Category Archives: Transportation

January 13, 2022 eNews

January 18, 2022 Agenda

Please join the first Armatage Monthly Meeting of the year next Tuesday, January 18 from 6:30-8:30pm on Zoom. Neighbors are encouraged to attend. Register at bit.ly/ANAmtgs

  • Welcome and Introductions (6:30pm)
  • Ward 13 Update – Council Vice President Linea Palmisano (6:35pm)
  • Park Update – Jordan Nelson, Armatage Park Director (6:55pm)
  • Special Election for Open Board Seat (7:00pm)
  • Vice President Midterm Election (7:05pm)
  • Lawns to Legumes Grant Opportunity (7:10pm)
  • Armatage.org Updates (7:25pm)
  • Coordinator Report (7:45pm)
  • ANA Committee Updates (8:00pm)
  • New Business (8:15pm)

Graphic with a black background and gold glittery decorations. Text says "Armatage Neighborhood Association Special Election January 18, 2022 at 6:30pm on Zoom. Learn more and register to run at armatage.org"

January Special Election

The ANA will hold a Special Election for one open board seat on January 18, 2022!  The deadline to register to run is this Sunday, January 16!  All residents (aged 18 and over) and designated neighborhood business or institution representatives are eligible to vote through an online form on Tuesday, January 18 from 9:00am-7:00pm.

Learn more about the time commitment and duties and register to run at armatage.org/january-2022-special-election/

Image shows a speaker at a podium from a previous Rev. Dr. MLK Day Celebration. There are several people also on the stage.

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration

Monday, January 17
6:30-8:00pm

Annual tributes to Dr. King’s life and legacy take place at several Minneapolis park locations throughout the day, including an evening celebration at the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Recreation Center with speakers, live entertainment and the presentation of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board’s Living the Dream award.

The celebration will be emceed by Chad Jackson, Senior Manager, Brand Partnerships, with the Minnesota Twins. Adair Mosley, President and CEO of Pillsbury United Communities, will be the keynote speaker. Musical performances that evening will come from “VocalEssence Singers Of This Age”.  Click here to learn more.

Image of Armatage Park at night with lights on and snow on the ground. White text over the image says "Armatage Fire & Ice, Friday January 28th from 6:00-7:30pm. Skating, cocoa and popcorn. Hosted by Armatage Park and the Armatage Neighborhood Association"

Armatage Fire & Ice is BACK!

Friday, January 28 
6:00-7:30pm

Join Armatage Park’s annual Fire & Ice Family Skating party on Friday, January 28 from 6:00-7:30pm! Bundle up and enjoy a night with your family and friends skating or keep warm with hot cocoa by the bonfires. COVID-19 safety: as much of the event as possible will be held outdoors. Bring a mask if you need to step into the warming room. Learn more at https://armatage.org/2022-fire-ice-skating-party/

Lake Harriet Kite Festival

The Kite Festival returns to frozen Lake Harriet on Saturday, January 22, 12:00-4:00 pm! Check out this beautiful event that fills the sky with colorful kites and offers winter activities for all including kite flying (BYO or or enjoy the kites from Minnesota Kite Society), dog sledding, ice fishing, delicious local food trucks and free s’mores by the fire. This year, there will be no heated tents and Art Shanty Projects will be offering an exterior-only experience. All event attendees are encouraged to wear masks.

There will be no parking in the Lake Harriet Parking lot and on either side of Linden Hills Boulevard from W 43rd Street to W 40th Street on event day. A shuttle from the Calhoun Executive Center (3033 Excelsior Blvd, Minneapolis, MN 55416) will run continuously from 11:30 am to 5:00 pm. Masks will be required for all shuttle passengers.

Image shows a graphic of a kangaroo holding a book and says "Armatage Elementary School"

Armatage Elementary Enrollment & Open House

School enrollment season is here! Anyone who lives in the neighborhood who has a child in grades K-5 during the 2022-2023 school year who is not already enrolled at Armatage Elementary can request Armatage as their first choice on the online school choice form at https://enrollnow.exploremps.org/onlinerequest This includes all incoming kindergartners.

Open House: learn about Armatage Elementary at the Open House on Tuesday, January 25 from 5:00-6:00pm for any prospective families who would like to tour the building, meet Principal Steve Searl and some of the teaching staff, and hear all about the school! Per MPS policy, please wear a mask.

Kanga News: Sign up for Armatage Elementary’s e-news, Kanga News! Current families and community members are welcome to sign up for Kanga News at https://armatage.mpls.k12.mn.us/Communications

Graphic that lists a Saturday, Jan 15, 2022 service opportunity to pack kits for neighbors in need hosted by trust.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service

Saturday, January 15
10:00am-12:00pm
Richfield Lutheran Church (8 W 60th St)

Looking for a meaningful service opportunity to honor Dr. King’s life and legacy?  Join TRUST Inc. for a free “Day of Service” Event packing cold weather kits for neighbors in need. The Keynote Speaker for this event is City Council President Andrea Jenkins. This is a great service opportunity for all ages. All attendees must wear a mask and plan to distance indoors while packing kits. Please give a TRUST a heads up that you can make it by calling 612.827.6159.

Graphic with a blue background that says "#maskupmpls at all indoor public spaces" and lists daycare, gas station, government building, grocery store, office building and library.

Mask & Restaurant Testing/Vaccination Requirements

Starting January 19, everyone over the age of two entering an establishment that serves food or drink in Minneapolis must show proof of either being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or having a negative PCR or antigen test taken within three days. There are a few exceptions including K-12 and early childcare settings. Get all your questions answered at https://www2.minneapolismn.gov/government/programs-initiatives/coronavirus/businesses-employees/testing-vaccine-policy/

Mask Mandate: Because of the surging, highly contagious omicron variant, all patrons, employees and visitors over the age of 2 must wear a mask in Minneapolis businesses and areas of public accommodation. This includes restaurants, bars, libraries, retail stores, schools, recreation centers, rental establishments, theaters and more. Learn more at https://www2.minneapolismn.gov/government/programs-initiatives/coronavirus/

Graphic with a white background that shows the outline of a test tube and says "Stay Safe MN COVID-19 Testing"

COVID-19 Testing Options

Did you know that the MDH provides FREE COVID-19 saliva PCR testing from home via rapid delivery (often courier)? All you need is an internet connection to order your test AND to schedule a zoom observation of you taking the saliva test. Drop off the completed test sample at a UPS/USPS/Fedex drop-off site. Here’s a link to order your test: https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/testsites/athome.html The Vault saliva PCR tests have been running out so be sure to check back if the order forms asks for payment as more free tests will be available soon.

