Category Archives: Funding

November 3, 2022 eNews

Halloween Tour Results are In

Thank you to everyone who hosted a display, participated in, or voted in this year’s Halloween Tour!  The results are in and voting was close this year!

Huge thanks to Book Club for generously donating a $50 gift card to each of the following displays:

  • Best use of Pumpkins: 5642 Oliver Ave S (bottom left)
  • Spookiest: 5621 Morgan Ave S (top left)
  • Kenny Neighborhood Fave: 5428 James Ave S (bottom right)
  • Armatage Neighborhood Fave: 5821 Sheridan Ave S (top right)

Give Today to Support the ANA

We hope you’ll join us in supporting the Armatage Neighborhood Association with a Give to the Max Day donation this year. Give to the Max Day is Nov 17, but you can give early today. With your help, the ANA works to make Armatage a place where all are welcome, empowered, and connected through community-building events, environmental work, safety initiatives, advocacy and communications that keep you informed and engaged.

Big or small, EVERY donation matters!  Give today at 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.

Get Ready to Vote in the 2022 Election

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

Field + Festival Holiday Market at Wagners

Field + Festival’s popular holiday markets at Wagner’s Garden Center are BACK! Check out the food and maker market series every Saturday and Sunday from 10am–2pm this holiday season. The fun happens inside the Wagners greenhouses, a warm escape perfect for holiday shopping!

Check out each week’s participating vendors and learn more at https://www.fieldandfestival.com/events

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.

Find more information on organics recycling on the Solid Waste & Recycling webpages.

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, for this write-up!

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 is Underway

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.

Are You Signed up for Snow Emergency Alerts?

Snow season is approaching (noooooo!). The City of Minneapolis mailed out snow emergency info last week so now is a great time to make sure you’re signed up to receive alerts.  You can sign up for text, email and phone alerts and download the Minneapolis Snow Emergency smartphone app at https://www.minneapolismn.gov/getting-around/snow/snow-emergencies/snow-updates/

When a Snow Emergency is declared, parking rules take effect so plows can clear the streets. Plowing the streets completely requires vehicles parked on streets to move. We all have to work together to do our part and follow the parking rules so plows can do the best job possible and we can avoid a ticket and tow.

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.

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.

Graphic with a blue background and coral flowers that says "Donate Today. The Armatage Neighborhood Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit."

Enjoy the eNews? Support Our Work

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.

October 13, 2022 eNews

Oct 18, 2022 Meeting Agenda

Come one, come all to the Armatage Monthly Meeting next Tuesday, Oct 18 at 6:30pm!  Meetings now kick off with comments from community members and we’d love to have you attend and share your thoughts, concerns, and ideas! Park Board Commissioner Cathy Abene will join us this month – come check it out!

  • Welcome and Introductions (6:30pm)
  • Comments from the Community (6:35pm)
  • Armatage Park Director Dillon Clements (6:45pm)
  • Board Representation Survey – City of Mpls Neighborhood & Community Relations (6:50pm)
  • Commissioner Cathy Abene (7:10pm)
  • Edits & Approval of 2023-2024 City Funding Application (7:25pm)
  • Approval of Minutes & Financials (7:40pm)
  • Board Refresher Training (7:45pm)

Sign up for the Kenny & Armatage Halloween Tour

Registration is open for the annual Halloween Tour! We’re excited to partner with our neighbors in Kenny this year! Learn more and sign up at armatage.org/2022halloweentour/ through Oct 19. By signing up, you agree to have your decorations up each night of the tour AND to have the your address published on our map.

Visitors will be able to vote for their favorite displays in each category: 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!

Neighborhood Funding Changes for 2023

The Southwest Connector just released a story on the reduced funding for many neighborhoods including Armatage starting this January. Please check it out here.

Minneapolis School Board Candidate Forum

The League of Women Voters Minneapolis will host a Candidate Forum for Minneapolis School Board with the Advancing Equity Coalition on Sat, Oct 15 from 1–2:30 pm at the University of Minnesota Research and Outreach-Engagement Center (UROC), 2001 Plymouth Ave. N, Minneapolis.

