Category Archives: Meeting Highlights

November 18, 2021 eNews

Give MN logo that shows an outline of the state of Minnesota and says "giving connects us!" with the Give to the Max Day date, which is November 18, 2021

It’s Give to the Max Day!

Every donation matters (big or small!) and there are so many amazing local nonprofits to support at givemn.org!

Support the ANA’s work 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 by making a donation (big or small) 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.

Armatage neighborhood logo in teal and navy

November 16, 2021 Meeting Recap

Thank you to everyone who joined the November Monthly Meeting!  Park Director Jordan Nelson gave a quick update on expanded recreation center hours that are coming after Thanksgiving!  The ANA Board discussed and approved new policies that are required to continue receiving City of Minneapolis funding including an updated Americans with Disabilities Act Policy and new Language Access Policies, Member Hiring Policy, Financial Policies & Procedures, Board Training, Board Strategic Funding Plan and Board Development Plan. These will be linked at armatage.org/about/policies/ soon! The Board also approved 2022 staffing contracts for current ANA Coordinator, Lauren, and Bookkeeper, Claire!

Sign up for the Holiday Light Tour

If you live in Armatage and love to decorate for the holidays, sign up to be a part of the second annual Armatage Holiday Light Tour! Any winter holiday or theme is welcome so bring your ideas and love of Hannukah, Kwanzaa, New Year, the Winter Solstice, and/or Christmas!

By signing up you agree to have your decorations up during the tour, which runs from December 10 through December 19, and to have your address published on the tour map. Sign up by Tuesday, December 7 at 11:59pm at https://armatage.org/holidaylights/

Side by side before and after images of an Armatage curb. In the first before image, there are many leaves covering the curb and storm drain. In the second, volunteers have cleaned the curb and bagged up all the leaves.

Still Have Leaves in your Yard or Drains? We Have Options!

Yard waste collection has ended for the season but there still lots of leaves falling, including into our storm drains where they cause flooding and lead to all kinds of problems in our lakes and the Mississippi River. The pics above were from a volunteer clean-up earlier this month and WOW – what a difference! Thanks to Armatage Green Team members for sending this in!

For leaves on lawns, consider mulching them with your lawn mower to give your grass a nutrient boost, which is quick and easy.  If you find yourself with full yard waste bags and nowhere to take them, here are a few low cost options:

Image shows a group of neighbors in front of a two story home with solar panels holding signs that say "we went solar" next to a Solar United Neighborhoods informational table

Interested in Rooftop Solar?

If you’re interested in going solar, 2022 is a great time to do it with help from neighbors. Your participation will also help Minneapolis reach its goal to generate 10% of electricity needs with local solar. This is part of the City’s climate action plan to reduce greenhouse gases. We’re already at 6% today!

Twin Cities Region Solar Co-op

Twin Cities Region Solar Co-op helps make rooftop solar more accessible for Minneapolis homeowners. The solar co-op joins neighbors together to get the best price and service from a solar installer, tap into the expertise at Solar United Neighbors, and learn about solar incentives. The City of Minneapolis is partnering in this effort. Learn more from Solar United Neighbors.

Join an optional webinar TODAY (Nov 18) from 6:30-8:00pm. For more information, register on the Solar United Neighbors website.

Xcel Energy’s Solar*Rewards to Re-open in 2022

With Xcel Energy’s Solar*Rewards Incentive Program, if you produce more energy than you need, the extra energy is added to the grid, and excess energy will be credited to your bill.

Safety Tips for Thanksgiving

Minnesota is unfortunately in the midst of high positivity and COVID-19 case rates. As you’re making your Thanksgiving plans, use these tips to stay safe and enjoy a healthy holiday. Thanks to the Minneapolis Department of Public Health for sharing these!

  • Get vaccinated. Adults and children 5 and up should get a COVID-19 vaccine. Find yours at mn.gov/vaccine
  • Wear a mask. Wear a cloth or surgical face mask over your mouth and nose when grocery shopping or in other public indoor settings, or when serving food.
  • Wash your hands before eating or serving food.
  • Outdoors is safer than indoors. Have your meal outside if weather permits, or enjoy other outdoor activities.
  • Communicate in advance with guests about your COVID-19 ground rules and the precautions you’re taking. Cancel plans if you’re sick.
  • Travel safely. If possible, delay travel if you’re feeling sick or not vaccinated. If traveling with unvaccinated family members, avoid crowds, wear a mask, and get tested.

Share Your Feedback on the City Budget

Three upcoming online public hearings are available for people to speak publicly to the City Council on the proposed 2022 City Budget. Comments can also be submitted online at the City’s website and will be entered into the public record and shared with the mayor and council members.

Two more public hearings are scheduled for 6:05pm on Dec 1 and 6:05pm on Dec 8.  Learn how to participate in online public hearings here. The City Council is scheduled to vote on adopting the 2022 budget on Dec 8.

The proposed 2022 $1.599 billion City budget includes a 5.45% levy increase. Visit the City’s website to learn more about the mayor’s recommended budget, key dates in the approval process, FAQs and more. You can also watch a series of videos on the City’s budget process.

Hennepin County Election Survey

What was your experience voting in the November 2020 and 2021 elections? The Hennepin County Elections Department wants to hear from you on your method of voting, barriers you experienced, your planned method of voting in 2022 and more. Your responses will remain anonymous. In addition to English, this survey is also available in Spanish, Somali, Hmong, Oromo, and Russian.

The feedback you provide will help guide decisions about our 2022 election approach and how Hennepin County administers elections going forward. We’ll be accepting responses through November 28. Thank you for helping to make our elections safe, secure, and accessible to all!  Click here to take the survey.

P.S. Looking for election results and voter turnout statistics? Check out https://vote.minneapolismn.gov/results-data/

Park Board Lowers Parkway Speeds to 20 mph

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) of Commissioners voted Nov. 3 to lower the speed limit on parkways to 20 miles per hour (mph). The reduced speed limit on parkways will match the speed limit for local streets in Minneapolis. Slower traffic speeds support safer streets for everyone.

Over the coming months, the MPRB and the City’s Public Works Department, which manages signs along the parkway system, will change existing signage from 25 mph to 20 mph. Drivers should follow the posted speed limit on parkways while signs are updated.

Roll up your sleeves Minnesota graphic showing a person with a mask and a bandaid to indicate recent vaccination.

COVID-19 Vaccines and Boosters

COVID-19 vaccinations are now available for all children, ages five and up. Boosters will be available for all Minnesotans starting next week. Visit mn.gov/vaccine to use the Vaccine Locator Map.

Upcoming Minneapolis Vaccine Clinics – learn more here:

  • Saturday, Nov. 20. (11:00am-3:00pm) MPS Davis Center, 1250 West Broadway Ave. Pfizer (5 and older, Pfizer boosters available, walk-ins welcome)
  • Tuesday, Nov 23 (4:30-6:30pm) Patrick Henry High School, 4320 N. Newton Avenue. Pfizer (12 and older, Pfizer boosters available, walk-ins welcome)
  • Saturday, Dec. 4 (9 a.m.-noon) Park Avenue United Methodist Church, 3400 Park Ave. Pfizer (12 and older, Pfizer boosters available, walk-ins welcome)

Other Ways to Get a Vaccine:

Vaccines work. If you haven’t been vaccinated yet, get a free vaccine as soon as you can. About nine out of 10 Americans live within 5 miles of a COVID-19 vaccination site.

October 22, 2021 eNews

October 19, 2021 Meeting Recap

The ANA heard an informative presentation on Southwest Voices, a new online news source focused on Southwest Minneapolis with a membership subscription model similar to public radio. A portion of every membership from Armatage residents will go to support the ANA.

Thank you to everyone who weighed in on the Bylaws & Funding Plan!  Based on the votes and comments received, the ANA Board voted to approve the new Bylaws and Funding Plan as drafted. See the final bylaws at https://armatage.org/anabylaws/  The ANA also voted to approve $4,000 for a scaled down rain garden program in 2022 that will focus on a bulk buy model with a couple slots reserved as scholarships for neighbors who cannot afford gardens.

