Symphony Hydro Dead in the Water?

The first two government agencies to weigh in have both submitted letters to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) last week opposing the Symphony Hydro proposal to build a hydroelectric facility in the soon to be closed Upper St. Anthony Falls lock.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers letter states “As the proposed Symphony hydropower project is incompatible with the current Congressional authorization for navigation and flood control, it appears that licensing of the hydropower project located within the lock chamber at USAF is not appropriate at this time.”

The U.S. Department of the Interior letter includes a statement identical to the one above from the the Corps.

Download the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers letter...

Download the U.S. Dept. of Interior letter...

Minneapolis #1 in Nation for High Credit Scores According to NerdWallet Number Crunchers

Sara Collins of consumer finance site NerdWallet recently notified me of a new study they completed.  After analyzing data for the nation's largest metro areas to find the highest average credit score, they found that out of 143 places Minneapolis ranked #1 as the most financially responsible place in the country.

Their analysis also produced these findings:

• Of the top ten places with the highest average credit scores, eight are in the Midwest, including four metros in Wisconsin.

• Of the ten places with the lowest average credit scores, eight are in the South.

Click here for the article outlining these findings.  For anyone whose credit is less than stellar, the article also includes tips for improving your credit.

Holiday Lights in the Mill District: Snow or Not, the Show Goes On

This past Saturday night we took a stroll down 2nd Street South and back on West River Parkway.  Hands down, our neighbors at Stonebridge Lofts are the most festive this year, although it's more evident in person than one would gather from pictures.  Runner up: The Stone Arch Lofts.  :)

Click here for the first set of pictures.  There may be a second set if we get out again in the next few days.

Childish Films at the Central Library is a Special Monthly Event for Families

Childish Films is a fun family event happening the 3rd Saturday of the month through April, 2015, at the Central Library.   It's a free program of children’s cinema and arts for all ages.  Each screening features a pre-show activity, an educational introduction, and complimentary healthy snacks. Admission is free with open seating to the public.

Most films are best enjoyed by ages 3 and older, but children and people of all ages are welcome to attend.

The December 20 feature is The Wind in the Willows – Winter Tales.

Warm up with Young Fiddlers Association and enjoy a wintry mix of magical stop motion animated adaptations based on Kenneth Grahame’s classic, The Wind in the Willows.

• Winter Sports, Cosgrove Hall, A&E Entertainment 1985, 20 min At the first real snow of winter, Toad digs out his skis and enthusiastically dreams up a winter sports competition for his fellow river-bankers.
• The Yuletide Entertainment, Cosgrove Hall, A&E Entertainment, 1984, 25 min Badger produces a Christmas variety show in Toad Hall that goes awry when Toad gags on a moustache.

Doors open at 10:00am for seating, snacks, and hands-on activities. Live pre-show performances begin at 10:30am.

Future dates:
January 17 - Adventures in Music
February 21 - Feathers and Fins
March 21 - Comedy Carnival
April 18 - Film Festival Finale with the Bunny Clogs

If you have specific questions about the content of a particular film, please e-mail our curators. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Call 612.543.8107 for more information.

Thursday, December 18 - Holiday Extravaganza at Primrose Park

Looking for a special something for a special someone (or youself)?  Be sure to check out Primrose Park (20 University Avenue NE, across from Surdyk's) this Thursday night.  :)

Thursday Night STAWNO Small Area Plan Meeting

From the St. Anthony West Neighborhood Organization:

As we continue to move forward on a process for the St. Anthony West neighborhood's Small Area Plan, the Land Use and Planning Committee will meet at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18, to discuss a proposal from the University of Minnesota's Metropolitan Design Center. The meeting is open to all. Location: MainStreet Lodge, 909 Main St. NE, Minneapolis (lower-level meeting room). This is an accessible location.

Thursday Night - Elliot Park Land Use Meeting

The Building, Land Use & Housing Committee (BLUH) meets Thursday, December 18^th, 7-8:30 p.m. at the Elliot Park Recreation Center, 1000 East 14^th Street.

