this approach.
Our City is so vibrant and alive. I enjoy attending so many different community events. Last week I was invited to attend a ceremony renaming a portion of Plymouth Ave N to Spike Moss Way in honor of Spike Moss for his years of service to black youth in North Minneapolis.
Council Member Jenkins, Council Member Vetaw, Al McFarlane, and Council Member Rainville at the Spike Moss Way ceremony
This week I attended the opening trade fair for Black Business Week, the annual St. Anthony East ice cream social, the Sheridan Neighborhood Organization community meeting at the busy Broken Clock Brewing Cooperative, and the City's Aquatennial parade. A big thank you to all the neighborhood volunteers. You are the building blocks of the 3rd Ward.
As always, Henry, Patrick, and I are here to serve you. We can be reached at ward3@minneapolismn.gov. Please report all issues to 311 before contacting us so there is a paper trail and staff are already aware of the issue when we speak with them. You can contact 311 by simply dialing 311, email them at Minneapolis311@minneapolismn.gov or by submitting a 311 Contact Form.
Your neighbor,
Michael
This year’s celebration of the City of Minneapolis is taking place through July 27. Plan ahead for a top five fireworks display Saturday. Find details on the Aquatennial website.
Street closures
On Saturday, July 27, several streets will close to prepare for the fireworks show beginning at 10 p.m. and the rest of the festivities this weekend:
- Central Avenue bridge.
- Portland Avenue between Second Street South and West River Parkway.
- West River Parkway north and west of 11th Avenue South.
- West River Parkway south and east of Fourth Avenue North.
Early voting has begun for the Aug. 13 state primary. Voters can cast their ballots by mail or in person at the Early Vote Center, 980 E. Hennepin Ave.
All mail-in ballots need to be received by Aug. 13 to count. Anyone who requested a mail ballot should allow up to seven days to get in the mail. The City recommends mailing your completed ballot back by Tuesday, Aug. 6. Or, if you choose to deliver your ballot in person to the Elections & Voter Services office, it must be returned by 8 p.m. on primary day, Aug. 13. Mail ballots cannot be dropped off at polling places on Election Day.
Find more information on how to vote by mail on the City website.
Join in a community event Saturday, July 27, to address public safety issues and build positive community relationships with local law enforcement. This event is free, and no registration is required.
Bring your vehicle in need of light repair and receive a Lights On! voucher. Lights On! distributes vouchers for free car light repairs: headlights, taillights and turn signals up to $250. Kids scooters, helmets and safety gear will be raffled.
Sidewalks & Streets community safety event 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, July 27 Minneapolis American Indian Center, 1530 E. Franklin Ave.
Minneapolis has a contract with Aira, an app that helps residents and visitors who are blind or have low vision navigate their surroundings using their phone. The person opens the app on their phone and is connected with a navigator who provides visual navigation support. The Aira app uses smart technology to connect users with human agents who are trained professional guides. The agents access the user’s smartphone camera (or Aira glasses) for a live video feed combined with GPS and maps so they can describe these public spaces and help users maneuver through them and also more richly experience what they have to offer.
The service is now available at Target Center, Minneapolis Convention Center, Nicollet Mall, City Hall, and the City’s Public Service Building and Public Service Center. This contract had been in place since 2019 and was recently renewed with the addition of the Public Service Center and the Public Service Building.
Download the free app and use it for free within any of these locations listed above.
Minneapolis has a contract with Aira, an app that helps residents and visitors who are blind or have low vision navigate their surroundings using their phone. The person opens the app on their phone and is connected with a navigator who provides visual navigation support. The Aira app uses smart technology to connect users with human agents who are trained professional guides. The agents access the user’s smartphone camera (or Aira glasses) for a live video feed combined with GPS and maps so they can describe these public spaces and help users maneuver through them and also more richly experience what they have to offer.
The service is now available at Target Center, Minneapolis Convention Center, Nicollet Mall, City Hall, and the City’s Public Service Building and Public Service Center. This contract had been in place since 2019 and was recently renewed with the addition of the Public Service Center and the Public Service Building.
Download the free app and use it for free within any of these locations listed above.
A new City pilot will provide City funding to subsidize rent for artists and arts organizations in vacant storefronts in the Harmon Place Historic District to support creative opportunities and increase vibrancy, innovation and sustainability.
This will ensure stable tenants for property owners and furnish essential space for the local creative community. The physical spaces will help artists workshop, develop and present their programming and artmaking to the public and build community. The program is open to Minnesota residents, with a preference for Minneapolis residents.
The first round of applications will be accepted through Aug. 30. Applicants from all disciplines including visual, performing, literary, media, culinary, digital and public arts, design, craft and non-traditional mediums are encouraged to apply.
Staff will host a virtual information session Aug. 2.
Read more on the City website. |