Armatage Halloween Decoration Tour graphic with pumpkin. Tour dates are Friday 10/22 through Sun 10/31 from 6-8pm each night.

Halloween Decoration Tour Starts Tonight

Enjoy the sights and frights around Armatage for our second annual Halloween Decoration Tour, which runs each night from 6:00-8:00pm Friday, October 22 through Sunday, October 31! The tour map is now available at armatage.org/halloweentour/

Voting

Once you’ve checked out each tour stop, head back to armatage.org/halloweentour/ to vote for your favorites! The top display in each of the following categories wins a $50 gift card to an Armatage business: Best Use of Pumpkins, Spookiest and Neighborhood Favorite. In the spirit of fairness, please hold off on voting until you’ve visited every stop. Happy Halloween!

Picture of a Minneapolis Streep Sweeping truck on a city street

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/

Comment on the E Line BRT Through October 31

Metro Transit is currently holding a public comment period through October 31 on the E Line Bus Rapid Transit proposed station locations.  The E Line BRT would run every 10 minutes each day and most of the evening and Route 6 would also see some changes.

Here is the current Route 6 map versus the proposed E Line/Route 6 map. Also to understand why certain bus stops are being phased out, here is a map showing ridership rates, before the pandemic.

There are a few ways to comment on the plan: 

Halloween Events at the Parks

The Minneapolis Parks & Recreation Board is hosting free or low cost Halloween events throughout the month. Click here to see a full list!

Candidate & Charter Forum Recordings

We teamed up with our neighboring communities to host informative, non-partisan City Council and Park Board candidate forums and an educational forum on the proposed charter amendments to help you get ready for Election Day on November 2! Links to recordings from each event are below:

LWV 2021 Voter Guide

The League of Women Voters Minneapolis has released its 2021 Voter Guide to help you be informed about the 2021 City of Minneapolis elections, learn how to register and vote, find a list of candidates/websites, and read the Charter Amendments language. Check out the guide at lwvmpls.org/2021-voters-guide-now-available/

Participate in Minneapolis Redistricting

After every census, Minneapolis updates the boundaries of its 13 City Council wards and six Park Board districts to reflect new population counts. The Redistricting Group, made up of 24 Minneapolis volunteers, builds the new maps with input from their communities. The Redistricting Group needs your help with the redistricting project to make sure all voices are heard.

Participate in the Redistricting Project

Woman cooking a meal

Create Meals, Not Waste: Join Hennepin County’s Stop Food Waste Challenge

We LOVE food, which leaves us wondering: why do we let so much of it go to waste? About 40% of food is wasted somewhere along the supply chain. Here in Hennepin County, we throw away enough edible food each year to fill Target Field 1.5 times (!!).

Join Hennepin County’s Stop Food Waste Challenge. Hennepin County can help you learn easy, practical skills that will help you stop wasting food, put more money in your pocket and create a healthier environment. Creating a meal plan, buying just what you need at the grocery store, cooking creatively and properly storing food can have a big effect on reducing the amount of food in your home that goes to waste.

Kid A Clutter Pickup Drive Van

Kid Clutter Pickup Drive This Month

Fall is here!  Clear out that outgrown kid stuff when the Kid Clutter Pickup Drive returns to Armatage on October 25 and 26.

Kid A picks up your used kid and baby stuff, pays you for the items that they resell, and donates everything else to great local non-profit organizations for you.

During their spring pickup drive, Kid A raised $682 for local school PTAs and collected more than 7,500 donated items for Tandem Family Resource Center, Arc’s Value Village, and Free Bikes 4 Kidz MN.

Turn your kid clutter into cash and community resources in one convenient pickup. Reserve a time at kidamarketplace.com/pickup-drive – but don’t wait, slots are limited!

City Budget Review is Underway

Review of Mayor Jacob Frey’s proposed 2022 City budget is underway by the City Council.  The proposed $1.599 billion budget includes a 5.45% levy increase. The mayor’s recommended City budget invests in affordable housing, youth programming, community safety, climate action and an inclusive economic recovery.  Learn more about the budget process at https://www.minneapolismn.gov/government/budget and save the date for upcoming public hearings:

  • Public hearings are scheduled for1:30 p.m. Nov. 16, 6:05 p.m. Dec. 1 and 6:05 p.m. Dec. 8.
  • Dec. 8: Council scheduled to vote on budget adoption

Get Ready for the November 2 Election

The Minneapolis Early Vote Center at 980 E. Hennepin Ave is open for voters who wish to cast their ballot early and in person. Minneapolis Elections & Voter Services has also begun mailing ballots to voters who have requested to vote early by mail. Learn more at https://vote.minneapolismn.gov/voters/vote-early-in-person  And see what’s on the ballot at https://vote.minneapolismn.gov/voters/ballot

Never voted early before? A new video shows you how easy it is to vote early. Follow typical Minneapolis voters Chad and Maya as they cast early ballots. Watch the video HERE.

Ranked Choice Voting

Minneapolis voters will use ranked choice voting this fall! Ranked choice voting is a way of voting that eliminates the need for separate primary elections. Voters rank up to three candidates for each office. The ballot has three columns, and choices are made from left to right in those columns. Ranked choice voting in Minneapolis is used only for municipal elections. Learn more at https://vote.minneapolismn.gov/ranked-choice-voting/

Voter Registration

The Office of the Secretary of State has a simple online tool that voters can use to see if they are registered to vote at their current address.

September 23, 2021 eNews

Meet Your Community Helpers Event

Saturday, September 25
2:00-5:00pm

Meet the helpers that serve our community this Saturday, September 25! Get your pressing recycling questions answered, meet a fire truck, talk with our MPD 5th Precinct staff about community safety, explore the inside of a USPS mail truck or an ambulance, learn about Free the Deeds and AREA’s work to undo racial housing covenants, share what equity in Armatage means to you, get an All Are Welcome Here lawn sign, weigh in on the neighborhood Bylaws & Funding Plan, learn about the proposed charter amendments, and lots more. Plus, Sparrow Cafe and Thumbs Cookies will both be on-site with treats!

Please plan to wear a mask at the event. See more COVID safety and event details at https://armatage.org/meet-your-community-helpers/

Armatage School Supply Drive

Check out Armatage Elementary’s school supply wish list here and bring much-needed items to donate to get entered to win a Ring doorbell or three day emergency kit donated by the ANA!

The American Rescue Plan Act Survey Closes Friday

The City of Minneapolis is seeking feedback from residents, businesses, and community organizations as it considers funding priorities for the second round of American Rescue Plan Act funding awarded to the City to address economic and public health impacts from the pandemic.

The survey will be open through this Friday, September 24. Results will assist City leaders as they determine funding priorities for the remaining federal funding awarded to the City. Take the survey to rank funding priorities here.

Advocate for Neighborhood Funding

Base funding for neighborhood organizations like the Armatage Neighborhood Association will drop to $15,000/year in 2022 and just $10,000/year in 2023. When taking the survey, please consider asking for more neighborhood funding. Crunched for time? A sample comment for the survey is included below:

Neighborhood organizations play a key role in our city through their community work, communications and advocacy. They will no longer be able to do that without increased investment in their basic operating budgets. Please use the American Rescue Plan Act Funding to ensure neighborhoods are funded at a base minimum of $25,000 per year. Their work benefits our communities and the entire city of Minneapolis and together they help meet the goals of the stated priorities in this survey.

September 21 Meeting Recap

Thank you to everyone who joined this week’s outdoor Monthly Neighborhood Meeting!  Larry Matsumoto from the Department of Public Works gave an overview of the 2022 60th Street /Sunrise Drive repaving project. 60th hasn’t been repaved since 1985 and we hope next year’s mill and overlay will help immensely. For an average city lot, the anticipated assessment will be roughly $1100 spread over 5 years. Property owners adjacent to 60th can expect a mailing from the city in early 2022 and an invite to a public hearing with more specifics on the construction timeline.

