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Minneapolis Riverfront News

Covering life, work, and play in the Historic Mill District and Downtown Minneapolis Riverfront neighborhoods. Have an opinion, local news or events to share?  Contact us.

Entries from September 1, 2014 - September 30, 2014

Monday
Sep292014

North Loop Heritage Streets Monday, October 6

You are invited to attend an informational meeting regarding the proposed reconstruction of 6th Avenue North from 5th St North to just north of Washington Avenue beginning in 2016. This project falls within a historically designated area and is subject to recommendations included in the City’s Warehouse District Heritage Streets Plan. The purpose of the meeting is to introduce the project to the neighborhood, and to solicit input from residents and property owners regarding the project to supplement the design guidance contained in the Heritage Streets Plan. This is the first project meeting for the 6th Avenue Reconstruction Project. The City plans to conduct follow-up meetings with property owners, neighborhood groups as well as additional general informational meetings over the fall and winter, to assist with the design process and incorporate input from the community prior to seeking City Council action in early 2015. For further information or if you have questions, contact Lee Mann at lee.mann@stantec.com or (651) 604-4850.

The meeting is scheduled for Monday, October 6th at 5:00 – 6:00 PM. A brief presentation will be given at 5:00 PM. The meeting will be held at the Fulton Brewery taproom.

Fulton Brewery
414 6th Avenue North
Minneapolis MN 55401

Monday
Sep292014

MPRB Breaks Ground for Elliot Park’s New Athletic Field

Pictured (left to right): NCU Vice-President of University Relations Michael White, MPRB Superintendent Jayne Miller, Hennepin County Commissioner Peter McLaughlin, MPRB Vice-President Scott Vreeland, NCU Vice-President of Student Development Mike Nosser, MPRB Commissioner Anita Tabb, North Central University President Dr. Gordon Anderson, MPRB President Liz Wielinski and NCU Head Soccer Coach Jake Smith.

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB), Park Board Commissioner Anita Tabb and community partners broke ground on the Elliot Park Athletic Field on Wednesday, September 17.

Improvements will feature construction of a NCAA-regulation, multi-purpose synthetic turf soccer field at this 6.44-acre park located between the Hennepin County Medical Center and North Central University (NCU).

“I want to thank our generous partners for helping us to realize the dream of a new athletic field at Elliot Park,” said MPRB Commissioner Anita Tabb. “Since day one this process has really epitomized the kind of partnerships we can make happen to improve our parks and our city.”

The groundbreaking event also included remarks by MPRB Superintendent Jayne Miller, Hennepin County Commissioner Peter McLaughlin, NCU President Dr. Gordon Anderson.

“We are here joining with the Park Board and our friends at North Central University to create a new facility for the 21st century that meets the desires and needs of people in our community,” said Hennepin County Commissioner Peter McLaughlin. “We don’t create a great community without investing. This project is just one stream of investment – and we need to continue this process and history of thinking about future generations and investing in their prosperity here in Minneapolis and Hennepin County.”

Once completed, the full-sized NCAA multi-purpose synthetic turf soccer field which will be home to the NCU Rams Soccer Team as well as many youth and adult sports leagues run by the MPRB. The project will be finished by spring of 2015.

“One of the things that is really exciting today is this project is an example of what we try to do at the Park Board which is really work in partnership with our neighbors who live next to the parks and as well as other organizations who we work with to make projects happen,” said MRPB Superintendent Jayne Miller. “These new forthcoming athletic facilities and the hard work that has been poured into this so far is a perfect example of one those collaborative projects.”

The new field will replace a portion of the current grass field, which is in disrepair. The field is host to youth football, soccer, and baseball. A new synthetic turf field will bring safer play for visitors for a much longer playing season.

“I want to say thank you to everyone who has had a part in all the work that has gone into this project so far. The city, county, Park Board, all of the partners and donors are a great team with a lot of different people,” said NCU President Dr. Anderson. “We can confidently say today we are getting a win for the neighborhood, city and the park. And the new field will be the right size if we ever host the World Cup – we could do it here!”

The MPRB has been working together with NCU, a park neighbor, to raise funds to increase the size of the field to a full size adult synthetic turf soccer field. The field will host multiple sports for all age groups.

“I can remember coming to Elliot Park for community meetings when I was first elected as a Park Board Commissioner. You would see hundreds of people on this soccer field despite it essentially being a dust bowl, people were enjoying outdoor spaces,” said MPRB Commissioner Tabb. “We asked ourselves, ‘How do we make this a better place – a more attractive place for people to be?’ I am pleased that through all of our hard work we are here today to celebrate the groundbreaking of what will truly become a gem in this community.”

The play areas in the park were updated in 1998, including a new basketball court, new pathways and landscaping. The current skateboard park was added to the park in 2004 and will be relocated within the park as part of this project.

Stay up-to-date with the Elliot Park Athletic Field Improvements by visiting its project page and subscribing to receive timely email updates.

Monday
Sep292014

Changes in Service Hours for Lower St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam and Lock and Dam 1, Public Invited to Comment

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District, proposes to reduce the hours of service at Lower St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam in downtown Minneapolis and Lock and Dam 1, adjacent to Minnehaha Park, starting the 2015 navigation season.

The Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014, or WRRDA, directed the Secretary of the Army to close the Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam within one year after the bill was signed into law. With closing the Upper St. Anthony Falls lock, it is anticipated the remaining two Minneapolis locks will have less than 500 commercial lockages per year.

To comply with the Corps Inland Marine Transportation System guidance, this decrease in lockages would require reduced hours of service at the remaining two locks to one 10 hour shift per day. The locks would still operate seven days a week. Currently, the locks are open 19 hours per day.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers headquarters is evaluating the new law requiring the closing of the Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam and will provide guidance on how to proceed.

Comments will be received through Oct. 22, 2014, and may be submitted to Mr. Kevin Baumgard, Deputy Chief, Operations Division, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 180 Fifth St. E., Ste. 700, St. Paul, MN 55101–1678, or by email at kevin.l.baumgard@usace.army.mil. 

Monday
Sep292014

October 21 - Downtown Neighborhood Elections & Annual Meeting

Mark your calendars, you won't want to miss the after-party!  See you at The Depot!  Download the Flyer...

Sunday
Sep282014

Week 21 at the Mill City Farmers Market

The annual Mill City Oktoberfest took place September 27, which the Market celebrates in conjunction with the Mill City Museum.  MCFM welcomed the Elk River German Band, Indeed Brewing, Mighty Axe Hops and Midwest Brewing Supplies.

September 27, 2014 Mill City Farmers Market

September 27, 2014 Mill City Farmers Market

September 27, 2014 Mill City Farmers Market

Note the two ladies dancing in the background. :)

September 27, 2014 Mill City Farmers Market

September 27, 2014 Mill City Farmers Market

September 27, 2014 Mill City Farmers Market

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September 27, 2014 Mill City Farmers Market

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September 27, 2014 Mill City Farmers Market

September 27, 2014 Mill City Farmers Market

September 27, 2014 Mill City Farmers Market

September 27, 2014 Mill City Farmers Market

September 27, 2014 Mill City Farmers Market

September 27, 2014 Mill City Farmers Market

September 27, 2014 Mill City Farmers Market

September 27, 2014 Mill City Farmers Market

September 27, 2014 Mill City Farmers Market

September 27, 2014 Mill City Farmers Market

September 27, 2014 Mill City Farmers Market

September 27, 2014 Mill City Farmers Market

September 27, 2014 Mill City Farmers Market

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September 27, 2014 Mill City Farmers Market

September 27, 2014 Mill City Farmers Market

September 27, 2014 Mill City Farmers Market

The goat!

September 27, 2014 Mill City Farmers Market

Reminder - starting next week the Market opens at 9am!

September 27, 2014 Mill City Farmers Market

Thursday
Sep252014

Blessing of the Animals Scheduled for October 4 at Our Lady of Lourdes

"Blessing of the Animals" at Our Lady of Lourdes

Father Daniel Griffith, pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes, "the little church with the big heart" on the Mississippi River, will bless all creatures from the steps of the church near Nye's Restaurant at 10:00 AM on Saturday, October 4th, the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi.

There will be refreshments for people and their pets afterwards.

No need for either to be Catholic since this is an ecumenical event.

 

Wednesday
Sep242014

Parkway Closure for September 27 Dave Ryan’s 5K

Please note these temporary road closures for this September 27 event:

7:00a.m. to 2:00:p.m.:  West River Parkway, Main Street and Boom Island

Event Details:

Boom Island Park, 724 Sibley Street NE

The 2014 Dave Ryan's 5K & 10K will be held Sept. 27 at Boom Island Park, 724 Sibley St. NE, Minneapolis, MN. Registration starts at 7 a.m, the 10K begins at 9 a.m., and the 5K starts at 9:05 a.m.  This annual event is a fun, family-friendly 5K & 10K run/walk to support the more than 7,800 athletes of Special Olympics Minnesota.

Registration from 7:00am-8:30am
10K starts at 9:00am
5K starts at 9:05am

Tuesday
Sep232014

Thursday Morning Artist Series Moves to MacPhail Center for Music

Thursday Musical Announces 2014-15 Concert Season

Thursday Musical recently announced its 123rd concert season, including the Thursday Morning Artist Series at MacPhail Center for Music and Mount Olive Luthern Church, and Home Programs hosted by select Thursday Musical members throughout the Twin Cities metro area.

To celebrate the start of Thursday Musical’s concert season, there will be free admittance for the Thursday Morning Artist Series opening concert Oct. 9, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. preceded by a reception at 9:30 a.m. The concert will feature two artists in their Thursday Musical debuts, Will Richardson, cello, and Meghann Schmidt, soprano, in addition to the Kennsonn Trio (Jennifer Kennard, flute, Teresa Richardson, cello, and Mary Jo Gothmann, piano). Also performing is Gabriel Quenneville-Belair, a 2014 Thursday Musical Young Artist Scholarship Competition first place winner in the category of College Piano.

Once again, breaking from the traditional concert experience, the Thursday Morning Artist Series includes two programs that feature Living Concert Notes. MPR announcer Steve Staruch (Jan. 22) and composer Jan Gibert (March 5) will interview performers and offer in-depth commentary on the music being performed.

The Thursday Morning Artist Series also features eight artists in their Thursday Musical debuts.

