Category Archives: Neighborhoods 2020

December 3, 2020 eNews

Armatage Holiday Light Tour

Enjoy the colorful city streets and light displays of our neighborhood this holiday season with our first-ever Holiday Light Tour, which starts next Friday, December 11 and runs each night from 5:00-8:00pm through Sunday, December 20. The tour is self-guided so look for the map at armatage.org next week!

Sign up for the Tour

Click here to register for the tour by Tuesday, December 8 at 11:59pm and be a bright spot in the neighborhood this season! Just like our Halloween Tour, we’ll ask visitors to vote for their favorites after visiting each stop on the tour. The three addresses with the most votes will each win a $50 gift card to an Armatage business!

Free COVID-19 Testing

The City of Minneapolis is offering free COVID-19 tests. Testing is encouraged and available to everyone, whether or not you have symptoms. For more info on what to expect, how to quarantine while you wait for results, when to expect results, and links to more testing sites visit http://www.minneapolismn.gov/coronavirus/coronavirus-testing

Sabathani Community Center, 310 E. 38th St.
Noon-4 p.m. Dec. 5, Dec. 19

Columbia Golf Course, 3300 Central Ave. NE
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 7, Dec. 13, Dec. 14, Dec. 20, Dec. 21

Minneapolis Convention Center, 1301 Second Ave. S., Exhibit Room E
Noon-7 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. weekends starting Nov. 9
Make an appointment here.
Find instructions here.

Native American Community Clinic, 1213 E. Franklin Ave.
2 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays
Appointments required: Call 612-872-8086 to schedule an appointment.

Southside Community Health Services, 324 E. 35th St.
2-3 p.m. Mondays through Fridays
Appointments required: Call 612-821-3548 to schedule an appointment.
Same day testing can be done for health care workers, first responders and essential workers. Otherwise, expect to get your test results in about two-three business days.


Free Pet Adoptions at MACC in December

To help pets find their forever homes for the holidays, Minneapolis Animal Care & Control is waiving adoption fees for all adoptable animals during the month of December. Read more here.

Adoption details:

  • Browse adoptable animals at www2.minneapolismn.gov/animals/adopt.
  • Call 311 or 612-673-6222 to request an adoption appointment. All adoptions are being done by appointment to limit the spread of COVID-19.
  • Adopters must meet and spend time with the animal they want to adopt before completing adoption paperwork.
  • Minneapolis residents must purchase a City pet license.

Minneapolis Solid Waste & Recycling Survey

Got a few minutes? Take Minneapolis Solid Waste & Recycling’s survey on how your waste generation and purchasing behaviors have changed since March. The responses are anonymous and will serve as a guide for developing community outreach and educational messaging for 2021. The survey will close December 20 at 11:59 p.m. but don’t wait, fill it out today. Take the survey here.


COVID-19 Housing Assistance

Minnesota’s COVID-19 Housing Assistance Program helps cover housing expenses such as rent, mortgage, utilities or other housing-related costs for eligible renters and homeowners in communities across the state. The 211 Helpline has dedicated multilingual staff to answer questions about the COVID-19 Housing Assistance Program 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and you can learn more in a few ways:

Hennepin County also continues to offer emergency rental assistance for residents with low incomes who have been financially harmed by COVID-19. Residents can learn more and apply at www.hennepin.us/rent-help

Reduce Waste this Holiday Season

Click here for Minneapolis Solid Waste & Recycling’s tips to reduce food waste, buy used, safely recycle items like broken strings of lights, opt for low-waste decor and more!

Neighborhoods 2020 Guidelines Approved

The City Council has approved Neighborhoods 2020 program guidelines for equity, funding, and governance among City-supported neighborhood organizations. These guidelines are designed to create equitable communities in which all people are valued, all communities are engaged, and leadership mirrors the diversity of the city.

Thank you to the MANY Armatage neighbors who took the time to comment on Neighborhoods 2020 and the future funding.  The current budget proposal provides less than .25 of 1% of the entire City budget to be divided between the 70 Minneapolis neighborhood organizations. There is just one remaining virtual public hearing for people to share their thoughts on the Mayor’s recommended 2021 City Budget.  See below on how to attend and speak or submit a comment for the public record.

Give Feedback on the Proposed 2020 Budget

Share your thoughts on Mayor Frey’s recommended 2021 City Budget by submitting a comment online or at the last virtual public hearing on Wednesday, December 9 at 6:05pm.

Learn how to participate in online public hearings here. Comments submitted online will be entered into the public record and shared with the mayor and council members. The City Council is scheduled to vote on adopting the budget on Wednesday, Dec. 9. 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.

November 6, 2020 eNews


Join the Armatage Neighborhood Association Board

Love our neighborhood and want to get more involved? The ANA will hold a special election for two open board seats at the November 17 meeting at 6:30pm on Zoom. Both seats will have a shortened term from November 2020 – May 2021, at which point they will be up for re-election. To learn more about the duties, time commitment and to register to run in the Special Election, visit https://armatage.org/november-2020-special-election/ The deadline to register is Sunday, November 15 at 11:59pm.

A candidate guide will be published at armatage.org on November 16 and the vote will be conducted live via Zoom at the ANA Monthly Meeting on Tuesday, November 17 from 6:30-8:30pm. All Armatage residents 18 years and older and designated representatives of a neighborhood business or institution are eligible to vote. Pre-registration is required for the meeting – email anacoordinator@armatage.org for this month’s meeting link.


Armatage Halloween Tour Voting Results

While we wait on election news, the results of the Armatage Halloween Tour are in! THANK YOU to everyone who participated – we were blown away by the displays this year!