Park Director Jordan Nelson also gave an update on fall and winter programming. Ward 13 Policy Aide John Freude attended to discuss the upcoming city budget hearings and the American Rescue Act Fund survey (see below for a link). The ANA then edited and approved its 2022 city funding applications, several new required policies, and funds to support local businesses and purchase gift cards for the Halloween and Holiday Tour prizes.

Weigh in on the Draft Bylaws & Funding Plan Through Oct 15

This fall, the Armatage Neighborhood Association needs your help!  The ANA will update its governing bylaws in order to comply with the City of Minneapolis’s new funding program. The ANA has ALSO drafted a neighborhood funding plan (called a Plan Modification) to shift more funds to long-term community engagement and staffing budgets to enable the ANA to operate as long as possible. We hope to have as many community members vote on both during the public comment period, which runs through October 15.

Click here to learn more and weigh in by October 15. Thank you for making your voice heard!

Upcoming Candidate & Charter Amendment Forums

We’ve teamed up with our neighboring communities to host informative, non-partisan City Council and Park Board candidate forums as well as an educational series on the proposed charter amendments to help you get ready for Election Day on November 2!

Jim Crow of the North Free Screening & Discussion

Thursday, October 7
6:30-8:00pm

The Armatage Safety, Equity and Outreach Committee is hosting a FREE community screening and discussion of the TPT documentary, Jim Crow of the North, on the history of redlining in the Twin Cities on Thursday, October 7 from 6:30-8:00pm outside the Armatage Rec Center. Dress for the weather and plan to distance. Free hot cocoa and popcorn provided.

Learn more and sign up at https://armatage.org/jimcrowofthenorth/

Fall Neighborhood Clean-up

Saturday, October 2
9:00-11:00am

Join the Armatage Green Team for our annual Fall Clean-up on Saturday, October 2 from 9:00-11:00am! This is a great opportunity for kids, teens and adults to show neighborhood pride and keep trash and recycling out of our waterways. The ANA will provide the supplies and you provide the volunteer power!  Sign-up at https://armatage.org/events/clean-ups/

Early Voting is Here

The Minneapolis Early Vote Center at 980 E. Hennepin Ave. is open for voters who wish to cast their ballot early and in person. Minneapolis Elections & Voter Services has also begun mailing ballots to voters who have requested to vote early by mail. Learn more at https://vote.minneapolismn.gov/voters/vote-early-in-person  And see what’s on the ballot at https://vote.minneapolismn.gov/voters/ballot

Minneapolis voters will use ranked choice voting this fall! Ranked choice voting is a way of voting that eliminates the need for separate primary elections. Voters rank up to three candidates for each office. The ballot has three columns, and choices are made from left to right in those columns. Ranked choice voting in Minneapolis is used only for municipal elections. Learn more at https://vote.minneapolismn.gov/ranked-choice-voting/

Sign up for the Halloween Tour

Get ready to enjoy the sights and frights around Armatage for our second annual Halloween Decoration Tour!

Sign up for the tour by October 18 and be a bright spot in the neighborhood this season! Learn more and register at https://armatage.org/halloweentour

Free Minneapolis Home Energy Squad Visits

For a limited time, the City of Minneapolis Sustainability Division is offering FREE Home Energy Squad visits for residents living in 1-4 unit homes, including renters. A team of energy experts will evaluate energy saving opportunities in your home and install materials to help you start saving on the spot. These upgrades can include door weather stripping, high-efficiency water fixtures, LED bulbs and a programmable or smart thermostat.

If the Home Energy Squad recommends insulation or air sealing, you will receive a personalized quote and an opportunity to schedule the work with a qualified contractor. Minneapolis residents also have special access to 0% APR financing to complete insulation and air sealing work, or to upgrade to heat pump electric water heaters, air source heat pumps, or solar. Sign up at https://www.mncee.org/mpls?energy-audits or call 651-328-6220 to schedule.

All Are Welcome Here Lawn Signs

Get your All Are Welcome Here lawn sign and proudly display to spread the message that ALL are Welcome in Armatage! The ANA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit so your donation is tax deductible and eligible for employer matching contributions.

Signs + stakes are $20 each and your donation goes toward supporting the ANA’s work in our community. Order online at armatage.org/allarewelcomehere/ and, if you’re in the neighborhood, we’ll deliver your sign to your front yard. You can also find signs at the Meet Your Community Helpers event on September 25 from 2:00-5:00pm at Armatage Park.

August 24, 2021 eNews

Aug 24 Meeting Recap

Thank you to all who joined the ANA Monthly Meeting this week!  5th Precinct Inspector Katie Blackwell, Crime Prevention Specialist Jennifer Waisanen, and Council Member Linea Palmisano all gave updates and answered questions. The investigation into the racist messages on milk jugs that have appeared around the neighborhood is ongoing.

The ANA Board approved a draft budget for an upcoming City Plan Modification, approved a final Equitable Engagement Template, and started sharing ideas for the future of the Safety Rebate Program as neighborhood funding starts to drop over the next few years. The Board also approved funds ($325) for 3-4 upcoming non-partisan Candidate Forums and Charter Amendment Educational Forums as well as for an interactive equity-focused activity at the Meet Your Community Helpers event in September ($225).

Postponed: Aug 26 Playground Reopening Celebration

Due to today’s stormy forecast, the Armatage Playground Reopening Celebration will be postponed to a date in September (TBD).  Stay tuned for the new date, which will be shared here, at armatage.org and on social media.  We’re excited to share free cold treats (donated by the ANA and Jonny Pops!) and celebrate the new play equipment with Armatage Elementary and the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board soon!

Learn more about the planning process at bit.ly/armatagepark and read how neighborhood funds were used to make completing this project possible at armatage.org/armatage-park-play-area/

Meet Your Community Helpers Event

Save the date for an outdoor event at Armatage Park with the helpers that serve our community including the Minneapolis Fire Department, Solid Waste & Recycling, MPD, USPS, EMTs and more!

There will be distanced demos, educational activities, a school supply drive and TRUCKS! More details to come at armatage.org.

All Are Welcome Here Lawn Signs

Get your All Are Welcome Here lawn sign and proudly display to spread the message that ALL are Welcome in Armatage. The ANA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit so your donation is tax deductible and eligible for employer matching contributions.

Signs + stakes are $20 each and your donation goes toward supporting the ANA’s work in our community. Order online at armatage.org/allarewelcomehere/ and, if you’re in the neighborhood, we’ll deliver your sign to your front yard. You can also find signs at the Meet Your Community Helpers event on September 25 from 2:00-5:00pm at Armatage Park.

The Mayor’s 2022 City Budget Proposal is Here

Mayor Frey has outlined his recommended City budget for 2022. The proposed $1.599 billion budget includes a 5.45% levy increase and a gradual $2.6 million increase for youth programming through the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, ongoing funding for the Office of Violence Prevention, and five recruit and cadet classes to bring new, community-oriented officers into the Minneapolis Police Department. The City Council will begin reviewing the proposed budget in mid-September.

Learn more about the budget proposal.

Minneapolis Public Schools Travel Reimbursement for Families

Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) is encouraging families who can transport their students to school on their own to do so. The district shared that sporadic school bus service is expected this fall due to a continuing shortage of bus drivers faced by school districts across the country. MPS will also offer travel reimbursements to families who are able to transport their students to and from school. Learn more at https://transportation.mpls.k12.mn.us/bus_reimbursement

Free COVID-19 Vaccines and $100 Gift Cards at the Fair

Haven’t gotten your COVID-19 yet? The strongest defense against the delta variant is through vaccination. The State of Minnesota will be offering $100 Visa gift cards on site to fairgoers who get their first FREE COVID-19 vaccine dose at the Community Vaccine Clinic at the Minnesota State Fair from Aug. 26 through Sept. 6.  No ID or insurance is needed – learn more here.