Oct. 9 – Will Richardson, cello, is an active freelancer in the Twin Cities, and is a member of Il Dolce String Quartet. Mr. Richardson has performed with the Duluth-Superior Symphony, Evansville Philharmonic, Owensboro Symphony, Marion Philharmonic, and the Richmond Symphony, among others. He was assistant principal cellist of the National Orchestral Institute and attended the Indiana University Summer Music Festival. Richardson maintains a studio at St. Joseph's School of Music in Saint Paul, MN, in addition to previous teaching experience at the College of Saint Benedict and Ramsey International Fine Arts Center in Minneapolis.

Oct. 9 - Meghann Schmidt, soprano, has performed with opera and theater companies such as Theater Latte Da, Skylark Opera, Colorado Lyric Opera, CU Opera and Top Hat Theater, and as guest artist with regional orchestras and choirs. She also participated in several concert series performed throughout Graz and Vienna, Austria. She received a BA from the University of St. Thomas and a MA from the University of Colorado.

Nov. 6 – Peter Arnstein, piano, is a pianist and composer. He has appeared as a pianist and harpsichordist with the Minnesota Orchestra, and has accompanied many members of the Twin Cities’ two main orchestras and college music faculties. A winner of international competitions in both composition and piano, he has toured the Midwest as pianist and composer-in-residence for the Sylmar Chamber Ensemble and currently teaches at the St. Paul Conservatory of Music and the Evergreen School for the Arts in Edina. He has also performed several times at the Edinburgh Festival in Scotland.

Jan. 22 – Stephanie Thorpe, soprano, is currently a member of the voice faculty in the Department of Music at Minnesota State University, Mankato. Most recently, she performed full-time with the Carnevale di Venezia in Las Vegas, Nevada. She is a winner of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Concerto Competition, and of the Nevada District National Association of Teachers of Singing Artist Awards (NATSAA), and a Regional Finalist in the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions. Stephanie received a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Feb. 5 – Rolf Haas, violin, has been described as 'fearless' by the Star Tribune. Most recently, Rolf has appeared performing recitals in Germany, Poland, Spain, London, and Chicago. He has been a featured soloist with the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra and the Georgian Ballet (GA), and in concerts with Meadowmount (NY), The International Summer String Academy (Czech Republic), and The Sommer-Akademie at the Mozarteum, (Austria). Haas is a prize winner in competitions held by the Music Teachers National Association and American String Teachers Association.

Feb. 19 – Carrie Ann Krause, soprano, is an educator and performer. Most recently, she has performed as a soprano soloist at Salem Convenant Church, New Brightson, and Roseville Lutheran Church. She is in her tenth year of service to Salem Covenant Church as the children's and youth choral director. She is also a board member for Kodaly Chapter of Minnesota and is actively involved in Kodaly workshops regionally and nationally.

March 5 – Susana Pinto & Pinar Basgoze Piano Duo has been receiving significant acclaims since their debut concert in 2009. Pianist and pedagogue Susana Pinto, a native of Portugal, has been on faculty at MacPhail Center for Music for more than 10 years. Pınar Başgőze, born and raised in Turkey, is currently on faculty at MacPhail Center for Music. She has appeared in the Balkan Music Festival at the University of St. Thomas, the Spotlight Series at MacPhail Center for Music, at Steinway Hall in New York City, and as a guest artist with the Bakken Trio and The Baroque Room ensembles.

March 5 – As a Fulbright scholar in Paris, coloratura soprano Laura Hynesspent six years abroad in France and Germany, performing repertoire ranging from baroque opera with Les Arts Florissants to "classical cabaret" on French television and radio. She has performed lead opera roles, solo recitals, and concerts throughout Europe and the US, including New York's Alice Tully Hall, the Barbican in London, and the Châtelet in Paris. Since moving back to the U.S. in 2010, Laura Hynes has performed as a soloist with the Oratorio Society, Vocal Essence, Skylark Opera, and for the Westminster Forum Series. In addition to performing, she is part of a collaborative direction team for a newly emerging baroque opera company in the Twin Cities and she maintains a private voice and coaching studio in St. Paul.

Among several other returning Thursday Musical performing members, select concerts will also feature winners from the 2014 Thursday Musical Young Artist Scholarship Competition.

Thursday Musical members on October 30, 2014 and April 23, 2015 will open their homes for the Home Programs. Thursday Musical is unique in its tradition of presenting concerts in the home for an intimate “salon style” concert experience. Home Programs are only available with a season ticket and membership subscription purchase. For a complete listing, visit thursdaymusical.org.

Individual Tickets and Membership

Annual Membership for the 2014-15 concert season are now available to renewing and new subscribers. Thursday Musical continues its legacy of providing outstanding concert programming at affordable prices. Subscribers can access 12 Thursday Morning Artist Series concerts and 4 Home Programs for under $5 each ($75 general\$65 seniors). (Note: Home Programs are only accessible to members.) Subscriptions can be purchased online, by phone or in person at any Thursday Morning Artist Series concert.

Individual tickets for the Thursday Morning Artist Series can be purchased at the door for $10. All concerts are open seating. For more information, call (612) 333-0313 or visit thursdaymusical.org/membership.


More Information

Thursday Morning Artist Series Concert Locations:
All concerts at MacPhail Center for Music with the exception of the Dec. 4, 2014 concert date, which is at Mount Olive Lutheran Church. All concerts at 10:30 AM.