The houses that won for each category are listed below and the voting was CLOSE:
  • Neighborhood Favorite (top): 5821 Sheridan Ave S
  • Spookiest (bottom left): 5404 Oliver Ave S
  • Best Use of Pumpkins (bottom right): 5520 Upton Ave S


Safety Update from the 5th Precinct

There has been an increase in street robberies including carjacking incidents this year. While not every recent incident appears connected to a pattern, there have been multiple incidents involving teen/young adult suspects acting in a group to approach the intended victim on the street, sidewalk, parking area or garage and then using physical force or the threat of force to demand the victim’s bag, phone and car keys.  The incidents happen very quickly and with masks worn, it can be challenging to describe and identify those involved.

Our area Crime Prevention Coordinator has outlined personal safety and common crime prevention tactics here. While this is by no means an exhaustive list, being aware of your surroundings, keeping car doors locked, not allowing others the use of your cell phone, and other simple strategies can help protect yourself and reduce opportunities for crime.

Compost Pumpkins and Gourds

Pro tip: now that Halloween is over, compost your pumpkins and gourds! Use a backyard compost bin, bag them with your other yard waste or place them in your green organics recycling cart for collection by the City of Minneapolis!

See below for the end of the 2020 Yard Waste Collection Season and please remove all candles, wax, and other decorations before composting pumpkins. If your pumpkin is painted, please place it in the trash instead. Photo credit: Zero Waste West Metro Minnesota


Street Sweeping is Happening Now

Watch the progress. Sign up for notifications. Check for weather-related schedule changes. Learn the answers to all your street sweeping questions here.

We also want to include a 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.


Yard Waste Collection Ending Soon

Got leaves, branches or pumpkins?  The week of November 16 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

Next Steps and Timeline

Now that the public comment period has closed on the Neighborhoods 2020 draft program guidelines, the City is reviewing the 244 public comments received and creating a summary. The comments and summary will be available on the Neighborhoods 2020 webpage before the City Council discusses the program guidelines, votes on November 13, and then discusses the funds needed to implement the program as designed during the City budget process.

Timeline of next steps:

  • Nov. 12: Budget Committee presentation to discuss the program allocations and base funding amounts.
  • Nov. 13: Full City Council vote.

Find City Council meeting calendars, agendas and decisions on the City of Minneapolis’ Legislative Information Management System (LIMS).

Public Hearing Notice

The City Planning Commission will hold a Public Hearing to Amend Title 20 of the Minneapolis Code of Ordinances related to the Zoning Code on Monday, November 16, 2020 at 4:30 p.m. Community members may view the public hearing using the following options: Watch on Comcast Channel 14 or 799, CenturyLink Channel 8001 or 8501, or live on www.minneapolismn.gov/tv/citycounciltv. You can submit comments or participate by phone in the meeting by using the following website: www.minneapolismn.gov/meetings/index.htm.

If you have questions, please contact the City staff person listed below.  If you would like to submit comments, you may submit them via the link above or by emailing: Amber Turnquest, Principal Planner – 612-673-5166, Amber.Turnquest@minneapolismn.gov


Apply for an Armatage 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, installing new deadbolt locks, or adding outdoor security cameras, check our list of eligible expenses and apply for a Safety Rebate before December 31 to take advantage of the 2020 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 businesses operating in Armatage.

Borrow the Neighborhood Thermal Camera

The weather will be COLD soon and we all feel the drafts and air leaks at our homes, rentals and businesses more. Thanks to a project in the neighborhood led by Armatage resident Milo Oien-Rochat, you can check out our neighborhood’s shared thermal camera to pinpoint temperature-related energy waste in your home, business, or apartment.

Visit armatage.org/programs/thermal-camera/ to learn more and sign up to get a quick tutorial and check out the camera this fall. This project was funded by the Armatage Mini Grant program.

October 29, 2020 eNews

Armatage Halloween Tour Ends Saturday

Sunday, October 25 – Saturday, October 31
6:00pm – 8:00pm

There are just a few more chances to enjoy the sights and frights around Armatage for our first-ever Halloween Tour! The tour is self-guided, geared for all ages, and the map is available at armatage.org/halloweentour so you can plan your route. Please be respectful on your adventure and wear a mask and distance if you leave your vehicle.

After you’ve checked out every stop on the tour, head back to armatage.org/halloweentour and vote for your favorites in the following categories: Best Use of Pumpkins, Spookiest, and Neighborhood Favorite. The winning displays in each category will get a $50 gift card to an Armatage business. Open to all, even if you don’t live in Armatage.

The 2020 Election Ends on Tuesday, November 3

Voting looks pretty different this year due to COVID-19 but Minneapolis Elections and Voter Services has got you covered with safe drive through ballot drop-offs all over Minneapolis and two new early voting locations!

Have you voted yet?  If not, make your plan to return your absentee ballot and track that it was counted, vote early in person by November 2 at one of the four early vote centers in Minneapolis, or vote in person at your polling place next Tuesday. Visit vote.minneapolismn.gov or check out our resource page at https://armatage.org/2020election/ for all the info you need to vote safely.

Halloween Safety

Looking to celebrate Halloween in a safe, socially distant way? The City of Minneapolis has this handy graphic to help! We hope you check out the Armatage Halloween Tour as part of your safe holiday activities. If you do plan to trick or treat, follow these tips to keep you and your neighbors safe: 

  • Stay home and don’t hand out treats if you or anyone in your household feels sick.
  • Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth, avoid crowds, and keep 6+ feet of distance from other trick-or-treaters and neighbors.
  • Instead of a grab bowl or answering your door, have treats spaced out on a table in your yard or create a candy chute to deliver treats from a distance.
  • Visit www.halloween2020.org for more ideas from the Harvard Global Health Institute and stay safe!

