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Hear updates from Council Member Robin Wonsley, County Commissioner Angela Conley, 2nd Precinct Inspector Nick Torborg, and the East Bank Neighborhoods Partnership.
This meeting is open to all residents and community members in the East Bank area (Como, Dinkytown, Marcy-Holmes, University, Stadium Village, and East Bank)
May 20th, 2025 from 6-7:30pm
University Lutheran Church of Hope
601 13th Ave SE
Flyer for the East Bank Neighborhoods Community Meeting
I attended a community meeting organized by Block Clubs in West Seward. Residents asked thoughtful questions about holistic public safety, encampment response, safe routes to school, and public transit safety. Residents brought together a panel of City leaders including myself, Council Member Osman, Inspector Gomez, Crime Prevention Specialist Shun Tillman, and Office of Community Safety Deputy Director Jared Jeffries to share a comprehensive perspective on what it will take to improve conditions in the neighborhood. Thank you to all the neighbors who organized and attended the meeting, and thank you to the Tawfiq Islamic Center for hosting us.
Council Member Wonsley speaks alongside Council Member Osman, Inspector Gomez, Crime Prevention Specialist Shun Tillman, and Office of Community Safety Deputy Director Jared Jeffries at the West Seward Block Clubs meeting at the Tawfiq Islamic Center.
The Prospect Park Association held their annual meeting and voted on new board members. Congrats to the newly elected board members and thank you for getting involved!
Prospect Park Association Annual Meeting 2025
The annual Seward Yard Sale Weekend has arrived! Check out the map of all 49 participating sales. Click each circle to find sale details and descriptions and addresses of the sales. We hope to see you out and shopping sales in the neighborhood!
Poster for the Seward Yard Sales Weekend
As we approach the 5th Anniversary of the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis Police officers, there is renewed attention to the corner of 38th St E and Chicago Avenue, which has been known as George Floyd Square for the last five years. I’d like to uplift the comments that Ward 9 Council Member Jason Chavez shared in a recent newsletter.
Here are some ideas that I believe we can achieve together and accomplish at George Floyd Square that I shared with Mayor Frey:
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Truth and Reconciliation at GFS: Establish a process to acknowledge historical injustices and work toward healing with the community. This area was home to a worldwide racial reckoning, and we should establish a process with a key focus on how the city can contribute to addressing systemic inequalities.
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Thirty-Eighth Street THRIVE Strategic Development Plan: Support comprehensive funding, metrics, and goals to complete the plan. Examples include funding a 38th Street Cultural District Capital Fund.
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38th and Chicago Task Force: Establish a multi-jurisdictional task force with the City of Minneapolis, Hennepin County, and the State of Minnesota to evaluate immediate solutions for housing, economic development, healing in the 38th Street Corridor and surrounding neighborhoods, to review the 24 demands.
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Community Events and Activation at GFS: Increase the number of city events occurring at GFS to support the community, promote small businesses, increase bathroom access, and activate the area. The city could help with year-round pop-up markets, weekly Farmers Market, hosting a Black Business Week event, and more in the area.
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Vibrant Storefronts Initiative, Arts, and Façade Improvement Grants at GFS: Fund a grant program to upgrade storefronts, fill vacant buildings, including new signage, lighting, and exterior design improvements.
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GFS/38th & Chicago Forgivable Loan Program: Provide funding for a forgivable relief program to support businesses at GFS.
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Arts, Culture, and Vibrancy at GFS: Increase the visual and cultural landscape of GFS by funding community murals that reflect the identity, diversity, and values of our community. This will beautify the area, improve aesthetics of GFS, and draw foot traffic to nearby businesses.
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Creating a new City Role: GFS Entrepreneurship Coach & Community Coordinator: Establish a position or role to coordinate business support and technical assistance, mentoring, events, and community support in the George Floyd Square area.
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Marketing & Promotion at GFS: Support marketing and promotion efforts in the area.
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Job Fair Services: CPED and NCR can host job fairs, or workforce training programs.
Thank you to Council Member Chavez for your persistent advocacy for the George Floyd Square community. I look forward to working together with Council Member Chavez, my colleagues, the Frey administration, and the community to bring the investments that residents need.
Summary: Council voted to postpone a vote on historic designation of Glendale Townhomes to June 5th. There has been significant misinformation spread about this vote, and I encourage everyone to learn the facts about historic designation.
Background: At the request of residents, I nominated the Glendale Townhomes for historic designation. Council was scheduled to vote on the designation this week. However, in the days before the vote several of my colleagues and members of the public reached out to my office with questions and concerns that revealed to me that there is significant misinformation and misunderstanding about what historic designation does and does not do, and what it would mean for the future of Glendale. I want to ensure that everyone on Council has access to accurate information prior to voting, and asked to postpone the vote until the next Council Meeting on June 5th.