Need a rapid or can’t wait? Find community testing site options at https://mn.gov/covid19/get-tested/testing-locations/community-testing.jsp

Image shows a gloved hand sprinkling blue salt crystals from a small cup onto a shoveled sidewalk. The salt distribution shown is sparse according to safe salting practices.

Using Less Sidewalk Salt Protects Water & Saves Money

Winter road and sidewalk de-icing salt is a major – and permanent – polluter of local freshwater lakes and streams. Seventy-eight percent of salt applied in the metro area ends up in groundwater or local lakes and rivers.  If de-icer is needed, people should use as little as possible. It’s easy to use too much, but more salt does not mean more melting. Removing snow and ice early and often is the best approach. Shoveling instead of using chemicals will protect our waters.

Pledge to salt wisely
Any residents and businesses can take a pledge on the City of Minneapolis website to salt wisely. A 30-minute course with self-guided readings and videos will teach anyone about the consequences of using too much salt and about how to protect beloved Minnesota waters from this permanent pollution.

Image of a traffic circle at a Minneapolis snowy neighborhood intersection.

Deadline Extended for Neighborhood Traffic Calming Survey

Minneapolis Public Works wants your input on a proposed process to address traffic safety concerns and traffic calming requests on neighborhood streets. The process provides a way for community members to request traffic calming and for Public Works to review those requests fairly, transparently and equitably. We know traffic calming has been a priority for neighbors for a long time and we hope you’ll weigh in!

Find more information about the proposed traffic calming process and share your feedback by Jan 31 here. After reviewing feedback, Public Works will finalize the process this year and share details in the spring about how to request traffic calming measures.

Image of the Armatage Community Center at dusk. The sky is inky, snow is on the ground and the building glows in the fading light.

Recreation Center & Warming Room Hours Scaled Back

Due to the rise in COVID-19 cases and staffing shortages, drop-in hours at recreation centers are discontinued and buildings are open only for pre-registered and ActivePass programs now until February 14. Existing recreation center room rentals will be honored, but no new rentals will be accepted through February 14.

Warming room hours are also reduced through the end of the skating season. New hours are Monday-Friday, 4:00-7:00pm and Saturday-Sunday, 1:00-5:00pm. Lights will continue to remain on until 9:00pm and outdoor rink-side benches and picnic tables will be added. A friendly reminder: masks are required for all park building visitors, including staff, instructors and sport spectators.

Image shows children walking up a sledding hill with sleds in hand.

Socially Distanced Sledding at Armatage Park

Saturday, January 8 – February 12
10:00am-12:00pm

Come hit the slopes! As you probably know, Armatage Park has one of *the best* sledding hills in Southwest along Penn Ave. Limited sleds are available at the recreation center, so bring one if you can and plan to distance. You can drop by any time for socially distanced sledding! Learn more here.

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

COVID-19 Vaccines and Boosters

With the omicron variant now dominant in Minnesota, getting a COVID-19 booster AND getting children ages 5 and up vaccinated is more important than ever. Visit mn.gov/vaccine to use the Vaccine Locator Map (more options listed below). Learn more about who’s eligible for a booster here.

Find a Vaccine:

Vaccines work. If you haven’t been vaccinated or gotten a booster yet, get a free vaccine as soon as you can.

December 23, 2021 eNews

Graphic with a green background and a pine bough that says "Happy Holidays. The ANA is closed Dec 24-31. See you in 2022!"

December 21, 2021 Meeting Recap

Thanks to everyone who joined us for the last ANA Meeting of 2021! Members of the Green Team, Community Engagement Committee, and Safety, Equity & Outreach Committee presented their 2022 work plans and all the great programs and events planned for next year. The Board approved its 2022 budget and made edits to the Safety Rebate Program. With decreasing funding, the program will now have a $200 lifetime cap for residents and the business program, which hasn’t had an application in years, will be discontinued.

Last, the ANA thanked outgoing President Joel Federer for his service over the past 3.5 years and elected new President Kevin Ross, who has been serving as the current Vice President!  The ANA will hold a Special Election to fill the open board seat and elect a new Vice President in January.

Collage of three images of holiday light tour stops - the upper left shows a white house with lights in front, the upper right shows a whole block holiday light installation and the bottom shows a house with white, red, and blue lights.

Holiday Light Tour Voting Results

THANK YOU to everyone who participated, particularly each of the 14 homes on the tour who put together beautiful displays and welcomed visitors from all over MN!  While the voting has wrapped up, the amazing displays are there for you to enjoy and visit again this season. Find this year’s map and driving directions at https://armatage.org/holidaylights/ The three favorite displays from this year’s tour are listed below:

  • 5500 Block of Washburn Ave S (top right)
  • 5812 Washburn Ave S (top left)
  • 5908 Morgan Ave S (bottom)

Rec Centers Open Over Winter Break

Youth are welcome at Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board recreation centers over Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) Winter Break (Dec. 20-31). As of Dec 20, weekday hours have expanded to 12:00-7:00pm at all MPRB recreation centers.

Drop in for unstructured play or head to minneapolisparks.org/register to search hundreds of activities offered over the next two weeks. Many recreation centers are open outside of public hours for even more activities, classes and sports. (Note: all recreation centers will be closed and programming cancelled Dec 24-25 and Dec 31-Jan 1 in observance of Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.) Masks are required for all recreation center visitors, including instructors and sport spectators.

Graphic with a black background and gold glittery decorations. Text says "Armatage Neighborhood Association Special Election January 18, 2022 at 6:30pm on Zoom. Learn more and register to run at armatage.org"

January Special Election

The ANA will hold a Special Election for one open board seat on January 18, 2022!  All residents (aged 18 and over) and designated neighborhood business or institution representatives are eligible to vote. Learn more about the time commitment and duties and register to run at https://armatage.org/january-2022-special-election/

Image shows two men in the grass at Armatage Park at dusk. One has a stack of green frisbees and the other has a clipboard with an Armatage eNews sign-up.

