“MISSING LINK” ROUTE TO BE RECOMMEND
Jeff Haberer, one of two SECIA representatives to the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board’s Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC), said the committee would recommend a route for the city’s Grand Rounds parkway “missing link” in Southeast at its March 13 meeting, 6–8 p.m., at Park and Recreation Board offices, 2117 West River Rd.

Board member Connie Sullivan described two routes still being considered by the committee. Both are near the east side of SE Como, near the city line. Sullivan said she would argue against a proposed additional bicycle loop. She said it would too dangerous and goes nowhere.

Sullivan said a woman had asked that if the Park Board rejects the easterly routes, would it select one of the earlier central routes, such as 18th Avenue Southeast. Sullivan said that, while she prefers an easterly route, she felt the Park Board wants a route to the TCF Bank Football stadium, (now under construction.) Haberer said he considers that idea “conjecture.”

“MISSING LINK” ROUTE PREFERENCE RESTATED
The board voted to re-send a letter sent to the Park Board in November, restating the board’s preference for an easterly route for the Grand Rounds parkway “missing link.”

Board member and CAC representative Sullivan encouraged those interested to attend the March 15 Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board’s meeting. Discussion is expected about selecting a route for the “missing link.” Sullivan said that although people can attend, they would not be permitted to participate in the discussion. However, she encouraged people to attend for “psychological pressure.”

LRT/CENTRAL CORRIDOR IMPACT MEETING REQUESTED
Board president Wendy Menken said she asked Jessica Hill, Metropolitan Council neighborhood representative for the Central Corridor light-rail project, to set up a meeting in Southeast Como.

Menken said the meeting would provide information on the impact of the project and a way to consider the impact of nearby projects, such as plans for a “missing link” route in the city’s Grand Rounds parkway system. Menken said SECIA should look at the big picture.

Board member Joan Menken expressed concern about the impact of events at the new stadium and the traffic changes proposed to allow the light-rail line operate on the surface of Washington Avenue. Menken said the stadium will accommodate up to 60,000 people and be designed for expansion to hold up to 80,000 people. “You’re going to see businesses go out over there,” she said.

Board member Marilyn Burns said she was told there is interest by fast food businesses to build in the area. Menken said, “It’s not conducive to building community.”

Wendy Menken said the university probably thought it would get a tunnel for the Central Corridor light-rail route on campus. “Now, they have this gridlock at University and Washington,” she said. Menken said the university wants a full-scale traffic analysis.

Board member Sullivan objected to the possibility of trucks using East River Road, which would be used to reroute some traffic if it is removed from Washington Avenue on campus. The current plan is to remove traffic and make Washington a transit mall. Sullivan said East River Road is a parkway.

Neighborhood Coordinator James De Sota said the Washington Avenue bridge couldn’t support light-rail trains. Board member Jeane Moore the bridge would require a significant rebuild.

TRAFFIC STUDY TO BE REQUESTED

Board president Wendy Menken asked for ideas about sending a letter to request a holistic look at the major projects in the area, such as the Central Corridor light-rail line, impact of the campus stadium, and decision on a route for the Grand Rounds “missing link.” It would put pressure on the county, the city, and maybe the university, she said. Menken said she wanted to get someone to look at all the variables, and perhaps hire someone to do a traffic study.

Board member Sullivan said the Met Council should do such a study. “They tend to forget about Minneapolis,” she said. Sullivan compared such a study to an environmental impact statement. Wendy Menken said, “Yes, there would be a full-scale EIS.”

Sullivan said the board should contact the council members and request a one-week traffic count on East Hennepin Avenue.

U ALLIANCE STUDY SESSION TO BE HELD BY BOARD
The board agreed to schedule a meeting to discuss formation of the new University District Partnership Alliance. Formation of the Alliance was proposed in the 2007 University Area Neighborhood Impact Report to the Legislature. The report called for a cooperative effort to revitalize residential and business neighborhoods near the Minneapolis campus. The report included a request for $30 million to implement the recommendations. The Legislature allocated $750,000, requested a demonstration project, and asked for a report by early 2009. Ideas for demonstration projects have been sent to the Alliance for review and selection.

Board member Marilyn Burns, a member of an alliance committee, said State Sen. Larry Pogemiller recently indicated that the Legislature expects the demonstration project to focus on housing. Burns said the Legislature is interested in what the neighborhoods and business organizations could do as a group that couldn’t be done individually, including the university.

