Category Archives: Airport Noise

October 25, 2022 eNews

The Halloween Tour is Here!

Enjoy the sights and frights around Armatage AND Kenny for this year’s Halloween Tour, which runs each night from 6–8pm through October 31! The tour is self-guided and great for all ages with 23 fabulous displays. Please be respectful and minimize idling if you drive.

Find the tour map and a PDF to print with all the tour stops at armatage.org/2022halloweentour/ Once you’ve visited every address on the tour, head back here to vote for your favorites in the following categories: Best Use of Pumpkins, Spookiest, Armatage Neighborhood Fave and Kenny Neighborhood Fave. The display with the most votes in each category will get a $50 gift card generously donated by Book Club at 54th & Penn!

Oct 18, 2022 Meeting Recap

The ANA had a great October meeting with Park Commissioner Cathy Abene and Aryca Myers from the City’s Neighborhood & Community Relations Department. Commissioner Abene walked the ANA through the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board’s proposed budget and answered questions on low-cost youth programming and repairs for the Lake Harriet Bandshell. The ANA Board also went through its 2023-2024 city funding applications, outlined and edited engagement plans, and approved the final draft. The meeting wrapped up with a quick refresher board training.

Thinking of Adding Rooftop Solar?

If you’re thinking about going solar, it’s easier now with the Solar United Neighbors Twin Cities Area Solar Co-op. Solar United Neighbors is a nonprofit that has done more than 350 solar co-ops around the country helping over 7,400 people go solar. Solar co-ops are neighbors joining together to get the best price and service from a solar installer, tap into the expertise at Solar United Neighbors, and support each other through the process and Members will access incentives including Minneapolis Green Cost Share funds.

Co-ops are free to join and there’s no obligation/ Learn more, including how to join, at www.solarunitedneighbors.org/twincities and attend an upcoming webinar:

Public Hearing for MPD Chief Nominee Tomorrow

The City Council’s Public Health and Safety Committee will hold a public hearing tomorrow (Wed Oct 26) at 1:30pm at City Hall on Mayor Jacob Frey’s nomination of Brian O’Hara to serve as police chief. See below for meeting information and learn more about participating in a public hearing including how to stream it here.

  • Public hearing on nomination of Brian O’Hara for police chief
  • 1:30 pm on Wednesday, Oct. 26
  • City Council’s Public Health & Safety Committee, City Hall, 350 S Fifth St, Room 317

Room 317 will be open 30 minutes prior to the meeting and you are welcome to register to speak.

Get Ready to Vote in the 2022 Election

The November 8 election is almost here! Make sure you’re ready to cast your ballot. We’ve included lots of helpful links below but if you’ve got more questions, https://vote.minneapolismn.gov is sure to have the answer!

21-Day Equity Challenge

In 2021, the United Way of Olmstead County challenged Minnesotans with a powerful opportunity for learning, action, and growth. The concept was simple – spend 10-15 minutes a day learning about equity and justice issues. Although you cannot sign up to receive daily emails any longer, all 21 days of activities can still be accessed on their website. Activities include watching short videos, reading articles, and listening to music; all things you can do from the comfort of your home. More than 1500 Minnesotans participated in October of 2021; will you challenge yourself to participate now? Access the activities here: 21-Day Equity Challenge | United Way of Olmsted County (uwolmsted.org)

“We must see who benefits from their race, who is disproportionately impacted by negative stereotypes about their race, and to who power and privilege is bestowed upon – earned or not – because of their race, their class, and their gender. Seeing race is essential to changing the system.” – Reni Eddo-Lodge

Thank you to Armatage neighbor, Sheila Dingels!

Keep Leaves Out of the Street

Please do your part to protect our local waterways and keep your leaves out of streets and storm drains. Collect leaves and other yard waste and place them next to your regular recycling and garbage containers for city crews to haul. You can also use leaves as mulch in your garden, mow them into your lawn, or add them to your backyard compost.  In Minneapolis, it is illegal to rake leaves from your yard into the street (Title 17, § 427.270 of the Minneapolis Code).

Decomposing leaves wash into storm drains and eventually end up in Minneapolis’ lakes, streams, and the Mississippi River where they over-fertilize the water and help harmful aquatic plants and algae thrive. The result is murky water that isn’t good for swimming or fishing and harms wildlife. Thanks for doing your part this fall! Visit minneapolismn.gov/ solid-waste/yardwaste/ for more information or call 612-673-2917.

Street Sweeping Has Begun

Watch the progress, look up your sweeping date, and get all your street sweeping questions answered at https://www.minneapolismn.gov/getting-around/parking-driving/street–sweep/

Crews will post temporary “No Parking” signs at least 24 hours in advance so streets will be clear of cars when they’re swept. Anyone who parks on the street will need to follow posted parking rules or their cars may be ticketed and towed.

Neighborhood Funding Changes for 2023

The Southwest Connector released released a story on the reduced funding for many neighborhoods including Armatage starting this January. In previous years, Armatage received around $31,000/year in funding and as of January 1 that number will drop to just over $14,000/year, which is a big change. Please check it out and learn more here.

Pumpkins Can Go in Organics Recycling

When you’re done with your carved pumpkins and other gourds, you can put them in your green organics recycling cart. They don’t need to be bagged but do remember to remove any candles or lights first.

If you haven’t signed up for organics recycling yet, you can also put them with your other yard waste. Added synthetic materials such as paint, permanent markers, glitter or jewels make that part of the pumpkins non-compostable, and then they have to go in the black garbage cart.

Remember: Wrappers from Halloween candy go in the garbage. They are not recyclable or compostable.  Find more information on organics recycling on the Solid Waste & Recycling webpages.

Runway 17/35 has Reopened

Runway 17/35 at the Minneapolis-St.Paul International Airport (MSP) reopened last week after being closed since September 6 for safety area restoration work adjacent to the runway. Aircraft operating at MSP had been directed to use Runways 12L/30R and 12R/30L while Runway 17/35 was closed. This caused an increase to air traffic over southwest Minneapolis. More information about the project is available here.