MacPhail Center for Music
501 S. 2nd St, Minneapolis
macphail.org
Sunday
Sep212014

Week 20 at the Mill City Farmers Market

September 20 at the Market - could it possibly get any better?

September 20, 2014 Mill City Farmers Market

September 20, 2014 Mill City Farmers Market

September 20, 2014 Mill City Farmers Market

September 20, 2014 Mill City Farmers Market

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September 20, 2014 Mill City Farmers Market

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September 20, 2014 Mill City Farmers Market

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September 20, 2014 Mill City Farmers Market

September 20, 2014 Mill City Farmers Market

September 20, 2014 Mill City Farmers Market

The goat!

September 20, 2014 Mill City Farmers Market

Thursday
Sep182014

Absentee Voting Opens September 19

Via a September 18 Hennepin County e-newsletter:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
09/18/2014

Absentee voting opens September 19

Absentee voting for the 2014 general election begins on Friday, September 19 and runs through Monday, November 3. Election Day is Tuesday, November 4.

This year Minnesotans will elect a U.S. senator, U.S. representatives, the governor and a wide variety of state, county, city and school district offices. In Hennepin County, residents will elect three commissioners, the sheriff and the county attorney.

Any eligible voter may vote by absentee ballot for any reason, and absentee ballots can be cast by mail, in person, or by having someone you know pick up and deliver the ballot.

For more information about voting and elections, go to www.hennepin.us/elections or call the Hennepin County at 612-348-5151.

Tuesday
Sep162014

Dickman Park Playground Grand Opening September 25

Via a September 15 Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board e-newsletter:

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) and MPRB President Liz Wielinski invite you to the official grand opening of the new playground at Dickman Park on Thursday, September 25th. Join us for a brief program at 6:00pm followed by a ribbon cutting, light refreshments, and activities for kids.

The new playground equipment features swings, two play structures for children ages 2-5 and ages 5-12, a seesaw, and a spinning feature. Sand play is provided in a separate circular container formerly used for tether ball. Two benches and a picnic table have been added for parents. The playground is a full replacement of the former play equipment and meets current accessibility and safety guidelines. The MPRB plans to add several new trees around the playground other areas of the park in the spring of 2015.

The concept plan was developed with public input provided through three community meetings and an on-line survey. St Anthony West Neighborhood Organization (STAWNO) helped publicize the three public meetings to plan the playground improvements. This project is funded with $200,000 from the MPRB Neighborhood Park Capital Improvement Program (CIP).
 
Dickman Park is a 2.11 acre neighborhood park located at 636 2nd St. NE, in Minneapolis. Other amenities in the park include an open field, a wading pool, restrooms, basketball court, and a picnic area.
 
MPRB staff look forward to celebrating this new neighborhood play area with you!

Monday
Sep152014

Mississippi River Forum September 26

Mississippi River Forum: Live from the Storm Drain: Monitoring Stormwater Pollution in Minneapolis

Friday, September 26, 8 – 11 am

Mississippi Watershed Management Organization, 2522 Marshall Street NE

You are invited to join the National Park Service for the Mississippi River Forum--your opportunity to learn about issues impacting the Mississippi River and to make sure other decision makers understand your perspective.

Drinking water and sanitary wastewater are critical components of our water lives, and Mississippi River Forum participants have had the recent opportunity to tour drinking water treatment plants and wastewater treatment facilities. Stormwater—the water that runs over land during storms or after a winter thaw—is a third critical factor. However, stormwater is not treated before it enters waterbodies such as the Mississippi River, and we don’t often know what kind of pollution, specifically, is in this runoff.

The Mississippi Watershed Management Organization (MWMO) has a unique monitoring program to help determine what’s in the stormwater entering the Mississippi River. Come learn how the MWMO is monitoring stormwater pollution and visit one of its outfall monitoring sites on the river. Don’t miss this opportunity to see a cutting-edge pollution monitoring program first-hand! Light refreshments provided. Free. RSVP to lark_weller@nps.gov.

PLEASE NOTE: Participants will meet at MWMO’s offices for an initial presentation. In order to reduce pavement runoff, there are only 15 parking spots in the MWMO parking lot, so please be prepared to utilize street parking. After the presentation at MWMO, those interested in touring a stormwater outfall will carpool to the site. Access to the site requires walking on uneven surfaces and hillsides, and the tour will take place rain or shine. If you have mobility concerns, please contact Lark Weller at 651-293-8442 or lark_weller@nps.gov. Those choosing to join the tour will be asked to carpool with others to the site from MWMO’s offices. The Mississippi River Forum is made possible by the generous support of the park's charitable partner, the Mississippi River Fund and the McKnight Foundation.

Monday
Sep152014

Mill City Times Newsletter September 15, 2014

“Service is the rent we pay for being. It is the very purpose of life, and not something you do in your spare time.”
― Marian Wright Edelman



TONIGHT – WHO’LL SAVE ST. ANTHONY FALLS?

Mill District Neighborhood Association Meeting
Monday, September 15 from 6:30pm-7:30pm
Mill City Museum, Main Floor Commons

Special guest presenters:

Raymond Dehn, State Rep. District 59b
Jamie Long, District Director for Congressman Keith Ellison
Jacob Frey, City Council Member, Ward 3

Will the falls run dry two years from now?  Three new hydro projects propose to divert water from flowing over St. Anthony Falls - Crown Hydro, A Mill Hydro, and Symphony Hydro.  One existing facility - Xcel Energy - is planning to ask permission to increase the amount they divert.