AGENDA

• 17^th Street Proposed Highway Sound Barriers—Presentation and community discussion.
• 7^th Street I94 Ramp—Construction Update
• Downtown Service Area Master Plan Community Advisory Committee
• Review of 2014 Projects & 2015 Upcoming Projects

Scenes from the December 13 Mill City Farmers Market

Didn't attend the December 13 indoor Mill City Farmers Market?  Well, take a look at what you missed...

Festive vendors and music:

Fresh trees, wreaths, centerpieces and ice globe kits:

Food!

Gifts!

Free gift wrapping:

Last but not least - the goat.  :)

The next indoor Market is Saturday, January 10, 2015, inside the Mill City Museum.

Time for a "Holidays in the Mill District" Photo Shoot

Make sure your holiday lights are all ablaze tonight.  Dave and I are taking advantage of the weekend heat wave to get out for a "Holidays in the Mill District" photo shoot! :)

2015 Minneapolis Park Board Budget Approved

Via a December 12 Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board e-newsletter:

Because of your interest in the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB), we want you to know that the MPRB approved its 2015 budget on Wednesday, December 10.
 
The budget focuses on maintaining park services and facilities, strategically addressing financial and operational challenges, improving organizational efficiency and service delivery, and addressing Emerald Ash Borer and other threats to the urban tree canopy.
 
Read the full news release about the approved 2015 budget for full details and information.
 
You can view the Superintendent’s Recommended 2015 Budget online.

Sorella Wine & Spirits Closing December 31; New Owner's Format TBD

Via a December 12 e-newsletter from Sorella Wine & Spirits:
 
So, it is time to break the news. December 31st will be our last day as Sorella Wine & Spirits. The store has been sold to a local wine and spirits industry veteran; it will have a new name, and presumably, many changes. Many of us here will be moving on to other ventures. And while the new owner will be purchasing whatever inventory we have left on January 1, we intend to offer many killer deals between now and then (we don't feel like counting all those bottles on Jan. 1st). On behalf of the whole Sorella (and Liquor Depot) family, we'd like to thank you for your patronage over the years, and we certainly hope you'll stop by to see us before the year is out.
 
Cordially,
Darrin Minehan
Wine Buyer 
Sorella Wine & Spirits
 
p.s. If you have, or know of anyone who has a Sorella GIFT CARD or a Belly Card, it is time to redeem them - there will be a completely new entity in this space in 2015 and they will have no connection to our gift card program or our Belly Points. We will also be adding some additional options for redeeming Belly Points next week.

Toys for Tots Drop Off at Bibelot Shop

City of Minneapolis Launches Open Data Portal

The City of Minneapolis just launched it's Open Data Portal, allowing access to many types of City data online. Previously, if residents or reporters wanted much of this information, they had to formally request it from the City.

The initial sets of data in the portal cover a range of City services and functions, including:

•311 incidents
•Fire incidents
•Police incidents
•Crime statistics
•Open rental licenses
•Open liquor licenses
•Air quality study results
•Digital inclusion survey results
•NRP budgets
•Exact city boundaries

Minneapolis joins 38 states and 46 cities and counties with open data portals that have made data sets available to the public. The City of Minneapolis’ open data portal does not represent all the public information managed by the City, but it is meant to make the most frequently requested and most useful data easily accessible, and more content will be added over time.

Users can download data in various formats, visualize the data in charts and maps where available, and read metadata about the information. Users can also subscribe via RSS feed to get notified when the data is updated. Programmers can access APIs that let them use the data without needing to download anything.

MPRB to Own Downtown East Park After All

Ben Johnson with City Pages used more colorful language to describe the process establishing The Yard/Downtown East Commons/Downtown East Urban Park or whatever the name of the day is, but let's just say it's been chaotic.