Public Hearing Notice

The City Planning Commission will hold a Public Hearing to Amend Title 20 of the Minneapolis Code of Ordinances related to the Zoning Code on Monday, November 16, 2020 at 4:30 p.m. Community members may view the public hearing using the following options: Watch on Comcast Channel 14 or 799, CenturyLink Channel 8001 or 8501, or live on www.minneapolismn.gov/tv/citycounciltv. You can submit comments or participate by phone in the meeting by using the following website: www.minneapolismn.gov/meetings/index.htm.

If you have questions, please contact the City staff person listed below.  If you would like to submit comments, you may submit them via the link above or by emailing: Amber Turnquest, Principal Planner – 612-673-5166, Amber.Turnquest@minneapolismn.gov


Street Sweeping is Happening Now

Watch the progress. Sign up for notifications. Check for weather-related schedule changes. And learn the answers to all your street sweeping questions here.

Apply for a Minneapolis Board or Commission by Nov 1

Six major boards and commissions are seeking applications for people to help shape important City decisions. Most of the boards and commissions below meet between one and four times a month.

Examples of past board and commission work includes reviewing a proposed charter amendment related to the creation of a Department of Community Safety & Violence Prevention (Charter Commission), comparing national best practices with current MPD policies for officer interactions with those experiencing mental health crises (Police Conduct Oversight Commission), and reviewing zoning changes to allow new affordable housing options (Planning Commission).  Read more here.

Next Steps and Timeline

Now that the public comment period has closed on the Neighborhoods 2020 draft program guidelines, the City is reviewing the 244 public comments received and creating a summary. The comments and summary will be available on the Neighborhoods 2020 webpage before the City Council discusses the program guidelines, votes on November 13, and then discusses the funds needed to implement the program as designed during the City budget process.

Timeline of next steps:

  • Nov. 5: Public Health and Safety Committee public hearing and presentation.
  • Nov. 12: Budget Committee presentation to discuss the program allocations and base funding amounts.
  • Nov. 13: Full City Council vote.

Find City Council meeting calendars, agendas and decisions on the City of Minneapolis’ Legislative Information Management System (LIMS).

Apply for a 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 outdoor security cameras, check our list of eligible expenses and apply for a Safety Rebate before December 31 to take advantage of the 2020 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.

Borrow the Neighborhood Thermal Camera

As the weather gets colder, we all feel the drafts and air leaks at our homes, rentals and businesses a bit more. Thanks to a project in the neighborhood led by Armatage resident Milo Oien-Rochat, you can check out our neighborhood’s shared thermal camera to pinpoint temperature-related energy waste in your home, business, or apartment.

Visit armatage.org/programs/thermal-camera/ to learn more and sign up to get a quick tutorial and check out the camera this fall. This project was funded by the Armatage Mini Grant program.

Transforming Community Safety Engagement Plan

The City Council approved a community engagement plan to get feedback on improving our public safety system, alternatives to policing and police responses, public health-oriented violence prevention, and law enforcement reforms and/or changes to protocols and practices. The plan has four phases and is led by the Office of Violence Prevention (read more here):

  1. Phase One (October-December 2020): A community survey and public forums. Initial findings and a draft vision will be presented to the City Council in early December.
  2. Phase Two (January-March 2021): Public forums to review the goals established in the first phase plus a deeper dive into ideas for a new public safety model.
  3. Phase Three (April-May 2021): Opportunities to offer feedback on draft recommendations at public forums and online.
  4. Phase Four (June-July 2021): Finalize recommendations, incorporate feedback gathered throughout the engagement process, and give a final report to the City Council on strategies for building a new model for community safety.

Shelter for People Experiencing Homelessness

Partners from the City of Minneapolis, Hennepin County and State of Minnesota are coming together to help people experiencing homelessness find shelter as winter weather arrives. Here are a few facts – learn more and find phone numbers to call for shelter here.

  • In 2002, 1,300 people experiencing homelessness and counting have found permanent housing.
  • City, county, state and philanthropy will invest $55 million to open at least seven sites to provide emergency shelter, low-barrier housing and protective housing for people experiencing homelessness, as well as enhance existing shelters and expand support services and street outreach.
  • An additional 670 units of very affordable housing designated for people experiencing homelessness will have opened or begun construction by the end of this year.

August 21, 2020 eNews

August 18, 2020 Meeting Recap

The ANA discussed this Sunday’s Sweet Treats event, possibilities for a distanced Halloween event at Armatage Park, and a new Halloween Decoration Tour during the last week in October.  Additional upcoming events include a distanced Neighborhood Clean-up on October 3 (sign up here) and an anti-racism training on Zoom on October 6 led by facilitators from the Theater of Public Policy (sign-up info coming soon). The Board voted to sign onto a neighborhood funding letter drafted by colleagues from around the city and Accountant, Rachel, held an informative training on city funding and neighborhood financials. Next month’s meeting will be September 22 at 6:30pm on Zoom!

Sweet Treats in the Park This Sunday

Sunday, August 23
5:30-7:30pm
Armatage Parking Lot

Grab your mask and come to Armatage Park for our safe and distanced event of the summer – Sweet Treats in the Park!  Food trucks Sonny’s Ice Cream and Thumbs Cookies will take orders in the parking lot while practicing new safety guidelines and distanced ordering:

  • Pre-order cookies from Thumbs for easy pick-up at https://www.exploretock.com/thumbscookies/
  • Sonny’s prefers prefers cash at the event (don’t worry – transactions will be totally separate from scooping).
  • Dairy-free or gluten-free? Both vendors will have options for you.