Thank You, Joel!

We want to extend a huge THANK YOU to outgoing Armatage Neighborhood Association President, Joel Federer (pictured above at right)! We are so grateful to Joel for his years of leadership helping the ANA weather staffing transitions, years of COVID, and getting ready for our big city funding program with a steady hand, good humor, and a wealth of expertise.

You’ve likely seen Joel at neighborhood events as he is usually the first to volunteer (even for the the not so fun projects like rewriting bylaws). We are glad he’ll stay involved with the Safety, Equity & Outreach Committee and wish him the best as he heads to a continuing education program this January! 

Image shows a home with lights on at night and a garage with a security camera

Safety Rebate Program Changes

With decreasing city funding, the ANA is making a few changes to the popular Safety Rebate program. As of January 1, 2022, the program will have a $200 lifetime cap per address for residents (both renters and homeowners) and the business program, which hasn’t had an application in years, will be discontinued. The ANA will still issue rebates for eligible home safety updates for up to $100 per address per calendar year until you reach the $200 lifetime cap.

Our goal with these changes is to help as many neighbors make home safety updates as possible while keeping the program operating. Learn more at https://armatage.org/security-rebate-program-for-residents/

Image of a traffic circle at a Minneapolis snowy neighborhood intersection.

Take the Neighborhood Traffic Calming Survey by Dec 31

Minneapolis Public Works wants your input on a proposed process to address traffic safety concerns and traffic calming requests on neighborhood streets. The process provides a way for community members to request traffic calming and for Public Works to review those requests fairly, transparently and equitably. We know traffic calming has been a priority for neighbors for a long time and we hope you’ll weigh in!

Find more information about the proposed traffic calming process and share your feedback by Dec 31 here. After reviewing feedback, Public Works will finalize the process early in 2022 and share details in the spring about how to request traffic calming measures.

Image shows children walking up a sledding hill with sleds in hand.

Socially Distanced Sledding at Armatage Park

Tues, Dec 28
1:00-3:00pm

Come hit the slopes! As you probably know, Armatage Park has one of *the best* sledding hills in Southwest along Penn Ave. Limited sleds are available at the recreation center, so bring one if you can and plan to distance.  Please register in advance just so staff know how many to expect.

(Can’t make it this week?  You can drop by any time!  Kids will also have more chances for socially distanced sledding parties each Saturday January 8 – February 12 from 10:00am-12:00pm at Armatage Park. Learn more here.)

Image shows a graphic of a kangaroo holding a book and says "Armatage Elementary School"

Armatage Elementary Enrollment & Open House

School enrollment season is here! Anyone who lives in the neighborhood who has a child in grades K-5 during the 2022-2023 who are not already enrolled at Armatage Elementary can request Armatage as their first choice on the online school choice form at https://enrollnow.exploremps.org/onlinerequest This includes all incoming kindergartners.

Open House: learn about Armatage Elementary at the Open House on Tuesday, January 25 from 5:00-6:00pm for any prospective families who would like to tour the building, meet Principal Steve Searl and some of the teaching staff, and hear all about the school! Per MPS policy, please wear a mask.

Kanga News: Sign up for Armatage Elementary’s e-news, Kanga News! Current families and community members are welcome to sign up for Kanga News at https://armatage.mpls.k12.mn.us/Communications

Make This Holiday Season Low Waste

Minneapolis Solid Waste & Recycling has a TON of helpful resources to help you celebrate low waste holidays, find answers to your “where does this go?” recycling questions, and more!

Graphic with full shelves of books in the background and text that says "Join the 2022 Armatage Reading Circle. Sign up at bit.ly/2022readingcircle"

Sign up for the Next Armatage Reading Circle

Hello neighbors! Interested in joining a book club? Have past book clubs overwhelmed you with the pace of reading and content overload? Well, then consider joining our slothful book club. Each month, we will read a small chunk of a book and then get together to discuss questions focused solely on that chunk. That way, the pace is more manageable and the questions feel more relevant.

Last year, we read All We Can Save: Truth, Courage, and Solutions for the Climate Crisis and are currently looking for a new title for next year! The goal would be to start in Jan/Feb 2022 and it would last anywhere from 6 to 9 months based on the book we choose. If you’re interested in joining and/or have titles that might be worth sharing with your neighbors, please sign up at https://bit.ly/2022readingcircle

Free Dog & Cat Adoptions

Minneapolis Animal Care & Control currently has NO adoption fee for cats and dogs over six months old! Are you ready to adopt a new furry family member just in time for the new year?

Visit the City website for more information

Sign up for Southwest Voices

We’re happy to announce that the Armatage Neighborhood Association will be partnering with Southwest Voices, a local news and information service covering SW Minneapolis. Southwest Voices has a free daily newsletter with information on how to get involved with the city, fun local events, restaurant openings and closings, live reports from School Board, Park Board, and City Council meetings, and information about community happenings. Sign-up at SouthwestVoices.news.

The ANA will receive a portion of each membership fee from people that sign up from our neighborhood, so if you sign up to support Southwest Voices, you’re also supporting the ANA. As a civic news organization that believes that good local journalism starts with listening, Southwest Voices wants to hear from you! Shoot them a note at info@southwestvoices.news or a text message at 612-204-2887 to share what you’d like to see covered and follow them on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.

Image shows a City of Minneapolis press conference from Dec 13, 2021 with diverse attendees and sign language interpretation

New Minneapolis Crisis Response Teams

The City of Minneapolis launched a behavioral crisis response teams pilot project. Canopy Roots will provide crisis intervention, counseling, and connection to support services as an alternative to police responders.  Two mobile units will operate throughout Minneapolis 7:30 am to midnight, Monday through Friday, and eventually ramp up to service 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  Each vehicle will have a team of two behavioral health responders and outreach supplies, such as water, socks, snacks and toiletries.

People should continue to call 911 for help with behavioral crises. 911 dispatchers will gather information and determine if the incident is eligible for a mobile behavioral health team response. The teams will not respond to incidents involving firearms or violent behavior. The Minneapolis Police Department will only be on scene if dispatch determines the need to clear the scene first or the response teams request assistance to complete their work. Learn more about the behavioral crisis response teams here.