Now that Runway 17/35 is open we can expect a return of typical aircraft activity. Anyone with questions regarding airfield or aircraft noise and/or runway closures may call the Community Relations Office at 612-726-9411.

Apply for Neighborhood Traffic Calming by Nov 1

Each year the City of Minneapolis receives 2,500+ requests for traffic calming measures – far more requests than resources. In an effort to better serve residents, the City just launched a new Traffic Calming Request Process! Visit https://bit.ly/mplstrafficcalming to learn more and apply for traffic calming at an intersection or on a street around Armatage or anywhere in Minneapolis now through November 1!

The ANA submitted comments on this process this past winter and are glad to see the application launch. Please go check it out!

Weekly Yard Waste Collection is Back!

Weekly yard waste pickup is back and the yard waste collection season has been extended through the end of November going forward to catch all those late-to-fall leaves! The week of Nov 28 will be the final week for collection of leaves, brush and other yard trimmings.

Set out property prepared yard waste at your alley or curb next to your carts by 6am on garbage/recycling day. You can use a reusable container, compostable bags (kraft paper bags or BPI-certified compostable bags – look for the BPI logo) or bundled branches string or twine (no wire or tape). Learn more about yard waste collection requirements here.

Help Needed: Racial Housing Covenant Interviews

Do you live in a home that had a racial housing covenant? Daniel Rosenblum, a visiting PhD researcher working with the Mapping Prejudice Project, is looking for residents from Armatage who would be open to participating in interviews. This would be a great opportunity to share your perspective on your home, neighborhood, racial covenant histories, and recent events in Minneapolis in relation to covenant data compiled by the Mapping Prejudice Project.

To sign up, contact Daniel Rosenblum at rosen918@umn.edu or 267-337-0670.

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The Armatage Neighborhood Association works to make Armatage a place where all are welcome, empowered, and connected through safety initiatives, community-building events, environmental work, advocacy and communications that keep you informed and engaged.

Big or small, EVERY donation matters!  Give today at www.givemn.org/organization/Armatage-Neighborhood-Association  As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, every donation to the ANA is tax-deductible and eligible for an employer match.

September 15, 2022 eNews

Fall Fun This Saturday!

Come to the Washburn Tot Lot for a start-of-school pop-up event this Sat, Sept 17 from 10–11:30am! All are welcome, so tell your neighbors and come on down! We want to extend a special invitation to all of our neighbors who rent who make up nearly 15% of the households in Armatage.

We hope to see you on Sept 17 at 58th & Washburn for…

  • FREE treats
  • Activities for all ages
  • On-site voter registration thanks to the League of Women Voters
  • Free renters’ resources
  • New Washburn Tot Lot pollinator garden community dreaming open house.

Sept 20, 2022 Meeting Agenda

Come one, come all to the Armatage Monthly Meeting next Tuesday, Sept 20 at 6:30pm at Armatage Park!  Our meetings now kick off with comments from community members and we’d love to have you attend and share your thoughts and ideas! You are welcome to stay and participate throughout the meeting, too.

  • Welcome and Introductions (6:30pm)
  • Comments from the Community (6:35pm)
  • Ward 13 Update – Council Vice President Linea Palmisano (6:45pm)
  • Park Update & New Park Director, Dillon Clements (7:05pm)
  • Racial Housing Covenant Project – Daniel Rosenblum, Researcher (7:10pm)
  • City Funding Application – Equitable Engagement Demographic Priorities (7:15pm)
  • Annual Board Refresher (7:25pm)

We also have a couple open neighborhood board seats so if you love Armatage and are interested in joining the board, please come to next week’s meeting or email us at anacoordinator@armatage.org!

E-Waste Recycling & Paper Shredding Event

Save the date for a fall e-waste and paper shredding recycling event on Sat, Sept 24 from 9am–12pm! Bring documents, TVs, computers, phones, peripherals (cords, computer parts, keyboards, etc.) and small appliances for safe recycling AND data destruction. Thanks to Mayflower Church for hosting the event.

The suggested donation is $5 (or $5 + $5 to sponsor a neighbor), but no one will be turned away. Cash and cards will be accepted on-site. We’re offering a pick-up service for seniors and residents with disabilities (items must be outside). Call us at 612-466-0296 or sign up at armatage.org/ewaste.

New Neighborhood Traffic Calming Request Process Coming Soon!

Each year the City of Minneapolis receives 2,500+ requests for traffic calming measures- far more requests than resources. In an effort to better serve residents, Public Works will launch a new process hopefully this week. In addition, a new website will be available to digitally submit all traffic calming requests throughout the City.

The new process will apply to neighborhood streets and seeks to provide a process that is data-driven, transparent, and more equitable. Once launched, traffic calming requests can be made by November 1, 2022, to be considered for construction in 2023.  More information and a detailed description of the process and evaluation metrics can be found here.

Hearing Increased Airplane Traffic? Here’s Why!

Runway 17/35 at MSP Airport is closed for a runway restoration project, likely through mid-October. Flights that would normally use this runway are currenly directed to the other runways, which bumps up the airplane traffic (and likely noise) that we experience in Southwest Minneapolis.

Runway use and flight activity information are available on the MAC’s FlightTracker.  Anyone with questions about runway closures may call the Metropolitan Airports Commission’s community relations office at 612-726-9411.

Make Way for Turtles!

Did you know baby turtles continue to hatch, usually through October? Some hatchlings emerge from the nest and make their way to water for the winter; depending on conditions, others overwinter in the nest and emerge next spring. Share your turtle sightings at  bit.ly/ReportATurtle

Click here to read more on the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board’s (MPRB) efforts to protect turtles and how YOU can help protect baby turtles this fall! Photo credit: Carly Ettinger

Help Needed: Racial Housing Covenant Interviews

Do you live in a home that had a racial housing covenant? Daniel Rosenblum, a visiting PhD researcher working with the Mapping Prejudice Project, is looking for residents from Armatage who would be open to participating in interviews. This would be a great opportunity to share your perspective on your home, neighborhood, racial covenant histories, and recent events in Minneapolis in relation to covenant data compiled by the Mapping Prejudice Project.