This event is free and open to the public. Can’t attend in person? The forum will be live streamed at https://youtu.be/d3LMGXBCM4k and a recording will be available after the event at www.lwvmpls.org. Submit questions before the event to vote@lwvmpls.org. Audience members will also have the opportunity to anonymously submit questions in writing at the event.


Fall Market at Wagners this Sat

Wagner’s popular holiday markets are BACK! Join them this fall and holiday season for a food and maker market series that happens indoors at the Wagners greenhouse! The next Fall Market will be this Sat, Oct 15 from 10am–2pm. More details on this and upcoming events is at fieldandfestival.com

Nokomis Farmers Market Pop-up Tonight!

Our neighbors in South Mpls are hosting a fundraiser to bring back the Nokomis Farmers Market next season and you’re invited! Head to the Nokomis Farmers Market at 5167 Chicago Ave TONIGHT (Thurs, Oct 13) from 4–6:30pm for tons of vendors, live music artists, and food trucks!  The Nokomis Farmers Market is run by Neighborhood Roots, which also runs the Fulton and Kingfield Farmers Markets. Learn more here.

Ward 13 Climate & Sustainability Initiatives Forum

Join Council Vice President Linea Palmisano for a conversation about climate and sustainability actions/initiatives in the City of Minneapolis on Mon, Oct 24 from 6:30–8pm.

Special Guests and Presenters:

  • Heidi Ritchie, Interim City of Minneapolis Commissioner of Health
  • Patrick Hanlon, City of Minneapolis Director of Environmental Programs
  • Kim Havey, City of Minneapolis Sustainability Manager
  • David Wilson, Green Minneapolis Board Chair

Please register on Eventbrite so you get reminder or the link to stream the forum if you choose to attend virtually.

Apply for Neighborhood Traffic Calming

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!

Street Sweeping Starts Oct 18

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. A friendly reminder that it’s against the law to sweep your yard or boulevard leaves into the street. Use the City Yard Waste program instead.

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. Daniel will give a longer talk about this project at the Dec  20 Armatage Monthly Meeting.

National Hispanic Heritage Month

September 15th-October 15th is National Hispanic Heritage Month. September 15th was chosen as the commemoration date because it is the anniversary of the independence of five Hispanic countries. It is the anniversary of the Cry of Dolores, which marked the start of the Mexican War of Independence and thus resulted (in 1821) in independence for the New Spain Colony, which is now Mexico and the Central American nations of Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Honduras, and Nicaragua.

National Hispanic Heritage Month is a time for recognizing the contributions and influence of Hispanic and Latino Americans to the history, culture, and achievements for the United States. It is also a time for the U.S. Military to honor both fallen and active-duty Hispanic Americans who served in the armed forces. Sixty-one people of Hispanic heritage have been awarded the Medal of Honor.

This year’s theme is Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation. The theme is to encourage all voices to be represented and welcomed to help build stronger communities and a stronger nation. Did you know that Latinos are the largest ethnic minority (57.5 million) in the U.S. and that 40 million U.S. residents aged 5 and older speak Spanish at home?

Meet Minneapolis has compiled a list of art studios, markets, restaurants and special events where you can support local businesses or celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month.

Upcoming events include: Cine Latino, the upper Midwest’s largest showcase of the best new films from U.S. LatinX, Latin American, and Iberian cinema, from Oct. 13-20

Thanks to Armatage neighbor, Sheila Dingels, for this fabulous write-up!

Energy Assistance Program

Too many low-income residents of Hennepin County have to choose between paying their energy bill and other necessities like food, medicine and healthcare.  The Energy Assistance Program can help!  Call 952-930-3541 or visit www.caphennepin.org for more info.

October 14, 2021 eNews

October 19, 2021 Agenda

Community members are encouraged to join the ANA Monthly Meeting this Tuesday, October 19 from 6:30-8:30pm. This month’s meeting will be held on Zoom. Register at bit.ly/ANAmtgs

  • Welcome and Introductions
  • Park Update – Jordan Nelson, Armatage Park Director (6:35pm)
  • Southwest Voices – Charlie Rybak (6:40pm)
  • Edits & Approval of New Bylaws (7:00pm)
  • Edits & Approval of Plan Mod (7:15pm)
  • Draft ADA & Language Access Policies (7:30pm)
  • Coordinator Report (7:50pm)
  • Committee 3 Minute Updates (8:00pm)
  • New Business

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

There are just two days left to weigh in on the ANA’s draft bylaws and funding plan! Learn how the ANA plans to update its governing bylaws to comply with the City of Minneapolis’s new funding program and how it plans to add more funds to its reserve community engagement and staffing budgets. Thank you to the many of you who have already voting for making your voice heard!

