Twin Cities Daily Planet (https://www.tcdailyplanet.net/category/housing/page/14/)
I have been spending a lot of time recently thinking about how to advocate at City Hall for good urbanism. We spend a lot of time writing good posts on Streets.MN and debating in online chatrooms, but does that really move the needle at City Hall? Meanwhile, those of a preservationist mindset are always emailing City Council members and showing up to testify at public hearings. Continue Reading
When asked to explain structural racism, there are few historical examples that more effectively illustrate the concept than redlining. Continue Reading
It wasn’t even close. The runaway winner for number of reader comments last week was an article by Charles Hallman, North Minneapolis rental property owners refute slumlord label. Hallman was following up on an earlier article by interviewing two “slumlords” in person and visiting a couple of their properties. Both rejected the implication of neglectful and irresponsible ownership.
Each year for Lent I put a lot of thought into what I can do to better focus on my relationship with God. That’s what Lent is about really…refocusing ourselves in a new way. This Lent I wanted to shift my focus from the negative thoughts that creep into my head to a place of gratitude. So I began asking myself what is that makes me feel fortunate, blessed, and grateful on a daily basis. Continue Reading
You’ve probably noticed the higher gas costs this winter. This is partly the deep cold. Most Corcoran homes are using more natural gas and high demand has sent prices soaring nationwide. Centerpoint has also raised rates to pay for repairs to an aging gas system.
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
An analysis of loan data conducted at the University of Minnesota Law School has found that minorities are more likely than whites to be turned down for a mortgage or refinancing in the Twin Cities.
It may become easier for victims of domestic abuse to break a rental housing lease.
Many states require termite inspections before real estate can change hands. None are required in Minnesota because there are no termites here. That is why I was astounded a few years ago when I sold a home that was infested with termites. The buyer had an inspection and we all saw the mud tubes, but since none of us had ever seen a termite or a mud tube it just did not register. Continue Reading
Occupy Homes is calling for the Minneapolis Police Department to follow its own foreclosure protest protocol, which requires a number of steps before people can be arrested. The demand that police follow their own rules came after seven people occupying vacant houses were arrested within 10 days in March. On April 1st, Occupy held a rally in downtown Minneapolis and marched on the offices of Police Chief and City Attorney Susan Segal, where protesters placed the boards the police had used to board homes reclaimed by Occupy Houses.