To sign up, contact Daniel Rosenblum at rosen918@umn.edu or 267-337-0670. Daniel will give a short presentation at the Sept 20 ANA Meeting and a longer talk at our December meeting.

Ann Kim Featured on Netflix’s Chef’s Table

Exciting news! Ann Kim, owner of neighborhood fave Pizzeria Lola, will be featured in this season of Chef’s Table: Pizza on Netflix!  The show follows chefs from all over the world and this season’s six episode run is all about pizza. Episodes started streaming on September 7!  Photo credit: Netflix

Lake Harriet Bandshell Repairs

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board is working on plans to renovate the Lake Harriet Bandshell area. The primary focus of the project is replacing the wood roof shingles on the Bandshell and nearby buildings, but additional work could also include upgrades to lighting, electrical and restrooms, adding bird-safe coating to Bandshell windows, and replacing doors and door frames. Work will be scheduled to maintain normal seasonal Bandshell entertainment, concessions operations and bathroom availability as much as possible. Click here to learn more and see a cool historical photo of the previous bandshell!

Repair Timeline

  • Fall 2022: Bid and award construction contract(s)
  • Winter 2022-23: Purchase and prepare new wood shingles
  • Spring-Fall 2023: Perform roof repairs and building renovations

Ending Soon: Climate Action and Equity Plan Survey

Minneapolis is working to reduce the impact of climate change. With a 10-year update to the 2013 Climate Action Plan, the City needs your help to meet its ambitious goals: eliminating carbon emissions and improving the daily lives of residents, particularly those most impacted by changes in our climate.

Fill out the Climate Action Plan survey here or contact sustainability@minneapolismn.gov.

New Washburn Tot Lot Pollinator Garden

ICYMI, the ANA is excited to announce that we received grant funding from the State of Minnesota’s Lawns to Legumes Neighborhood Demonstration Program and the Minneapolis People for Parks Fund to create a pollinator garden at the Washburn Tot Lot!  The new garden will be installed along the alley to provide a safe, beautiful barrier that will benefit our community and local pollinators.

Community engagement begins this Saturday at our Fall Fun at the Washburn Tot Lot event from 10–11:30am! We anticipate the new garden will be completed in May 2023 with our partner, Metro Blooms.

COVID-19 Vaccines and Testing

Vaccines: find vaccines for kids ages 6 months and up and boosters at mn.gov/vaccine (click on the Vaccine Locator Map). Learn more about boosters here.

Free Rapid Tests: order free rapid tests at https://www.covid.gov/tests or at https://mn.gov/covid19/ Ordering takes just a couple minutes.

January 9, 2018 eNews

January 16, 2018 Agenda

  • Welcome
  • Guest: Larry Matsumoto, City of Minneapolis, Public Works regarding road resurfacing project
  • Guest: Diamond BBQ (new restaurant going in at 54/Penn in Jensen’s)
  • City Council Update
  • Park Update, Nikki Friederich
  • President’s Report
  • Secretary Report – December minutes (approved online)
  • Treasurer Report
  • Committee Updates
    • Community Engagement
      • Washburn Park
      • Happy Hour (Jan 9)
      • Fire on Ice Skating Party (Jan 19)
      • Mobile Menders (Feb 10)
    • Green Team
    • Summer Festival
    • Micro-grant program
    • Other program/spending ideas (annual meeting idea?)
  • Coordinator Update
    • Business facade grant
    • Neighborhood Forest
    • January newsletter
  • New Business
  • Adjourn

Upcoming meetings/events

  • Fire on Ice 1/19
  • Minneapolis Connections Conference
    Saturday, February 10th
    Minneapolis Convention Center
    FREE Register online
  • ANA 2/20

Walk and Talk with your City Council Member

We will be working to pull together walk and talks with Council Members in February or March to discuss pedestrian issues around their ward and Minneapolis. Share your thoughts on how to make our streets more safe and comfortable for everyone over a stroll through your Ward.

Interested in getting involved? Click here to let us know your name, address, and what you would like to say to your Council Member. Then Our Streets staff will work with your Council Member to schedule a walk with you and others in your Ward.

MAC Meeting & Winter Listening Session on Jan 30th

In an effort to make meetings more accessible to Minneapolis residents, the next noise meeting by the Metropolitan Airport Commission will be held in the 13th Ward! This will be a great one to attend, as this meeting will be combined with their quarterly Listening Session.

The Winter Listening Session will be held Tuesday, January 30 at 7:00 PM at the Mount Olivet Lutheran Church (Main Building), 5025 Knox Avenue South, Minneapolis.

As for the agenda for the meeting, it will begin with a presentation by MAC staff. Since this meeting will take place shortly before the Super Bowl, it will include a Super Bowl update as well as an update on the January Noise Oversight Committee (NOC) meeting. After the presentation, the meeting will be opened up for some Q&A from the audience.

City taking registrations, license applications for short-term rentals such as Airbnb

The ordinance applies to dwelling units rented for a period of fewer than 30 consecutive days per leasing period. The short-term rental registration fee is $46. Rental licenses for Tier 1 properties will range from $70 to $175, plus $5 for each additional unit, and $112 to $350 for Tier 2 properties, plus $5 for each additional unit. You do not need to reapply if you have a valid rental license and are a Tier 1 or Tier 2 property.

Short-term rental hosting platforms, which collect a fee for booking services and often provide an online platform for property owners to advertise a dwelling unit, are required to submit an annual business license application. The annual license fee for a platform with fewer than 150 active Minneapolis dwelling unit listings is $630, and for a platform with 150 or more active listings in Minneapolis is $5,000.

Go to the City’s short-term rentals webpage to find registration and licenses applications. Hosting platforms can find license applications at the City’s Business Licensing website.

The new regulations will allow the City to track the number of short-term rental units in Minneapolis and require hosting platforms, such as Airbnb and VRBO, to advertise only units that have registered or obtained a rental license.