Click here to learn more about the plans and vote by tomorrow (Friday, October 15) at 11:59pm. You can also call or text us at 612.466.0296 or email us at anacoordinator@armatage.org. As long as your vote gets in before the deadline, it will be counted.

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

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 Monday, October 18 at 11:59pm and be a bright spot in the neighborhood this season! Learn more and register at https://armatage.org/halloweentour

Upcoming Candidate & Charter 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!

Charter Amendment Forum

Saturday, October 16 | 10:00-11:30am

Not sure about the proposed charter amendments? This Saturday’s forum will cover the topics of public safety, rent control, and the structure of city government. Advocates in favor of and opposed to each charter amendment will make their case, and help you decide which way to vote. Register to attend: https://forms.gle/eLyRqiZ9LDuZAHH98

You can also check out this handy fact sheet that outlines the arguments for and against each amendment here. Sponsored by Minneapolis neighborhood organizations (including the ANA) and moderated by the League of Women Voters.

Ward 13 Candidate Forum

Tuesday, October 19 | 7:00pm (rescheduled date)

Join us online for a Ward 13 Candidate Forum on Tuesday, October 19 from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. Candidates and the moderator will be in-person, but there will be no live audience. The forum will be recorded and livestreamed on the League of Women Voters Minneapolis Facebook page. Sponsored by Ward 13 neighborhoods (including the ANA). Register to live stream the event at https://lindenhills.org/ward-13-forum/

Graphic from the Minneapolis Park Board District 6 Candidate Forum held on September 28. Recording available.

Park Board District 6 Candidate Forum

In case you missed last month’s Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board District 6 Candidate Forum, check out the recording at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mtV9pSqEdY8

Picture of a Minneapolis Streep Sweeping truck on a city street

Street Sweeping Starts Next Week

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/

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!

Take the Transforming Community Safety Survey

Please complete the Office of Violence Prevention’s Transforming Community Safety Survey to share your thoughts on a new model of community safety. The purpose of the survey is to give members of the Minneapolis community an opportunity to identify what safety looks like and provide ideas for how a new model can be accomplished

The Office of Violence Prevention will use feedback from this survey to create recommendations for elected leaders and guide our next steps in our community engagement

Click here to take the survey.

Jim Crow of the North Screening

Huge thanks to everyone who attended last week’s outdoor screening of Jim Crow of the North!  Sponsored by the Armatage Safety, Equity & Outreach Committee and hosted in partnership with AREA, we had a great turnout for the film AND got to hear from two great speakers from the Just Deeds Project and the City of Lakes Land Trust!

If you missed the screening but want to learn more, you can also view the documentary at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWQfDbbQv9E

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.

Bylaws & Funding Plan

Bylaws & Funding Plan Approved

Thank you to everyone who weighed in on the new Armatage Neighborhood Association Bylaws and Funding Plan (also called a Plan Modification).

Both the new Bylaws and the Funding Plan that shifts $65,000 in funds from repaid home loans to the neighborhood’s community engagement and staffing reserves were approved by the ANA Board on October 19, 2021.

Read through the new bylaws here.

Public Comment Period

The ANA held a public comment period from September 15 – October 15 to get input from the community on the proposed Bylaws and Plan Modification. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive on both and gathered through an online voting form that was posted on this page and at the Meet Your Community Helpers event on September 25.

The ANA Board met to discuss the community feedback received and make a final vote to approve on October 19. Thank you to everyone who took the time to weigh in and make their voice heard!

