Minnehaha Avenue reconstruction: What we know, what we don’t know

By |

Hennepin County is planning a two-year reconstruction project for the approximately 2.2 mile stretch of Minnehaha Avenue from 46th Street South to Lake Street.This is one of three articles on the Minnehaha reconstruction project. The first article focuses on bicycle issues, and the second article focuses on business concerns. This article looks at what we know, and what we don’t knowThe County’s goal with the reconstruction is to make the roadway “safer, more livable, and welcoming to all users.” The aging avenue has issues, and with more than fifty years of use, needs a complete overhaul. The pavement is in poor condition, there are drainage issues causing pools of water to form at curbs, and the odd angle that some of roads intersect the Avenue make it difficult to navigate. Continue Reading

Where’s the space for community input on Minnehaha Avenue reconstruction? Part two: Businesses

By |

Hennepin County has asked for community feedback on the two-year Minnehaha reconstruction project for the approximately 2.2 mile stretch from 46th Street South to Lake Street. However, details about the project and how to submit feedback have been lacking, according to many. Dave Koch, manager at the Rail Station Bar and Grill, commented, “What can we do? It’s going to happen. We’re not looking forward to it, but it’s going to happen.”This is one of three articles on the Minnehaha reconstruction project. Continue Reading

Where’s the space for community input on Minnehaha Avenue reconstruction? Part one: Bikes

By |

Next year, Hennepin County will begin a two-year long reconstruction project on Minnehaha Avenue for the approximately 2.2 mile stretch from 46th Street South to Lake Street. Many members of the community have strong opinions about what Minnehaha should look like moving into the future, but uncertainty about details and about when and how to provide feedback are leaving some not sure that they can make their voices heard.This is one of three articles on the Minnehaha reconstruction project. This article focuses on bicycle issues, and the second article focuses on business concerns. The third article is Minnehaha Avenue reconstruction: What we know, what we don’t knowKey decisions that will shape Minnehaha Avenue for years to come have already been made, though a larger community-wide meeting has not yet been scheduled. Members of the community are worried that the lack of significant resident engagement at critical points in the project’s development will leave many out of the conversation.How To Get InvolvedIf you have input on the project, you may call or email Hennepin County Project Manager Kristy Morter at  612-596-0384. or kristy.morter@co.hennepin.mn.us. Continue Reading

A bike route runs through it: U.S. Bike Route 45

By |

This summer, signs will go up along the Mississippi River Trail announcing it’s newest designation – U.S. Bike Route 45. The nearly 3,000 mile interstate route begins at the headwaters of the Mississippi River in Itasca and ends at the Gulf of Mexico. According to maps from the Minnesota Department of Transportation, the route will run right through our backyard – just head down to the bike trail that runs along West River Parkway.

Continue Reading

Q&A with Cam Gordon, Minneapolis Ward 2 City Council candidate

By |

Even though it’s spring, we’re already thinking elections at My Broadsheet. We wanted to find out more about the people running for City Council in our local wards. All candidates seeking endorsement were invited to participate in our Q&A. Thanks to everyone who submitted questions for the candidates! For a complete list of Q&As from My Broadsheet and other organizations, see our 2013 Elections page.Today, we’re hearing from Cam Gordon from Ward 2.QuestionsFor people who aren’t familiar with you, will you please introduce yourself in two-to-three sentences?In one to two sentences, why do you believe you are the best candidate for the job?What are the top two issues you see in your ward, and how do you plan to address them?What are the top two issues facing Minneapolis, and what do you think the solution is?Should the Hennepin County incinerator (HERC) be allowed to burn additional garbage? Continue Reading

