NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION PROGRAM (NRP) LOAN PROGRAM: In response to the uncertainty surrounding continued NRP funding for neighborhoods, the board approved moving $150,000 of its NRP money into a revolving loan program. NRP Director Bob Miller had recommended using NRP dollars in this way because neighborhood organizations can use the interest earned to fund their operations. In addition, when the loans are repaid the neighborhood the money stays with the neighborhood and is no longer subject to NRP rules that dictate that 70 percent of funds must be used to fund housing related initiatives.

Because these funds were originally allocated for other projects and the amount in question exceeds $25,000, the MHNA general membership will need to okay the move. The MHNA board will hold a vote at the January 15, 2008, general membership meeting.

LAND USE MEETING LOCATION CHANGE: The board approved the Land Use Committee’s decision to hold future meetings in the private dining room of Wilde Roast Café at 518 E. Hennepin Ave. In exchange for free use of the room, Land Use will thank Wilde Roast Café in its minutes which are posted on the MHNA website.

MHNA PURSUES VOICE IN ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW PROCESS: The MHNA Land Use Committee is working with the Southeast Como Improvement Association (SECIA) and the Prospect Park East River Road Improvement Association (PPERRIA) to get more information on the administrative review process that Minneapolis Community Planning and Economic Development (CPED) uses. MHNA wants residents to have a greater voice in the kind of development that takes place in their neighborhood, particularly the high-density developments in Dinkytown.

ANDREW RIVERSIDE CHURCH DEVELOPMENT: The board failed to approve a proposal for a combination senior rental and church facility at the old Andrew Riverside Church site. Board members expressed concern over the developer’s request to rezone the site from R2B to R5 in order to accommodate the proposed 39 residential units. R2B districts are predominantly low-density, single- and two-family dwellings. An R5 district consists primarily of high-density apartments. “We have this rectangle where we’ve held on to R2B zoning. It’s been sacrosanct in that regard,” said board member Norman Lynsky.

FLOUR SACK FLATS: The board voted not to send a letter to the Minneapolis Planning Commission (MPC) conceding defeat on the final decision on the Flour Sack Flats development. MHNA had agreed to support the developer’s additional height request provided that the rear facades of Flour Sack Flats II, WD Forbes and the Soap Factory on Second Street Southeast were aligned.
The board felt alignment would open up the view of the historic buildings to the west and maintain visibility for public safety behind the proposed building. The Planning Commission and the City Council granted the developer’s request to allow the building to be set back, which board members fear will create a hidden area when viewed from Sixth Avenue Southeast.
ELISSA COTTLE LEAVING NRP COORDINATOR POSITION: Marcy-Holmes NRP Coordinator Elissa Cottle is leaving her position at the end of December. The board thanked her for more than five years of service.

HEARING ON LIQUOR LICENSE UPGRADE FOR ANNIE’S KITTY KAT KLUB: Michele Harvet from the Minneapolis Department of Regulatory Services presented Annie’s Kitty Kat Klub’s application for a move from a class C2 to a class B2 license. The class B2 license would allow any number of musicians to perform and patron dancing. Annie’s Kitty Kat Klub has been operating with a provisional B2 license for the past year with no complaints.

Frank Vescio of Vescio’s Cucina spoke glowingly of Annie’s Kitty Kat Klub and the Rimarcik family’s management of this and their other establishments. (The Rimarcik family also owns the Monte Carlo and Café Havana in downtown Minneapolis.) Tony Rimarcik mentioned that they had received a letter of support from the police. MHNA members voted unanimously to support their petition.

SE LIBRARY TO REOPEN: Kathleen Reilly announced that the SE Library would reopen, most likely on January 2, 2008. Reilly is taking suggestions for a way to celebrate.

SOUTHEAST MINNEAPOLIS COUNCIL ON LEARNING (SEMCOL): MHNA membership approved Scott Bean, Donald Fraser, Ardes Johnson, Harriet Johnson and Laurice Jamieson as the neighborhood’s representatives to SEMCOL.

NEXT: Board meeting, December 11, 2007
MEETINGS: 3rd Tuesday monthly, 6 p.m. at University Lutheran Church of Hope, 601 13th Avenue SE
CONTACT: 623-7633, www.marcy-holmes.org
BORDERS: Central Ave. to 15th Ave. SE, 9th St. SE to Main St. SE

last revised: November 27, 2007

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