Free COVID-19 vaccines are available at Minneapolis Health Department clinic. Walk-ins are welcome, and the vaccinations are free. You don’t need insurance, you don’t need an appointment and you don’t need an ID. Learn more here.

Upcoming Free Clinics

  • Steven’s Square Park, 1801 Stevens Ave. 4-7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 27. Pfizer (12 and older)
  • Park Avenue United Methodist Church, 3400 Park Ave. 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Aug. 28. Pfizer (12 and older)
  • RSA, 740 E Lake Street (former parking lot of Roberts Shoes at Chicago & Lake) 10-3 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 26. Pfizer (12 and over)
  • YMCA, 3335 Blaisdell Ave. 4-7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 26. Pfizer (12 and over)
  • Summit Academy IOC, 935 Olsen Memorial Hwy. 4-6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 27. Pfizer (12 and over)

You can also sign up for the Minnesota COVID-19 vaccine connector in English, Spanish, Somali or Hmong to get contacted about vaccine in your area.

Rent and Housing Assistance as the Eviction Moratorium Ends

MN law now requires a property owner or manager who intends on filing an eviction for non-payment of rent to provide a written notice to their renter, along with information about rental assistance, 15 days before filing an eviction proceeding with the courts between now and Oct. 12.

This new law also prohibits a property owner or manager from evicting a renter if the renter has a pending application for COVID-19 emergency rental assistance at the state or local level until June 1, 2022. The renter must be able to prove that they’ve applied for rental assistance. Renters may apply for COVID-19 emergency rental assistance at renthelpmn.org or by calling 211.

If you have questions about your specific housing situation and how it relates to the end of the eviction moratorium, contact:

Hennepin County Deconstruction Grants Available

To help divert waste from landfills, Hennepin County has grants available for up to $5,000 to deconstruct residential buildings. Property owners and developers are eligible to apply. Applicants must be a homeowner or developer in Hennepin County and the work must be on residential properties. Projects must meet the reuse and disposal criteria, the structure being demolished or renovated must have been built prior to 1970, and the size of structure or area of renovation must be 500 square feet or larger. Learn more and apply at https://www.hennepin.us/deconstruction

July 22, 2021 eNews

July 20 Meeting Recap

City of Minneapolis staff Aryca Myers and Bob Cooper presented upcoming neighborhood funding changes as the funding levels drop and requirements shift toward more equitable engagement work. The ANA will seek feedback from neighbors this fall on new governing bylaws, which are required to keep receiving city funding, and on a Plan Modification to put just over $60,000 in repaid housing loans under contract.

The Board approved funds for three upcoming events including the Armatage Playground Reopening Celebration ($100 for popsicles), the Summer Food Truck Night ($275 for printing and paper marbling supplies), a Meet Your Community Helpers event in September ($175 for printing and door prizes), and a button-making machine. The ANA also plans to hold Halloween Decoration and Holiday Light Tours this year. Next month’s meeting will be a week later than usual on Tuesday, August 24 at 6:30pm on Zoom.

Water Sprinkling Restrictions are in Effect

Sprinkling restrictions started yesterday (July 21) for all Minneapolis residents and businesses! Check out the new guidelines here and thank you for doing your part to conserve water during this drought!

Sprinkling Restrictions

  • Sprinkling lawns is NOT allowed from noon to 6 p.m. on any day.
  • On calendar days that are even numbers (examples: July 26 or Aug. 18), the even side of the street CAN sprinkle lawns outside of the noon to 6 p.m. time window. Examples: 1238 Oak St. or 2574 Cedar Ave.
  • On calendar days that are odd numbers (examples July 27 or Aug. 19), the odd side of the street CAN sprinkle lawns. Examples: 1247 Maple St. or 2561 18th Ave.

Exceptions

  • Bushes and flowers may be watered with a hand-held hose as needed.
  • Vegetable gardens and new sod (first two weeks from placement) may be watered on any day but not during the prohibited afternoon hours of noon to 6 p.m.
  • Trees may be watered with a dripping hose, bucket or tree watering bag as needed.

Learn more including water conservation tips at www.minneapolismn.gov/news/2021/july/city-implements-even-odd-water-sprinkling-restrictions/

Summer Food Truck Night

Get ready for another Armatage neighborhood Food Truck Night! Five fabulous food trucks will be in the Armatage parking lot to take distanced orders. Enjoy live music from local band Unicorn! Swing by the ANA table for free paper marbling, kids books generously donated by Jump! and an All Are Welcome Lawn Sign. Bring your blanket or chairs and find a spot in the park to picnic.

More info including COVID-19 safety info is at armatage.org/summer-food-truck-night/

Household Hazardous Waste Events

Hennepin County is collecting household hazardous waste for residents to safely and properly dispose of unwanted household and lawn and garden products including paints, chemicals, fluorescent bulbs, batteries and fuels.  Residents must wear masks and remain in their vehicles.

Upcoming Collection Events

  • 9:00am – 4:00pm on July 30-31: Anthony Middle School, 5757 Irving Ave. S.
  • 9:00am – 4:00pm on August 13-14: South High School, 3131 19th Ave. S.

Visit Hennepin County’s household hazardous waste collection event webpage to learn what items you can bring to the event, review safety guidelines, and see all 2021 events.

Armatage Playground Reopening Celebration

Thursday, August 26
4:30-6:30pm

Join the Armatage Neighborhood Association (ANA), the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board (MPRB), and Armatage Community School for a Playground Reopening Celebration! Enjoy free popsicles and cold treats (donated by the ANA and Johnny Pops!) and celebrate with music, bubbles and new play equipment!

Learn more about the planning process at bit.ly/armatagepark and read how neighborhood funds were used to make completing this project possible at armatage.org/armatage-park-play-area/

Free Pet Adoptions for Cats & Dogs Over 6 Months

Minneapolis Animal Care & Control is waiving adoption fees for cats and dogs over six months old currently at the shelter. Visit the City’s website for more information.

Adoption details

Come prepared

  • To adopt you must be 18 years old with a valid form of identification.
  • Minneapolis residents must also provide proof of their current address and of current rabies vaccines for other pets (cats, dogs or ferrets).
  • Cats and small critters must leave in a carrier. You can bring a carrier or buy a cardboard transport box at the shelter. Dogs must leave on a leash. You can bring a leash and collar, or the shelter will provide a slip lead.

National Night Out is August 3

National Night is just around the corner!  This year’s block events will likely look a little different due to COVID-19, but there are lots of ways to safely gather with your neighbors. Think about a BYO picnic dinner instead of a potluck, discuss safety guidelines (especially for neighbors who are not yet eligible to get vaccinated like children under 12), and offer activities that allow you to distance. The deadline to get a free street closure permit has passed, but you can still pay $100 to close your street or host a neighborhood gathering in neighbors’ yards.

Not sure if your block has a block leader? Contact our Crime Prevention Specialist, Jennifer Waisanen, at jennifer.waisanen@minneapolismn.gov and consider volunteering as a block leader. Learn more about block clubs at bit.ly/blockclubs

Free Business Advertising in Armatage Welcome Bags

Are you an Armatage neighborhood business that would like to advertise for FREE? Consider providing content for our new neighbor Welcome Bags!

The reusable bags contain useful information on our neighborhood, community involvement, area businesses and local government. Your contribution can include menus, brochures on your business, gift cards, coupons, branded trinkets, or even just business cards! It’s totally free contribute items for the Welcome Bags and you can also consider a tax deductible cash contribution to our non-profit organization to help support the cost of producing the bags. Email us at anacoordinator@armatage.org to contribute!

Thank you from the Armatage Community Engagement Committee. Learn more about the Welcome Bag program at armatage.org/programs/welcome-bags/   Pic of our ANA VP Kevin outside Café Cerés.