Lilligren challenges Warsame’s DFL endorsement in Minneapolis city council race

By |

City Council Member Robert Lilligren believes that the recent Ward 6 DFL caucus and convention were flawed, and he has asked the DFL to rescind its endorsement of Abdi Warsame, according to an MPR report this morning.Lilligren’s request comes on the heels of allegations of bullying, bribes, and intimidation at the caucus.“There was a lot of chaos, a lack of control by the party officials,” Lilligren told MPR. “My opponent’s campaign in many places were actually controlling the caucus.”Warsame maintains that his campaign followed the rules of the caucus and the convention. “People are making up stories,” he told the Star Tribune. “They have to find an excuse so all of a sudden the establishment feels overwhelmed and the underdogs, the newcomers, are somehow intimidating. We follow the rules.”The request will be reviewed this summer by the DFL.Also in the Daily Planet:Round one of Minneapolis ward conventions: Who won, who didn’t, what’s next (Rebekah Peterson, 2013)COMMUNITY VOICES | An awakening East African movement in Minneapolis’ municipal elections (Abdiqudus Donyale, 2013)E-DEMOCRACY | Minneapolis 6th Ward politics (Multiple authors, 2013) Continue Reading

R.E.M.O.V.ing graffiti in Longfellow

By |

The year after Erik Espeland moved into Longfellow with his wife, construction started on East Lake Street, and with it came graffiti. Espeland said, “The graffiti blew up, and then it just sat there, and sat there, and sat there and nothing happened. So that’s when I got a bee in my bonnet to do something.”At first Espeland didn’t know where to go with his graffiti complaints, so he went to the Longfellow Community Council to see if there was a group in place that dealt with graffiti. There wasn’t. So, with the help of the MPD’s Crime Prevention Specialist Shun Tillman, he started one. Continue Reading

REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK | Biking on Minnehaha — where’s the community input on reconstruction?

By |

Minnehaha reconstruction — is there really an opportunity for meaningful community input?  As I work on this story, I am finding that businesses and residents have minimal information, if any, on the extensive two-year reconstruction project. Two options are available for the street – cycle tracks or bike lanes – both of which will have a dramatic impact on the area for thirty plus years. Without information or opportunity for community dialogue, residents and businesses appear to not have the tools they need to have a meaningful voice in the project.   County reps said that they have had numerous community meetings through the Longfellow Community Council and the Longfellow Business Association as well as meetings with concerned individuals. Continue Reading

Meet Miguel Goebel, New Farmers Market Manager

By |

The Midtown Farmers Market opened for business on Saturday with a new market manager, Longfellow resident Miguel Goebel. Prior to his position at the Farmers Market, Goebel was the Seward Co-op’s grocery buyer. According to the Market’s website, his experience spans “local and international food systems, ranges from working with indigenous farmers in organic production to assisting small corner store owners in offering healthy, affordable produce.”We caught up with Goebel and had the opportunity to ask him about his vision for growing the Market, the challenges it faces, and what you can find at the Market right now.What first got you interested in organic agriculture and building community around food systems?My sophomore year of college I had a plant propagation class with an enthusiastic and inspiring professor, the late Dr. Albert Markhart at the University of Minnesota. His love for plants and passion for organic agriculture, along with his dynamic teaching style ignited a spark inside of me and since then I’ve tried to be involved in food systems and creating greater food access as much as possible.Why is the Midtown Farmers Market important?The Midtown Farmers Market is important because it serves as a resource to help increase access to healthy local foods in the communities of South Minneapolis. It is a place for residents to gather and enjoy the amazing products that our farmers and vendors offer, share stories and exchange cultural traditions. Continue Reading

Riverstone Salon and Spa: Grand opening at new Longfellow location

By |

Riverstone Salon and Spa has officially moved from its old location on 42nd Ave and 34th Street to its new digs at 37th Street and Minnehaha Ave.The salon hosted an open house on Sunday afternoon, and we stopped by to see the new renovations that had been done in the space.When considering new locations, Owner Tamie Drackert wanted to stay in the Longfellow neighborhood and had considered several local options, including the former Super America on Lake Street and the building that housed Minnehaha Coffee on 46th St. When she saw that the 38th Street Flower building was for sale, she knew it was the perfect space. They closed on the space in November, and with the help of family and friends did all of the renovations themselves in time for a spring opening.Having such a large salon wasn’t what Drackert imagined when she first started in the business. She said, “It was a great gift, I never expected to do this eight years ago when I was working out of my home.”When Drackert and her crew were in the midst of renovations, they found a stained glass rose in the wall. She now has it hanging in the window next to the front door to honor the number of years that the space had been a flower shop.Alexis Mohs, left, and Ann Eskelson, both Riverstone Salon receptionists, greet visitors during the open house.Waiting area at the salon. Continue Reading