The image shows a group of recreational skaters of all ages and abilities wearing masks and skating outdoors on a rink on a lake.

Minneapolis Ice Rink Updates

Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board staff are hard at work preparing the ice for this year’s skating, hockey and broomball season!  None of the rinks or warming houses are open yet, but you can watch the progress using this interactive rink map.

Do you have old or outgrown skates that are still in great condition? Parks (including Armatage Park) would love to adopt them!  You can do the park staff a big favor by making sure they’re in ready-to-go condition and freshly sharpened for new skaters.

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

COVID-19 Vaccines and Boosters

With the omicron variant now dominant in Minnesota, getting a COVID-19 booster for anyone 16 and up who is at least 6 months past their second dose AND getting children ages 5 and up vaccinated is more important than ever. Visit mn.gov/vaccine to use the Vaccine Locator Map (more options listed below).

Find a Vaccine:

Vaccines work. If you haven’t been vaccinated or gotten a booster yet, get a free vaccine as soon as you can.

December 16, 2021 eNews

Navy & light blue graphic that says "Armatage Monthly Meeting" next to a photo of a tree in holiday lights at Armatage Park next to the skating rink. Further down, the graphic reads "Tues, Dec 21 6:30-8:30pm Community members welcome! Register to attend on Zoom at bit.ly/ANAmtgs"

December 21, 2021 Agenda

Please join the last Armatage Monthly Meeting of the year this Tuesday, December 21 from 6:30-8:30pm on Zoom. Neighbors are encouraged to attend. Register at bit.ly/ANAmtgs

  • Welcome & Introductions (6:30pm)
  • Park Update – Jordan Nelson, Armatage Park Director (6:35pm)
  • President Midterm Election (6:40pm)
  • ANA Committee Work Plans (6:50pm)
  • Safety Rebate Program Changes (7:25pm)
  • Approval of 2022 ANA Budget (7:45pm)
  • Coordinator Report (8:00pm)
    • ANA Web Updates & Financials
    • 2021 Fundraising
    • Holiday Light Tour Wrap-up
    • Staffing Update & Holiday Schedule
  • New Business (8:15pm)

Graphic with holiday lights at night in the background and text that reads "Armatage Holiday Light Tour, Friday 12/10 through Sun 12/19 from 5-8pm. More info at armatage.org"

Holiday Light Tour Ends Sunday

Friday, Dec 10 – Sunday, Dec 19
5:00-8:00pm

Enjoy the colorful city streets and light displays of the Armatage Neighborhood this holiday season!  The tour runs from 5:00-8:00pm each night through Sunday, December 19. Check out this year’s tour map at https://armatage.org/holidaylights/  Please be courteous and respectful of neighbors on your adventure and minimize the amount of time your car is idling. If you leave your vehicle, please maintain social distancing.

Once you’ve visited every stop on the tour, visit https://armatage.org/holidaylights/ to vote for your favorites! Voting closes at 12:00pm on December 20 so don’t wait to get your votes in! To keep things as fair as possible, please refrain from voting until you’ve visited each and every address on the tour. The three addresses with the most votes will each win a $50 gift card to an Armatage business.

Image shows children walking up a sledding hill with sleds in hand.

Socially Distanced Sledding at Armatage Park

Tues, Dec 21 & 28
1:00-3:00pm

Come hit the slopes! As you probably know, Armatage Park has one of *the best* sledding hills in Southwest along Penn Ave. Limited sleds are available at the recreation center, so bring one if you can and plan to distance.  Please register in advance here so staff know how many to expect.

(Can’t make it this week?  You’ll have more chances for socially distanced sledding each Saturday January 8 – February 12 from 10:00am-12:00pm at Armatage Park. Learn more here.)

Sign up for Southwest Voices

We’re happy to announce that the Armatage Neighborhood Association will be partnering with Southwest Voices, a local news and information service covering SW Minneapolis. Southwest Voices has a free daily newsletter with information on how to get involved with the city, fun local events, restaurant openings and closings, live reports from School Board, Park Board, and City Council meetings, and information about community happenings. Sign-up at SouthwestVoices.news.

The ANA will receive a portion of each membership fee from people that sign up from our neighborhood, so if you sign up to support Southwest Voices, you’re also supporting the ANA. As a civic news organization that believes that good local journalism starts with listening, Southwest Voices wants to hear from you! Shoot them a note at info@southwestvoices.news or a text message at 612-204-2887 to share what you’d like to see covered and follow them on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.

Image shows a City of Minneapolis press conference from Dec 13, 2021 with diverse attendees and sign language interpretation

New Minneapolis Crisis Response Teams

The City of Minneapolis launched a behavioral crisis response teams pilot project. Canopy Roots will provide crisis intervention, counseling, and connection to support services as an alternative to police responders.  Two mobile units will operate throughout Minneapolis 7:30 am to midnight, Monday through Friday, and eventually ramp up to service 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  Each vehicle will have a team of two behavioral health responders and outreach supplies, such as water, socks, snacks and toiletries.

People should continue to call 911 for help with behavioral crises. 911 dispatchers will gather information and determine if the incident is eligible for a mobile behavioral health team response. The teams will not respond to incidents involving firearms or violent behavior. The Minneapolis Police Department will only be on scene if dispatch determines the need to clear the scene first or the response teams request assistance to complete their work. Learn more about the behavioral crisis response teams here.

Image of a traffic circle at a Minneapolis snowy neighborhood intersection.

Take the Neighborhood Traffic Calming Survey

Minneapolis Public Works wants your input on a proposed process to address traffic safety concerns and traffic calming requests on neighborhood streets. The process provides a way for community members to request traffic calming and for Public Works to review those requests fairly, transparently and equitably. We know traffic calming has been a priority for neighbors for a long time and we hope you’ll weigh in!

Find more information about the proposed traffic calming process and share your feedback by Dec 31 here. After reviewing feedback, Public Works will finalize the process early in 2022 and share details in the spring about how to request traffic calming measures.

Make This Holiday Season Low Waste

Minneapolis Solid Waste & Recycling has a TON of helpful resources to help you celebrate low waste holidays, find answers to your “where does this go?” recycling questions, and more!

The image shows a group of recreational skaters of all ages and abilities wearing masks and skating outdoors on a rink on a lake.

