Jeff Skrenes

The DFL held its precinct caucuses this last week, and for the first time in recent memory Minneapolis did not entertain resolutions as part of the process. Although in a previous post I poked fun at resolutions as a confusing part of an evening that has its share of eccentricities, resolutions are an important piece of how political values are set. The reason we were given for the lack of resolutions was that since this is an odd-numbered year with no senate district or statewide conventions, resolutions have "nowhere to go." But I keep on subtracting four years from 2013, and as far back as I can go, the years always seem to come as odd numbers. And we've done these in previous city elections, so what gives?

Last week the sale of 1522 Hillside Avenue North cleared one of the final hurdles before Nicole Curtis can begin restoration of this historic property. Council member Goodman called the sale a "no-brainer," and initiated a 20-minute discussion about how to preserve more houses and engage the private market in a better way. The motion for 1522 carried unanimously, but the preceding discussion marked what could be a sea change in city disposition of boarded and vacant properties.

Last week at the Jordan housing committee meeting, CommonBond Communities presented their design proposal for the apartment building to be constructed at the West Broadway curve. There was a lot to like, and a few changes that they will hopefully make. The project was presented as "West Broadway Crescent," which is a rather good name. It sure beats plastering the name a non-profit everywhere, especially if you're going for something that looks like it would be market-rate housing. Which this is not, it's workforce housing subsidized by tax credits.

The previous post outlined the problem of tax-forfeited properties in north Minneapolis being scooped up by slumlords. A good discussion happened on the North Talk Facebook page that helped shape a few ideas for a solution. What follows is based on my current understanding of the issue, and may change as things develop.