Individually, each of these projects warrant close scrutiny.  Should all 4 gain approval, the falls could be effectively shut off for weeks, even months, every year.  Learn details on each of these projects, and hear new policy initiatives from our elected officials.

Open to the Public - Learn what can be done, and share your opinion:
Monday, September 15 from 6:30pm-7:30pm
Mill City Museum, Main Floor Commons

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TUESDAY NIGHT - MEETING #1 FOR NEW EAST BANK BIKE & PEDESTRIAN TRAILS
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) will be constructing a new trail for bicyclists and pedestrians along the east bank of the Mississippi from Plymouth Avenue north to Marshall St. NE near the BNSF railroad bridge.  MPRB invites you to three meetings to help plan the trail:
http://millcitytimes.com/news/public-meetings-for-new-east-bank-bike-pedestrian-trails.html

HEADLINER CHEF FOR RAMEN ATTACK ON CONAN O'BRIEN
Chef Keizo Shimamoto, Chef/Owner at RAMEN.Co NYC & Berg'n, creator of world famous original 'Ramen Burger' featured on Conan.  The Ramen "Massive" Attack is Sunday, September 28 at the Mill City Museum Train Shed.
http://teamcoco.com/video/ramen-chef-keizo-shimamoto-secret-ingredients

NORTH LOOP TO KEEP HISTORIC BRICK ROADS
The fastest developing neighborhood in Minneapolis is also one of the toughest areas on vehicles and their suspension systems. You could call it the “North Loop Bounce” — the feel of driving over brick streets built for a different century.
http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2014/09/10/mpls-wants-to-keep-north-loops-classic-brick-roads/

THURSDAY - EAST DOWNTOWN COUNCIL FORUM
Time: 11:30am to 1:00pm
Location: Valspar's Applied Science and Technology Center, 1101 S. Third Street (map)

"Committed to Corporate Growth in the East Downtown."
The first business  EDC Business Forum of the 2014-2015 season is coming up on Thursday, September 18, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. It will take place at Valspar's Applied Science and Technology Center.
http://millcitytimes.com/mill-city-minneapolis-events/september-18-2014-thursday-east-downtown-council-forum.html

THURSDAY NIGHT - ELLIOT PARK NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING
The Building, Land Use & Housing Committee (BLUH) will meet Thursday, September 18 at 7 p.m. (Winter hours!) at the Elliot Park Recreation Center, 1000 E. 14th Street.

AGENDA
Soccer Field & Parks Report:  Anita Tabb, District 4 Park Commissioner
Armory Project:  Doug Hoskin
Stone Mountain Pet Lodge

UPDATES
Tailgating
Kraus-Anderson

VALSPAR MOVING HEADQUARTERS BACK TO MILL DISTRICT
Valspar Corp. will move its headquarters back to the 111-year-old building on the east side of downtown Minneapolis that it left in 2009.  In January, about 270 corporate employees will return to the former headquarters building at 3rd Street and 11th Avenue S., which underwent a $30 million renovation and reopened in June as an R&D center for the paint and coatings company. The R&D center houses 110 scientists.
http://www.startribune.com/local/minneapolis/274681811.html

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IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

RIVER PARKWAY SLOPE REPAIR TO START SPRING OF 2015
http://millcitytimes.com/news/barr-engineering-approved-to-head-west-river-parkway-slope-r.html

RAMEN "MASSIVE" ATTACK
http://millcitytimes.com/news/zen-boxs-2014-ramen-massive-attack-coming-to-the-mill-city-m.html

[DOWNLOAD] NICOLLET ISLAND - EAST BANK SMALL AREA PLAN (DRAFT)
http://millcitytimes.com/news/download-nicollet-island-east-bank-small-area-plan.html

[DOWNLOAD] MARCY HOLMES NEIGHBORHOOD MASTER PLAN AND DINKYTOWN BUSINESS DISTRICT PLAN (DRAFT)
http://millcitytimes.com/news/download-marcy-holmes-neighborhood-master-plan.html

[VIDEO] BLACK HELICOPTERS BUZZ THE GUTHRIE THEATER
http://millcitytimes.com/news/video-black-helicopters-buzz-the-guthrie-theater.html

MISSISSIPPI RIVER CRITICAL AREA RULEMAKING COMMENT DEADLINE EXTENDED TO SEPTEMBER 30
http://millcitytimes.com/news/mississippi-river-critical-area-rulemaking-comment-deadline.html

SOAP FACTORY - TICKETS NOW ON SALE FOR UNHINGED IN THE HAUNTED BASEMENT
http://millcitytimes.com/news/tickets-now-on-sale-for-the-soap-factorys-unhinged-in-the-ha.html

WATER WORKS DESIGN NEARING COMPLETION
http://millcitytimes.com/news/water-works-design-nearing-completion.html


[VIDEO] HILL'S FOLLY: JAMES J HILL AND THE STONE ARCH BRIDGE
http://millcitytimes.com/news/video-hills-folly-james-j-hill-and-the-stone-arch-bridge.html

[VIDEO] PILLSBURY A-MILL HYDRO PROJECT - PUBLIC MEETING JUNE 27
http://millcitytimes.com/news/a-mill-hydro-project.html

$100M THRESHER SQUARE DEVELOPMENT FILLS DOWNTOWN EAST GAP
http://www.startribune.com/local/minneapolis/263918271.html

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THE WEEK AHEAD
Get the highlights for the week of September 15:
http://millcitytimes.com/news/the-week-ahead-in-mill-city.html

STAY UP TO DATE
News from the Central Riverfront Neighborhoods of Minneapolis:
http://Facebook.com/MillCityTimes

*Note: The next meeting of the Mill District Neighborhood Association is Monday, October 20 at the Mill City Museum.