Minneapolis Ice Rink Updates

Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board staff are hard at work preparing the ice for this year’s skating, hockey and broomball season!  None of the rinks or warming houses are open yet, but you can watch the progress using this interactive rink map.

Do you have old or outgrown skates that are still in great condition? Parks (including Armatage Park) would love to adopt them!  You can do the park staff a big favor by making sure they’re in ready-to-go condition and freshly sharpened for new skaters.

Graphic with full shelves of books in the background and text that says "Join the 2022 Armatage Reading Circle. Sign up at bit.ly/2022readingcircle"

Sign up for the Next Armatage Reading Circle

Hello neighbors! Interested in joining a book club? Have past book clubs overwhelmed you with the pace of reading and content overload? Well, then consider joining our slothful book club. Each month, we will read a small chunk of a book and then get together to discuss questions focused solely on that chunk. That way, the pace is more manageable and the questions feel more relevant.

Last year, we read All We Can Save: Truth, Courage, and Solutions for the Climate Crisis and are currently looking for a new title for next year! The goal would be to start in Jan/Feb 2022 and it would last anywhere from 6 to 9 months based on the book we choose. If you’re interested in joining and/or have titles that might be worth sharing with your neighbors, please sign up at https://bit.ly/2022readingcircle

Image of a Minneapolis Public Works blue dump truck with an orange plow attached in the midst of plowing a city street.

Are You Signed up for Snow Emergency Alerts?

When a Snow Emergency is declared, parking rules take effect so plows can clear the streets and emergency vehicles and other cars can then get around and park. 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.

You can sign up for text, email and phone alerts and download the Minneapolis Snow Emergency smartphone app. Keep your app updated to make sure you have the latest version. Learn more at minneapolismn.gov/snow.

Pledge to Salt Smart to Protect Water

Did you know that Minnesota is over salting our roads and sidewalks? Learn more with the City of Minneapolis educational program, the Salt Mini-Course. Winter road and sidewalk de-icing salt can be hazardous to our safety and our environment. Safety is the priority when applying de-icers, and over application of salt is actually LESS effective. More salt does not mean more melting!

Take the pledge to salt smartly with the self-guided Minneapolis Salt Mini-Course! Residents and businesses can learn about the consequences of over salting, and what we can do to help protect our beloved Minnesota waters from the permanent pollutant of chloride salt. Click here to learn more or reach out to program coordinator, Léa, at lea.payette@minneapolismn.gov

Graphic that says "Keep Minneapolis walkable. Clear your sidewalks. Call 311 to report unsafe sidewalks" over a picture of a person shoveling a snowy sidewalk.

Remember to Shovel Your Sidewalks

Sharing this friendly reminder that Minneapolis ordinance requires property owners of single family homes and duplexes to clear sidewalks within 24 hours after a snowfall, and all other property owners must clear their sidewalks within four daytime hours. Clearing snow and ice from sidewalks helps people of all ages and abilities safely walk or roll to where they need to go. Sidewalks are a primary mode of transportation for many people in the city and should be open for everyone.

In addition to relying on complaints reported to 311, City inspectors will also be out in neighborhoods actively looking for sidewalks that aren’t shoveled. Failure to shovel and maintain your sidewalk could result in a warning letter and, if left uncleared, a bill for the City to remove snow from your sidewalk. A typical bill is $229. People should call 311 to learn more about resources available to people who may need help clearing their sidewalks.  Learn more here.

Free Dog & Cat Adoptions

Minneapolis Animal Care & Control currently has NO adoption fee for cats and dogs over six months old! Are you ready to adopt a new furry family member just in time for the new year?

Visit the City website for more information.

Personal Safety & Carjacking Prevention

ICYMI, the Minneapolis Police Department released tips around personal safety and carjacking prevention in response to the uptick in carjackings, robberies and home invasion.  We’ve shared some of the tips below – see the full list here.

Personal Safety:

  • Be aware of your surroundings. Look at who and what is around you and take note of anyone following you closely, especially while driving home.
  • Always keep your doors locked, even while you are home.
  • Be aware of what’s happening to others around you and call 911 if you see signs that someone is being threatened or assaulted.
  • Never leave your car running while unattended and never leave a key inside a parked vehicle.
  • Keep some distance between yourself and a stranger who approaches you. Staying more than arm’s length away means someone can’t grab your bag or you, as easily.

Carjacking Prevention:

  • Don’t sit in your car with the door unlocked or with the windows rolled down.
  • Have your license plate memorized. This can help in a fast recovery and arrest.
  • Be aware of your surroundings. Call 911 and use your key fob or other car alarm if you feel a threat.
  • Keep your distance between the car in front of you so that you can drive around it if needed to get away fast.
  • Be wary of how carjackers lure victims. These include bumping your car, pretending to be stranded motorists or flashing their lights as if there were something wrong with your car.

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

COVID-19 Vaccines and Boosters

With the omicron variant hitting Minnesota, getting a COVID-19 booster for anyone 16 and up who is at least 6 months past their second dose AND getting children ages 5 and up vaccinated is more important than ever. Visit mn.gov/vaccine to use the Vaccine Locator Map (more options listed below).

Find a Vaccine:

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

December 9, 2021 eNews

Graphic with holiday lights at night in the background and text that reads "Armatage Holiday Light Tour, Friday 12/10 through Sun 12/19 from 5-8pm. More info at armatage.org"

The Holiday Light Tour Starts Friday!

Friday, Dec 10 – Sunday, Dec 19
5:00-8:00pm

Enjoy the colorful city streets and light displays of the Armatage Neighborhood in SW Minneapolis this holiday season!  The tour runs from 5-8pm nightly from Fri, Dec 10 through Sun, Dec 19. Check out this year’s tour map at https://armatage.org/holidaylights/  Please be courteous and respectful of neighbors on your adventure and minimize the amount of time your car is idling. If you leave your vehicle, please maintain social distancing.

Once you’ve visited every stop on the tour, visit https://armatage.org/holidaylights/ to vote for your favorites! To keep things as fair as possible, please refrain from voting until you’ve visited each and every address on the tour. The three addresses with the most votes will each win a $50 gift card to an Armatage business.

