|
Ward 10 Updates
Dear Neighbors,
This morning the City’s Canvassing Board certified the results of the November 7 municipal election. You can find the official results for all ward races on the City’s website. Thank you to City staff at Elections and Voter Services and to everyone who worked as election judges to help make the election run smoothly.
Here are some community updates that the Ward 10 office would like to share with you.
Rubble Removal Began Today at 2312 Lyndale Ave South
I’m happy to share the news that the City began removing the debris at 2312 Lyndale Avenue South this morning. This is where an apartment building was demolished following a fire last December. The Ward 10 office has worked to get the rubble removed as soon as possible once it became clear the property owner was not going to do it.
The City’s contracted debris removal company, Ramsey Excavating, anticipates a week or two for cleanup. This means all debris removed, the hole filled, and final grade.
They will be using the parking lane on Lyndale for staging trucks in and out. The sidewalk will be blocked off on the west side of Lyndale Avenue during debris removal. There is a bus stop on the corner which will remain open.
At the end of each day, they will put the fence back up on the property to keep people out. There will be a crew handling all debris removal and another environmental crew onsite working with the proper handling of debris removal. For example, lining the dump truck/trailers so there is no spillage during transport and dust control by use of a water truck wetting the debris pile.
We’re thankful to City staff for all their work to get this done.
Transit Riders Invited to Join Public Events for Metro Transit’s New Strategic Plan
Metro Transit is inviting everyone who has a stake in the regional transit system to help create a shared vision for transit. The new strategic plan will be well supported by long-term, stable transit funding approved by the Minnesota Legislature this year.
Join a public event in November to learn more and add your voice.
-
Tuesday, November 14 – 9:00 - 10:30am Union Depot, Veteran’s Gallery Room, Saint Paul
-
Thursday, November 16 – 6:00 - 7:30pm Minneapolis Central Library, Pohlad Hall
Each event will feature an update from Metro Transit, a facilitated activity to get your feedback, and engaging conversation with transit leaders including General Manager Lesley Kandaras. Find details on the Metropolitan Council website.
Resource Fair at Karmel Mall
Rep. Ilhan Omar’s office is organizing a resource fair Tuesday, November 14 from 1:00-4:00pm at Karmel Mall. Come to the resource fair if you have questions about immigration, Social Security, healthcare or other issues. Rep. Omar’s staff will be available to try to assist with your most pressing issues. Event is free & open to the public.
Midtown Greenway Access Improvement Open House
The Midtown Greenway Access Improvements project team is hosting an open house for you to learn about the project, ask questions and share your thoughts about the coming accessibility improvements on Thursday, November 16 from 5:00-7:00pm at the Whittier Recreation Center (425 West 26th Street, Minneapolis). The project presentation will begin at 5:30pm. The space is accessible for those with mobility devices. To request accommodations such as larger print materials or other accessibility needs, contact jessica.laabs@kimley-horn.com.
Our office has received a significant amount of feedback on this County project, so we hope community members are able to attend this open house.
Background: Hennepin County is working with the City of Minneapolis and Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board to improve accessibility to the Midtown Greenway between Harriet and Garfield avenues. This project is based in the plans and goals of the city, county and park district. A primary goal is to provide Whittier Neighborhood greenway access for all ages and abilities while preserving nearby amenities, including the Soo Line Community Garden. The new Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant ramp at this location will provide a ramp at the proper grade and width for all people to access the Greenway. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2024.
Greenway Cleanup
The Lowry Hill East Neighborhood Association (LHENA) is partnering with the East Isles Neighborhood Association to do a trash pickup of the Midtown Greenway on November 18 from 10:00am – 12:00pm. Meet on the Greenway under Hennepin Avenue. This will be a celebration of neighbors and the end of the trash pickup season, and as such there will be food and some brief socializing before we get down to business and pick up some trash!
Draft of Washburn-Fair Oaks Historic District Design Guidelines
Community Planning & Economic Development (CPED) has a completed draft of the Washburn-Fair Oaks Historic District Design Guidelines. CPED will be bringing the draft to the Heritage Preservation Commission for discussion on November 28, but not adoption at this time. It will not be a public hearing, thus no public testimony will be taken. After the discussion, the draft will go to the State Historic Preservation Office for review, then it will come back to the Heritage Preservation Commission by spring 2024 for adoption.
How to Get Your COVID-19, Flu, and RSV Vaccines this Year
Immunizations are available this fall and winter in the United States that can help protect against three major respiratory diseases: COVID-19, flu, and RSV. Immunization against these viruses remains the best protection for reducing the risk of serious illness, hospitalizations, long-term health impacts, and death.
Recommendations for these immunizations vary based on age, pregnancy status, or medical conditions.
City Leaders Celebrate Pending Demolition of Former Kmart Building
The City will reconnect Nicollet Avenue between Lake Street and the Midtown Greenway as part of the project. Construction on the road and bridge over the Midtown Greenway is expected to start in 2025.
A fire at the building on October 20 expedited demolition plans. The project remains on track, and staff are soliciting community input on new roadway and public space design concepts.
Protection From Heat Being Shut Off
The Cold Weather Rule is now in effect. The Cold Weather Rule means that if you can’t pay your home heat bill, your heat can’t be shut off from October 1 through April 30. If you get a notice about disconnecting your primary heat source, make sure to immediately contact the utility and set up a payment plan.
Aisha Chughtai, Ward 10 Councilmember
Paul Shanafelt, Ward 10 Policy Aide
Brad Sigal, Ward 10 Policy Associate
| 
