GRAND ROUNDS OPEN HOUSE SET FOR JAN. 17
Wendy Menken asked board members to volunteer to distribute a flier to the whole neighborhood announcing the Grand Rounds “missing link” public meeting on Thursday Jan. 17, “to make sure everybody knows about it.” It will be held at Van Cleve Park, 6:30–8 p.m., with a 7–7:30 p.m. presentation.

The public meeting is among several being held by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) to discuss routes proposed for filling a “missing link” in the city’s Grand Rounds parkway through Northeast and Southeast Minneapolis. It would also include development of park space.

The 50-mile parkway, bicycle and pedestrian trail around Minneapolis has a three-mile gap. The MPRB expects to complete the missing link study in the spring. The park board website reports that implementation would begin as funds become available and that completion is expected to take many years.

There will also be an open house about the route of the missing link through Prospect Park on Wednesday, Jan. 16, 6:30–8:30 p.m., in the Luxton Park Gym.

In a report, Ward 2 Council Member Cam Gordon said, “I continue to support efforts to find a path for the Grand Rounds “missing link” that will improve the quality of life and bring amenities, parks and green space into Southeast Minneapolis without destroying homes and dislocating residents.”

Information about the project is available on the SE Como website, below, and at www.minneapolisparks.org.

GRAND ROUNDS ROUTE STRATEGIES DISCUSSED
Board member Jeff Haberer, one of the SECIA representatives on the MPRB’s Grand Rounds “missing link” Citizen Advisory committee, reported on the remaining SE Como route options. See SECIA’s website, below, for information. Haberer said, “I’m assuming that’s where the community wants us to go, as far east as possible and to work with St. Paul.”

During discussion of route options, Board President Wendy Menken said, “Minneapolis is going to have to work with St. Paul. It really should be the big picture.” Haberer suggested that the board lobby the Park and Recreation Board for more cooperation with St. Paul. Board member Jeane Moore asked if the parkway could be showcased as a two-county project.

Haberer added that decisions remain to be made for a route through the Prospect Park neighborhood.

Board member Joan Menken pointed out that the MPRB has been closing ice skating rinks, for instance, in the Bryn Mar neighborhood. So, she questioned spending millions of dollars on the missing link and its maintenance. “Otherwise, just put a nice bike path down there,” Menken said.

COUNCIL ON LEARNING REPRESENTATIVES APPOINTED; TUTTLE RE-USES?
The board voted to appoint four SE Como residents as representatives to the non-profit Southeast Minneapolis Council on Learning (SEMCOL). Appointed were Jennifer Franko, Holly Day, Mark Tondra, and Katie Fournier.

Board President Wendy Menken recommended that they read the University of Minnesota Minneapolis Area Neighborhood Impact Report. Menken said the report includes proposals to get the university more involved in K-12 education in the neighborhoods. Menken noted the Como neighborhood has been fighting to get a school back into the former Tuttle community school building. Menken suggested that SEMCOL could make re-use of the building for education as a goal.

Menken said the university itself considered using the building, but it has not been able to find an educational program for it. However, the university’s human resources department is considering a proposal to contract for 100 daycare spaces in the building. Menken also said the idea of a charter school for the building should also still be considered.

ROCK-TENN BIO-MASS POWER PLANT DEBATE REVIEWED
“It’s going to be an interesting time,” Bill Kahn, newly-appointed SECIA representative to the Rock-Tenn Community Advisory Council, said about the debate over a power plant proposal for the Rock-Tenn paper recycling plant in the St. Paul Midway area.

Kahn, a Prospect Park resident, said the intense debate at the meetings about potential air pollution feels like “human sacrifice.” Kahn said the current proposal calls for using “biomass” as fuel for the power plant, rather than the original plan for a mix of coal and biomass. Biomass could include refuse-derived fuel, as well as lumber industry wood waste, corn stover, oat hulls, and grasses, according to a report on the Neighbors Against the Burner website. Rock-Tenn is losing its traditional source of power and will switch to fuel oil and natural gas. But the company said those sources aren’t economical over the long-term, according to the website report.

At the SECIA meeting, Board President Wendy Menken said there are three biomass burners to consider in the larger picture, namely, the Rock-Tenn proposal, and also the contested Midtown Greenway garbage burner project in Minneapolis and the existing downtown Minneapolis garbage burner. Menken said she wants to make sure the two newest burners are clean burning. Nina Axelson, outreach coordinator for the St. Anthony Park Rock-Tenn advisory panel, said such a concept of “system thinking” is appropriate.