Total Votes Received

  • Online form • 34
  • In-person • 15
  • Phone or email • 0

Bylaws Votes

  • Votes received • 39 (some respondents only weighed in on the Funding Plan)
  • Percentage in favor of the new Bylaws • 97.4%

Funding Plan

  • Votes received • 49
  • Percentage in favor of the Funding Plan • 97.9%

July 8, 2021 eNews

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 art activities, free 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/

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.

Apply here for your City of Minneapolis street closure permit by July 20. If your street isn’t eligible for closure, you can also 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

Block Leader Contact Info

We’re putting out another call for block leader contact information and need your help!  If you are an Armatage block leader and haven’t already done so, please send your name, address, email address, phone, and the block(s) that you represent to us at anacoordinator@armatage.org

Currently, city block leader info can’t be shared or accessed by neighborhood organizations so we’re working to build our own list. Thanks to the MANY of you who have already sent in your info! Interested in learning more about block and apartment clubs and how they work? Visit 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.

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, 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

City Council Adopts American Rescue Plan Spending

The Minneapolis City Council voted July 2 to approve the first round of American Rescue Plan funding for the City of Minneapolis. The approved $102 million in funding features a strong emphasis on economic recovery, affordable housing, and community safety measures while piloting new programming like a Guaranteed Basic Income (GBI) Pilot.

The majority of the $102 million will be distributed beginning in August 2021. Mayor Frey will put forward his proposal for allocating the remaining approximately $169 million later this year.

View the final approved funding plan.

See details of the impacted programs.

Fall Park Registration is Open

Registration is now open for fall activities, programs, and sports through the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board!  Check out youth programs and activities here.

There are also tons of adult sports league options to check out. Don’t have a team? Sign up as a Free Agent. Looking to make some extra cash? Consider becoming an adult sports official!

2021 Windom Community Turf Alternatives Garden Tour

Windom Alternative Turf Garden Tour: July 17

Our friends at the Windom Community Council will host a tour of turf alternative gardens in Windom on Saturday, July 17 from 9:00am-12:00pm! Come view tour front yards and chat with experts including Master Gardeners, a native plant expert from Wild Ones, staff from Metro Blooms, and a Naturalist.

The garden tour is self-guided. Social distancing is encouraged. The final location list will be coming soon at www.windommpls.org/2021-turf-to-alternative-garden-tour

Home Energy Squad & 0% Loan Programs

The Home Energy Squad helps homeowners increase energy savings and comfort throughout the year.  During a two hour visit, a crew of two energy experts will visit your home to conduct an assessment to reveal opportunities for energy savings and the installation of energy saving products such as LED bulbs, door weather-stripping, water savers and a programmable thermostat, at no extra cost. There is also the option of a no-cost virtual consultation.

To increase energy savings this summer, for a limited time Xcel Energy is offering FREE smart thermostats for customers that have central air and sign up for the AC Rewards program. To help with financing energy efficiency upgrades Minneapolis residents can also take advantage of a 0% loan program. Recently the loan term increased to 10 years and the maximum increased to $20,000. To schedule an appointment with the Home Energy Squad, call 651-328-6220 or visit
mncee.org/hes

Take the Hennepin County Natural Resources Survey

We all play a role in protecting our natural resources, and Hennepin County needs to hear from you as they update the Natural Resources Strategic Plan. The updated plan will seek to better align with new county initiatives, shifting demographics, and changing landscapes. This is the first opportunity to incorporate the county’s climate and racial equity priorities into the foundation of the plan, and they will be seeking input from the community throughout the year-long plan development process to ensure your values and priorities are reflected.

Take the survey

Take Hennepin County’s survey here by August 1, 2021, to help shape priorities and let them know how you would like to be engaged in the update of the plan.

Red Hot Art Events

Our friends at the Stevens Square Community Organization are holding 20 events across Stevens Square-Loring Heights from June to October that are free and open to all. That’s 20 chances to eat, dance, play, connect, and enjoy art all summer long! Visit https://www.stevenssquare.org/redhotart to learn more.