Sunday
Sep142014

Week 19 at the Mill City Farmers Market

September 13 was an eventful day at the Market.  In addition the overwhelming selection of produce, meats, cheeses, canned and dried items, etc., there was the 4th Annual Bread Festival and baking contest, crop art with OHK GrangeOliver H. Kelley’s Farm introduced kids to farm animals, plus music by the Roe Family Singers and demonstrations by Compatible Technologies International.

September 13, 2014 Mill City Farmers Market

September 13, 2014 Mill City Farmers Market

September 13, 2014 Mill City Farmers Market

September 13, 2014 Mill City Farmers Market

September 13, 2014 Mill City Farmers Market

September 13, 2014 Mill City Farmers Market

September 13, 2014 Mill City Farmers Market

September 13, 2014 Mill City Farmers Market

September 13, 2014 Mill City Farmers Market

September 13, 2014 Mill City Farmers Market

September 13, 2014 Mill City Farmers Market

A little veggie humor...

September 13, 2014 Mill City Farmers Market

September 13, 2014 Mill City Farmers Market

September 13, 2014 Mill City Farmers Market

September 13, 2014 Mill City Farmers Market

September 13, 2014 Mill City Farmers Market

Pam from Prairie Hollow Farm continually introduces us to something new.  Saturday, it was this hen-of-the-woods mushroom:

September 13, 2014 Mill City Farmers Market

And then she proceded to build a snowman with the puffball mushrooms...

September 13, 2014 Mill City Farmers Market

September 13, 2014 Mill City Farmers Market

September 13, 2014 Mill City Farmers Market

September 13, 2014 Mill City Farmers Market

Yes, it's getting to be that time of the year for hats and mittens.  I love my hat from Barn Swallow Garden.

September 13, 2014 Mill City Farmers Market

September 13, 2014 Mill City Farmers Market

September 13, 2014 Mill City Farmers Market

September 13, 2014 Mill City Farmers Market

By some odd coincidence, both Ames Farm and Swede Lake Farm had conjoined produce:

September 13, 2014 Mill City Farmers Market

September 13, 2014 Mill City Farmers Market

September 13, 2014 Mill City Farmers Market

September 13, 2014 Mill City Farmers Market

September 13, 2014 Mill City Farmers Market

September 13, 2014 Mill City Farmers Market

The goat!

September 13, 2014 Mill City Farmers Market

Saturday
Sep132014

MPRB “Rolls Out” New Recycling Program and Revamped Park Waste Management System

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

Beginning this week, visitors to Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board neighborhood and regional parks will notice new trash and recycling receptacles.
 
Gone are the decades-old round green (waste) and blue (recycling) cans. In their place, park patrons will see dark gray plastic carts for waste and blue carts for one-sort recycling. Minneapolis residents will be especially familiar with the new carts, as they are the same as are used by Minneapolis residents at home.

Old:

New:

 
"Sustainability is one of the Park Board's core values, and park patrons have always been good about recycling when the option was available," said Liz Wielinski Commissioner District 1 and Park Board of Commissioners President. "This just makes recycling an even easier choice."
 
All waste carts will be paired with a recycling cart. More carts will be placed in heavily used areas such as playgrounds, basketball courts, wading pools to accommodate higher usage. (The old metal waste and recycling containers are expected to be removed by mid-October.)
 
As part of the City of Minneapolis solid waste and recycling program, park staff will move neighborhood park waste and recycling carts to the curb on specified pick-up days. Just as for Minneapolis residents, most nonhazardous items except for clothes, food, waxed coated cups, Styrofoam and yard waste can go into the single-sort recycling bins. Everything else from plastic to metal to glass is recyclable.

Each year, more than 21 million visits are made to the nationally acclaimed Minneapolis park system, comprised of 251 park properties totaling nearly 6,800 acres of land and water.

Click here for the entire article.

Friday
Sep122014

Parkway Closures for September 13 - 14

The following parkways will be temporarily closed September 13 - 14 for these events:

September 13Mill City Suds Run 10:00am to 2:00pm  Main Street from 6th Ave to Hennepin Ave – West River Parkway from Portland to Plymouth Ave.
 
September 14Minneapolis Bike Tour7:30am to 2:00pm – Grand Rounds, including - West River Parkway –Nokomis Parkway – Minnehaha Parkway – Lake Harriet Parkway – Lake Calhoun Parkway –Cedar Lake Parkway – Theodore Wirth Parkway – Webber-Victory Memorial Parkway – St Anthony Parkway – William Berry Parkway. Each road section will open as the last biker rides through.
 
Please note that the duration of the closures is subject to change based on the event's start and finish times.