Information is available here.

ZONING APPLICATION REVIEWED
Joan Menken, zoning committee chair, reported that the owner of a duplex at 1058-60 25th Ave. SE has applied to expand a non-conforming use. A meeting with the applicant is scheduled for Tues. March 11, 6 p.m., at the SECIA office.

Menken said the former owner started a conversion, with no permits, to four bedrooms and one kitchen. “You can’t expand a nonconforming use,” she said.

Menken encouraged residents to call the city 311 number to report construction, such as installation of window wells, where no permit is seen. “We have to call them in every time,” she said.

1716 ROLLINS SE PROJECT CONCERNS RAISED
Zoning committee chair Menken reported plans to demolish a house at 1716 Rollins Ave. SE in order to construct a four-plex with five bedrooms per unit.

There is no neighborhood review or input required by the city, Menken said. The Southeast neighborhoods are questioning the new city process where some projects do not require neighborhood review, she said.

Menken reported that five occupants per unit are allowed under the R4 zoning. Four parking spaces are required, while the plan calls for five spaces. Menken said the project would house 20 people. “You can’t park there now,” she said. In addition, “This is a critical area for fire and protection,” she said.

Menken said the project would have a heavy impact on nearby properties. Menken said she would contact City Council member Cam Gordon about the project. “If you want people to come back to the city, you have to give them a reason,” she said.

HOUSE PROPOSED AT 1019 18th Ave. SE
Joan Menken reported a single-family house is proposed at 1019 18th Ave. SE in the R2B zone.

WRAPANINIS ZONING VARIANCE REQUEST TABLED
The board voted, with one vote opposed, to table a request by Thomas Deyo, owner of Wrapaninis, a new restaurant at 1517 Como Ave. SE. He asked for support for a zoning variance request to extend hours for delivery to 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights.

“This will allow us to compete on a more equitable basis with other pizza and delivery options in Dinkytown,” Deyo said in a letter to the board. Deyo’s request will be heard at a public hearing by the city in March or April. Neighborhood Coordinator James De Sota said it should be stated that Deyo is a former board member.

Board president Wendy Menken said she would like to postpone the request until the board can hear comments from businesses nearby. Menken noted that a 2 a.m. closing would set a precedent.

Deyo acknowledged that when the restaurant opened recently it was open Friday and Saturday until 2 a.m., but the city said it was too late without permission.

Board member Joan Menken said she is concerned about more people on the streets at 2 or 3 a.m. Resident Gary Burns said, “Two-thirds are already two sheets to the wind.” Deyo said, “I’m well aware of the drunk factor.” Menken said if the board supports the request it would be with the understanding the owner would not seek a beer license later. Deyo said he would be willing to sign a statement to that effect.

Board member Jeff Haberer said it was good to be able to support a local business that is not part of a chain.

CONCERN EXPRESSED ABOUT “FRAMEWORK FOR THE FUTURE”
Board president Wendy Menken said there is concern about the city’s “Framework for the Future” proposal. Menken said her concern about the proposal placing the authority structure under the mayor’s office.

The proposed framework program would replace the city’s 20-year Neighborhood Revitalization Program (NRP), which ends in 2009. Menken said the deadline for comments in March 17. (For information, visit the “city’s website”:http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us, and search “NRP beyond 2009.”)

Board member Connie Sullivan said State Rep. Karen Clark and others in the Legislature would introduce a bill to fund NRP. “That’s where the fight will be. The city isn’t receptive. So, talk to any legislative person,” Sullivan said. Sullivan described the proposed framework as “a power grab by the city,” adding the city would provide $1.5 million to operate the program.

Later at the meeting, Ward 2 Council Member Cam Gordon told the board, “See if you can leverage” the framework program. “Look at the governing structure proposed,” he said, calling part of the program “resident controlled.”

THREE INTERNS WORKING ON PROJECTS
James De Sota reported there are three student interns working on projects. De Sota said the projects include the restorative justice program, the Tid Bits e-news report, Beautiful U Day, and a kick off for SECIA’s Green Village program.