My priority is ensuring that all members of the public and all my colleagues have accurate information about historic designation:
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Historic designation does not prevent interior repairs. It only applies to exterior features and is not a reason for interior repairs to be delayed or denied. This came up during the Heritage Preservation Commission meeting, where after significant public testimony from residents, Commissioners themselves had to clarify that delay in repairs and maintenance are completely unrelated to historic designation and should not be used as a basis by MPHA to deny or delay repairs.
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Buildings in historic districts can still be considered for significant alteration, renovation, or demolition. Proposals to alter or demolish a historic building are reviewed by the City’s Historic Preservation Staff or the Heritage Preservation Commission. If a proposal is denied, the property owner may appeal to the City Council, who may approve the proposal. If the appeal is unsuccessful, the property owner can submit a different proposal. The City’s Historic Preservation staff are also able to provide feedback on preliminary plans for new projects to facilitate this process. There are currently 20 historic districts in Minneapolis, many of which have experienced significant changes and the addition of new units since being designated.
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MPHA does not currently have a specific plan to redevelop Glendale. If Glendale receives historic designation, MPHA could still propose a significant redevelopment, including a proposal to demolish or significantly renovate some or all of the townhomes to create more density. Any proposal to renovate or demolish any of the townhomes would be reviewed by the HPC and, if appealed, Council to ensure that a proposed project does not significantly impact the district’s historic integrity.
I encourage everyone to read the full FAQ sheet and read about the City’s process for proposed alterations to historic properties.
Key votes: Council voted unanimously to postpone the vote on historic designation at Glendale to Thursday, June 5th.
Summary: I’m preparing legislative actions for Council to take to ensure that the city is legally required to complete every provision in the DOJ Consent Decree regardless of actions by the Trump administration.
The City of Minneapolis is currently under two binding legal agreements to correct patterns and practices of discrimination in the Minneapolis Police. One is a court-enforceable settlement agreement with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR). The other is a court-enforceable consent-decree with the United States Department of Justice (DOJ). Each agreement includes a list of hundreds of reforms that MPD and other City departments are required to implement. While many of the provisions in the state and federal consent decrees overlap, each agreement has provisions that are unique as well. It’s also important to note that Council and MDHR signed their settlement agreement with the understanding that the federal consent decree would be an additional layer of oversight and accountability in addition to the state agreement.
In February, the Trump administration paused the federal consent decree and has extended the pause multiple times. The current pause lasts until May 21st, 2025.
I am encouraged to hear Mayor Frey commit publicly to continue all the provisions outlined in the DOJ consent decree regardless of the Trump administration’s actions in the case. However, as community members have noted, “there is a clear difference between a promise made by politicians and a legally binding settlement.” Given that the city’s history of empty promises are what allowed MPD’s patterns and practices of racism and violence to go unchecked for decades, in addition to the Frey administration’s use of misleading language on matters related to police reform, I believe that Minneapolis residents deserve not only a verbal commitment but a legally binding one.
There is a significant chance that despite the detailed Department of Justice report that found that the City of Minneapolis engaged in a pattern of practice of violent racial discrimination, a federal consent decree will not materialize. The hundreds of powerful provisions that would have supported the City’s reform work would no longer be legally binding, leaving residents with no formal accountability. I believe the city should take formal action to codify this critical agreement to give the public a higher level of certainty. This would also make the reforms binding beyond any one particular mayoral administration, which is important since consent decrees can take a decade or more to complete. I look forward to sharing what steps I take to advance this in the upcoming weeks.
No matter what happens at the federal level, we are incredibly lucky to have steady partners at the Minnesota Department of Human Rights and I look forward to collaborating with these partners going forward.
Key votes: No votes taken.
Summary: I am working with the Frey administration to ensure that Dinkytown receives improved pedestrian level street lighting without delaying other lighting projects, as Council intended.
The Dinkytown Marcy Holmes area is eligible to be reclassified as a Pedestrian Street Lighting Corridor (PSLC). PSLCs are eligible for brighter and denser pedestrian-level lighting than is typically used in residential areas. The Climate and Infrastructure Committee will vote on PSLC designation on May 22nd, followed by a Council vote on June 5th. This would be a significant victory for the community, who have long emphasized the need for improved pedestrian level lighting in the area.
If the area is designated PSLC, then the Dinky After Dark funding that Council allocated in the 2025 budget will be put into effect and lighting installation could begin as soon as next year.
This area has extremely high pedestrian and bike use, and substandard pedestrian lighting has been consistently identified as a barrier to public safety, economic and social vibrancy, and decreased car use.
During Council’s deliberation of the Dinky After Dark budget amendment, the administration provided a memo stating that “We can perform $500,000 of additional lighting work with existing staff/resources in 2025.”