A complete list of current and upcoming parkway closures is available online.

Thursday
Sep112014

Hennepin County Board Sets Max Property Tax Levy; Publishes Public Meeting Dates

Via a September 11 Hennepin County e-newsletter:

Hennepin County board sets max property tax levy, increase of 2.75 percent.
Increase to owner of median-value home will be $36.

The Hennepin County Board of Commissioners approved a maximum property-tax levy for 2015 of $699.9 million – 2.75 percent higher than the 2014 levy.

“Setting the maximum levy is just the beginning of this process,” said Commissioner Jan Callison, chair of the capital budget and finance committee. “We will have a series of public meetings to hear our residents thoughts on this proposal and to look thoroughly at the budget proposal.”

The impact of the proposed maximum property tax levy, along with the proposed property tax levies for the Hennepin County Regional Railroad Authority and Hennepin County Housing and Redevelopment Authority, is an approximate increase in property taxes of $36 or 3.8 percent for a median-valued home of $219,600.

Including 2015, Hennepin County’s property tax levy has increased by an average of just 0.19 percent per year over the past four years. Changes in state and federal funding have made the county more reliant on the property tax levy to fund programs.

The board is required by state law to adopt a maximum levy in September. It may later approve a levy that is lower than that maximum, but it cannot set the levy higher than the maximum adopted today.

In November, property owners will receive a notice that shows the impact of the county maximum levy on their property, as well as the impact of taxes proposed by other local units of government, such as cities and school districts.

The board, acting as the Hennepin County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HCHRA), also set a maximum HCHRA property-tax levy of $7 million.

Acting as the Hennepin County Regional Railroad Authority (HCRRA), the board also set the maximum property-tax levy for the HCRRA at $27 million.

The board will conduct an official public meeting to gather public comment about the proposed budget and levies on Tuesday, Dec. 2, at 6 p.m. The board also set a public hearing for the county’s 2014-2018 capital improvements budget followed by a hearing on proposed changes to fees for county services on Thursday, Oct. 23 at 9:30 a.m.

The proposed Hennepin County Housing and Redevelopment Authority levy and budget will be discussed Tuesday, Nov. 4, and the Hennepin County Regional Railroad Authority levy and budget will be discussed Tuesday, Oct. 14– both immediately following the board meeting (which starts at 1:30 p.m.)  and also at the budget meeting Dec. 2.

The final county, Hennepin County Housing and Redevelopment Authority and Hennepin County Regional Railroad Authority budgets and tax levies will be adopted on Tuesday, Dec. 16, beginning at 1:30 p.m.

County Administrator David Hough presented the proposed 2014 Hennepin County budget to the board on Tuesday, Sept. 9. The board will launch a series of budget hearings beginning in October to discuss the budget and gather public input. The meetings can be viewed live on Metro Cable Network/Channel 6 or online at www.hennepin.us/boardmeetings.

All budget meetings are held in the Board Room on the 24th floor of the Hennepin County Government Center, 300 S. Sixth St. in downtown Minneapolis and are open to the public.

Budget public hearings and meetings:

Thursday, Oct. 9
Public hearing for health budget from 9:30 a.m. to noon

Tuesday, Oct. 14
Public hearing on Hennepin County Regional Railroad Authority levy and budge tbeginning at 1:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 21
Public hearing for operations and library budget from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Thursday, Oct. 23
Public hearing for the county’s 2014-2018 capital improvements budget at 9:30 a.m.
Public hearing on proposed changes to fees for county services at 10 a.m.

Monday, Oct. 27
Public hearing on public works budget from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Thursday
Sep112014

Upcoming Book Signings with Mill District Author, Judith Borger

Meet Mill District resident and author, Judith Borger, at one of these upcoming book signing events for her latest book, WHO BOMBED THE TRAIN?, the third Skeeter Hughes mystery:

September 27, Noon - 2:00pm at ONCE UPON A CRIME, 604 W 26th Street, Mpls
November 5, 4:30pm - 6:00pm at Totally Criminal Cocktail Hour, The Dock Café, Stillwater

Wednesday
Sep102014

Minneapolis Parks Foundation Names New Executive Director 

Tom Evers

Via a September 10 e-newsletter from the Minneapolis Park Foundation:
 
Minneapolis Parks Foundation Names New Executive Director and Director of Individual Giving

Incoming Executive Director Tom Evers brings 20 years of experience guiding philanthropy for parks and youth programs

MINNEAPOLIS, MINN. - The Board of Directors of the Minneapolis Park Foundation has selected Tom Evers from Playworks Minnesota and formerly of The Trust for Public Land to lead the organization as its new Executive Director. The Minneapolis Parks Foundation (MPF) is an independent non-profit that seeks to enhance the community’s economic, environmental, civic and cultural health by helping to create the Next Generation of Parks™, including RiverFirst and Water Works.

Evers has focused his career on strategically guiding organizations dedicated to parks, land conservation, and youth development. He will take the helm October 1, from Peg Birk, who has served as Interim Executive Director since March 2014.

Jennifer Downham also joins MPF this month, in the newly created position of Director of Individual Giving.

Read the full release on our blog >>

Monday
Sep082014

Mill City Times Newsletter September 8, 2014

“Those who are happiest are those who do the most for others.”
― Booker T. Washington, Up from Slavery



NEXT MONDAY – WHO’LL SAVE ST. ANTHONY FALLS?