All Are Welcome Here Lawn Signs

Get your All Are Welcome Here lawn sign and proudly display to spread the message that ALL are Welcome in Armatage. The ANA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit so your donation is tax deductible and eligible for employer matching contributions.

Signs + stakes are $20 each and your donation goes toward supporting the ANA’s work in our community. Order online at armatage.org/allarewelcomehere/ and, if you’re in the neighborhood, we’ll deliver your sign to your front yard. You can also find us at an upcoming in-person sale date at Armatage Park (weather permitting) – neighbors are encouraged to join meetings:

  • Saturday, Aug 14 from 4:00-6:00pm at the Summer Food Truck Night
  • Thursday, Aug 26 from 4:30-6:30pm at the Playground Reopening Celebration

Free the Deeds

Free the Deeds, an artist-driven initiative, is launching a city-wide project this month to build awareness of the history of racial covenants in housing in Minneapolis and to encourage action to repair the harm done by these covenants. Homeowners whose houses have a racial covenant will be encouraged to display a lawn sign in their yards that says “This house had a racial covenant” on one side and “Building equity, one deed at a time” on the other. Free the Deeds has been working with Armatage Reparations & Equity Action to launch this project.

All Minneapolis residents will have the chance to donate to down payment assistance for households who purchase homes through the African American Community Land Trust (AACLT), which focuses on significantly decreasing the historic racial disparities in the homeownership rate while increasing access to perpetually affordable homeownership in Minneapolis. Check out freethedeeds.org to learn more about what racial covenants were, how to find out if your home had one, and how to participate with this city-wide project.

New Solid Waste & Recycling Disposal Guide

There’s a NEW Minneapolis Solid Waste & Recycling Disposal Guide in town!  The City of Minneapolis has an easy-to-use, searchable website to get all your recycling and disposal “where does this go?” questions answered quickly and easily. Check it out at www.minneapolismn.gov/resident-services/garbage-recycling-cleanup/disposal-guide/

June 17, 2021 eNews

June 15 Meeting Recap

Thank you to everyone who attended our first outdoor meeting this week at Armatage Park!  Project Designer Francisca Pass gave an update on the Armatage Playground construction, which hit a couple delays and should now wrap up at the end of July. The ANA Board voted to spend $27,645.21 of its Park Improvement funds to cover the funding gap for the playground so it can be completed this summer. This donation from the neighborhood will go toward two more shade canopies and an accessible seesaw.

The Board also approved an amended budget for its 2021 Community Participation Program funding from the City of Minneapolis, discussed its upcoming application for the City’s new Equitable Engagement Fund, and approved $250 for live music at our upcoming Aug 14 Summer Food Truck Night.

Thank You, Rachel!

A huge thank you to our outgoing Accountant (and Armatage neighbor!), Rachel Ireland-Henry! We are very grateful for Rachel’s years of service with the ANA and wish her all the best in her new adventures!  If you see her around the neighborhood, please tell her thank you!

The ANA is in the midst of a search for a new contract Accountant and will share a position description with the neighborhood soon. Email us at anacoordinator@armatage.org with questions.

Events to Commemorate Juneteenth

The Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board will host outdoor movies, discussions, music and family activities scheduled. Learn more at https://www.minneapolisparks.org/activities__events/events/juneteenth/

Hennepin County Library also has a great line-up of online events and videos at https://www.hclib.org/Juneteenth

History of Juneteenth

Thank you to Hennepin County Library for the following history of Juneteenth, which is now a new City holiday in Minneapolis!

Juneteenth is said to be the oldest African American celebration of emancipation from slavery. The Emancipation Proclamation was issued on January 1, 1863, but news of emancipation moved slowly. For the next 2½ years, enslaved Africans and Black abolitionists persevered in the struggle for freedom.

In Texas, formerly enslaved Africans celebrated their emancipation on June 19, 1865, and since then, Juneteenth has been remembered and celebrated as a holiday. From the late nineteenth century through today, typical Juneteenth celebrations across the country include parades, speeches by African American community leaders, singing of traditional songs such as “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” and dancing.

All Are Welcome Here Lawn Signs

Get your All Are Welcome Here lawn sign and proudly display to spread the message that ALL are Welcome in Armatage. The ANA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit so your donation is tax deductible and eligible for employer matching contributions.

Signs + stakes are $20 each. Order online at armatage.org/allarewelcomehere/ and, if you’re in the neighborhood, we’ll deliver your sign to your front yard. You can also find us at an upcoming in-person sale date at Armatage Park (weather permitting):

  • Saturday, June 19 from 10:00-11:00am
  • Saturday, July 10 from 10:00-11:00am at our Safety Equity & Outreach meeting
  • Tuesday, July 20 from 6:00-8:00pm at our Monthly Meeting

Affordable Camps through Minneapolis Parks

Sign up your child ages 7-14 for Olympics Celebration, Summer Survivor or Sports Sampler camps beginning Monday, June 21

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) is excited to offer new Neighborhood Day Camps this summer! Themed, all-day, weeklong camps are available throughout the summer for the low cost of $10 per child.

Visit bit.ly/NMplsDayCamps to learn more and sign up!

Free Hennepin County Food Waste Prevention Webinars

You’re invited to an upcoming webinar to help you learn how to make the most of their food with tips and tricks for shopping, storing, and cooking.

This webinar is part of Hennepin County’s goal to raise awareness of how much food is wasted and help our residents with saving money, setting a good example, and having a positive impact on the planet.  The webinars are about an hour long with time for questions. They are free of charge, but registration is required. The registration link is here and you have three options to attend:

  • Wednesday, June 23rd from 7-8 p.m.
  • Thursday June 24th from noon-1 p.m.
  • Friday June 25th from noon-1 p.m.

Armatage Playground Construction Update

Construction has begun and things are sure looking different at Armatage Park! The new estimate is that the play area should be completed and ready for use near the end of July. Sign up for project updates at bit.ly/armatagepark and we will plan to hold a community celebration in August!

Cycle the Summer in Minneapolis Parks

Minneapolis Parks is hosting a series of smaller, bike-focused events throughout the summer for people of all ages, backgrounds and riding abilities to get on a bike! Learn more about the Cycle the Summer series and sign up for Cycling 101 youth events (August 25 will be at Armatage Park!) at https://www.minneapolisparks.org/activities__events/events/cycle_the_summer/ 

Armatage Safety Rebates

Did you know that the ANA offers $100 per household per calendar year to each Armatage household (both renters and homeowners) for security enhancements including items such as doorbell camera systems?

Learn more and apply for a rebate at armatage.org/security-rebate-program-for-residents/

Summer Movie – Thank You!

Thank you to everyone who joined us for Ferris Bueller’s Day Off last weekend!  It was so wonderful to spend the evening outside with neighbors (and a hefty number of June bugs). There are many more opportunities to distance and enjoy free music and movies this summer: see the full list  at www.minneapolisparks.org/activities__events/music__movies/

Minnesota Rent Help

RentHelpMN was created to help Minnesotans who have fallen behind on their rent or utility bills or fear that could happen. If you find yourself in this position, RentHelpMN is here to help. Eligible renters can receive assistance with rent and utility bills dated on or after March 13, 2020. If you qualify, you could receive up to 15 months of total assistance.

Find out if you qualify and apply at renthelpmn.org or by calling 211, which has dedicated multilingual staff available to answer questions from 8:00am until 8:00pm, Monday through Saturday.

 

April 29, 2021 eNews

April 26 Meeting Recap

The ANA held its rescheduled monthly meeting on April 26. Armatage Park Director Jordan Nelson shared updates on programming at the park and the Armatage Park Play Area reconstruction, which is scheduled to begin in early June and take 4-6 weeks. James Riley, a volunteer with Communities Against Police Brutality, shared information on a proposed change to state statue that if passed would modify response to mental health emergency calls statewide.