July 8, 2020 eNews

Public Safety Conversations & Proposed Charter Amendment

Council Member Linea Palmisano is hosting several community dialogues virtually over the next week on the future of public safety in our city. Hour long calls are offered at different times to fit into your schedule and each has a limited capacity of participants. Sign up at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040449A9A628ABFC1-palmisano

Learn more about the City Council’s proposed charter amendment at http://www2.minneapolismn.gov/charter/WCMSP-225116 If passed, it would create a new Community Safety & Violence Prevention Department and remove the Police Department from the Charter. Submit comments and feedback directly to the Commission by emailing councilcomment@minneapolismn.gov or at the link above.

Next Armatage Virtual Happy Hour: July 14

Tuesday, July 14 | 8:00-9:00pm
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/502813335

Grab a snack or drink and join Armatage neighbors for our next Virtual Happy Hour on Zoom! This month is hosted by our Mini Grant Committee and the topic is what neighborhood project would you do with $1,000? Teens and older kids are encouraged to join and share their ideas. Anyone with a connection to Armatage can apply for a Mini Grant during our next funding round. Learn more about Virtual Happy Hours here.

Stay at Home & Vote by Mail

All Minnesota voters are eligible to vote by mail This year in particular, we encourage you to stay safe and minimize direct contact with others while exercising your civic duty. It only takes a couple minutes to request ballots for both the August 11 primary and the general election. Ballots will arrive with postage-paid envelopes for return. Complete the vote by mail application online here.

Vote early in-person

Early voting has also started for the August 11 State Primary. Visit the Minneapolis Early Vote Center (980 East Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis MN 55414) Monday-Friday between 8:00am and 4:30pm (Saturday hours start in August) if you prefer to vote early in-person. Schedules are posted at vote.minneapolismn.gov/events/ and don’t forget your mask!

Track my mail ballot

You can track the status of your ballot or confirm that it was received back and accepted without problem.


Pick up a Free 20 is Plenty Yard Sign

Did you know that both Minneapolis and Saint Paul are in the process of implementing new, lower speed limits to support safer streets? Starting this fall, the new speed limit will be 20 mph in both cities unless otherwise signed. Many busier streets already have new 25 mph speed limit signs installed. Learn more about new speed limits here.

To help get out the word out, you can pick up a free “20 is Plenty” yard sign at any Minneapolis Fire Station, Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm from July 6 to July 24 while supplies last. Due to COVID-19, signs will be available outside the stations for no-contact pickup. Signs come with metal stands. Find your nearest fire station here.

Armatage Safety Rebate Program Turns Two!

Cheers to two years of the Armatage Safety Rebate program! Since starting in July 2018, we’ve given out 180 residential rebates and 3 business rebates and counting.

How it works: to increase neighborhood safety, the ANA provides a rebate for the first $100 in expenses for eligible home safety improvements per address per calendar year (no lifetime cap). The residential program is open to both renters and homeowners.  For businesses, the rebate is up to $1,000/ year for businesses ($2,000 lifetime cap). Learn more about eligible expenses and apply for a rebate at  https://armatage.org/programs/safety-rebate-program

Upcoming Trainings on Resilience, Peace and Healing Racial Trauma

When terrible things happen, like racism, police brutality, and COVID-19, our peace has been stolen from us. Intro to STAR (Strategies for Trauma Awareness and Resilience) for Cultural Competence trainings teach how to build culturally competent peace back into our lives and communities with justice for all.

2-hour online trainings are led by the Minnesota Peacebuilding Leadership Institute and are partially funded by the City of Minneapolis’ Office of Violence Prevention to promote racial trauma healing, resilience, and restorative justice for all who live, work, and/or play in Minneapolis. Pay-what-you-can up to $30. Minnesota social workers, teachers, and nurses can earn 2 hours of continuing education for $45.

Click the date/time link to register:
Tuesday, July 14, 2020, 2pm – 4pm CST
Friday, July 17, 2020, 10am – 12pm CST
Tuesday, July 21, 2020, 2pm – 4pm CST
Thursday, July 23, 2020, 10am – 12pm CST
Tuesday, July 28, 2020, 2pm – 4pm CST
Friday, July 31, 2020, 10am – 12pm CST


Revised City Budget Public Hearings

The City Council’s Budget Committee will hold two public hearings in July on proposed revisions to the City’s 2020 budget. Minneapolis faces a significant revenue shortfall as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and needs to make cuts to the City’s roughly $1.5 billion budget. Community members can engage and share their voices in this process during two online public hearings:

  • 6:05 pm Tuesday, July 14
  • 10:00 am Wednesday, July 22

You can watch or participate in the online meetings. The City Council is scheduled to vote July 24 on a revised 2020 budget. For more information about the City’s budget, visit the City’s website.

