|
Hello to all my 3rd Ward neighbors,
This week I want to update you on the work I did regarding Public Safety, Housing, Road Improvements on University and Central and promoting the city to help bring a future large event to Minneapolis.
- There has been a rash of break ins - by teenagers - in residential buildings on both sides of the river. Unfortunately, they are getting into buildings through doors left open by residents and workers or entering garages by following cars into the garage. I have worked with MPD to get extra patrols in the affected areas. Please be mindful of open doors and call 911 if you see anyone lurking around entry doors. 911 operators have been instructed to prioritize these calls. I am also working to address safety and livability concerns in the North Loop on Friday and Saturday nights. I have met with and will continue to work with nightclub owners and residents to maintain safety and vibrancy.
- As the State government finalizes its budget, I continue to work with our Intergovernmental Relations staff and state electors to pass a tax credit law that will benefit owners or developers so they can convert empty commercial buildings in Minneapolis into housing. Think of all the affordable housing that can be built along 1st Avenue North. There are many buildings in the 3rd ward that could be converted into housing.
- The Minnesota Highway Department is rebuilding Central Ave (Hwy 65) and University Ave (Hwy 47). I am bringing forward the concerns of the business community and residents about their plan to take parking away and the opportunity to upgrade the fencing and lighting on the bridges over the railroad tracks. A very large concern by the St. Anthony East Neighbors is the intersection of Van Buren, Spring and Central by the Vegas Lounge. Both the Minnesota Highway Department and Minneapolis Public Works are committed to help solve these issues.
- This week a site selection committee from the Rugby World Cup was touring Minneapolis to review the U of M football stadium and U.S. Bank Stadium. America will host the 2031 men’s tournament and the 2033 woman’s tournament. The tournament will hold its first and second rounds in 6 American cities. I assured the Rugby site selection committee of the cooperation from the City to have their event succeed, pointing out the quality of hotels as well as the LRT connecting the airport and stadiums. The World Cup Rugby tournament has the 3rd largest attendance of any sporting event in the world and would be a source of job creation and entertainment taxes. The cities selected to hold their events will be announce in 18 months.
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 weekend welcomes the fourth Doors Open Minneapolis, a free event that invites residents and visitors to stroll through public and private buildings throughout the city. Take a behind-the-scenes look at the inner workings of government and business, and see what makes the city tick. Doors open, literally, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, May 17 and 18.
Doors Open Minneapolis marks the first public opportunity to see the renovated Minneapolis City Hall – the oldest and most historic building in the city. While construction is still underway in parts of the building, the $34 million multi-year project included updating heating and cooling systems, renovating the City Council Chamber and remodeling the mayor’s office and a brand new press room. Volunteers will lead tours during Doors Open to showcase the renovated spaces and the green roof They’ll also quiz visitors with Minneapolis and City Hall trivia.
Several other City buildings are part of the citywide tour for one or both days including:
- Minneapolis Eastside Maintenance Facility
- Manhole and CCTV inspection (part of Public Works)
- Minneapolis Fire Station 1
- Minneapolis Traffic Management Center
- Theodore Wirth home (courtesy of the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board)
Find more information and see all the participating buildings on the Doors Open Minneapolis website. Check out the interactive map to plan your weekend.
The City uses Smart911 to send important information to residents during an emergency.
Get alerts
You can choose to receive Smart911 alerts by:
- Text messages
- Emails
- Phone calls
- Push notifications in the Smart911 mobile app
- Wireless emergency alerts*
Alert topics
The City of Minneapolis will use Smart911 to send alerts on topics including:
- Snow emergencies
- Severe weather
- Public safety incidents
- Major infrastructure issues
- Major special event impacts
Find out more and subscribe on the City website.
*Wireless emergency alerts come through the nationwide Integrated Public Alert and Warning System.
Due to high demand for the in-person mobile booth, the City of Minneapolis has extended the virtual recording deadline to June 30. While the mobile booth at Powderhorn Park is fully booked through May 22, you can still share your story online.
This initiative, a partnership with StoryCorps Studios, aims to foster racial equity and healing through personal conversations. The community archive will include stories on racial discrimination in Minneapolis, George Floyd’s murder, the civil unrest that followed and ongoing police reform efforts.
The City will host a listening session to hear selected recordings.
Learn more and share your story on the City website.
The City has updated its action plan for the Americans with Disabilities Act. Conversations with cultural communities and City staff were held in 2024. The feedback informed recommendations for the City to improve digital and physical accessibility.
Please comment on the updated ADA Action Plan by May 31.
Minneapolis now has a Narcan vending machine on the North Side. This life-saving resource expands access to the drug, naloxone, that reverses opioid overdoses.
Located at Fire Station 14, this is the second vending machine in the city. The vending machine:
- Provides 24-hour access.
- Contains more than 100 boxes of naloxone, each holding two doses.
- Is free to community members with no barriers.
Fire Station 14 also serves as the city’s safe station. This is a space where people struggling with addiction and substance misuse can connect with resources and support.
Learn more about naloxone and support for substance use disorder.
With warmer temperatures and bright, sunny days, the City has tips for residents as your gardens grow:
- Mow grass that reaches 8 inches or taller.
- Trim or cut back vegetation that hangs over sidewalks or the edges of alleys to keep them clear for people and vehicles.
- Mow vegetation that hangs over the street. It should be trimmed to the curb line.
- Prune and maintain the health and integrity of trees. (Residents with hazardous trees may qualify for help through the condemned trees assistance.)
- Discard rubbish such as loose or overflowing trash, scrap wood, brush piles, animal feces, etc., to keep rodents from setting up residence in yards.
If you receive a notice from the City to correct an issue, make sure to address it by the due date on the letter. After that, either the City or a hired third-party takes care of the complaint at the property owner’s expense.
Find out more or report an issue on the City website. |