The board also finalized the agenda for the upcoming Armatage Annual Meeting on May 18, voted to send digital materials to the Hennepin County Library Archives, and approved a letter drafted by the Green Team in support of the proposed East Phillips Urban Farm. All are welcome to join an upcoming neighborhood meeting. Learn more and register to attend at http://bit.ly/ANAmtgs

Register to Run for the ANA Board by May 9

Please consider running for the Armatage Neighborhood Association’s Board of Directors this May! Board members have a critical role in shaping our neighborhood nonprofit for years to come. This year in particular has shown how critical strong, local communities are.

Members of underrepresented communities are especially encouraged to run for the board, including renters, seniors, residents with disabilities, and residents who identify as LGBTQ or BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and/or People of Color). Learn more about what’s involved, the time commitment, and register to run by Sunday, May 9 at 11:59pm at https://armatage.org/2021boardelection/

Spring Tea & Blooms

Saturday, May 8
2:00-4:00pm | Armatage Park

Grab your mask and join us for Spring Tea & Blooms at Armatage Park! Jinx Tea and Sparrow Café will take orders outside, soon-to-open neighborhood spot Café Cerés will share samples, and the ANA will give away take-home kids’ planting kits (supplies are limited). Pick up a free book donated by Jump! at 54th & Penn and complete a scavenger hunt and enter to win a gift card to a neighborhood business!

Thank you for following our safety guidelines by wearing a mask during the event, keeping 6 feet of distance from everyone outside of your household, and bringing your treats home or into the park to enjoy. In case of severe weather, cancellations will be posted on Facebook, Nextdoor, and Twitter.

Safety, Equity & Outreach Meeting this Saturday

Saturday, May 1
10:00-11:00am | Armatage Park (outdoors, wear a mask)

Join the new Safety, Equity & Outreach Committee‘s outdoor meeting this Saturday, May 1 from 10:00-11:00am to discuss a wide range of topics including equity, public safety, our neighborhood’s relationship with police, and how the ANA can better reach out to community members who need it most.

Please meet near the pool at Armatage Park, wear a mask, and plan to distance. Kids welcome to join and play. In case of rain, we’ll meet on Zoom. Register at http://bit.ly/ANAmtgs

Armatage Annual Meeting

Tuesday, May 18
6:30-8:00pm | Zoom

Join your neighbors for a virtual Armatage Annual Meeting! Register at https://bit.ly/ANAmtgs to hear from the leaders of Armatage Reparations & Equity Action, connect with State Representative Jamie Long, City Council Member Linea Palmisano and County Commissioner Marion Greene, win a gift card to a local business, hear board election results, and learn what the ANA is doing for our community.

Online Board Election: May 11-18

Make your voice heard and vote in the Online Board Election from May 11 through May 18 at 7:30pm. All Armatage residents 18 years and older and designated business/institutional representatives are able to vote in the election through an online form that will be posted at armatage.org on May 11. Please see above for more details on running for election!

Minnesota Rent Help

RentHelpMN was created to help Minnesotans who have fallen behind on their rent or utility bills or fear that could happen. If you find yourself in this position, RentHelpMN is here to help. Eligible renters can receive help with rent and utility bills dated on or after March 13, 2020. If you qualify, you could receive up to 15 months of total assistance.

Find out if you qualify and apply at http://renthelpmn.org or by calling 211, which has dedicated multilingual staff available to answer questions from 8:00am until 8:00pm, Monday through Saturday.

Garden Tool Swap: May 8

Saturday, May 8
11:00am-1:00pm | Various Locations

Spring is officially here! To celebrate many of us are turning towards our home and our green spaces. When cleaning out your storage, hang on to unused yard tools, gardening items, and plant-related equipment and bring them to the first ever city-wide Garden Tool Swap!  Our closest location is at Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Park (4055 Nicollet Ave S). See items to bring, other swap locations and more details here.

The swap is hosted by Minneapolis Solid Waste & Recycling and community partners. ALL are welcome at the free event, whether you’re a first-time gardener or have a green thumb.

  • All items are intended to be given and taken freely. Garden tools and equipment are not for sale at this event.
  • Please be respectful of your neighbors. Take only what you need so everyone can participate.
  • Wear face coverings and maintain at least 6 feet distance from others.

Social Media – Think Before You Post

Social media can be a great way to stay informed, but we all know, especially in stressful times, messages can take a turn.

  • How would you feel if someone directed your statement at your child/parent/significant other/etc.?
  • Would you share this point-of-view at work/church/public meeting?
  • Would you say this comment in-person to the individual or group of people you are referring to?

To help us all be both good neighbors and sharers of good information, the ANA will continue to compile safety resources through the August trials at https://armatage.org/trial/

Armatage Welcome Bags

Have you or someone on your block recently moved to Armatage? If so, we want to bring you an Armatage Welcome Bag! The groovy, reusable tote bag’s contents include useful information on the ANA, elected representatives, governmental services, local businesses, and a couple of fun items to welcome you.

  • Homeowners: be on the lookout for friendly ANA volunteers Ethan (pictured) or Kevin with a Welcome Bag with your name on it! They’ll swing by to do a masked, distanced drop-off.
  • Renters: if you are a renter who moved in during the past year or if you own a rental property in the neighborhood and have new tenants, please reach out to us at anacoordinator@armatage.org and let us know where we can drop off a Welcome Bag!

Community Safety Workshops

Nonviolent Peaceforce is holding Community Safety Training Workshops on May 8 and May 22 from Saturday from 11:00am-5:00pm (optional breakfast will be provided for participants at 10:00am) located outdoors in the Little Earth Neighborhood (meet at Cedar Ave S & 24th St E, Minneapolis, MN 55404). All are welcome to register at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CommunitySafetyWorkshop Wear a mask and plan to distance. Seating and lunch provided.

The Community Safety Training Workshops focus on preparing individuals and communities for handling community safety concerns and situations. The learning objectives are rooted in Unarmed Civilian Protection (UCP) and aim to supply participants with skills for approaching safety concerns and providing a safe space for the community. Learn more at https://www.nonviolentpeaceforce.org/articles/940-cst

911, 311 & New Minneapolis Tip Line

If you need assistance, there are a few different avenues to get help:

  • Call 911 for emergencies where someone’s safety is at risk that requires an immediate response from police, firefighters, or medics.
  • Call 612-673-5335 or text 847411 to report suspicious activity directly to MPD that doesn’t require an emergency response (example: reporting a fast-moving car without license plates or spotting something odd in an alley)
  • Call Minneapolis 311 at 311 or 612-673-3000 or email Minneapolis311@minneapolismn.gov for non-emergency concerns.

Get Involved on an Armatage Committee

Neighbors are encouraged to join an Armatage Committee and get involved. Currently, most meetings are held on Zoom. Click on each group’s link below to learn more. Register to attend a meeting at https://bit.ly/ANAmtgs

  • Safety, Equity & Outreach will next meet this Saturday, May 1 from 10:00-11:00am at Armatage Park (see more above). Kids welcome and plan to wear a mask.
  • Community Engagement next meets Thursday, May 6 from 5:30-6:30pm on Zoom.
  • The Green Team will next meet on Thursday, May 13 from 7:00-8:15pm.

Street Sweeping is Underway

See the schedule and get ready to avoid a ticket and tow at https://www.minneapolismn.gov/getting-around/parking-driving/street-sweep/

March 18, 2021 eNews

March 16, 2021 Meeting Recap

Congratulations to newly-elected board member Janhel Leandre! Council Member Linea Palmisano addressed concerns on the trial, Roof Depot building in East Phillips, and charges files after recent carjacking arrests. Members of Armatage Reparations & Equity Action (AREA) shared how they’re helping more neighbors renounce racial housing covenants on their homes. Save the date for more on AREA at the Armatage Annual Meeting on May 18 on Zoom.