Minneapolis Minimum Wage Increases

The minimum wage in Minneapolis is now $11.75 for small employers (100 or fewer employees) and $13.25 for large employers (more than 100 employees).

For technical information or risk-free consultation, visit minimumwage.minneapolismn.gov or email minwage@minneapolismn.gov. For more in-depth advice for businesses, including expanded Business Technical Assistance Program legal services, email smallbusiness@minneapolismn.gov.


Emergency Rental Assistance Available

Hennepin County is still accepting applications for its emergency rental assistance program. Learn more and apply at www.hennepin.us/residents/human-services/emergency-rental-covid19 While evictions are suspended until July 13, rent is still due so please share this resource widely.


Select Minneapolis Wading Pools Now Open

The Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board has opened 18 wading pools across the city. Our closest options are MLK Park (41st & Nicollet) and Bryant Square Park (31st & Bryant). Click here to learn more about locations and hours, social distancing guidelines, and restroom info. 

National Night Out Postponed to Sept 15

Due to COVID-19, National Night Out has been postponed until September 15 this year. Block leaders can register their event and request to close their street here for this annual nationwide event that encourages residents to get out in the community, hold block parties and get to know their neighbors.

Donate Face Masks for Mask Drive Mondays

Minneapolis residents can still deliver homemade masks to their local fire station from 10:00am-2:00pm every Monday for Mask Drive Mondays.  Our closest fire stations are at 2810 W 50th St and 5410 Nicollet Ave S.

Please plan to stay 6 feet away from others when dropping off your donation. The City of Mpls will distribute the donated masks throughout Minneapolis to residents, organizations and businesses that are most in need.

Proposed Armatage Neighborhood Funding Cuts

The City of Minneapolis is considering a plan that would drastically reduce the annual funding for Armatage and many other neighborhoods. The last few months have reinforced how critical strong, local communities are and we believe there can be a better balance that will increase funding for equity while allowing small neighborhoods like Armatage to keep doors open.

We Need Your Help

The comment period deadline has been extended to September 30. Visit armatage.org/n2020 for a message you can copy and send to the Mpls City Council.

November 21, 2019 eNews

November 19 Meeting Recap

Welcome to new Armatage & Kenny Park Director, Jordan Nelson.  Jordan comes from Van Cleve Park near the University of Minnesota. We’d also like to extend a huge thank you to outgoing director Nikki Friederich who has been an wonderful leader for Armatage & Kenny and is moving to Creekview Park.

The ANA presented an overview of the draft funding plan, its community engagement efforts this fall, a summary of the feedback received, and the final proposed plan. Over the past 5 weeks, 160 community members weighed in on the funding plan with an overall approval rate of 89.4%.  Based on the comments received, the plan stayed consistent and the remaining $15,000 was allocated to the following priorities:

  • An extra $7,000 to Traffic Calming & Pedestrian Safety, bringing the plan total to $17,000,
  • $4,000 to Park Improvements (joining the $24,000 approved for parks in previous years by the ANA),
  • $4,000 to Environmental & Greening Programming.

The final plan was discussed and approved unanimously. It will now head to the City for legal review and final approval this winter. Please contact the ANA at 612.466.0296 or anacoordinator@armatage.org with any questions.


E Line Community Open House Tonight

Metro Transit will host an E Line Open House tonight, Thursday, November 21, from 4:00-6:00pm at Pershing Rec Center (3523 W 48th St).

Check out the interactive route map for the new Bus Rapid Transit E Line at https://www.metrotransit.org/e-line-engagement and comment at the Open House or via email at ELine@metrotransit.org.

Minnehaha Creek Community Open House Tonight

The Minnehaha Parkway Regional Trail Master Plan reconvenes tonight to review and discuss findings from a recently completed parkway traffic study. The master plan project paused in July to allow time for a study to be performed.

