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Hello to all my 3rd Ward neighbors,
We had a very exciting week in the 3rd Ward. Lots of community activities and positive information coming out of the Business, Housing, and Zoning Committee (BHZ) and the Public Health and Safety (PHS) Committee.
Last Saturday and Sunday, Henry, Patrick, and I staffed a tent at the Stone Arch Bridge Festival for community outreach. I asked residents of the 3rd Ward what their top issues are and how I should prioritize them. Thank you to the thousands of residents who stopped by to chat. Here is what people said was most important to them:
- Public safety
- Affordable housing
- Mental health and addiction services
- Emergency housing
- Climate change and improving energy efficiency
- Pedestrian and bike safety
At the BHZ meeting we approved three new restaurant licenses for the 3rd Ward. Yia Vang's Vinai which will open in the Sheridan neighborhood, Freehouse in the North Loop will now be licensed for on sale Sunday liquor sales and entertainment, and Chloe by Vincent in the Mill District will be licensed for a sidewalk café. Good luck to all three 3rd Ward businesses. Please keep them in mind when making plans.
At the PHS meeting we received a quarterly update from the Office of Community Safety. With Commissioner Barnette's office now fully staffed, we are prepared for the Summer's activities all over the City. We truly are a City of Summer festivals.
This week my office participated in several meetings with residents and building owners to discuss the best way for the Blue Line extension to go through the North Loop. We also continued our work with the MN Department of Transportation on the rebuilding of 4th St SE and University Ave SE from 35W to Central Ave, and the ongoing planning for University Ave NE from Central to 27th Ave NE.
Next Friday (June 28th) is the 2024 Northeast Dog Parade. The parade starts at 5:30pm at Father Hennepin Bluff Park.
I want to leave you with the great news of the official opening of North Loop Green. This $250 million investment in the 3rd Ward is a 350 unit apartment building across the street from Target Field. A 14-story office tower, which is skyway-connected, was built next to the residential tower and is 70% leased. The 3rd Ward is the economic engine of Minneapolis which is the economic engine of Minnesota.
From left to right: Mayor Jacob Frey, Council Member Rainville, Bob Pfefferle
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

Portions of select Minneapolis streets will close downtown as Paisley Park hosts Celebration 2024 to mark the 40th anniversary of Prince’s beloved “Purple Rain.”
To accommodate Celebration 2024, these streets will close following the afternoon rush hour Friday, June 21, and reopen by 6 a.m. Sunday, June 23:
- North First Avenue
Between the front doors of the First Avenue nightclub and Hawthorne Avenue in front of the Hawthorne Municipal parking ramp.
- North Ninth Street
Between the front of Ramp A and Hennepin Avenue.
When big events come to downtown Minneapolis, it’s important to plan ahead and consider alternative transportation options. More information about transit, parking, scooter and bike share options, and more is on the City’s website.
Visitors can support the City’s new As You Go MPLS campaign by leaving their cars at home and traveling downtown by transit, walking, biking or rolling. The campaign celebrates getting around in ways that boost health, save money and reduce stress.
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board will resume hosting its Red, White and Boom! Fourth of July event on the Downtown Minneapolis Riverfront this year.
This year, festivities will take place on the west side of the river, at Water Works and the Stone Arch Bridge parking lot. Live music and food trucks start at 6 p.m. July 4 with fireworks starting at 10 p.m.
Read more on the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board website.
At a Hennepin County Fix-It Clinic, you will receive guided assistance from volunteers to dismantle, troubleshoot and repair your small household appliances, clothing, electronics, mobile devices and more.
Feel empowered, learn valuable skills and reduce waste all at the same time.
Upcoming Fix-It Clinic Noon-4 p.m. Saturday, July 13 Mount Olivet Lutheran Church, 5025 Knox Ave. S.
Hennepin County's Choose to Reuse website
Another way to keep from throwing useful things away: Learn about upcoming swap and reuse sales. |