The ANA Board approved funds for web hosting and for take home planting kits for Community Engagement’s upcoming spring food truck event. All are welcome to join Armatage meetings. Register to attend at http://bit.ly/ANAmtgs

Armatage Solar Workshop

Tuesday, March 30
7:00pm | Zoom

Join the Armatage Green Team and the Minnesota Renewable Energy Society (MRES) for a free community workshop on solar options including rooftop solar, solar gardens, options for renters and more! Register to attend at https://forms.gle/NNSk3FVnePjmbzVz8

The workshop is free to attend, will last approximately 60 minutes, and is open to all, whether you live in Armatage or not. All attendees will be entered to win a solar portable charger (generously donated by MRES) or a $25 gift card to either Wagner’s or Ace (donated by the ANA and Green Team). Must be present to win.

Hennepin County Emergency Rent Assistance: Apply through March 19

Hennepin County is offering emergency rent assistance. Households with unpaid rent and low incomes may qualify. The deadline to apply is noon tomorrow (Friday, March 19). Click here to apply now.

While you can’t be evicted for not paying rent during Governor Walz’s executive order, rent is still due. When the order is lifted, people owing unpaid rent could be at risk for eviction. This is an initial short-term program for urgent needs. More help will be offered through a statewide COVID-19 Emergency Rent Assistance program opening later this month.


Renouncing Racial Housing Covenants

Not long ago, racial covenants barred anyone who wasn’t white from owning hundreds of Armatage homes. Armatage Reparations & Equity Action (AREA) is a new group of local neighbors raising awareness of the covenants and their legacy. Although unenforceable today, the covenants still shape Southwest Minneapolis in 2021.

AREA publicly launched in January and has inspired at least 17 Armatage households to renounce their covenants. They invite you to join them. In the weeks and months ahead, they will launch a variety of initiatives intended to counter the covenants’ long-term effects. Learn more at AREA1946.com or at the May 18 Armatage Annual Meeting.

The City of Minneapolis also recently launched the Just Deeds program to help ALL Minneapolis residents denounce racial housing covenants on their homes. Learn more and apply at https://www2.minneapolismn.gov/government/departments/attorney/just-deeds/

City Safety & Trial Info

The City of Minneapolis launched a new webpage to keep our community safe and informed during the trial of former officer Derek Chauvin. Find updates on current street closures, sign up for trial updates, report suspicious activity, and find mental health resources for support during this traumatic time at https://www.minneapolismn.gov/government/programs-initiatives/trial-support-safety/

If you need assistance:

  • Call 911 for emergencies where someone’s safety is at risk that requires an immediate response from police, firefighters, or medics.
  • Call 612-692-TIPS (8477) or text 847411 to report suspicious activity directly to MPD that doesn’t require an emergency response (example: reporting a fast-moving car without license plates or spotting something odd in an alley)
  • Call Minneapolis 311 at 311 or 612-673-3000 or email Minneapolis311@minneapolismn.gov for non-emergency concerns.

Our colleagues at the Minneapolis Downtown Council put together a helpful guide with dates, links, and FAQs on the upcoming trial. Check it out at https://www.mplsdowntown.com/trial/


Kid Clutter Pickup Drive in Armatage

Spring is here! Clean out all your outgrown kid stuff during the Kid Clutter Pickup Drive in Armatage on April 1st – 5th.

Kid A will pick up your used baby and kid items, pay you for gear they resell, and donate everything else to local organizations like Free Bikes 4 Kids MN and Arc’s Value Village.

Turn your kid clutter into community resources in one convenient and safe pickup – reserve a time now (slots are limited), then get ready to declutter! Learn more at https://kidamarketplace.com/pickup-drive

Discount Compost Bin & Rain Barrel Sale

Get a jump-start on gardening by ordering a discount compost bin ($66) or rain barrel ($79) through the City of Minneapolis and the Recycling Association of Minnesota this spring. You can pick up your order on May 15 from 9:00am-12:00pm at the Minneapolis Recycling Operations Facility, 2710 Pacific Street, Minneapolis, MN. Learn more at https://recycleminnesota.org/work/compost-bins-rain-barrels/

New Solid Waste & Recycling Facebook Group

Join the new Minneapolis Solid Waste, Recycling, and Organics Facebook group and talk with your fellow community members on all things garbage, recycling and organics recycling (composting). If you’re unsure whether an item is recyclable or compostable, your friends, family and neighbors in this group and Solid Waste & Recycling staff will help you find the answer.

Stay up to date on news and events happening in your community and learn useful tips and tricks to recycle, compost, reuse, and reduce waste as well. Please note if your garbage, recycling, organics, etc. were missed, or you received an educational tag on one of your carts – please call our office at 612-673-2917. These issues cannot be addressed in the Facebook group. Click here to join.


Low Cost Blue Thumb Spring Workshops

Blue Thumb is offering low cost DIY workshops again this spring. Topics include Bee Lawns, Resilient Yards and Planting for Pollinators. Attendees can get practical ideas for strengthening their yard while protecting the environment.

Staff from Metro Blooms, Blue Thumb’s parent organization, lead the workshops, which start in March. Each workshop costs $15 unless otherwise noted. Scholarships are available on request. More information and registration details can be found at https://bluethumb.org/events/ or by leaving a message at 651-699-2426. Presentations will be recorded for registrants who are not able to attend.

Get Involved on an Armatage Committee

The ANA just launched two NEW Armatage Committees! Neighbors are encouraged to join and get involved. Currently, all meetings are held on Zoom. Click on each group’s link below to learn more. Register to attend a meeting at https://bit.ly/ANAmtgs

 

 

 

 

 

Community Engagement next meets Thursday, April 1 from 5:30-6:30pm on Zoom to plan a distanced community event in May. Stay tuned!


The Green Team will next meet on Thursday, April 8 from 7:00-8:15pm.


Safety, Equity & Outreach will next meet on Saturday, April 10 from 10:00-11:00am at Armatage Park. Kids welcome and plan to wear a mask. Please note the date change due to Spring Break, Passover and Easter.

February 23, 2021 eNews

February 16 Meeting Recap

Chef Daniel del Prado of Colita and consultant Geri Wolf shared plans for a second Café Ceres location to open at 5401 Penn Ave S later this spring. The proposed cafe will focus on breakfast and lunch service, include an application to the City of Minneapolis for an on-sale liquor license for specialty events, and offer some outdoor patio seating. Community members in attendance asked questions regarding the menu and hours of operation (~7:00am-3:00pm) and shared their feedback. A motion of support passed unanimously and will be shared with the City.

The ANA also elected Nikki Lindberg as Secretary and approved funding for website technical support, communications software, and door prizes for an upcoming Green Team solar workshop. Attendees broke into small groups and outlined initial goals, meeting plans for two new Armatage Committees, Community Engagement and Safety, Equity & Outreach. See below for more on how to join. Neighbors are encouraged to register to attend a monthly board or committee meeting at http://bit.ly/ANAmtgs

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Palmisano Presents: Public Safety Update (Virtual)

Wednesday, February 24th
6:30-8pm

Join Ward 13 Council Member Linea Palmisano for a forum on public safety with new MPD 5th Precinct Inspector Katie Blackwell.

To register, please email josie.vautrin@minneapolismn.gov. All are welcome, RSVPs are for event capacity planning purposes.


Public Hearing on Rent Stabilization: February 24

An online public hearing is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, February 24 on proposed rent stabilization charter amendments during the City Council’s Policy & Government Oversight Committee meeting.

The proposed amendments would allow either the City Council, or the people of Minneapolis by a petition process, to adopt a rent stabilization law. If passed, these charter amendments will not, on their own, create a rent stabilization policy. Rather, they will give future City Councils and the people of Minneapolis all possible options to adopt a rent stabilization policy through the methods allowed under current state law.  Learn how to participate in online public hearings and sign up to speak here.

Get Involved on an Armatage Committee

The ANA is excited to announce that we are launching two NEW Armatage Committees! Neighbors are encouraged to join and get involved. Currently, all meetings are held on Zoom. Click on each group’s link below to learn more. Register to attend at https://bit.ly/ANAmtgs

Community Engagement will meet on Thursday, March 4 from 5:30-6:30pm.