On Wednesday, the Administration & Finance Committee of the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board passed a resolution approving the Memorandum of Understanding and Lease between the City of Minneapolis and the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board for the Downtown East Commons.  Look for an opinion piece next week (will take some time to digest all of the info), but for now here's what's available:

MPRB Committee Meeting Video:

Downtown East Urban Park MPRB Resolution 2014-371:

https://app.box.com/shared/static/smvlmj9dapbfqd4yzwnk.pdf

Memorandum of Understanding - Downtown East Commons - MPRB and City of Minneapolis:

https://app.box.com/shared/static/5ljbvbeis4fja32gp79i.pdf

Urban Park Use Agreement - Ryan and MSFA:

https://app.box.com/shared/static/411rab25n0pljjzag4c1.pdf

Strib - Plan Would Make Park Board Owner of Downtown Park:

http://www.startribune.com/local/blogs/284670871.html

City Pages - Park Board Will Own New Downtown East Park as Long as It Doesn't Have to Pay for Anything:

http://blogs.citypages.com/blotter/2014/12/park_board_will_own_new_downtown_east_park_as_long_as_it_doesnt_have_to_pay_for_anything.php

[Photos] Nye's in the News Last Week

The week started with news of Nye's closing, then came a plan for high-rise apartments, then a cloud was cast by historic preservation concerns - here's a collection of the coverage:

NYE'S POLONAISE WILL CLOSE AFTER 65 YEARS

http://www.bizjournals.com/twincities/news/2014/12/01/nyes-polonaise-will-close-after-65-years.html

NYE'S POLONAISE ROOM TO CLOSE

http://www.minnpost.com/glean/2014/12/nyes-polonaise-room-close

BYE NYE'S: LOCAL LANDMARK TO CLOSE AFTER 65 YEARS

http://www.mprnews.org/story/2014/12/01/nyes-to-close

NYE'S POLONAISE ROOM TO CLOSE NEXT YEAR

http://www.startribune.com/entertainment/dining/284399951.html

'NORDEAST' ICON NYE'S TO CLOSE AFTER 65 YEARS

http://www.twincities.com/localnews/ci_27047227/nyes-iconic-nordeast-minneapolis-bar-and-restaurant-close

-------------

NYE'S POLONAISE ROOM OWNERS PARTNER WITH SCHAFER RICHARDSON ON POTENTIAL APARTMENT TOWER

http://www.bizjournals.com/twincities/news/2014/12/02/nyes-polonaise-developer-schafer-apartment-tower.html

DEVELOPER PLANS HIGH-RISE ON NYE'S SITE

http://www.startribune.com/local/minneapolis/284549121.html

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HISTORIC PRESERVATION COULD HINDER NYE'S PLAN

http://www.startribune.com/local/west/284945451.html

HISTORIC PRESERVATION COULD THWART PLAN TO REPLACE NYE’S BAR WITH APARTMENTS

http://bringmethenews.com/2014/12/06/historic-preservation-could-block-plan-to-replace-nyes-bar-with-apartments/

Main Street SE Closure on Wednesday, December 10th

Per the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board:

Main Street SE  will be closed along the section in front of the St. Anthony Main Theatre from 7:00 am - 2:00 pm on Wednesday, December 10^th.  There will be no through traffic due to this closure.

A detour route will be posted to direct traffic between E Hennepin Ave. and SE 3rd Ave., although local traffic will be allowed to enter onto Main St. up to the closure area.

Tonight / Community Forum - 26th Ave N & 22nd Ave NE Greenways

From the Minneapolis Riverfront Partnership:

The forces are aligning.  Between planned work on 26th Ave and plans for 22nd Ave NE this is an ideal time for North and Northeast residents to come together to develop a vision for the education corridor between Nellie Stone and Edison.

With the support of CM Reich and representatives from the Holland and Hawthorne Neighborhoods, the Minneapolis Riverfront Partnership is scheduling a community forum on Monday, December 8, 2014 from 6:30 to 8:30 PM at the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (2117 West River Rd., Minneapolis)

The Forum will be used to begin to develop a common vision of what this greenway can be for our community, with the immediate goal of developing community recommendations and input for the City Transportation and Public Works Committee.

Please invite your neighborhood to join us for this important event.

Questions:

Kathleen Boe, Executive Director

MinneapolisRiverfront Partnership

Kathleen.boe@minneapolisriverfrontpartnership.org

612-746-4987

Thursday Night - Get an Update on the Nicollet Mall Redesign

Plans for the redesign of Nicollet Mall are moving ahead, and on Dec. 11, the public will have a chance to learn about changes and refinements to the design and other project updates at a public meeting at the Hyatt Regency.