 

June 26, 2017 eNews

June Meeting Highlights

  • Safety Update – Joined by our Crime Prevention Specialist and a couple of our patrol car officers. Crime stats shared for the past quarter. Year over year, we continue to have a low level of crime. We always see an increase when the weather warms, but most crimes continue to be crimes of opportunity and the police want to remind residents that locking doors is one of the easiest prevention methods residents can take. They also noted, that they can not monitor discussions on Nextdoor. They have no access to read posts or comments on that site, and rely on neighborhood coordinators to help share area concerns.
  • City Council Update
    • There will be a public hearing regarding the Minimum Wage Ordinance on Thursday, June 22.
    • The Sick Time Ordinance will go into effect July 1.
    • The Plastic Bag Ban has been put on hold while certain details get worked out.
    • Edina recently passed an increase fro 18 to 21 for tobacco sales. Minneapolis is considering this as well as the possibility of banning menthol and other flavored tobacco products.
    • The City is aware of the congestion issues along 50th, and are working on ways to alleviate this situation.
  • Park Update
    • Armatage Movie in the Park was well attended with over 250 people. Kenny’s movie is the original Ghost Busters on August 9.
    • Bike locks will be available to borrow from the park desk.
    • Fall Sports Registration opens July 5.
  • The Green Team passed out pollinator seeds during the movie, and will have remaining packets included in the Welcome Bags to new residents. (Their next meeting will be on Wed, July 5 at 7pm)
  • The Safety Team will be planning a personal safety workshop with a tentative date of September 23.
  • The ANA will be reviewing their bylaws and policies this fall, with updates to be proposed by early winter.

Armatage Happy Hour

Monday, July 17 • 7:00-9:00pm
Cafe Maude

Join us for our neighborhood happy hour, and a last chance to say farewell to Cafe Maude which will be closing at the end of July.

Appetizers provided by the ANA. Happy hour pricing on drinks.

NOTE: We are hoping to find a new venue to host this new neighborhood tradition.

Summer Festival

Saturday, August 13 • 3:00-7:00pm

   3:30pm – Magic by Bruce
4:00pm – 3rd Lair in the Skate Park
5:00pm – Live music by White Elephant
Games • Food • Car Show • And more!

Keep up to date on our website and Facebook.

Around the City

Red, White and Boom!

Seasonal Election Help Needed


Neighborhoods 2020

In an effort to frame the future of neighborhood organizations across the City, a number of meetings have been held. Participate in their online survey, view current results, and learn more about these discussions online.

Lake Harriet Trail Update

West Lake Harriet Parkway closed to motorized traffic between 42nd and 44th Street through mid-July. Keep up to date online or sign-up for email updates.

Parks Ecological Survey

Help develop the Ecological System Plan, a vision for more environmentally friendly parks and public spaces.

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) and Mississippi Watershed Management Organization (MWMO) are working together to create the Ecological System Plan. This plan will set a vision for making parks and public lands more friendly to the environment.

Ecological System Plan topics include:

  • Air Quality Issues
  • Biodiversity and Habitat Quality
  • Carbon Sequestration
  • Habitat Connectivity
  • Stormwater Runoff
  • Sustainable Energy Generation
  • Urban Heat Island Effect

Take the survey and learn more online.

New Airport Reporting Tool

The MAC releases new reporting tool tracking noise and complaints.

April 13, 2017 eNews

April Meeting Agenda

Tuesday, April 18 • 6:30pm
Armatage Rec Center

  • Welcome
  • City Council Update
  • Park Update
  • Committee Updates
    • 2017 Goals & Priorities
    • Community Engagement
    • Green Team
    • Summer Festival Team
  • Coordinator Update
    • Annual Meeting Update
      • Speaker: Hennepin County Commisioner Marion Greene
      • Dinner provided by the ANA featuring pizza from Red Wagon and Pizzeria Lola
      • Board Elections
      • Door prizes (TBD)
    • Financial Audit Update
    • Neighborhoods 2020 Dialogues (details below)
    • Garage Sales (June 3)
    • Movie in the Park (June 19) 8:30pm
      • Pee Wee’s Big Adventure (at dusk)
      • Perennial Cycle (free helmet fittings and bike safety checks)
      • Green Team information tables (Water Stewardship, yard care, etc.)
      • Park to provide popcorn
    • Future of the FixIt Home Improvement Loan program
    • Summer intern
    • Gypsy moth update (details online)
  • Treasurer Report
    • Unfrozen funds from the City
  • Secretary Report – March minutes approved online
  • New Business
  • Adjourn


Organics Recycling at Armatage Park

Please note, locks will be installed on the organics cans located at the park. Those who have signed up as part of the drop off location have been notified and provided with codes. This is to help prevent organics recycling contamination.

If you have any questions or want to know if an item is compostable or not, check our website, search for the item on BPI’s website, or send us an email at SWRcustomer@minneapolis.com.


Airport Noise Listening Session

April 19, 2017 at 7:00-8:00 PM
Eagan Community Center, 1501 Central Parkway, Eagan, MN 55121

The public is invited to join the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) at the Eagan Community Center, on April 19, 2017 at 7:00 PM for the Spring NOC Listening Session.

The Noise Oversight Committee (NOC) sponsors quarterly meetings for residents to allow for an engaging, two-way dialogue between the public and the MAC committee tasked with addressing MSP aviation noise topics. Conversation from these sessions will be included as discussion items during future NOC meetings. The agenda for the April meeting is included below.

Who’s Invited?

  • Airport Neighbors
  • MAC Environment Department Staff
  • NOC Representatives
  • MAC Commission Members
  • Local Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Staff

Agenda

  • 7:00 Welcome
  • 7:05 Introductions – What is your name? Where do you live and for how long? What would you like to get from this meeting?
  • 7:10 Aircraft Noise Basics Video – Efforts Underway to Reduce Aircraft Noise
  • 7:20 NextGen Arrival Environmental Benefits – Optimized Profile Descents
  • 7:30 Open Floor Conversation 8:00 Closing Feedback – What did you like / dislike about the meeting format?


Earth Day Clean Up Events

Saturday, April 22 • Multiple Locations

Find an event for Earth Day online!


Make & Take Rain Barrel Workshop – Just $35!

Thursday, May 25, 2017 • 6:00pm-7:30pm
Wood Lake Nature Center

What’s one of the simplest, high-impact ways to save water and help protect our local watersheds? Using a rain barrel.