Thanks in advance for following our safety guidelines to wear a mask during the event, maintain *at least* 6 feet of distance from everyone outside of your household, follow signs and use the pre-marked spaces to wait in line, and eat away from others in the park or bring your treats home! More on the event at armatage.org. The weather looks perfect but in case of inclement weather, we’ll post cancellations on Facebook, Nextdoor and Twitter

NEW: Native Plant Rebates!

The ANA and Green Team are so excited to launch our first-ever Native Plant Rebate program to increase pollinator habitat throughout the neighborhood! Now through September 30, you can purchase native plants locally and apply for a 50% rebate from the ANA up to $20/household.

See lists of native plants available at our local garden centers and learn more about the new program here.

Get Ready to Vote in the 2020 Election

Minneapolis had its higher primary voter turnout in 50 years! Of the 130,888 ballots, 65% of them were cast early through vote by mail or early voting. Here’s everything you need to know to stay safe and exercise your right to vote this fall:

  • Register to vote or update your voter registration at bit.ly/votemn101
  • Vote by mail: Everyone in Minnesota is eligible to vote by mail, no reason needed. It’s quick and easy to request your absentee ballot online but allow plenty of time to request and mail back your ballot: bit.ly/vbmmn101
  • Track your ballot after you mail it at bit.ly/trackmyvote101
  • Vote early in person at the Minneapolis Early Vote Center at 980 East Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis MN 55414. Hours will be posted at vote.minneapolismn.gov/events and please wear your mask!
  • Election judges needed: Eligible voters who can read, write, and speak English, especially if you are multilingual. High school students ages 16 and older can become student election judges. Learn more and apply at www.hennepin.us/residents/elections/become-an-election-judge


Armatage Adopt a Storm Drain Challenge

Sign up to adopt a new storm drain in the neighborhood, commit to keeping it clean and free of debris that could pollute our waterways, and enter to win a $25 gift card from the ANA! All the details you need to get started are at armatage.org/adoptadrain The challenge ends September 30.

You Could Lose Your Neighborhood Association. We Need Your Help.

Funding for neighborhood organizations like the ANA expires in December. The City is considering a new funding plan that would add equity goals for neighborhoods’ work and increase funding for areas of the city that need it most. But it would also drastically reduce the annual base funding for Armatage and many other neighborhoods to such a degree that core services will be in jeopardy.

If you value the ANA and our continued work in the neighborhood, please take a few minutes to comment before the deadline of September 30, 2020 at 11:59pm. Mail in the postcard we included in your latest edition of the Armatage News, email a comment, or write your own.  All the info you need to quickly comment is at armatage.org/n2020.

Comment on Parks for All

Visit bit.ly/MPRBCompPlan (or click on the image above) to learn more and weigh in on the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board’s Comprehensive Plan.


Take the Southwest Business Assocation’s Safety Survey

The Southwest Business Association would like to hear from community members around safety. Fill out their quick survey at https://forms.gle/dbqHbP8zfvZwURHDA

Loans Available for Those Affected by Civil Unrest

Minneapolis individuals, property owners, businesses and nonprofits can now apply for low-interest disaster loans. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved a disaster declaration for areas in Minnesota affected by the recent civil unrest.

Apply online for one of three types of SBA disaster loans:

  • Home disaster loans for homeowners or renters for disaster-damaged real estate and personal property including automobiles.
  • Physical disaster loans for disaster-damaged property owned by businesses and nonprofits including real estate, inventory and equipment. Businesses and nonprofits of any size are eligible. Applications due October 2, 2020.
  • Economic injury disaster loans for working capital to help small businesses and nonprofits meet their financial obligations that cannot be met as a direct result of the disaster. Applications due May 3, 2021.

For help preparing financial documentation, Minneapolis businesses can consult with an advisor through the City’s Business Technical Assistance Program or contact the Minneapolis Small Business Team at 612-673-2487 or SmallBusiness@minneapolismn.gov. See the Small Business Administration news release and fact sheet for more information.


Census Takers Started Door-to-door Outreach on August 11

On August 11, enumerators (also known as census takers) began going to households to help those who have not yet completed the census. If you do not want someone to come to your door, you can still complete the census:

Census takers will only visit households until September 30. Let’s make sure our community is seen and heard. Be counted now, so we have the resources we need for education, healthcare, housing and other vital services for the next 10 years.


Travel Needs Survey

You are invited to participate in a short University of Minnesota survey on people’s travel needs in the Twin Cities region and how shared automated vehicles may help meet these needs. This survey is part of a larger study titled SCC: Leveraging Autonomous Shared Vehicles for Greater Community Health, Equity, Livability, and Prosperity (HELP), which is funded by the National Science Foundation.

The survey is completely online, is available in English and Spanish, lasts no more than 15 minutes, and is voluntary. After completion, all survey participants will be entered into a raffle to win one of forty $50 VISA gift cards!

Link to survey: https://umn.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8tRKSNEtnt5HLaB


Emergency Rent Assistance

Evictions are suspended now through September 11. Hennepin County offers emergency rental assistance for residents with low incomes who have been financially harmed by COVID-19. Residents can learn more and apply at www.hennepin.us/rent-help and find more information here:


Hennepin County Deconstruction Grants

To help divert waste from landfills, Hennepin County has grants available for homeowners and developers to deconstruct buildings to salvage building materials rather than demolish them. Homeowners and developers of residential properties can receive up to $5,000 to help offset the additional costs associated with deconstruction.

Grants are available for demolition or renovation projects that are 250 square feet or larger on structures built prior to 1950 (please note we had this year listed incorrectly in our last edition – our apologies!). Learn more about the grants including eligibility and requirements at hennepin.us/deconstruction.

September 29, 2020 eNews

You Could Lose Your Neighborhood Association.

We know this is a tough time for funding in Minneapolis. But it is an even tougher time to lose our network of neighborhood nonprofits. With multiple crises facing us, the work of neighborhood organizations as community-building connectors between residents, businesses and local government is more important than ever and must be funded to a sustainable level.