Thursday, November 21
6:00-8:00 pm
Windom South Recreation Center (5843 Wentworth Ave)

This meeting will provide space for the general public to converse with MPRB staff and the consultant team about the traffic study and the parkway west of Portland Avenue. The open house format does not include a formal presentation, so anyone can attend for any amount of time between 6:00 pm and 8:00 pm.

Tree Lighting & Supply Drive for Crisis Nursery

While the ANA isn’t hosting a Tree lighting event this year, the annual neighborhood-sponsored holiday lights are up in Armatage Park along the east side of the building.

You can still drop off new, unopened formula, diapers, pull-ups, children’s toiletries, new with tags clothing and more to benefit the Greater Twin Cities Crisis Nursery now through December 20. Check out the Crisis Nursery’s full donation wish list here and look for a donation bin in the lobby of the Armatage Rec Center.

Theodore Wirth House Tours

Sunday, November 24
12:00-4:00pm
3954 Bryant Ave S,  in Lyndale Farmstead Park

The Theodore Wirth Home and his park planning offices in Lyndale Farmstead Park will be open to the public for FREE guided tours on Sunday, November 24 from 12:00-4:00pm. Volunteers with Minneapolis Parks Legacy Society, working in cooperation with the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, would like to invite all of our neighbors to visit this historic site.

If you can’t make it this month, the house will be open again on December 8. Contact Joan at 612-275-8884 or joanberthiaume@msn.com with questions or for separate individual, group, and student tours, which may be scheduled by reservation only. Volunteers are appreciated.

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Give Feedback on the Proposed City Budget

There are two more public hearings for people to share thoughts on Mayor Jacob Frey’s recommended 2020 City budget of $1.6 billion. The City’s revenues come from a variety of sources with property taxes accounting for about 23% of the budget.  Comments can also be submitted online to be shared with the Mayor and Council Members. The City Council is scheduled to vote on adopting the budget Wednesday, December 11.

Budget public hearings at City Hall:

  • December 4 at 6:00pm: Truth in Taxation hearing to get community input on the total levy amount.
  • December 11 at 6:00pm: Opportunity to respond to the City Council’s amendments, for Council to make any further changes based on that, and then a vote to adopt the 2020 budget.

Visit the City’s budget website to learn more about the budget and key dates and watch a video about how to participate in the budget process. You can also watch budget hearings on Minneapolis City Council TV. Tune to SD channel 14 or HD channel 799 on Comcast or SD channel 8001 or HD channel 8501 on CenturyLink. You can also watch archived meetings on the City of Minneapolis YouTube channel.

Adopt A Storm Drain

Fall is an important time to keep leaves out of the gutter so they don’t get rush down the storm drain each time it rains. In the storm drain, leaves get carried to the Creek and eventually to Lake Hiawatha, adding the phosphorus that causes algae blooms.

If you haven’t already, consider the Adopt a Drain program and sign up to keep one or more storm drains on your street clear so that only water goes into it. You can adopt any drain that hasn’t already been adopted, even if it isn’t in front of your house! This interactive website helps you locate drains near you and adopt any that you choose: https://www.adopt-a-drain.org/ There are MANY drains that still need to be adopted in Armatage (shown in yellow below):

If you need assistance adopting a drain OR if you would like a friendly neighborhood volunteer to assist you the first time you set out to clean your storm drain, please contact the ANA at anacoordinator@armatage.org. The ANA’s Green Team will also provide the next twenty people who sign up to Adopt-a-Drain with a free pair of gloves to wear when cleaning your drain. Email us to pick yours up!  Huge thanks to ANA Green Team member Linda Ridlehuber for this article!


Census 2020 is Hiring

The 2020 Census is just around the corner and the Census Bureau is hiring to fill office and field representative positions. See the census job openings in Minnesota and apply here.

Check out what’s happening locally with the 2020 Census and sign up for updates at http://minneapolismn.gov/census/

November 12, 2019 eNews


Neighborhood Happy Hour

Tuesday, November 12
7:00-9:00pm
Red Wagon Pizza

Meet neighbors and catch up on everything that’s happening around Armatage at our last Neighborhood Happy Hour of the year!  Helpful details: no RSVP needed, pizza is free, cash bar, kids are welcome and help tipping our servers is appreciated.