Kahn pointed out that Southeast Como and Prospect Park aren’t likely to experience potential pollution from a Rock-Tenn power plant because of the prevailing winds. Also, he said, SE Como doesn’t have a vote, but is part of the advisory panel. Kahn said, however, he is anxious to hear questions about the project.

RESTORATIVE JUSTICE CONFERENCE VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT
Board President Wendy Menken asked for those interested in participating in conferences sponsored by Restorative Justice Community Action, Inc. The conferences are described as face-to-face restorative justice models that recognize the community as a victim of livability crimes, and gives offenders ways to make amends.

Steve Larson, community coordinator, told the board he is grateful for conference participation by Como residents. Board member Joan Menken said she recommends the Restorative Justice Center conferences. Menken said once student offenders are engaged in the community, they stay on.

U AREA NEIGHBORHOOD ALLIANCE MEETS
Board President Wendy Menken reported that the University Area Neighborhood Alliance met for the first time in December. “It hit the ground running,” she said.

The alliance grew out of a 2007 report to the Legislature. The report, Moving Forward Together: U of M Minneapolis Area Neighborhood Impact Report, was required by the Legislature when it approved funding for a new on-campus Gopher’s TCF Bank stadium. “The study was to examine how the presence of the University affects the character and livability of adjacent neighborhoods, not the impact of the stadium per se,” according to the university’s Center for Urban and Regional Affairs website. Neighborhoods represented in the alliance are Cedar Riverside, Marcy-Holmes, Southeast Como, University, and Prospect Park.

At the meeting, Menken said the report requires the university to report progress to Legislature in February 2009. The Legislature allocated $750,000 to the alliance and required it conduct a demonstration project. “We’re really trying to figure out a good core project as a demonstration,” Menken said. Goals in the impact report include stabilizing neighborhoods and increasing homeowner occupancy, she noted.

To read the report, go to: http://www.cura.umn.edu/News/Archive/2007-02-15.php.

U AREA ALLIANCE ELECTS CO-CHAIRS
Council Member Gordon said in a report that the new University Area Neighborhood Alliance in December elected co-chairs. They are Dick Poppele, president of the Prospect Park East River Road Improvement Association, and Karen Himle, vice president for University Relations.

“This group has enormous potential to transform the relationships between the neighborhoods, the university and the city in more effective, positive, collaborative ways,” Gordon said.

ACCOUNTING PRACTICES REVIEWED
Wendy Menken said she and Board Member Connie Sullivan are reviewing office accounting practices. Menken said there will be a proposal at the February meeting to adapt Neighborhood Revitalization Program (NRP) wording for SECIA.

Menken said SECIA’s accounting procedures are still current, but should be updated further in case the current Neighborhood Coordinator leaves and a new one is hired.

Also, Menken asked for two or three people to volunteer as an audit committee.

NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION PROGRAM UPDATE
Wendy Menken reported that the City Council recommended moving the NRP under city operation, rather than keeping it separate. The NRP would report to the mayor and the council. Menken said she felt that NRP Director Bob Miller would be the first to go. “He has been a thorn in their side,” she said. Menken said, however, she has relied on him for complete information.

FEB. 12 BOARD MEETING DATE APPROVED
The board voted in favor of moving next month’s board meeting to Tuesday, Feb. 12, one week later than usual. It was moved to avoid a conflict with the political caucus night.

U “GOOD NEIGHBOR FUND” GRANT APPLICATIONS DUE APRIL 1
Board member Joan Menken announced that applications are open for grants from the university’s “Good Neighbor Fund” to mitigate impacts from university events, especially at the Gopher’s football stadium. The 50,000-seat, on-campus stadium is expected to open in September 2009.

“We all know there will be a tremendous number of people parking in the neighborhoods,” Menken said. This would include parking on lawns. “We need to talk about restrictions on lawns,” she said. “Those are the livability issues,” Menken said.

Menken noted that grants will be become available for campus events this year, before the stadium opens next year. “We need to look at parking now. Spring Jam is coming up,” she said. “What are the critical issues that need to be addressed right away,” Menken asked, adding, “How do events affect your particular street?

To apply for a grant, to see a list of eligible applicants, and for further information, go to: http://www.community.umn.edu/gnf

REDEVELOPING INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY FOR HOUSING
Zoning Committee Chair Joan Menken reported that Michael Johnson is redeveloping a commercial/industrial building at 1599 8th St. SE into rental living units. The building is located in the University District, across the railroad tracks from the University Day Care Center. The plan is to add two stories, but retain the historic aspects of the building. Zoning allows 40 to 60 units, but the developer is considering 80, Menken reported.