In recent conversations with Public Works leadership in preparation for the PSLC vote, I have learned that despite stating no other resources were needed to support this project, they have opted to make cuts to other lighting projects in order to complete Dinky After Dark. Public Works noted in our recent conversation that their original memo response was based on a series of misinterpretations on their end which they are prepared to provide context for at the PSLC vote on May 22nd.
To ensure that the communities in need of lighting are not pitted against one another, I am working with the Mayor’s executive leadership to identify a solution that will allow Dinky After Dark to be completed without delaying other crucially needed lighting work across the city and in Ward 2. I’m hopeful that we can find a collaborative solution and hope that the administration understands the importance of providing accurate information to the Council as we go into this next budget year.
In my conversations with Public Works, I have also learned relevant updates about their lighting work beyond Dinkytown, as well as continued challenges. I plan to bring forward a legislative directive to ensure all residents and Council Members have the latest information on the City’s copper wire replacement program and other lighting programs.
Key votes: Climate and Infrastructure committee will take this up Thursday, May 22nd 2025.
The Minneapolis Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs (OIRA) hosts programming to support immigrant and refugee communities.
One of these resources is the Twin Cities Immigration Forum. This biweekly forum is virtual, open to all, and co-hosted with the City of Saint Paul Immigrant and Refugee Program.
You can watch recordings of past Twin Cities Immigration Forums and sign up for the next Forum at the OIRA webpage.
OIRA also holds community hours on Lake St on Mondays (1-4PM) and Wednesdays (2-4PM). Get details at the OIRA calendar of events.
The Minnesota Department of Transportation is hosting two open community meetings related to the Rethinking I-94 project.
Coffee in Community: Tuesday, May 20, 4-6 p.m. at Pow Wow Grounds, 1414 E Franklin Ave., Minneapolis
Air Quality 101/Q&A Virtual Session: Wednesday, May 28, 12-1 p.m., via Zoom (Scan QR code in flyer to register)
Natural gas infrastructure project in Como
From CenterPoint Energy: We are committed to keeping our customers informed about important updates we are making to our infrastructure – designed to enhance safety, improve reliability, and continue to provide you with the energy you need for the natural gas infrastructure in Como.
This project involves some natural gas main replacements but is largely focused on meter moves and service line upgrades. The work zone is illustrated on the following map.
Contractor summary
CenterPoint works with multiple contractors to complete construction projects in a safe and timely manner. You will see these contractors working in your area and may be contacted by them at various stages in the construction process.
The following outlines upcoming work in the Como Neighborhood of Minneapolis.
Overview
For several months, beginning as early as June 5, 2025, CenterPoint Energy authorized contractors will have CenterPoint Energy identification cards. You are encouraged to ask to see that identification.
The first contractor that will be seen in the area will be locating sewer laterals that extend from properties to the sewer line in the street. This is an important safety measure that CenterPoint Energy is required to execute before beginning construction. For more information about the importance of locating sewer laterals visit CallBeforeYouClear.com.
Marking utilities
CenterPoint Energy will locate public underground utilities. This is an important safety preparation, done before construction begins. The utilities will be marked with spray paint and flags. If you have installed any private lines such as sprinklers or dog fences, we ask that you mark them with a material that is convenient for you. Examples include spray paint, flags, and wooden sticks used to stir paint. Marking sprinkler heads is sufficient. If any utility flags are left in residents' yards after restoration is complete, they may be removed and thrown away.
Natural gas main work
Plastic mains reaching the end of their useful life are replaced with modern plastic piping that increases the safety and reliability of CenterPoint's gas distribution.
Plastic main is replaced by boring underneath one side of the road. Please keep in mind that some intersections may not be permanently restored until after the service work is complete. Until then, customers may see temporary backfill such as dirt or gravel.
Service line and meter work
CenterPoint Energy will send a postcard in the mail before the service crew comes on site. A technician will schedule appointments for relighting gas service to each property.
One natural gas crew typically completes one block per week. For most properties, the crews remove at least one sidewalk panel in front of the house, excavate a hole by the outside meter, and bore the service line from the sidewalk to the house.
The crew will make appointments with residents to move inside meters outside. Customers with outside meters will be notified prior to the replacement or connection of their service lines to the new main.
Visit the Construction Definitions page for more information.
Restoration
The final step in an infrastructure project is to restore the roads, sidewalks, boulevards, and lawns that were impacted by construction. Restoration is typically on site a few weeks after the completion of all other construction. Until then, temporary restoration is done by the utility crews to maintain an area's livability.
For more details visit the Restoration Practices page.
Traffic impacts
Most traffic impacts will be restrictions on street parking, closure of one sidewalk at a time, and lane shifts. Specific traffic impacts will be communicated as they are determined. The utility crews will work with residents to maintain access to their homes.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we replace our infrastructure! We value the privilege of having you as a customer.
Questions?