If you haven’t had a chance yet, you can also weigh in on the Armatage draft funding plan to keep popular programs and services funded through 2023 at tonight’s Happy Hour (details and online survey also at armatage.org/funds).

November 19 Meeting Agenda:

  • Welcome & Introductions
  • Park Staffing Change
  • ANA Funding Plan Modification
    • Overview of City funding for neighborhoods
    • Draft funding plan presented to the community in October
    • Community engagement process
    • Summary of community feedback received
    • Proposed plan
    • Comments from attendees – max 1 min each
    • Final edits to funding plan
  • Coordinator Update
    • Winter Project Planning Teams
  • President’s Report
  • Minutes – approved via email
  • Treasurer Report – financials emailed
  • Other Business
  • Committee Updates
    • Green Team:
      • 2020 Rain Garden program
    • Mini Grants:
      • 2020 Mini Grants


The Armatage Neighborhood Association has remaining, unspent funds and needs your input by this Friday, November 15! Check out the proposed plan to allocate this one-time resource to keep popular programs and community services operating for the next 4+ years at armatage.org/funds

Voice Your Feedback by November 15:

The final neighborhood and board vote takes place at the monthly neighborhood meeting on Tuesday, November 19 at 6:30pm at Armatage Rec Center.  Anyone 18 and older who lives in the Armatage Neighborhood or is a designated representative of a neighborhood business is eligible to vote.

Adopt A Storm Drain

Fall is an important time to keep leaves out of the gutter so they don’t get rush down the storm drain each time it rains. In the storm drain, leaves get carried to the Creek and eventually to Lake Hiawatha, adding the phosphorus that causes algae blooms.

If you haven’t already, consider the Adopt a Drain program and sign up to keep one or more storm drains on your street clear so that only water goes into it. You can adopt any drain that hasn’t already been adopted, even if it isn’t in front of your house! This interactive website helps you locate drains near you and adopt any that you choose: https://www.adopt-a-drain.org/ There are MANY drains that still need to be adopted in Armatage (shown in yellow below):

If you need assistance adopting a drain OR if you would like a friendly neighborhood volunteer to assist you the first time you set out to clean your storm drain, please contact the ANA at anacoordinator@armatage.org. The ANA’s Green Team will also provide the next twenty people who sign up to Adopt-a-Drain with a free pair of gloves to wear when cleaning your drain. Email us to pick yours up!  Huge thanks to ANA Green Team member Linda Ridlehuber for this article!


Assessing Urban Air Quality

Last spring, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency installed new air quality monitoring sensors at 44 sites in neighborhoods around Minneapolis and Saint Paul, including one at 49th & Xerxes and another at 55th & Dupont. One of the MPCA’s goals is to improve air quality in urban population centers. You can see results of the monitoring so far here.

MPCA staff will share what the sensors are finding to date and discuss ways to improve the data viewing tool at an upcoming informational meeting about the project:

Thursday, November 14
6:30-7:45pm
Powderhorn Recreation Center (3400 15th Ave. S)

Share your story for the #WeAreMpls campaign

The City of Minneapolis is showcasing compelling stories from the people of Minneapolis, including newcomers to our city as well as those who have been here for generations.

If you live in Minneapolis and are interested in being featured in this campaign, share your photos and stories on social media with the hashtag #WeAreMpls. You can also share what Minneapolis means to you (350 words max) at http://www.minneapolismn.gov/government/goals/wearempls/

Yard Waste Collection Ends Next Week

Got leaves, branches or pumpkins? 🍁 Next week is your last chance to set them out for yard waste collection. For details on how to bag and bundle your yard waste, visit http://www.minneapolismn.gov/solid-waste/yardwaste/index.htm

We also want to include one last friendly reminder to keep your leaves and other debris out of city streets even if street sweeping is scheduled soon. It’s harmful to our lakes and waterways and it’s against the law (Title 17, § 427.270 of the Minneapolis Code). Bag your leaves and set them out for yard waste collection (or use them to mulch perennials!) instead.