The City of Minneapolis is considering a new plan called “Neighborhoods 2020” to change the funding and work of neighborhoods for 2021 and beyond and beyond (learn more at minneapolismn.gov/ncr/2020). Many neighborhoods across the city including Armatage are facing such steep cuts in funding that it will be a struggle to maintain core services and keep doors open. We’re asking you for your help.

How You Can Help

If you value the ANA and our continued work in the neighborhood, please take two minutes to send a comment to the City of Minneapolis before the deadline tomorrow (Wednesday, September 30) at 11:59pm.

Use the sample comment at https://armatage.org/neighborhoods-2020-feedback/ or write your own. Personal anecdotes from your experiences with Armatage or our partner neighborhoods around Minneapolis are great to share. Thank you for making your voice heard in support of neighborhoods.

Spread the Word

Please help us spread the word by sharing this email with friends and neighbors and if you’re on social media, liking, commenting or sharing our funding posts:

September 11, 2020 eNews


Share Your Comments on the New Armatage Play Area Designs

Check out the plans for new play areas at Armatage Park— and share your comments!  The comment period is open through September 18, 2020.

Here’s how to weigh in:

  1. Review the plan: Concept for Armatage Park play areas
  2. Share your comments: Take an online survey or send an email

You Could Lose Your Neighborhood Association. We Need Your Help.

Funding for neighborhood organizations like the ANA expires this December. The City is considering a new funding plan that would add equity goals and increase funding for areas of the city that need it most. But it would also drastically reduce the annual base funding for Armatage and many other neighborhoods to such a degree that core services will be in jeopardy. It’s hard to do much-needed equity work on a fraction of the funding.

If you value the ANA and our continued work in the neighborhood, please take a few minutes to comment before the deadline of September 30, 2020 at 11:59pm. Mail in the postcard we included in your latest edition of the Armatage News, email a comment, or write your own.  All the info you need to quickly comment is at armatage.org/n2020.

Happy Rescheduled National Night Out

To all celebrating their neighbors and block this Tuesday, September 15 as part of our rescheduled National Night Out in Minneapolis, we hope you have a safe and wonderful gathering!

Due to National Night Out, the ANA will hold its Monthly Neighborhood Meeting on September 22 instead.

Armatage Native Plant Rebates

The ANA and Green Team have launched our first-ever Native Plant Rebate program to increase pollinator habitat throughout the neighborhood! Now through September 30, you can purchase native plants locally and apply for a 50% rebate from the ANA up to $20/household.

See lists of native plants available at our local garden centers and learn more about the new program here.


Armatage Adopt a Storm Drain Challenge

Sign up to adopt a new storm drain in the neighborhood, commit to keeping it clean and free of debris that could pollute our waterways, and enter to win a $25 gift card from the ANA! All the details you need to get started are at armatage.org/adoptadrain The challenge ends September 30.


Sign up for the Fall Neighborhood Clean-up

Join the Armatage Green Team for a safe and distanced clean-up of our neighborhood streets, sidewalks, and parks on Saturday, October 3 from 9:00-11:00am as part of the citywide Litter Be Gone events! This is a great, meaningful opportunity for kids, teens and adults to show our neighborhood pride and keep trash and recycling from ending up in our waterways. We provide the supplies and a $5 gift card per household as a thank you. Learn more and sign up here.


Let’s Get Uncomfortable Workshop

Racism is everybody’s problem, and it’s well past time to start talking about it. In this conversation series, Let’s Get Uncomfortable, we’re asking you to do just that. LGU is a facilitated space to get people (particularly white people) to talk about racism, its consequences, and how we all share the responsibility to do the work for change. Need a place to start? Here you go, get uncomfortable with us. This event is happening on Tuesday, October 6th, 6:30pm – 8:30pm, is sponsored by the Armatage Neighborhood Association and hosted by Danger Boat Productions.

Space is limited to 25 people. Please register here and consider making a donation: https://dangerboat.net/lgu-oct-6-armatage


Download the Armatage Art Journal

Thank you to our neighbors who submitted their artwork and creations to help document this unique moment of time in Armatage. We’ve been hard at work organizing submissions and the final journal is ready! Visit armatage.org/art to download a PDF or EPUB e-book format of the Art Journal.

About the Art Journal: submissions were collected during May and June during quarantine from COVID-19 and the civil unrest in Minneapolis. We were blown away by the creativity and beauty that we received and hope you are, too. Huge thanks to our Coordinator, Lauren Anderson, for layout and design and to Board Members, Joel Federer and Donte Mearon, for their leadership and hard work on this project.

Join Hennepin County’s Stop Food Waste Challenge

Did you know that about 40% of food is wasted somewhere along the supply chain? That’s like stepping out of a grocery store with five bags of food and dropping two in the parking lot. You may not think you waste that much food at home, but the little bits here and there add up.

Most of us don’t want to waste food, but in the dash to make dinner, food waste might not be the first thing on our minds. For those of us who want to break the shop-cook-waste cycle, the good news is that with practice, wasting less food can become an effortless cooking habit. Get started by joining the Stop Food Waste Challenge at http://hennepinfoodwaste.ecochallenge.org

Get Ready to Vote in the 2020 Election

Minneapolis had its higher primary voter turnout in 50 years! Of the 130,888 ballots, 65% of them were cast early through vote by mail or early voting. Here’s everything you need to know to stay safe and exercise your right to vote this fall:

  • Register to vote or update your voter registration at bit.ly/votemn101
  • Vote by mail: Everyone in Minnesota is eligible to vote by mail, no reason needed. It’s quick and easy to request your absentee ballot online but allow plenty of time to request and mail back your ballot: bit.ly/vbmmn101
  • Track your ballot after you mail it at bit.ly/trackmyvote101
  • Vote early in person at the Minneapolis Early Vote Center at 980 East Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis MN 55414. Hours will be posted at vote.minneapolismn.gov/events and please wear your mask!

