Happy Holidays from the Armatage Neighborhood Association!
December 17 Meeting Recap
Council Member Linea Palmisano gave an update on the City Budget, new law enforcement training facility, and Vision Zero Plan implementation that may include safety efforts like lowering the speed limit for all Minneapolis streets, adjustments to high injury corridors, addressing unsafe behavior, education, and enforcement.
The Board voted to renew both the Coordinator and Accountant staffing contracts for 2020. Our Coordinator, Lauren Anderson, and Accountant, Rachel Ireland-Henry, are looking forward to another great year with the ANA! The Board also discussed its anticipated 2020 programming, including a few upcoming events in January:
- Neighborhood Happy Hour • January 14 • 7:00-9:00pm • Red Wagon Pizza
- Chili Cook-off • January 24 • 6:30-8:30pm • Armatage Park’s Fire & Ice event.
- Mini Grants Info Session • January 30 • 7:00pm • Book Club Restaurant
Armatage Chili Cook-off
Friday, January 24
6:30-8:30pm
Armatage Park Fire & Ice Skating Party
Do you claim to have the best chili? Put it to the test and sign up for the First Annual Armatage Chili Cook-off to compete against your neighbors and claim the prize of the best chili in the neighborhood.
The Chili Cook-off takes place inside the Armatage Rec Center on Friday, January 24 from 6:30-8:30pm as part of Armatage Park’s Fire & Ice free skating party. Registration closes on Sunday, January 19 so competitors are encouraged to sign up here as soon as possible to reserve their spot. It’s free to compete and just $5 to eat. Competitors should plan to bring a full crock-pot or instant pot of chili to the park by 6:00pm on January 24.
Last Chance for a 2019 Safety Rebate
The Armatage Neighborhood Association offers rebates to residents for up to $100 per calendar year for eligible home safety updates. If you’ve been thinking about upgrading your exterior lighting, deadbolt locks, adding security cameras, or more, check our list of eligible expenses and apply for a Safety Rebate before December 31 to take advantage of the 2019 program. If you’ve already gotten a rebate this year, you’ll have the opportunity to apply again in January.
The Resident Safety Rebate program is open to both renters and homeowners and the Business Safety Rebate program is open to any business operating in Armatage. Learn more at armatage.org/programs/safety-rebate-program
If you have a neighborhood project or idea you have always wanted to explore, we invite you to apply for a Mini Grant to support that dream. Applications for the next round of funding will be available on January 6, 2020 at armatage.org/mini-grants and are due February 29, 2020.
Any resident or organization connected to Armatage can apply for up to $1,000 to support a project that directly benefits the neighborhood. Some restrictions apply: grant funds cannot be used for general operating, food, entertainment, religious, partisan, or capital expenses. Learn more at armatage.org/mini-grants or save the date for our upcoming Info Sessions:
- Thursday, January 30 • 7:00pm • Book Club (5411 Penn Ave S)
- Tuesday, February 11 • 7:00pm • Armatage Park
Comprehensive District Design Studies & Listening Sessions
Have you been following the district’s Comprehensive District Design process that aims to increase equity and close student achievement gaps in MPS? Two new studies available this week propose changes to Minneapolis Public Schools’ magnet programs and community school boundaries. The studies outline significant proposed changes for Armatage School and Zone 3. If passed by the school board next spring, proposed changes would start to take effect in Fall 2021.
Community listening sessions are scheduled for January and February and you can also give feedback online. Learn more about the Comprehensive District Design process here.
Comment on the City’s ADA Transition Plan
The City of Minneapolis is seeking public comment on the draft Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Transition Plan for Public Works – a plan that identifies priorities for removing accessibility barriers in the City’s public right of way.
The City is accepting comments on the draft plan through December 27. It is a supplemental plan to the City’s ADA Action Plan, a comprehensive policy document for the City of Minneapolis to comply with the Title II requirements of the ADA. The draft plan was last updated in 2012.
55th & Washburn Holiday Lights
Learn all about how the 5500 block of Washburn Avenue S hangs their magical holiday lights along the boulevard from Armatage resident Jess Bell at armatage.org/lights
Photo credit: Matt Sepeta
Apply for Lawns to Legumes Pollinator Grants
Applications are now open for the state’s new Lawns to Legumes Assistance program, through which all Minnesota residents are eligible to apply for a $350 cost-share in order to establish pollinator habitat in their yards. Applications will be chosen through a randomized drawing, with priority given to projects in high-priority areas – including our community! The first application period runs through Feb. 28. Submit your materials today!
Minneapolis 2040 Comprehensive Plan
On October 25, 2019, the Minneapolis City Council adopted a resolution to approve the City’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan. Implementation of the plan is already underway and will focus on achieving the goals of eliminating racial disparities, expanding housing options, addressing climate change and improving the lives of residents throughout Minneapolis.
Initial implementation efforts include a text amendment to the zoning ordinance that allows 3-unit residential buildings in areas previously reserved for only single-family residences, and a permanent Inclusionary Zoning ordinance, both of which go into effect on January 1, 2020. In the coming years the City will continue to implement elements of the 2040 Plan.
Free Manufacturing Career Training
Local nonprofit HIRED is offering free manufacturing career training and certification courses. The next round of training begins January 21, 2020 and priority is given to Minneapolis residents. Learn more and apply at http://www.hired.org/training/manufacturing/