Graphic with full shelves of books in the background and text that says "Join the 2022 Armatage Reading Circle. Sign up at bit.ly/2022readingcircle"

Sign up for the Next Armatage Reading Circle

Hello neighbors! Interested in joining a book club? Have past book clubs overwhelmed you with the pace of reading and content overload? Well, then consider joining our slothful book club. Each month, we will read a small chunk of a book and then get together to discuss questions focused solely on that chunk. That way, the pace is more manageable and the questions feel more relevant.

Last year, we read All We Can Save: Truth, Courage, and Solutions for the Climate Crisis and are currently looking for a new title for next year! The goal would be to start in Jan/Feb 2022 and it would last anywhere from 6 to 9 months based on the book we choose. If you’re interested in joining and/or have titles that might be worth sharing with your neighbors, please sign up at https://bit.ly/2022readingcircle

Personal Safety & Carjacking Prevention

Recently, the Minneapolis Police Department has seen an increase in robberies and specifically home invasions. The MPD has specific tips around personal safety and carjacking prevention listed.  We’ve shared some tips below – see the full list here.

Personal Safety:

  • Be aware of your surroundings. Look at who and what is around you and take note of anyone following you closely, especially while driving home.
  • Always keep your doors locked, even while you are home.
  • Be aware of what’s happening to others around you and call 911 if you see signs that someone is being threatened or assaulted.
  • Never leave your car running while unattended and never leave a key inside a parked vehicle.
  • Keep some distance between yourself and a stranger who approaches you. Staying more than arm’s length away means someone can’t grab your bag or you, as easily.

Carjacking Prevention:

  • Don’t sit in your car with the door unlocked or with the windows rolled down.
  • Have your license plate memorized. This can help in a fast recovery and arrest.
  • Be aware of your surroundings. Call 911 and use your key fob or other car alarm if you feel a threat.
  • Keep your distance between the car in front of you so that you can drive around it if needed to get away fast.
  • Be wary of how carjackers lure victims. These include bumping your car, pretending to be stranded motorists or flashing their lights as if there were something wrong with your car.

Take the Minneapolis Salt Mini-Course

Did you know that Minnesota is over salting our roads and sidewalks? Learn more with the City of Minneapolis educational program, the Salt Mini-Course. Winter road and sidewalk de-icing salt can be hazardous to our safety and our environment. Safety is the priority when applying de-icers, and over application of salt is actually LESS effective. More salt does not mean more melting!

Take the pledge to salt smartly with the self-guided Minneapolis Salt Mini-Course! Residents and businesses can learn about the consequences of over salting, and what we can do to help protect our beloved Minnesota waters from the permanent pollutant of chloride salt. If you’re interested in learning more, visit https://www2.minneapolismn.gov/government/programs-initiatives/environmental-programs/salt/ or reach out to program coordinator, Léa, at lea.payette@minneapolismn.gov

Graphic that says "Keep Minneapolis walkable. Clear your sidewalks. Call 311 to report unsafe sidewalks" over a picture of a person shoveling a snowy sidewalk.

Remember to Shovel Your Sidewalks

Sharing this friendly reminder that Minneapolis ordinance requires property owners of single family homes and duplexes to clear sidewalks within 24 hours after a snowfall, and all other property owners must clear their sidewalks within four daytime hours. Clearing snow and ice from sidewalks helps people of all ages and abilities safely walk or roll to where they need to go. Sidewalks are a primary mode of transportation for many people in the city and should be open for everyone.

In addition to relying on complaints reported to 311, City inspectors will also be out in neighborhoods actively looking for sidewalks that aren’t shoveled. Failure to shovel and maintain your sidewalk could result in a warning letter and, if left uncleared, a bill for the City to remove snow from your sidewalk. A typical bill is $229. People should call 311 to learn more about resources available to people who may need help clearing their sidewalks.  Learn more here.

New Feature: Armatage Neighbor Spotlight!

If you have an Armatage neighbor you’d like us to honor, we’d love to spotlight them in the Armatage eNews and on social media!

To submit a Neighbor Spotlight, please send an email with a short description and a picture to anacoordinator@armatage.org Check out out first Neighbor Spotlight of Green Team member Sarah Komoroski below!

Image shows two people, one man and woman with their dog. They are in the snow with pine trees in the background.

Neighbor Spotlight: Sarah Komoroski

Did you know that Armatage neighbor and Green Team member Sarah Komoroski (above, right) attended the COP26 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Glasgow this year?

We couldn’t be more proud and excited for Sarah and are excited to hear moreabout her experience at an upcoming Green Team meeting! She’s pictured here with husband Ethan and pup Sanford. Go Sarah!

Image of a traffic circle at a Minneapolis snowy neighborhood intersection.

Take the Neighborhood Traffic Calming Survey

Minneapolis Public Works wants your input on a proposed process to address traffic safety concerns and traffic calming requests on neighborhood streets. The process provides a way for community members to request traffic calming and for Public Works to review those requests fairly, transparently and equitably.

Find more information about the proposed traffic calming process and share your feedback by Dec 31 here. After reviewing feedback, Public Works will finalize the process early in 2022 and share details in the spring about how to request traffic calming measures.

Free Dog & Cat Adoptions

Minneapolis Animal Care & Control is waiving adoption fees for cats and dogs over six months old currently at the shelter.

Visit the City website for more information.

A graphic that shows a solid blue outline of the Minneapolis city skyline with a piece of paper that says "City of Minneapolis Budget" in front of it.

Final City Budget

The City of Minneapolis held its final public hearing on the 2022 City Budget last night. See the final budget at https://www.minneapolismn.gov/government/budget/

Image shows a recent snowfall in an urban neighborhood with snow dusting a tree, a street lamp, a fence and two houses in the distance

Winter Weather Resources

Winter in Minnesota can be tough with extreme cold, whiteout blizzards and power outages. Children, older adults and people with chronic illness are especially at risk during cold months. Here are a few tips to get ready:

  • Sign up for weather alerts on your device and download apps such as the free FEMA app.
  • Know important weather terms:
    • Winter weather advisory means that snow, sleet or freezing rain is accumulating.
    • Winter storm watch means that conditions are right for a storm to happen.
    • Winter storm warning means that a storm is happening.
  • Have a plan to stay home safely if the power goes out. Check in with neighbors, friends and family.
  • Have a plan to stay safe while you travel. Don’t crowd the plow. Have supplies in your vehicle such as boots, a blanket and a shovel.