Comment on Parks for All

Visit bit.ly/MPRBCompPlan (or click on the image above) to learn more and weigh in on the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board’s Comprehensive Plan.

Free Classes through Literacy Minnesota

If you need to learn English, get your GED or Adult Diploma, gain citizenship, prepare for college or brush up on math and reading, improve your computer skills (internet and email basics, Word, Excel, and more), or train for a new career*, then the Adult Literacy Hotline can help!  They provide referral services in English, Spanish, and have interpreter service to communicate class information in 200+ languages such as Somali, Karen, Vietnamese, French and more.

Call: 1-800-222-1990
Text: 612-424-1211
Email: krynda@literacymn.org
Search online: https://www.literacymn.org/classesforadults

September 17, 2020 eNews

September 22 Meeting Agenda

  • Welcome & Introductions
  • Potential New Neighborhood Wine/Liquor Store
  • Fall Food Truck Night
  • Halloween Decoration Tour & Trick or Treating Safety Info
  • Let’s Get Uncomfortable Workshop
  • ANA Response to Neighborhoods 2020
  • President’s Report
  • Minutes – Approved Via Email
  • Treasurer Report – Financials Emailed
  • Committee Updates:
    • Welcome Bags: Volunteer(s) Needed to Adopt the Program
    • Green Team:
      • Native Plant Rebate Program
      • Adopt a Storm Drain Challenge
      • Neighborhood Clean-up (Litter Be Gone)
    • Mini Grants
  • Coordinator Update: Upcoming Supply & Technology Needs


Armatage Play Area Survey Closes Friday!

Check out the plans for new play areas at Armatage Park— and share your comments!  The comment period is open through tomorrow (Friday, September 18).

Here’s how to weigh in:

  1. Review the plan: Concept for Armatage Park play areas
  2. Share your comments: Take an online survey or send an email

You Could Lose Your Neighborhood Association. We Need Your Help.

We know this is a tough time for funding in Minneapolis. But it is an even tougher time to lose our network of community-building neighborhood nonprofits.

Many neighborhoods across the city (including Armatage) are facing such steep cuts in funding that it will be a struggle to keep doors open. Can you take just two minutes to send a comment to the City of Minneapolis before the deadline of September 30, 2020 at 11:59pm? All the info you need to comment is at https://armatage.org/n2020.

Armatage Native Plant Rebates

The ANA and Green Team have launched our first-ever Native Plant Rebate program to increase pollinator habitat throughout the neighborhood! Now through September 30, you can purchase native plants locally and apply for a 50% rebate from the ANA up to $20/household.

See lists of native plants available at our local garden centers and learn more about the new program here.

Take the Census by September 30

Hundreds of households in Minneapolis remain uncounted. This undercount could leave communities without resources and fair political representation for the next 10 years.

What can you do to help?

  1. Complete the census for everyone in your household. If your household misses the opportunity to complete the census this year, the next opportunity to be included won’t occur until 2030
  2. Already completed the census? Encourage your friends, family and neighbors to do the same.
  3. Share census information on social media. Post the link: my2020census.gov and tell your networks about the importance of getting counted.

The data obtained by the census allows the federal government to determine where to allocate resources for things like schools, parks, roads and much more. Our communities deserve the proper funding for resources we rely on including programs and services like SNAP, Medicaid, CHIP and Head Start. Visit My2020census.gov or call 1-844-330-2020 and get counted before the Sept. 30 deadline.


Armatage Adopt a Storm Drain Challenge

Sign up to adopt a new storm drain in the neighborhood, commit to keeping it clean and free of debris that could pollute our waterways, and enter to win a $25 gift card from the ANA! All the details you need to get started are at armatage.org/adoptadrain The challenge ends September 30.


Sign up for the Fall Neighborhood Clean-up

Join the Armatage Green Team for a safe and distanced clean-up of our neighborhood streets, sidewalks, and parks on Saturday, October 3 from 9:00-11:00am as part of the citywide Litter Be Gone events! This is a great, meaningful opportunity for kids, teens and adults to show our neighborhood pride and keep trash and recycling from ending up in our waterways. We provide the supplies and a $5 gift card per household as a thank you. Learn more and sign up here.


Let’s Get Uncomfortable Workshop

Racism is everybody’s problem, and it’s well past time to start talking about it. In this conversation series, Let’s Get Uncomfortable, we’re asking you to do just that. LGU is a facilitated space to get people (particularly white people) to talk about racism, its consequences, and how we all share the responsibility to do the work for change. Need a place to start? Here you go, get uncomfortable with us. This event is happening on Tuesday, October 6th, 6:30pm – 8:30pm, is sponsored by the Armatage Neighborhood Association and hosted by Danger Boat Productions.

Space is limited to 25 people. Please register here and consider making a donation: https://dangerboat.net/lgu-oct-6-armatage

City Begins Public Review of Draft Built Form Regulations

The City has launched the 45-day comment period for the public to review draft built form regulations that will regulate the scale of new buildings and additions to implement the Minneapolis 2040 Comprehensive Plan. Minneapolis 2040 includes 14 Built Form Districts that will guide regulations on  building height, floor area ratio (FAR), lot sizes and setbacks from property lines, and more.

Upcoming online open houses on proposed regulations:

Read more about how to comment on the draft regulations.


Free Meals Available at School Sites

Free meal boxes are now available at 29 school sites. All families are invited to participate in this free program and do not have to have a student in Minneapolis Public Schools. Families can pick up one box per child per week.