Lawn and garden watering typically makes up 40% of total summer household water usage, according to the EPA. Plus, the biggest threat to our waters today is polluted runoff — water that runs off our roofs and into our streets and alleys, carrying all the oil, sediment and other contaminants that it picks up along the way into our lakes, rivers and streams. For conservation and for pollution prevention, installing a rain barrel to collect and store rainwater for use on your lawn and gardens is a simple but powerful way to make a difference for Minnehaha Creek, the Mississippi River and area watersheds.

Thanks to Coca-Cola Refreshments of Eagan, FMR has 30 used syrup containers for participants to turn into rain barrels. During the course of this workshop, participants will be provided with the necessary parts ($35 per kit) and guided through the process of converting these containers into allies for a cleaner Minnesota. The barrels are white (but paintable) and connect to your existing downspout.

Taking place at Wood Lake Nature Center, the workshop will begin with a presentation on how home lawn and garden practices impact our waters and how we can make a difference. Next, we’ll discuss the watershed-friendly benefits of rain barrels in more detail, then review how to build, incorporate, install and maintain them. With guidance from FMR staff, participants will then build a rain barrel to take home.

Ready to register?

Claim your spot now via Eventbrite – Just $35! Please note, tickets sales end Wednesday, May 24 at 5 p.m. or if the event reaches capacity.


Join Us at the Neighborhoods 2020 Cafes!

Neighborhood organizations across the City are partnering with the Neighborhood and Community Engagement Commission (NCEC) and NCR to host a series of community dialogues about neighborhood organizations in Minneapolis. Each event will include small group discussions to address the following questions:

  • What services, opportunities and information should neighborhood organizations provide?
  • What are characteristics of an effective neighborhood organization?
  • How can neighborhood organizations empower engagement?

These questions were developed by 37 participants at a day-long workshop on the Art of Hosting Conversations that Matter.

The dialogues are a first step in developing recommendations for the Minneapolis City Council on the future work of neighborhood organizations through a process of respectful and inclusive community engagement.

Upcoming Neighborhoods 2020 Community Conversations

  • Downtown – Tuesday April 25th – 5:30pm to 8:30pm Plymouth Congregational Church – 1900 Nicollet Ave. So.
  • North – Saturday April 29th – 10:00am to 2:00pm North West Corner of Penn and Lowry (Outdoors under tent)
  • East – Wednesday May 3rd – 5:30pm to 8:00pm NE Minneapolis Armory – 1025 Broadway St NE 55413
  • South – Thursday May 4th – 5:30pm to 8:30pm Abubakar-As-Saddique Islamic Center – 2824 13th Ave So.
  • Southwest – Monday May 8th – 6:00pm to 8:00pm Dr. Martin Luther King. Jr. Park – 4055 Nicollet Ave So. NOTE: 6:00 (dinner) 6:30-8:00 (program) Free child care provided

More information and to register for the events online,


Armatage & Kenny Neighborhood-wide Garage Sales

June 3 • 8:00am-4:00pm

The garage sale registration form is now available on our website. This year we are also inviting groups to host sales for charity. You may set-up a table or tent at the park. If interested, please contact our coordinator!


Learn Golf & Earn Money

MMJGA Summer Caddie Program

Informational Meeting & Training
Saturday, March 25 • 9:00am-noon
Minneapolis Urban League (2100 Plymouth Ave N)

The Minnesota Minority Junior Golf Association (MMJGA) invites young people ages 13-17, who are interested in golf, to join us this summer. Opportunities to earn money, meet new people, and learn the game of golf!

For more information visit www.mmjga.org.

NOTE: Parents need to attend the first hour. The last 2 hours will be dedicated to training.


Mpls • St. Paul Home Tour

April 29-30

Make progress toward your new kitchen, bath, suite, your quest to claim unused space or to add on. You’ll find help and encouragement on the 30th annual Minneapolis & Saint Paul Home Tour. From the very old homes to the very new, city dwellers open their doors to share their home improvement experiences. Real Homes. Real People. Real Ideas.

Learn more online.

March 17, 2017 eNews

March Meeting Agenda

March 21, 2017 • 6:30pm • Armatage Rec Center

  • Welcome
  • City Council Update
  • Park Update
  • 2040 Plan & Resolution Update
  • Committee Updates
    • 2017 Goals & Priorities
    • Community Engagement: Renter engagement • Washburn Tot Lot • Happy hour • Welcome bags
    • Safety Team
    • Green Team
    • Summer Festival Team
  • Coordinator Update
    • Annual Meeting
    • Annual Report
    • April Newsletter
    • Financial Audit
    • Trees for Kids
    • Tree lights and charity drive 2017
    • May 8th – Art of Hosting (MLK 6-8:30pm)
    • Garage Sale (June 3)
    • Movie in the Park (what do we want to do)
  • Treasurer Report
  • Secretary Report – February minutes approved online
  • New Business
  • Adjourn

$15 workshops: Creating Weather Resilient Yards

Unseasonably warm weather, long droughts and flooding rains are the new normal for spring and summer in Minnesota. Learn how your yard can adapt to and even help mitigate threats posed by these extreme weather events.

Participants receive:

  • An overview of Minnesota’s changing weather patterns and ways to minimize their impact in your yard by using alternative turf, raingardens, and other resilient-yard practices.
  • 1 on 1 design assistance from Metro Blooms and Blue Thumb landscape designers and U of M Extension Master Gardeners from Hennepin County.

For more information and to register, go to metroblooms.org or call 651-699-2426.

Space is limited.


MSP Aircraft Noise Analysis for 2016 is Now Available

02/27/2017 03:03 PM CST

Each year, the MAC reports aircraft noise exposure associated with operations at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) and uses the results to determine homeowner eligibility for the MAC’s Noise Mitigation Program. To qualify for mitigation, a home must fall within a higher impact area for three consecutive years.

The report, called the MSP Annual Noise Contour Report, details the development inputs for aircraft noise exposure contours that represent the geographical areas exposed to aircraft noise levels of 60 dB DNL and greater surrounding MSP.

The 2016 Annual Noise Contour Report is available now on the MAC Noise Program Office website here:  2016 MSP Annual Noise Contour Report.