RESTORATIVE JUSTICE PROGRAM PRAISED
Board member Joan Menken said she wanted to “put in a plug” for the Restorative Justice Community Action, Inc., program. Menken said the program provides helpful information. She said the program might provide a way to address student binge drinking. For program information, see: “http://www.rjca-inc.org/”: http://www.rjca-inc.org/.

ALARM EXPRESSED ABOUT MAXIMUM OCCUPANCY IMPACT
Board president Wendy Menken said she is concerned that changes proposed for the city’s maximum residential occupancy levels will act as an incentive to developers to tear down small houses and build larger buildings to rent to more occupants. “I’m scared to death about this. They’re way ahead of the city,” Menken said.

Ward 2 Council Member Cam Gordon told the board he would introduce an ordinance to change the maximum occupancy regulations. Gordon said one goal is fairness. In a handout, Gordon said the goals include “treating all adults the same, regardless of their ‘relatedness.’” The goals would address discrepancies between zoning and housing safety codes. The proposal would also “tie the number of occupants in a dwelling unit to the size of the unit,” he said.

Board member Connie Sullivan responded, “This is anti-family, Cam.” Sullivan said the changes would “affect areas like ours that are under development pressure.” Gordon said he works hard to please everybody. Board member Marilyn Burns said, “We appreciate your stand.” Sullivan quipped to Gordon, “You’re our David to the Goliath.”

HOMEBUYERS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Council Member Gordon said the Minneapolis Advantage Homebuyers Assistance program would focus on certain neighborhoods, such as Central and North Minneapolis.

UNIVERSITY ALLIANCE ROUNDTABLE MEETING SET
Ward 2 Council Member Cam Gordon reported he has scheduled a Roundtable meeting about the new University District Partnership Alliance. The roundtable will be held Monday, March 17, 7–9 p.m., Van Cleve Park, 901 15th Ave. SE.

Gordon’s full report is available on his website.

STUDENT RENTERS GUIDE PUBLISHED
Board member and university student representative Jeremiah Peterson distributed copies of the nine-page Renters Guide 2008, Minnesota Student Association. It provides student survey apartment ratings and other information. It is “to provide students with pertinent information when deciding on a place to live,” according to the guide. The survey and rankings results are also available at “http://www.msa.umn.edu”: http://www.msa.umn.edu.

RED VEST FOR SAFETY WALKS DISPLAYED
Peterson displayed a bright red vest with a SECIA logo that can be worn by participants in the SECIA neighborhood safety walks. Peterson drew laughter when he said a friend said the vests are “so super corny, she wanted to come.” He added, “I just can’t go to a party wearing a vest.”

THE BRIDGE REACHES OUT TO THE COMMUNITY
Jim Drake, board member for Southeast Publications, the non-profit entity that owns The Bridge community newspaper, said the paper is reaching out to the community. Board members are attending neighborhood meetings. Drake asked for story and calendar ideas, complaints, and ways to serve the community better. He suggested communicating with the editor. He noted that the paper’s website provides current information.

Drake said the paper’s budget is close to breaking even, but that sometimes the publisher helps. The newspaper’s board meets at the Van Cleve Park building and the meeting is open to visitors, he said.

Board member Joan Menken commented, “I know everyone one is going online, but I hear more people say, ‘I don’t want to have to turn on the computer.’” Drake said, “We’ll do everything we can to stay in print.”

Board president Wendy Menken asked if there was talk about sharing stories and cooperation among community newspapers. She mentioned the Northeaster and the Southwest Journal. Menken referred to an article about the NRP (Neighborhood Revitalization Program) and said NRP is a citywide issue. Menken suggested the paper “almost could have a page or two of best news from other publications.” Board member Jeane Moore asked about the role of the online Twin Cities Daily Planet.

Board member Connie Sullivan, also a member of The Bridge board, encouraged those interested to email the editor, Jeremy Stratton and said he is very receptive. Board member Joan Menken said it is helpful to have Bill Hoffmann covering SECIA board meetings. Also, Drake asked for community support for ads in the paper.

BOARD RETREAT TO BE SCHEDULED
The board agreed to hold a planning retreat in the spring.

NEXT MEETING: Tuesday, April 1, 6:30 p.m., 2008, Van Cleve Park building.

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

CONTACT:
James De Sota, neighborhood coordinator
SECIA Office
837 SE 15th Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55414
Phone: 612-676-1731
email: secomo@secomo.org
website

last revised: March 10, 2008

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