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