The report concluded that a total of 286 single-family homes are eligible for mitigation in 2018. (NOTE: None are in the Armatage neighborhood.) The eligible blocks are shown in blue in the graphic online. MAC will begin reaching out to these eligible homeowners in late 2017 to begin project orientation.

The MAC is also actively initiating mitigation projects for homes that qualified last year. These homes are shown in green on the graphic online.

Southwest Communities “Future of Neighborhoods” Conversation

May 8th, 6:00 pm (dinner) 6:30 – 8:30 pm (program)

Martin Luther King Jr. Park, 4055 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55409

The neighborhood organizations of Southwest Minneapolis, in partnership with the Minneapolis Department of Neighborhood and Community Relations, invite you to come discuss your viewpoint regarding the future of neighborhoods, including creating stable communities through respecting residents’ voices and empowering local solutions.  Attendees will work with other Southwest residents to discuss current and future challenges facing neighborhoods and suggest policy and funding streams to support communities to creatively address these challenges.

Free Dinner and Childcare provided

City of Minneapolis
Community Connections Conference

Saturday, April 1
8:00 am – 3:00 pm
FREE (meals included)
Minneapolis Convention Center
1301 2nd Ave S, Mpls

Register Now

Southwest High School Performing Arts

Sweet Charity (Musical)

March 16-18 & 23-25 at 7 pm and March 19 & 26 at 2 pm.

Music by Cy Coleman, lyrics by Dorothy Fields and book by Neil Simon. It was directed and choreographed for Broadway by Bob Fosse starring his wife and muse Gwen Verdon.

Charity works at a dance club and has only seen the dark side of life but thinks things are changing when she meets Oscar.  Even when things turn sour, Charity stays Sweet and hopeful of her dreams

To find our more or purchase tickets go to http://southwesttheatre.org/

November 10, 2016 eNews

November Agenda

Tuesday, November 15 • 6:30 pm
Armatage Community Center

Welcome

Quarterly Safety Update

Jennifer Waisanen, CPS – Police Inspector Waite – Asst City Atty Wilcox – Lance Custer, Safety Chair

Regular Meeting

  • City Council Update
  • Park Update
  • Committee Updates
    • Community Engagement
      • Plan to engage with renters (postcard mailing)
    • Coordinator Update
      • CPP – approve application
      • FixIt Loan – do we want to contribute funds
    • Treasurer Report
    • Secretary Report – October minutes approved online
    • Coordinator Contract
    • New Business
    • Adjourn

Please submit agenda items at least 3 days in advance.

Inaugural Armatage Winter Tree-Lighting & Charity Drive

New this year!
Friday, November 25
7:00pm at Armatage Park

The ANA is holding a tree-lighting ceremony at the park on Friday, November 25, at 7 p.m., to bring the neighborhood joy and warmth during the winter months. To help spread some of this good cheer, at the tree-lighting event we will be collecting diapers and formula for area charities (Crisis Nursery & People Serving People). Watch for more details online!

13th Ward Forum – A Conversation with Police Inspector Kathy Waite

Thursday, November 10th, from 6-7pm
at Lutheran Church of Christ the Redeemer (5440 Penn Ave S)

Join us as we introduce new MPD Fifth Precinct Inspector Kathy Waite to the community. We will provide pizza and snacks and the church has a nursery in the corner of the room where children can play.

(NOTE: Inspector Waite will also be attending our neighborhood meeting on November 15)


The Taste of Minneapolis International Festival

Saturday, November 12 from 1-4 p.m.
at Phillips Recreation Center (2323 – 11th Ave. S. Minneapolis)

Join community members from across the City to learn about all the many amazing cultures that make Minneapolis such a wonderful place to live.

The Taste of the Minneapolis International Festival is FREE and open to the public.

To learn more visit www.minneapolisparks.org. or by calling 612-230-6400.

Entertainment will include:

  • Indigenous Roots Kalpulli Ynocenoxtli Traditional Aztec Dancers
  • Rince na Chroi Irish Dancers
  • Somali Museum of MN
  • Yellow Horse Singers
  • Asian Media Access’ Dance Team

Food will be provided by the following restaurants and vendors:

  • Dilla’s Ethiopian Restaurant
  • Kramarczuk’s
  • Sioux Chef
  • Delicias Latinas

Cultural exhibits and demonstrations courtesy of:

  • Somali Museum of MN
  • The Norway House
  • Minneapolis Institute of Arts
  • Green Card Voices
  • James Autio: Native American Art
  • Gibbs Farm, a program of Ramsey County Historical Society

The Taste of the Minneapolis International Festival is presented by the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board.


New Aircraft Noise Basics Video Series

Do you ever wonder who makes the decisions behind the aircraft activity at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP)? A new video called Aircraft Noise Basics-Part 1: Who Makes the Decisions? was produced by the Metrpolitan Airports Commission (MAC) and seeks to provide more understanding about the roles and responsibilities of the Federal Aviation Administration, the MAC, and other aviation stakeholders.

“Aircraft Noise Basics-Part 1: Who Makes the Decisions?” is the first in a new video series that will help members of the public learn basic facts about aircraft noise topics.

Each of the Aircraft Noise Basics videos has a fact sheet that offers more details about each topic. Click here to view the Aircraft Noise Basics-Part 1 fact sheet: “Who Makes the Decisions?”

Members of the public can access Aircraft Noise Basics videos and fact sheets by going to the MAC Noise Program website and clicking on “Aircraft Noise Basics”. We will announce each future video and fact sheet through the MAC Noise Program Office “Latest News.”

October 20, 2015 Minutes

October 20, 2015

Armatage Neighborhood Association Meeting

Meeting was called to order at 6:35 pm by board president Denis Houle

ANA board members in attendance: Denis Houle, Sarah Broich, Kelly Falsani, Bri Keeney, Steve Johnson, Jeff Forss, Tara Brown

Others in attendance: Nikki Lindberg- ANA Coordinator, Ken Dahler- Ward 13 City Council Staff, Nikki Frederich- Park Director, Jennifer Waisanen- Crime Prevention Specialist, 2 interested neighbors

Safety Update:

Crime Prevention Specialist Jennifer Waisanen reported:

There have been 2 homicides so far this week: one in Kingfield and one in the Lyndale neighborhood. Police are canvassing the neighborhoods to investigate. Details are not available at this time.