Most sites will be open from 11:00am – 3:00pm with some sites open 11:00am-5:00pm. Visit the Minneapolis Public Schools website for locations, menus and special diet information.

Early Voting Starts Friday

Vote early in person at the Minneapolis Early Vote Center at 980 East Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis MN 55414 starting tomorrow, Friday, September 18 at 8:00am. Hours are posted at vote.minneapolismn.gov/events and please wear your mask!

Vote by mail: Everyone in Minnesota is eligible to vote by mail, no reason needed. It’s quick and easy to request your absentee ballot online. Allow plenty of time to request and mail back your ballot: bit.ly/vbmmn101

Blue Thumb Lawns to Legumes Resilient Yards Workshops for Fall

Many of us are spending more time in our yards, grateful to have this natural place of solace in these uncertain times. More and more, though, Minnesota and its inhabitants are feeling the impacts of a changing climate on our landscapes, including unseasonable heat and torrential rainfalls. Take control of the situation.

Attend a Blue Thumb Lawns to Legumes webinar to learn strategies for mitigating the effects of climate change in your outdoors, and to help protect pollinators, clean water and the local ecosystem.Webinars cost $15 unless otherwise noted and scholarships are available. These workshops are offered with the support of the City of Minneapolis. More information: https://bluethumb.org/events/, or call 651-699-2426.


Download the Armatage Art Journal

Thank you to our neighbors who submitted their artwork and creations to help document this unique moment of time in Armatage. We’ve been hard at work organizing submissions and the final journal is ready! Visit armatage.org/art to download a PDF or EPUB e-book format of the Art Journal.

About the Art Journal: submissions were collected during May and June during quarantine from COVID-19 and the civil unrest in Minneapolis. We were blown away by the creativity and beauty that we received and hope you are, too. Huge thanks to our Coordinator, Lauren Anderson, for layout and design and to Board Members, Joel Federer and Donte Mearon, for their leadership and hard work on this project.

Join Hennepin County’s Stop Food Waste Challenge

Did you know that about 40% of food is wasted somewhere along the supply chain? That’s like stepping out of a grocery store with five bags of food and dropping two in the parking lot. You may not think you waste that much food at home, but the little bits here and there add up.

Most of us don’t want to waste food, but in the dash to make dinner, food waste might not be the first thing on our minds. For those of us who want to break the shop-cook-waste cycle, the good news is that with practice, wasting less food can become an effortless cooking habit. Get started by joining the Stop Food Waste Challenge at http://hennepinfoodwaste.ecochallenge.org

Free Classes through Literacy Minnesota

If you need to learn English, get your GED or Adult Diploma, gain citizenship, prepare for college or brush up on math and reading, improve your computer skills (internet and email basics, Word, Excel, and more), or train for a new career*, then the Adult Literacy Hotline can help!  They provide referral services in English, Spanish, and have interpreter service to communicate class information in 200+ languages such as Somali, Karen, Vietnamese, French and more.

Call: 1-800-222-1990
Text: 612-424-1211
Email: krynda@literacymn.org
Search online: https://www.literacymn.org/classesforadults

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.

Neighborhoods 2020

You Could Lose Your Neighborhood Association. We Need Your Help.

Funding for neighborhood organizations like the ANA expires in December. The City is considering a new funding plan that would have equity goals for neighborhoods’ work and increase funding for areas of the city that need it most. But it would also drastically reduce the annual base funding for Armatage and many other neighborhoods to such a degree that many core services will be in jeopardy.

If you value the ANA and our continued work in the neighborhood, please take a few minutes to comment before the deadline of September 30, 2020 at 11:59pm. Feel free to use our sample comment below or write your own.

Submit a Public Comment

Check out the Draft Funding Plan here and submit a comment by September 30, 2020 at 11:59pm.  Comment through email using our draft below or via phone, text or postal mail (visit minneapolismn.gov/ncr/2020 for more info).

Copy and paste the Neighborhoods 2020 and all City Council member/staff email addresses into the “recipient” address line:

Neighborhoods2020@minneapolismn.gov
kevin.reich@minneapolismn.gov
cam.gordon@minneapolismn.gov
steve.fletcher@minneapolismn.gov
phillipe.cunningham@minneapolismn.gov
Ward4GeneralInbox@minneapolismn.gov
jeremiah.ellison@minneapolismn.gov
Danielle.hans@minneapolismn.gov
maryan.sharif-abdinassir@minneapolismn.gov
abdi.warsame@minneapolismn.gov
Ryan.SanCartier@minneapolismn.gov
Yusra.Arab@minneapolismn.gov
lisa.goodman@minneapolismn.gov
andrea.jenkins@minneapolismn.gov
alondra.cano@minneapolismn.gov
dylan.kesti@minneapolismn.gov
graham.faulkner@minneapolismn.gov
Lisa.bender@minneapolismn.gov
Jeremy.schroeder@minneapolismn.gov
Andrew.Johnson@minneapolismn.gov
linea.palmisano@minneapolismn.gov

Use this template for your email or write your own personal comment:

Subject:

Neighborhoods 2020 Public Comment

Body:

Dear Minneapolis City Council Members and NCR Staff,

As an Armatage resident, my neighborhood supports the equity goals outlined in the draft Neighborhoods 2020 plan and the emphasis placed on engaging historically underrepresented residents. We recognize that shifting more funding to areas of Minneapolis that need it most and increasing racial equity in our communities is overdue.

However, the proposed program changes will reduce the annual base funding for Armatage and other small neighborhoods to such a degree that many core services and the ability to actually work on equity goals will be in jeopardy. Base funding allows neighborhoods to operate by making a small amount of staff time, accounting services, rent, and communications such as mailings and digital tools to reach community members possible.