Graphic shows a diagram of underground water lines that run from a water main to a home. The property owner is responsible for the curb valve, water service line, and water meter. The City is responsible for the water main.

Tips to Keep Your Pipes from Freezing

Water in your service line can freeze during very cold winter weather and prevent it from getting to your faucets. This can happen when:

  • The depth of the frost reaches the depth of the service line.
  • Your basement is not heated where the water service line enters your home.

While water mains are maintained by the City, lines that bring the water from the mains into homes and buildings are the responsibility of property owners. If your service line is frozen, you’ll need to contact a qualified contractor who specializes in thawing frozen service lines. Call 311 for information on contractors who do this type of work.

Most service lines are buried deep enough to not freeze in the winter. If your water service lines have not frozen in the past, they are unlikely to freeze now. Find more information including tips on preventing water lines from freezing on the City website.

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

COVID-19 Vaccines and Boosters

With the omicron variant hitting Minnesota, getting a COVID-19 booster and getting children ages 5 and up vaccinated is more important than ever. All adults are now eligible to get a booster. Visit mn.gov/vaccine to use the Vaccine Locator Map.

Find a Vaccine:

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

November 18, 2021 eNews

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

It’s Give to the Max Day!

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

Support the ANA’s work to make Armatage a place where all are welcome, empowered, and connected through safety initiatives, community-building events, environmental work, advocacy and communications that keep you informed and engaged by making a donation (big or small) at www.givemn.org/organization/Armatage-Neighborhood-Association. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, every donation to the ANA is tax-deductible and eligible for an employer match.

Armatage neighborhood logo in teal and navy

November 16, 2021 Meeting Recap

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

Sign up for the Holiday Light Tour

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Interested in Rooftop Solar?

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

Twin Cities Region Solar Co-op

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

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

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

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

Safety Tips for Thanksgiving

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

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

Share Your Feedback on the City Budget

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

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

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

Hennepin County Election Survey

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

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

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

Park Board Lowers Parkway Speeds to 20 mph

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

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

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

COVID-19 Vaccines and Boosters

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

Upcoming Minneapolis Vaccine Clinics – learn more here:

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

Other Ways to Get a Vaccine:

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

November 12, 2021 eNews

November 16, 2021 Agenda

Community members are encouraged to join the ANA Monthly Meeting this Tuesday, November 16 from 6:30-8:30pm. This month’s meeting will be held on Zoom. Register at bit.ly/ANAmtgs Please note that a portion of the meeting will be closed for staffing contracts.

  • Welcome and Introductions (6:30pm)
  • Park Update – Jordan Nelson, Armatage Park Director (6:35pm)
  • Edits and Approval of Remaining Required Policies – view them here (6:40pm)
    • Americans with Disabilities Act Policy
    • Language Access Policies
    • Financial Policies & Procedures
    • Board Training PowerPoint
    • Board Strategic Funding Plan
    • Board Development Plan
  • Coordinator Report (7:20pm)
    • Give to the Max Day – Thursday!
    • CPP Contract Clean-out Vote: Transfer $30 from Occupancy to Staffing.
    • Proposed 2022 Three Newsletter Timeline:
    • Volunteers for ANA Website Working Group
    • Committee Work Plans
    • December Meeting Date
  • 2022 Staffing Contracts (7:40pm – Closed portion of the meeting)
  • Committee 3 Min Updates (8:10pm)
    • Community Engagement
    • Safety, Equity & Outreach
    • Green Team
  • New Business (8:20pm)

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

Support the Armatage Neighborhood Association

The Safety Rebate Program. Spring and Fall Clean-ups. Holiday Tours. Welcome Bags. Free workshops and community conversations. Neighborhood events. Safety and green initiatives.

Over the past 30 years, your neighborhood association has worked hard to make Armatage a place where all feel welcome, empowered, and connected through safety initiatives,  annual  community-building events, environmental work, advocacy, and communications that keep you informed and engaged.

Give to the Max Day is on Thursday, November 18! Consider making a tax-deductible donation to support the ANA’s work in our community at https://www.givemn.org/organization/Armatage-Neighborhood-Association  As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, donations to the ANA are tax-deductible and eligible for employer matches.

Share Your Feedback on the City Budget

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

Public hearings are scheduled for 1:30pm on Nov 16; 6:05 pm on Dec 1; and 6:05pm on Dec 8.  Learn how to participate in online public hearings here. The City Council is scheduled to vote on adopting the 2022 budget on Dec 8.

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

Image of City of Minneapolis trash bin, recycling bin, and bags of yard waste set out for collection.

Yard Waste Collection Ends Next Week

The yard waste collection season is coming to an end! The final week of collection will be next week (the week of November 15. Learn more at https://www.minneapolismn.gov/resident-services/garbage-recycling-cleanup/yard-waste/

While yard waste collection may be ending, our leaves have not all fallen. If you find yourself with full yard waste bags and nowhere to take them after next week, here are a few low cost options:

Graphic with "Armatage Holiday Light Tour," which runs from Friday December 10 through Sunday, December 19 from 5-8pm. The background has holiday lights and a star.

Sign up for the Holiday Light Tour

If you live in Armatage and love to decorate for the holidays, sign up to be a part of the second annual Armatage Holiday Light Tour! Any winter holiday or theme is welcome!

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

Safety Tips for Thanksgiving

As you’re making your Thanksgiving plans, use these tips to stay safe and enjoy a healthy holiday. Thanks to the Minneapolis Public Health for sharing these!

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

Managing the Holidays with Ease

East Side Neighborhood Services has two free sessions on managing the holidays. The first takes place TODAY over lunch but there’s still time to register at 612-787-4076 or lfavin@esns.org

Hennepin County Election Survey

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

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

Click here to take the survey by November 2

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

Two men wearing masks are standing in front of and examining a map of the Minneapolis neighborhoods with ward boundaries.

Participate in Minneapolis Redistricting

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

Participate in the Redistricting Project

Park Board Lowers Parkway Speeds to 20 mph

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

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

Protect Your Children from Lead Poisoning

If you’re responsible for a child 5 or younger, your home may be eligible for help making it safer for your children.  Lead exposure can put young children at risk for permanent damage and lead poisoning is 100% preventable. Most often windows are the worst location for lead paint hazards. This funding will help replace windows, windowsills, porch floors, staircases and other locations that have lead paint as well as do other home safety work such as getting rid of lead paint hazards, cockroaches, mice, and asthma triggers; adding handrails and radon mitigation systems; and weatherizing.