Addressed a question about the difference in sound of a gunshot vs. firecracker. Gave the advice- whenever in doubt, please call 911.

Reviewed crime report/details from June to now. Burglaries have been decreasing.

There was a question about whether or not police monitor “problem addresses”- properties with higher police calls. Jennifer said the police do monitor this and try to address the problems.

Reported that during Halloween extra patrols will be out.

City Council Update:

  • City Council approved funding for public art.
  • Airplane Noise: City is encouraging MAC to hold off on long-term comprehensive plan until next year so that current changes can be incorporated and feedback gathered. (More time to analyze the temporary changes that are happening now).
  • Fall street sweep started today; watch for signs for parking guidance.
  • Working Families Agenda: last week the fair scheduling portion of the proposal was tabled (lots of concern about how those rules would affect small businesses). Small business community will be involved in any future discussions on this.
  • Sick pay proposal: Councilmember Palmisano is supportive of the goals of this (there are good examples around the country). She doesn’t support the current draft, but this will likely still be changing. There are still many questions to be addressed, for example, how will the city monitor these new rules? Council staff stated that it is important that small businesses still feel like they can take risks. The council wants Mpls to be a desirable place to open a business.
  • A board member made a suggestion about the way communication is happening with the city. It seems like the city requests involvement and feedback too late in the process. A suggestion was made that the public needs to be invited to have involvement early on.
  • Comment from council staff to address the communication on the working families agenda specifically: on this agenda, 3 council members authored the bill, brought it forth and now the city has been reacting.

Park Update:

There is a Halloween party at the park on 10/31 from 4-7. No haunted house this year. Lots of activities. The ANA board is paying for ½ the cost of the hayride.

The park lights will be on until 10 pm that night.

Volleyball season is starting.

Winter sports registration starts Nov. 4. Online registration will be available 11/4. In person registration is still an option as well.

Winter and spring programs can be viewed online.

Dinner and movie is once a month.

Nikki F., Armatage Park Director, announced that she is also overseeing Kenny Park.

Closing the Gap meetings- info available on website (mplsparks.org)

Committee Updates:

Community Engagement Committee

  • New welcome bags arrived
  • Nikki L. has reached out to local business for inserts (no takers yet)
  • We have a new tri-fold with neighborhood info. It was created by Nikki L. and looks great.
  • Suggestions to include in welcome bags: list of board meetings, fix-it loan info
  • Nikki L. would also like have a “new resident” page online and is working on that
  • There are 44 new residents, Nikki L. asked for help distributing the welcome bags and each board member took some to distribute.
  • We have a board development event on Monday 10/26- Nikki L. will send out the location this week.
  • MetroBlooms- Nikki L. has an email about a program that promotes rain gardens
  • Question: Is there interest in an environmental subcommittee? The board talked about promoting this committee at events, especially in the spring. No one volunteered to chair this committee at this time.
  • Nikki L. asked if there is any interest in historical documenting of ANA? Jeff said he was interested in helping with this and a suggestion was made to reach out to possible interns to help also (maybe high school aged kids)

Coordinator Updates:

A neighbor from Fulton will come in November to talk to us about the micro-grant program they are starting.

Fix-It Loan update:

There have been 7 applications from Armatage; the money will roll into the larger fund this month.

We discussed some ideas for further promoting the program. Ideas were talking to realtors and local contractors and advertise at Settegren’s

Kwan’s

Their public hearing is tomorrow 10/21. The ANA submitted a letter of support for Kwan’s application for a beer and wine license. Kelly motioned to approve the letter. The motion was seconded by Steve and approved unanimously. Nikki L. will submit the letter to Kwan’s.

Xerxes Crosswalk

There are issues with cars not stopping at this crosswalk (it is also a bus stop). Nikki L. is communicating with concerned families. Extra patrols were there for awhile. An idea was suggested to move the bus stop.

Blueprint for Equitable Engagement

  • The new letter is much more general.
  • There are 3 upcoming meetings to offer input and the SW neighborhood coordinators are meeting about this on 11/5
  • Denis updated a new board member on what this is.

2016 Calendar

Nikki L. proposed dates for ANA meetings. We agreed to schedule December 13, 2016 instead of the 3rd Tuesday that month.

Treasurer Report

Nikki L. provided a spreadsheet of the ANA accounts and the board reviewed it. Money came through from the city and was deposited.

Secretary Report

The September minutes were approved over email.

New Business

Package Theft is a hot topic on NextDoor.

There was a motion to adjourn by Bri at 7:51. Seconded and carried.

October 23, 2015 eNews

October Meeting Summary

Jennifer Waisenen, our Crime Prevention Specialist for the 5th Precinct, presented our quarterly safety update. We continue to pretty fortunate with the low levels of crime in our area, including a 50% drop in burglaries this summer over last. Garage thefts had a notable decline. She credits people with listening to requests to keep garage doors closed and locked when the homeowner isn’t present.

Ken Dalher, aide to Council member Palmisano, shared updates from City Hall. They were pleased with a recent vote to earmark dollars to support public art. They were also happy that the airport commission (MAC) agreed to delay finalizing their long-range plan. This will better allow them to consider some changes that are happening in Minneapolis and could impact these plans. Fall street sweeping has begun (see below for details). The Working Families Agenda has taken a lot of everyone’s time this past month. Fortunately the mayor and city council have heard the concerns from a variety of businesses and are slowing down the adoption of any new regulations.

Park Director, Nikki Friederich, announced that the Halloween party at Armatage park will run from 4:00-700 on Saturday, Oct. 31. Although there won’t be a haunted house this year, there will still be lots of fun activities (see below)! Winter sports begin soon, including volleyball and basketball. Volunteer coaches are always needed. Kenny and Armatage rec sports will soon have an option to register online. Online registration will open Nov. 4. Watch for more details.