Should the funding cuts in this plan pass, many Minneapolis neighborhoods will need to drastically reduce their programs and services immediately. With a higher overall budget and base funding level, neighborhoods would be better able to keep their doors open while still protecting the equity goals and funding in the plan. Therefore, I urge the Minneapolis City Council to increase the overall neighborhood program funding budget, so base funding can be raised from $10,000/year to at least $15,000/year (currently, base funding starts at $25,000/year).

COVID-19 and months of reckoning and reform have demonstrated how critical strong, local communities are to our wellbeing, safety, and ability to make change. Neighborhood organizations are needed now more than ever to listen to all community members’ needs, serve as a key connector between residents and government, and strengthen our city through advocacy, housing support, safety initiatives, annual community-building events, environmental work, and communications that keep residents informed and engaged.

We believe there can be a better funding plan that will support neighborhood organizations to continue much-needed community organizing while increasing and supporting the racial equity work happening across Minneapolis.

Sincerely,
Your Name
Your Neighborhood or Address

April 3, 2020 eNews

Win a $50 Gift Card and Help Our Community Count in the Census

The 2020 Census is HERE and we need your help to ensure Minnesota gets its full share of funding for schools, health care, roads and more.

Help out and enter to win one of four $50 gift cards to local businesses:

  1. Take the 2020 Census: my2020census.gov
  2. Take Action: choose from the following list…
    • Snap a selfie and share with hashtags #WeCountMN #Census2020 #ArmatageTakesTheCensus
    • Share a social media post with my2020census.gov/ and hashtags #WeCountMN #Census2020 #ArmatageTakesTheCensus
    • Reach out to a neighbor (or two!) about completing the Census using #socialdistancing. (This is a perfect chance to check in remotely).
  3. Visit armatage.org/2020census and enter your info for a chance to win one of four $50 gift cards to local businesses.

Thanks to support from the State of MN and the Minneapolis Foundation! All Minneapolis residents are eligible to participate.

COVID-19 Resources & Links

Do you need to…

  • Find a food shelf,
  • Apply for unemployment or an emergency small business loan,
  • Look up high risk grocery shopping hours,
  • Request help around your home (esp. if you’re a senior or have a disability),
  • Find ideas to keep kids busy during the day,
  • Check the details of our the #StayHomeMN order?

We have links to these and more in one place and are updating our page daily: https://armatage.org/covid19 If you haven’t done so yet, please send it to your block’s e-list or share on social media. Email suggestions for additions to anacoordinator@armatage.org.

https://www.nrpa.org/contentassets/e8a6e296777f473f9859cc482e5e7d7b/covid19-urban-parks-1000.jpg

Park Event and Facility Closures through August 31

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board made the difficult decision to cancel all park events and close recreation centers, restrooms, pools and beaches through August 31. This includes the cancellation of neighborhood events like Armatage Summer Festival that are held at parks. Parks, trails, athletic fields and courts, parkways, dog parks, and golf courses will remain open.  Read the full list of what’s open, closed and canceled here.

Stay safe while enjoying our parks and trails:

  • Stay six feet apart – if you are able to, please move aside for families with young kids, seniors, and people with disabilities.
  • No group sports, play dates, or activities
  • Don’t drive across the city or metro to visit popular parks
  • Use parks in moderation
  • Don’t visit parks or trails if you feel sick or have symptoms like a fever, runny nose and/or sore throat

mnhealth on Twitter: "Viruses don't discriminate, and neither ...
Check Out this Message from Mayor Frey and Chief Arradondo

There have been increased incidents and attacks against Asian American communities across the nation as a result of racism coupled with coronavirus fears. Watch and share Mayor Frey and Chief Arradondo’s video to learn about how the City is responding.

Call 311 to report discriminatory actions to the City’s Civil Rights Department and call 911 in an emergency.

The Minnesota Department of Health also has some great anti-discrimination posters available on its website.

Minneapolis City Trees Program

Low-cost Tree Sales for Minneapolis Residents

The Minneapolis City Trees Program is now open to ALL Minneapolis property owners! Sales are happening on a new online system through May 1 or until trees are sold out.

Unlike past years, there is no lottery and available trees will be smaller in size (#5 and #7 containers) in order to make more trees available to more property owners. Visit https://mpls-tree-sale.myshopify.com/ and please spread the word to your neighbors!


SW Parks Master Plan Comment Period Extended

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board extended the comment period for the Southwest Service Area Master Plan through April 25, 2020. With park buildings now closed through until May, visit www.minneapolisparks.org/sw to view and comment on the plans.


Transportation Action Plan Comment Period Extended

Check out the draft Transportation Action Plan website to read the draft plan and provide feedback. The interactive website includes opportunities to provide your input on specific strategies and actions during the public comment period, which is extended until May 22.

Attend the Online Open House on Monday, April 13 from 4:30-5:30pm on the Minneapolis Facebook page to hear about your plan, give input, and interact in real time.

Comment Period Extended to July 15

The City of Minneapolis has extended the public comment period for the Neighborhoods 2020 Draft Guidelines through July 15, 2020.

Proposed funding levels for neighborhoods like Armatage will significantly decrease in 2021 and beyond to shift more funding toward areas of the City with greater equity needs. Base funding levels will drop to 1/3 of their current level for Armatage, which will impact our ability to serve the neighborhood. Read the draft guidelines and learn more at www.minneapolismn.gov/ncr/2020

We Love Our Neighborhood

Thank you to Armatage neighbors Linda and Maggie for sharing their sidewalk poetry with us during this turbulent time!

Let us know how you’re making Armatage a bit brighter so we can share it with the neighborhood by emailing anacoordinator@armatage.org.