In the last several months, the project team has done extensive community engagement, which has led to updates to the design, particularly changes to the central section of Nicollet between Sixth and Eighth streets. At the same time, new paving materials and furniture have been tested and the results of those tests will also be shared at the meeting.

The City of Minneapolis, Minneapolis Downtown Council and James Corner Field Operations (JCFO) will provide a project update including timeline, construction schedule, design revisions and new information from the mall livability working group. After the presentation, representatives from JCFO, the City of Minneapolis and the Minneapolis Downtown Council will be on hand to answer questions.

This is the fifth public event held to gather feedback and share design concept progress. Information on past presentations is available at nicolletmallproject.com.

Nicollet Mall Project update

5:15 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 11

Presentation at 5:45

Hyatt Regency Minneapolis – Northstar Ballroom A

1300 Nicollet Mall

Since the 1880s, Nicollet Mall has been a retail and business hub for Minneapolis. Over the years, the mall has been through two major renovations: one in 1968 and one in the 1980s. Today the space is used by 130,000 Minnesotans daily and is home to events such as the Nicollet Mall Farmers Market. The City and the Minneapolis Downtown Council are in the process of redesigning the mall to make it an even better destination and a more powerful economic engine for the region and the state. Construction is expected to begin in 2015.

Fresh Christmas Trees from Nistler Farms at the December 13 Mill City Farmers Market

You know them for their fantastic sweet corn at the Mill City Farmers Market, but did you know Nistler Farms also offers fresh Christmas trees?

If this is the year you're going to fill your home with the lovely scent of a real tree, come down the to December 13 Mill City Farmers Market at the Mill City Museum.  Jeff Nistler and his staff will have trees ranging from table top size to 8 feet tall.  They will primarily be Fraser firs from Wisconsin growers Jeff has worked with for many years. 

When you buy a tree from Nistler, you're assured no herbicides were used during the growing process (which I'm told is a rarity in the Christmas tree business).

Other added bonuses:

 - Customers who live in the nearby condos can ask about free delivery.
 - Nistler will also have tree stands available and biodegradable bags (often times apartments and condos require trees be brought in and out with a protective bag).

You will also find an abundance of the usual great food, art, clothing, etc., at the December 13 Market.  Don't forget to bring your gift-giving list - family, friends and co-workers will appreciate a treat from the Market! :)

45-day Comment Period Open for Central Mississipp​i Riverfront Regional Park Master Plan

Via a December 4 Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board e-newsletter:

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board invites public comment on the Draft Central Mississippi Riverfront Regional Park (proposed renaming to St. Anthony Falls Regional Park) Master Plan through January 18, 2015.  Once approved, the master plan will guide park investment along both sides of the Mississippi River near St. Anthony Falls for years to come. The draft plan is the result of a 16 month process that included 12 meetings of a Community Advisory Committee, 10 meetings of a Technical Advisory Committee, three community open houses, an online survey, and one-on-one conversations with residents.  Based on comments received from the public, the draft plan will be revised and presented to the Board of Commissioners for a public hearing and approval in early 2015.  Learn more by visiting the project page or by going to www.minneapolisparks.org/currentprojects and selecting “Central Mississippi Riverfront Regional Park Master Plan.”

The Draft Master Plan is available for review:
 
Digitally online: https://file.ac/_5mFp8FY2nY/ 
 
Hard copy at the following Minneapolis locations:
  ◦ Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board Headquarters - 2117 West River Road N
  ◦ Mill City Museum - 704 South 2nd St
  ◦ Logan Park Recreation Center - 690 13th Ave NE
 
Submit a comment online: Survey
 
Submit a comment by mail:
Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board
Attn: Tyler Pederson
2117 West River Road N
Minneapolis, MN 55411
 
Submit a comment by phone or e-mail to Tyler Pederson, at 612-499-9084 or tpederson@minneapolisparks.org
 
Tyler Pederson, PLA
Landscape Architect
Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board
2117 West River Road
Minneapolis, MN 55411