During the general meeting, possible new ventures/subcommittees were presented, including:

  • An environmental focus (raingardens, lawn care, green spaces, recycling, etc.)
  • An arts program (for a possible public art project in our neighborhood)
  • Historic preservation (capturing the 25 years of ANA history and changes in the neighborhood)

We would need interested residents to help get any of these programs going, but all were appealing to the board.

The Fit It Home Improvement Loan program has been pretty successful. As the way the funds are handled shifts this month, we discussed how to continue to promote the program, including making residents aware of the Emergency Loan option.

The board voted to send a letter of support for Kwan’s application for a beer and wine license. The public hearing was on the 21st but final approval won’t be known until November.

The board was updated regarding safety concerns at the 55th and Xerxes crosswalk. There is a school bus stop there, and cars have not been stopping for parents and students crossing at this marked crosswalk. The city and county have been contact, but options are limited. Currently the best suggestions are to either relocate the bus stop or have students wait on their side of the street until the bus is present.

Finally, the 2016 meeting and event schedule was approved.

  • Meetings: Jan 19, Feb 16, Mar 15, Apr 19, May 17 (Annual Meeting), June 21, July 19, Sept 20, Oct 18, Nov 15, Dec 13 (tentative)
  • Events: Aug 8 (Summer Festival)

 


Street Sweeping Underway

Streets should be marked for no parking at least 24 hours in advance of the street sweepers coming through. You can see when they are sweeping in your area online.


Saturday, Oct. 24
Noon at the Lake Harriet Band Shell

Oct. 24 is National “No Fly Day” with many events being held around the U.S. including right here in Minneapolis.

Special guest speaker, State Representative Frank Hornstein, and other officials will talk about important issues, initiatives and impacts of our metro area aviation noise problems.

Many neighbors attended meeting and wrote to elected officials to voice concerns about airport expansion, more flights and bigger planes. Your efforts, along with those of our city and state officials, paid off. The MAC decided to delay publication of their long-term plan until the FAA completes an evaluation of runway use at MSP. We are being heard!

Armatage Halloween Party

Saturday, October 31
4:00-7:00

FREE for all ages! Park activities will include:

  • Horse-drawn wagon ride
  • Moonwalk
  • Firepit and s’mores
  • Storytelling
  • Trick or treat trail

Nextdoor Trick or Treat Map

If you are on Nextdoor, you can add your house to the trick or treat map!


How to Keep your Deliveries Safe

With the convenience of online shopping comes the risk of package theft. Try to schedule deliveries for times when you are at home or find an alternative way to avoid leaving packages on your front step for extended periods of time. UPS, for example, has an online service which lets you indicate where to leave packages (including at a neighbor’s house). Talk to your neighbors and see who might be around during the day to receive a package, or arrange to have packages sent to work or a friend’s office.

Do you have a home that could be on the tour?

The tour will be April 30-May 1, but the deadline  for consideration is January 15.

The tour started 29 years ago and maintains mission encouraging people to stay in the city. Real homeowners open their doors offering examples of how to renovate and expand existing housing stock. It’s a great way to meet contractors and architects, encouraging more quality projects. In recent years, we’ve strengthened a preservation/history focus.

If interested, contact:
Margo Ashmore, Coordinator
Minneapolis & Saint Paul Home Tour
www.MSPHomeTour.com
612-788-9003 (office)

September 18, 2015 eNews

September Meeting Highlights

  • City Council Update: Linea Palmisano was present to give some updates, including:
  • Safety Committee Update: Block leader recruitment continues. Only 16 blocks in Armatage don’t have a block leader at this point (watch for a listing of open blocks in the October Safety News).
  • Community Engagement Committee Update: Engagement ideas were gathered, including: the ANA hosting a social hour; supporting a winter festival; more activities (perhaps in partnership with the park) for kids and adults, specifically older adults; etc. More to come!
  • Summer Festival Committee Update: Overall the event was deemed a success. Thanks to Mother Nature for her support, as well as a big shout out to all our volunteers, sponsors and board members for helping make it all happen. Feedback has been collected through the Survey Monkey and direct comments, and will be reviewed as plans for 2016 get underway.
  • Other Business:
    • We welcomed three new members to the ANA board! That brings our board membership to 10 (out of a maximum 11). We continue to encourage involvement, if not on the board, on one of the above mentioned committees!
    • The ANA is considering a micro grant program. This type of program has been done in other neighborhoods such as East Harriet and Fulton, supporting such activities bully prevention workshops, Earth and Arbor Day celebrations, hosting a household hazardous waste drop-off site, etc. More to come.
    • The board received notice that Kwan’s Chinese (at 54th and Penn) has begun the application process for a beer and wine license. The new owner has “received wonderful welcoming support from our customers.” They are also considering adding outdoor seating in the near future.
    • Information about solar garden programs was shared. At this point the board would like to learn more about the pros and cons of these programs, to see if this is something we think would be a good fit for our community.

Experience Southwest

The Nicollet-East Harriet Business Association (NEHBA) would like to introduce you to our new name. Taking a cue from our expanded service area and our popular “Experience Southwest” brand, the organization is excited to announce its new name: the Southwest Business Association (SWBA). (Also you can follow them on Facebook and Twitter!)

FixIt Fund

This home improvement loan co-op brings together resources from partnering neighborhoods to offer low-interest home improvement loans to our residents. The initial phase restricted fund access with monies put into the “pot” by each neighborhood being only available to their neighborhood residents. Armatage was the largest contributor to this program, but currently has the lowest participation rate. Soon our funds with be co-mingled, and people from all four neighborhoods will access to the merged dollars from all four neighborhood associations.

Openings on City Boards

Applications are now being accepted for a number of open boards and commissions positions that the City Council and Mayor will appoint this fall. Board and commission members in the City of Minneapolis provide valuable insights, help shape key policy decisions and provide community-based input into administration of services. The City is seeking applicants with a diversity of backgrounds and experiences to strengthen the work of the City.

There are open positions on the following City boards and commissions:

Applications will be reviewed beginning October 23, 2015. However, the positions are open until filled. Visit the City’s website for a list of appointment opportunities, position descriptions and to apply:
www.minneapolismn.gov/boards/openings/index.htm.