Head to our website for more information about the construction process and impacts on the area. For additional questions, contact our Communication Specialist at una.omeara@centerpointenergy.com or 612-542-6198.
Map of the Como natural gas infrastructure project.
Warmer temperatures and bright, sunny days mean spring is here. City leaders hope to communicate to all Minneapolis residents about the reminders that come with a change in seasons.
The City’s Inspection Services team says it sees common complaints come into the City every year. These serve as good reminders to keep neighborhoods clean and beautiful.
- 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 accessible to 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 like loose or overflowing trash, scrap wood, brush piles, animal feces, etc. to prevent rodents from setting up residence in yards.
If residents receive a notice from the City to correct an issue, they should address it by the due date on the letter. After that time, either the City or a hired third-party takes care of the complaint at the property owner’s expense.
“We understand that life happens, and there are extenuating circumstances that might interfere with work getting done. We work with property owners whenever possible,” said Daniel La Croix, lead inspector for the City of Minneapolis. “A core part of our work is educating community members about local laws. Spring is always a great time to remind residents of their responsibilities to ensure Minneapolis is a great place to live.”
Take heed of air quality and rules for fires
As spring heats up, so do the backyard fires. While they provide a place for friends and neighbors to gather, recreational fires contribute to 55% of the state’s poor air quality. It can have a significant impact on people with health problems, older adults and children. It can also be linked to strokes, heart attacks and asthma. Residents can be “Minnesota nice” by:
- Limiting fires
- Letting neighbors know when planning a fire
- Skipping fires on windy days and when smoke blows directly at a neighbors’ houses, especially if people inside them have health issues
The Minneapolis ordinance includes the following items:
Test for lead
Lead exposure is dangerous for everyone. The City’s Health Department encourages lead testing in the home and for children. With many Minneapolis homes built before 1978, it’s important to test children for lead. The City offers free community lead testing throughout the year. As residents do some spring cleaning, they can learn how to properly clean windows to avoid lead dust from spreading throughout the home. Lead soil testing is also available for Minneapolis residents.
Be mindful of street sweeping
Twice a year, Public Works crews sweep more than 1,100 miles of streets from curb to curb. In the spring, crews sweep nearly 400 miles of alleys. Street sweeping helps keep our neighborhoods clean and livable, and protects our waterways. Spring street sweeping started April 22 and continues through May. Remember to look for the bright pink “No Parking” signs which will have information on parking restrictions. More information including a schedule of planned routes is available on the street sweeping section of the City website.
Don’t forget care for four-legged friends
True to the Midwest style of finicky weather, spring can get unseasonably warm. Minneapolis Animal Care and Control urges pet owners to refrain from keeping pets in hot cars.
“The old adage holds true: if you’re hot, they’re hot,” said Danielle Joerger, MACC supervisor. “We would love a spring and summer season without any calls about pets in dangerous conditions. Let’s keep our pets cool and hydrated.”
MACC also reminds residents that spring is stray cat season. The shelter will take in sick or injured cats, but otherwise it advises people to leave strays to their natural strut.
East River Parkway is scheduled to close between Harvard Street and SE Delaware Street on Sunday, May 18 and Saturday, May 24, 2025.
The closures are necessary for a contractor hired by the University of Minnesota to unload medical machinery at M Health Fairview University of Minnesota Medical Center. The closures may be delayed by a day if there's bad weather.
Stay away from areas where work is being performed and follow signed detours. The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board appreciates the public's patience during this parkway closure.
Minneapolis is working to start a pilot for traffic safety cameras. The pilot will launch as early as August 2025. The cameras will provide automated enforcement of speed limits starting at about five locations. The City may expand up to a max of 42 camera locations and also include enforcement of red lights.
The pilot is the result of legislation from the state of Minnesota. The new law addresses issues of fairness, equity, privacy, and trust.
Additional details on the traffic safety camera pilot are available here.
Share feedback on camera locations online by Sunday, May 18
You can share feedback on traffic safety camera locations in this online questionnaire. The questionnaire will close May 18.
A map of 51 initial potential camera locations is available here. An interactive online version of the map is available here.
The City will consider community feedback, crash history, vehicle speeds, equity, and other factors to finalize camera locations. Public Works will finalize a camera location study this summer. The study will be shared publicly when it is complete.
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.
Contact Ward 2
Visit: minneapolismn.gov/ward2
Email: ward2@minneapolismn.gov
Phone: 612-673-2202
We've moved while work is being done in City Hall. Our office is in:
Room 100, Public Service Center
250 South 4th St.
Get directions
For reasonable accommodations or alternative format please contact 311. People who are deaf or hard of hearing can use a relay service to call 311 at 612-673-3000. TTY users call 612-263-6850. Para ayuda, llame al 311. Rau kev pab, hu 311. Hadii aad caawimaad u baahantahay, wac 311. |