Mill District Neighborhood Association Meeting
Monday, September 15 from 6:30pm-7:30pm
Mill City Museum, Main Floor Commons

Special guest presenters:

Raymond Dehn, State Rep. District 59b
Liz Wielinski, MPRB President
Jacob Frey, City Council Member, Ward 3

3 new hydro projects propose to to divert water from flowing over St. Anthony Falls - Crown Hydro, A Mill Hydro, and Symphony Hydro.  1 existing facility - Xcel Energy - is planning to ask permission to increase the amount they divert.

Individually, each of these projects warrant close scrutiny.  Should all 4 gain approval the falls will be effectively shut off for weeks, even months every year.  Learn details on each of these projects, and hear new policy initiatives from our elected officials.

Learn what can be done, and share your opinion:
Monday, September 15 from 6:30pm-7:30pm
Mill City Museum, Main Floor Commons

MISSISSIPPI MINUTE VIDEO COMPETITION DEADLINE EXTENDED
The deadline for entering has been extended! Enter your One Minute-Long Film/DVD visual essay on the Mississippi River in Minneapolis. Updated deadline: Noon Central Time, Monday, Sept. 15, 2014.  More details on entering:
http://millcitytimes.com/news/mississippi-minute-video-competition-deadline-extended.html

TOMORROW NIGHT - "TRAPPED BY HISTORY: THE PAST AND FUTURE OF THE UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER"
When: Tuesday, September 9, 7 pm
Where: Northrop, 84 Church Street SE,  Best Buy Theater

River Life and the Institute for Advanced Study at the University of Minnesota are very pleased to announce the program "Trapped by History: the Past and Future of the Upper Mississippi River" by National Park Service Superintendent John Anfinson.
http://millcitytimes.com/news/tomorrow-night-trapped-by-history-the-past-and-future-of-the.html

RIVER PARKWAY SLOPE REPAIR TO START SPRING OF 2015
At its September 3 meeting, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) Board of Commissioners approved a professional services agreement with Barr Engineering to provide design, engineering, and construction oversight for the permanent repair of the landslide along West River Parkway area near 4th Street South.  More details:
http://millcitytimes.com/news/barr-engineering-approved-to-head-west-river-parkway-slope-r.html

PUBLIC MEETINGS FOR NEW EAST BANK BIKE & PEDESTRIAN TRAILS
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) will be constructing a new trail for bicyclists and pedestrians along the east bank of the Mississippi from Plymouth Avenue north to Marshall St. NE near the BNSF railroad bridge.  MPRB invites you to three meetings to help plan the trail:
http://millcitytimes.com/news/public-meetings-for-new-east-bank-bike-pedestrian-trails.html

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IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

SOAP FACTORY FUNDRAISER
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/revamp-the-soap-factory

RAMEN "MASSIVE" ATTACK
http://millcitytimes.com/news/zen-boxs-2014-ramen-massive-attack-coming-to-the-mill-city-m.html

[DOWNLOAD] NICOLLET ISLAND - EAST BANK SMALL AREA PLAN (DRAFT)
http://millcitytimes.com/news/download-nicollet-island-east-bank-small-area-plan.html

[DOWNLOAD] MARCY HOLMES NEIGHBORHOOD MASTER PLAN AND DINKYTOWN BUSINESS DISTRICT PLAN (DRAFT)

http://millcitytimes.com/news/download-marcy-holmes-neighborhood-master-plan.html

[VIDEO] BLACK HELICOPTERS BUZZ THE GUTHRIE THEATER
http://millcitytimes.com/news/video-black-helicopters-buzz-the-guthrie-theater.html

MISSISSIPPI RIVER CRITICAL AREA RULEMAKING COMMENT DEADLINE EXTENDED TO SEPTEMBER 30
http://millcitytimes.com/news/mississippi-river-critical-area-rulemaking-comment-deadline.html

SOAP FACTORY - TICKETS NOW ON SALE FOR UNHINGED IN THE HAUNTED BASEMENT
http://millcitytimes.com/news/tickets-now-on-sale-for-the-soap-factorys-unhinged-in-the-ha.html

WATER WORKS DESIGN NEARING COMPLETION
http://millcitytimes.com/news/water-works-design-nearing-completion.html

[VIDEO] HILL'S FOLLY: JAMES J HILL AND THE STONE ARCH BRIDGE
http://millcitytimes.com/news/video-hills-folly-james-j-hill-and-the-stone-arch-bridge.html

[VIDEO] PILLSBURY A-MILL HYDRO PROJECT - PUBLIC MEETING JUNE 27
http://millcitytimes.com/news/a-mill-hydro-project.html

$100M THRESHER SQUARE DEVELOPMENT FILLS DOWNTOWN EAST GAP
http://www.startribune.com/local/minneapolis/263918271.html

 

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THE WEEK AHEAD
Get the highlights for the week of September 1:
http://millcitytimes.com/news/the-week-ahead-in-mill-city.html

STAY UP TO DATE
News from the Central Riverfront Neighborhoods of Minneapolis:
http://Facebook.com/MillCityTimes


*Note: The next meeting of the Mill District Neighborhood Association is Monday, September 15 at the Mill City Museum.