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