Local stories at March membership event

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Over 30 community members of Corcoran neighborhood came together to listen and share local stories on the evening of Thursday, March 19. We feasted on a delicious East African meal of chicken legs & stew, goat meat, Somali rice, hummus and bananas.

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Free testing for lead-based paint hazards

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Peeling paint is not only a housing code violation in the City of Minneapolis, but could pose a serious risk to children under the age of 6. Recent research from the Minnesota Department of Health states that there is no safe level of exposure to lead.Lead paint can be present on any painted surface, but it is most often found on windows, trim, doors, railings, columns, porches and outside walls. Surfaces that have been repainted may have layers of lead paint underneath.A majority of buildings in Corcoran neighborhood were built before 1960, and these homes are very likely to contain lead paint.Testing from ClearCorps, a local non-profit, can tell you where lead paint is located and how to reduce your family’s risk of exposure. Megan Curran, Director of Community Health Programs with ClearCorps, can provide further information and applications forms at 651-603-8000 or megan@clearcorps.org.Grant funds are also available to replace windows if:Located in Hennepin CountyBuilt before 1978 and have old windowsBoth owner-occupied and rental units are eligibleHousehold income below 80% of median incomeIf owner-occupied, property must have children under age 6 either living there or frequently visiting.Contact Megan Curran with ClearCorps to schedule a free home inspection. To inquiry about additional housing resources in Corcoran neighborhood please contact Ross Joy (right) at <ross@corcoranneighborhood.org> or call the CNO office at 612-724-7457.Contribute, advertise, or learn more about Corcoran News.Click here for current edition. Continue Reading

COMMUNITY VOICES | Park Board considers plan to expand urban agriculture

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A forest of fruit trees or youth-run community garden could soon be growing in a Minneapolis Park near you. Opportunities like these are outlined in a Urban Agriculture Activity Plan that is currently under review by the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board.Additional goals outlined in the plan include: increase growing healthy, local food; use of outdoor public spaces to promote, sell and distribute local food; increase edible landscaping and urban fruit tree growth; expand community gardening options; and, enrich youth programs.Russ Henry, an advocate for the plan and former resident of Corcoran, presented the December meeting of Corcoran’s Land Use and Housing Committee. CNO members asked questions about the proposed plan and discussed how urban agriculture could impact the neighborhood and city.”Urban agriculture is an important way to enhance food security for underserved neighborhoods” shares Henry, “and improve access to health for residents throughout Minneapolis. The MPRB Urban Ag Activity Plan, if adopted will give neighbors access to more tools, resources, and knowledge that will empower Minneapolis residents to grow health and sustainability in their neighborhoods.”However, Henry also shared that this plan is not a sure thing. He has a personal goal of recruiting 1,000 Minneapolitans to submit feedback about the Urban Agriculture Activity Plan. The Park Board will be hosting two more information sessions about the proposed Urban Agriculture Activity Plan:- Tuesday, December 17 from 5:15 – 7:15 PM at Hope Community- Thursday, December 19 from 7:00 – 8:30 PM at St. Olaf Community CampusPlease review the draft plan (PDF), and then take a minute to share your feedback in this online survey before December 21. For more information please refer to the MPRB project webpage. Continue Reading