Safety, Equity & Outreach will meet on Saturday, March 6 from 10:00-11:00am.


The Green Team will meet on Thursday, March 11 from 7:00-8:15pm.

March Special Election

We’re holding a special election for one open board seat on March 16!  Learn more about the duties and register to run at https://armatage.org/march-2021-special-election/

Second Reading Circle

Join the Armatage Green Team for a monthly reading circle on All We Can Save – Truth, Courage, and Solutions for the Climate Crisis. The next circle is Thursday, March 4 at 7:00pm on Zoom to discuss Chapter 2: Advocate. Register at armatage.org/reading-circle/

If buying a book is a financial hardship, we can help: email anacoordinator@armatage.org for a copy.

Armatage Play Area Plan Approved

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) approved the concept plan for a new playground at Armatage Park, which includes replacing the equipment and surfacing of the park’s existing play areas. The new play areas are designed for universal accessibility so they can be accessed, understood, enjoyed, and used to the greatest extent possible by all children regardless of size, ability, or disability.

In addition to an ADA-accessible swing, belt swing and two infant swings, the approved plan includes a tire swing, based on requests from the community and an MPRB commissioner.

Next Steps

It is anticipated that construction will occur this summer and the new play areas will be complete during the summer or early fall. Actual dates will be announced once a construction contract is approved.  Sign up for updates at https://bit.ly/armatagepark

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Hennepin County Climate Action Plan

Hennepin County release its draft Climate Action Plan, which was created through feedback from many stakeholders, and sets goals tto mitigate the damaging impacts of climate change and better prepare the county to be more resilient as climate change presents new challenges to the region.

Submit your feedback here by Wednesday, March 3.

Minneapolis Black History Month Online Events

In celebration of Black History Month, the Minneapolis Department of Civil Rights is honoring several community leaders as part of the History Makers at Home series. Whether “home” is defined as a city, region or state, this program is intended to honor changemakers identified by the community as working to create a lasting impact for future generations.

The final event in the series is this Thursday, February 25 from 12:00-1:00pm: Grateful and Rooted

Celebrate Black History Month with the MIA

Celebrate the exceptional historical and creative cultural contributions made by African American artists with exhibitions, virtual events, videos, stories, and more. For links to the Minneapolis Institute of Arts’ free offerings, visit https://new.artsmia.org/black-history-month


Free Fun on the Run for Youth & Teens

Got a kid or teen who needs more time outside this winter?  Check out the parks’ staffed Winter Fun on the Run for free outdoor recreation and activities. No registration is necessary: all youth and teens are welcome to drop by between 3:30 pm and 5:30 pm for fun and games at a safe – and social! – distance. In Southwest, staff will be at Linden Hills Park on Mondays and at Lyndale Farmstead Park on Wednesdays (apologies that we had this reversed in previous emails!).

MPRB staff sanitize equipment after each use and help ensure participants follow social distancing guidelines. Distanced activities include sledding, kick sledding, snow soccer, snow fort building, snowman building, snow corn hole and more. Learn more including helpful hints before you go here.

Statewide Vaccine Finder

The State of Minnesota has a statewide vaccine finder to better connect Minnesotans to vaccination opportunities in communities near where they live. Learn more about the State’s vaccine distribution plan here.

New Salt Mini Course

The City of Minneapolis has launched a new educational program, the Minneapolis Salt Mini Course, and would love for you to be a part of it! The mini course is self-guided and consists of reading through a few lessons and watching videos.

Take the course and you will learn about the consequences of over salting and what you can do to help protect our waters! Upon completion, you can pledge to practice salt stewardship in your community and request a salt decal to show your commitment. Will you join us in doing your part to keep our waters clean?

January 26, 2021 eNews

January 19, 2021 Meeting Recap

Thank you to everyone who voted in the Special Election last week – it was a close race. Congratulations to our newly-elected board member, Nikki Lindberg!

The ANA also discussed potential changes to the Mini Grant program, the Green Team’s upcoming Let’s Talk About Plastic series and Reading Circle (see below!), and voted to add a committee participation requirement for board members.

Transforming Community Safety Meeting

The City of Mpls will host upcoming Transforming Community Safety meeting tonight (Tuesday, January 26).  See below for info and how to participate:

Transforming Community Safety online meeting

6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 26
Learn more about the City’s work to transform community safety and upcoming engagement opportunities. RSVP here to attend.

Read more about the City’s work on community safety here.

Learn More AND Limit Your Use of Plastic

There is still time to sign up to learn about the problems with plastic, why recycling alone isn’t the answer, and practical strategies to rethink your purchasing and drastically limit your use of this problematic material. Open to all even if you don’t live in Armatage. Register at https://armatage.org/plastics/:

  • Through Jan 31: Get a link to screen the groundbreaking film, The Story of Plastic, and learn the real truth behind the global plastic pollution crisis from the comfort of your home.
  • Jan 28 at 7:30pm: Attend our free virtual workshop on The Problem with Plastic & Practical Alternatives. Fabulous speakers from the City of Minneapolis, Eureka Recycling & local zero waste hub Tare Market will share an insider’s look at the challenges with plastic recycling in Minneapolis, where our plastics go for recycling, and LOTS of strategies to meaningfully reduce your use of plastic at home and move toward zero waste.

Winter Reading Circle

We’re excited for our first-ever Reading Circle, hosted by the Armatage Green Team! This will be a slothful book club: each month, neighbors will read one section of All We Can Save – Truth, Courage, and Solutions for the Climate Crisis and come together as a group to discuss. Sign up for the first meeting on Monday 2/1 at 7:00pm on Zoom at armatage.org/reading-circle/

Need a book? Times are tight and we can help: email anacoordinator@armatage.org and we will bring you a copy.

Armatage Welcome Bags

Attention new neighbors! If you’ve recently moved into the neighborhood, we want to bring you a Welcome Bag! The groovy, reusable tote bag’s contents include useful information on the Armatage Neighborhood Association (ANA), elected representatives, governmental services, local businesses, and a couple of fun items to welcome you.

  • Homeowners: be on the lookout for friendly ANA volunteers Ethan (pictured) or Kevin with a Welcome Bag with your name on it! They’ll swing by to do a masked, distanced drop-off.
  • Renters: if you are a renter who moved in during the past year or if you own a rental property in the neighborhood and have new tenants, please reach out to us at anacoordinator@armatage.org and let us know where we can drop off a Welcome Bag!

Block Leader Contact Info

We’re gathering block leader contact information for every block in Armatage and need your help! Currently, block leader information cannot be shared or accessed by the neighborhood. If you are a block leader, please send your name, address, email address, phone, and the block(s) that you represent to me at anacoordinator@armatage.org

Interested in learning more about block and apartment clubs and how they work? Visit http://bit.ly/blockclubs

Keep Calm and Use Less Salt

When snow and ice melt, the road salt must go somewhere. When over applied, the excess salt flows directly into ditches and storm drains and then into lakes, streams, wetlands, and groundwater. Salt does not breakdown or degrade over time and instead will persist, permanently polluting our waterways.

Less is more when it comes to applying salt because at high concentrations, chloride can harm the fish and plant life in our waters and alter the taste of drinking water. In fact, the salt sitting on the pavement is no longer helping us, it’s hurting us and polluting our waters. We’ve all seen it and now it’s time to address the problem head on.

More salting does not mean more melting. Remember these 4 steps during our next storm:

  • Shovel and scrape before snow compacts,
  • Select the correct de-icer,
  • Scatter salt only where critical, and
  • Sweep up and reuse leftover salt.

Salt is widely used and is an important public safety tool in winter conditions. The goal is not to compromise public safety, but instead advocate how we can wisely use salt to provide safe conditions and be mindful of the environment. If you’re interested in learning more or have any questions, feel free to reach out to Lianna at lianna.goldstein@minneapolismn.gov