For a free assessment and help getting hazards out of your home, call 612-673-2301. Find more information on the City website.

Graphic that states "Armatage Bylaws and Funding Plan Approved"

Bylaws & Funding Plan Approved

Thank you to everyone who weighed in on the new Armatage Neighborhood Association Bylaws and Funding Plan!  Community feedback gathered during the public comment period was overwhelmingly positive on both. The ANA Board met to discuss feedback and approved both documents on October 19. Learn more here.

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

COVID-19 Vaccines are HERE for Kids 5-11

Visit mn.gov/vaccine to use the Vaccine Locator Map to locate and contact providers about vaccines for kids ages 5-11.

October 22, 2021 eNews

October 19, 2021 Meeting Recap

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

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

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

Halloween Decoration Tour Starts Tonight

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

Voting

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

Picture of a Minneapolis Streep Sweeping truck on a city street

Street Sweeping Has Begun

Watch the progress, look up your sweeping date, and get all your street sweeping questions answered at https://www.minneapolismn.gov/getting-around/parking-driving/street-sweep/

Comment on the E Line BRT Through October 31

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

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

There are a few ways to comment on the plan: 

Halloween Events at the Parks

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

Candidate & Charter Forum Recordings

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

LWV 2021 Voter Guide

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

Participate in Minneapolis Redistricting

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

Participate in the Redistricting Project

Woman cooking a meal

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

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

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

Kid A Clutter Pickup Drive Van

Kid Clutter Pickup Drive This Month

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

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

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

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

City Budget Review is Underway

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

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

Get Ready for the November 2 Election

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

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

Ranked Choice Voting

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

Voter Registration

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

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.

January 7, 2021 eNews

Join the Armatage Neighborhood Association Board

Love our neighborhood and want to get more involved? The ANA is holding one more special election for an open board seat at the January 19 meeting at 6:30pm on Zoom. To learn more about the duties, time commitment and to register to run in the Special Election by Sunday, January 17 at 11:59pm, visit https://armatage.org/january-2021-special-election/

Look for a candidate guide at armatage.org on January 18. The vote will be conducted live at the Tuesday, January 19 meeting on Zoom at 6:30pm. All Armatage residents 18 years and older and designated representatives of a neighborhood business or institution are eligible to vote. Register here for this month’s meeting link.

Free Events to Learn More AND Limit Your Use of Plastic

The Armatage Green Team is hosting a series of great events to help you learn about the problems with plastic, why recycling alone isn’t the answer, and practical strategies to rethink your purchasing and drastically limit your use of plastic. Register at https://armatage.org/plastics/ for any or all of the series, which is open to all even if you don’t live in Armatage:

  • Jan 17-21: Register to screen The Story of Plastic whenever works for you!
  • Jan 21 at 8pm: Join the Armatage conversation on The Story of Plastic on Zoom.
  • Jan 28 at 7:30pm: Attend our free virtual workshop on The Problem with Plastic & Practical Alternatives with the City of Minneapolis & Tare Market!

Armatage Business Directory

Do you work for a neighborhood business?  Or do you live in Armatage and have your own small business? We’d like to help promote you!

The Armatage Neighborhood Association (ANA) is updating our website’s Business Directory this winter. If you’d like to be included or update your listing, please send information about your business and your website to our Coordinator, Lauren, at anacoordinator@armatage.org.

Share Your Thoughts on the Parks For All Plan

There are less than two weeks left to give feedback on a draft of Parks for All, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) 2021 Comprehensive Plan!  Parks for All will set MPRB priorities and policy direction for the next decade. Visit minneapolisparks.org/parksforalldraft to check out the draft plan and share your thoughts.

There are also two virtual Community Open Houses where you can discuss any aspect of the plan with MPRB staff. Use the links below to participate:

Please Shovel Your Sidewalks

Sidewalks are a critical part of our transportation system and clearing snow and ice helps people of all ages and abilities safely walk or roll to where they need to go. Here’s a refresher on the City’s rules: Minneapolis ordinance requires property owners of houses and duplexes to clear sidewalks within 24 hours after a snowfall and all other property owners must clear their sidewalks within four daytime hours.

City inspectors are out actively looking for sidewalks that aren’t shoveled in addition to responding to complaints reported through 311. Failure to shovel and maintain your sidewalk could result in a warning letter and, if left uncleared, a bill from the City to remove snow from your sidewalk. An average bill is approximately $239. Call 311 to learn more about resources available to people who may need help clearing their sidewalks. Find more information about snow clearing on the City’s website.

Minneapolis Ice Skating Rinks

The MPRB is continuing to open ice skating rinks around the city.  Please follow COVID-19 guidelines to keep at least 6 feet between yourself and other skaters and wear a face mask or face covering. Unfortunately the parks are not able to lend out skates this year.

Public Hearing Notice

The City Planning Commission will hold a Public Hearing on Monday, January 25, 2021 at 4:30 p.m. to Amend Title 20 of the Minneapolis Code of Ordinances related to Chapter 537 on Accessory Uses and Structures. The purpose of the amendment is to eliminate the owner-occupancy requirement for certain accessory dwelling units.  View the public hearing on Comcast Channel 14 or 799 or live on www.minneapolismn.gov/tv/citycounciltv. Submit comments or participate by phone in the meeting by using the following website: www.minneapolismn.gov/meetings/index.htm.

If you have questions about the project, please contact Andrew Frenz, Senior City Planner, 612-673-3790, andrew.frenz@minneapolismn.gov

Pedestrian Safety Survey

University of Minnesota researchers are seeking volunteers to participate in a short survey about pedestrian safety in Minneapolis and Saint Paul.  This survey is expected to take approximately 5 minutes to complete.  This is a voluntary study and there is no payment available for participation.  This research is being conducted by Dr. Nichole Morris from the HumanFIRST Laboratory at the University of Minnesota.  If you have any questions or concerns about this survey, email Nichole Morris at nlmorris@umn.edu.  Follow this link to the Survey: https://umn.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eVzUc3nOTvvEJvL