Menken said she was impressed that the owner considers security cameras and patrols a good investment.

BEER, WINE LICENSE APPLICATION STIRS DISCUSION
Joan Menken reported that Kjersten Winter, owner of the Obento-Ya restaurant, 1510 Como Ave. SE, is applying for a city Class D license that would allow sale of beer and wine. The license would require 70 % of the business to be food sales.

Board member Lee Hibbard noted that the owner of Muddsuckers Coffee is also considering requesting a wine and beer license. Wendy Menken said it is an issue at 15th and Como Avenue. “Everyone is looking at alcohol because of (their) profit margin.” Menken said, “People really need to think and come up with criteria.” She suggested, for instance, that a business should be established for a year before it can apply for a liquor license.

Board members proposed looking at existing wine bars in the city as examples, including next to the Riverview Theater, at the Birchwood Café, Café Alma, and the Corner Table Restaurant. Joan Menken asked for additional suggestions.

GOALS, PLANS, AND DREAMS FOR 2008
Board Member Marilyn Burns said Connie Sullivan suggested that the board consider goals and plans for the new year.

Joan Menken said she would like the questions about the Grand Rounds route and the reuse of the former Tuttle Community School building settled. Menken said thinks of the issues each night and they create an unsettled stomach.

Ideas offered for the year included an NRP open house, showcasing neighborhood architecture, and implementing the “Village Green” concept. Neighborhood Coordinator James De Sota said projects in the concept include a Van Cleve Park building rooftop solar energy installation. “We could watch the meter go backwards as energy is sold to Xcel,” he envisioned.

Burns proposed distributing SECIA flyers and posting signs in September to “get students to understand their responsibilities in the neighborhood.” The information and door-to-door contact would be intended “to make young people welcome, and make clear this is a real neighborhood.” Burns said students new to the neighborhood need information, including, for instance, where the garbage is picked up.

University Coordinator for Student and Community Relations Kendre Turonie said it is possible volunteers would be available from the university.

On the subject of goals and plans, Wendy Menken said it felt like SECIA was often trying to catch up with issues. “Is there anyway to get ahead of the bus for a change,” she wondered.

COMMUNICATING WITH NEIGHBORHOOD GROUPS
Board Member Jeane Moore asked how much communication there is between neighborhood organizations and about duplication of effort. This would include, for instance, sharing information about liquor license criteria, Moore suggested.

Board President Wendy Menken said she could ask other groups about communication. Moore wondered if a handshake across the river has been tried. “Trying to build bridges has been hard,” she said.

BUNGE TOWER CONDO PLANS?
Lynn Anderson asked about the status of the proposal to develop condominium units in the Bunge tower. Wendy Menken said she expects that the developers are waiting for the market to come back. It was noted that the developer of the Mill Trace condominium building on 8th Street in Marcy-Holmes has talked of foreclosure.

SE LIBRARY GRAND RE-OPENING IS JAN. 12
Wendy Menken announced that the grand re-opening celebration of the Southeast Library is Saturday, Jan. 12. She urged people to attend to show that libraries are important.

“PLAN TO PREVENT YOUTH VIOLENCE” MEETING SET
Council Member Gordon, in a report, invited residents to a meeting about the proposed Minneapolis Plan to Prevent Youth Violence. The meeting will be held Tuesday, Jan. 22, 7 to 9 p.m., at Matthews Center, 24th E. St. and 28th Ave. S. Further information is available at the city website.

COMPREHENSIVE CITY PLAN MEETINGS SET
Gordon, in a report, encouraged residents to review the draft of the city’s proposed updated comprehensive plan. It is available at public libraries and at www.minneapolisplan.info.

Gordon’s full report to Southeast Como is available online. See www.secondward.blogspot.com.

NEXT MEETING: Tuesday, Feb. 12, 6:30 p.m., Van Cleve Park building. The meeting date is one week later than normal.

REGULAR MEETINGS: 1st Tuesday of the month, 6:30–8:30 p.m. Van Cleve Park, 901 15th Ave. SE.

CONTACT:
Office: 837 SE 15th Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55414
Phone: 612-676-1731
Contact: James De Sota, neighborhood coordinator, secomo@secomo.org
Website: http://secomo.org/drupal/index.php?q=home

last revised: January 10, 2008

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