Seward Profile
October 2011 SNG Community Development Commitee Agenda

AGENDA

SNG Community Development Committee

Matthews Center, 2318 29th Av. S.

October 11, 2011, 7:00 p.m.

7:00      Introductions and approval of minutes.

7:10   The American Indian Cultural Corridor

Andy Hestness with the Native American Community Development Institute

will attend the meeting and present information on the American Indian

Cultural Corridor Project along Franklin Avenue.

7:40    Update and Discussion on SNG Loan Programs

Doug Wise, SNG Housing Coordinator, will give an update on the current

status of SNG’s NRP loan programs and initiate a discussion on possible

program changes to more effectively use the funds.  To date, only five

loans have been made for a total of $40,934.68.

8:00    Updates:

Seward Redesign

SNG Housing Coordinator

City Council Member Gordon

8:10   Other Business

8:15   Adjourn.  (The Park staff lock the outside doors at 9 p.m. so all

attendees must exit).

Draft Minutes

Community Development Committee

September 13, 2011

Present: Charlie Hoffman (Committee Chair), Sheldon Mains (SNG Board

Co-President), Roger Howley, Brent LaSalle (representing Seward Square

Apartments),  Robin Garwood (Council Member Gordons Office), Scott

Henderson, Mark Ostrom, Steven Larson, Carmela Kranz, Mary Mateer, Rolf

Scholtz Doug Wise (SNG Housing Program Coordinator) and Brian Miller

(Seward Redesign).

Introductions were made.

Seward Square Apartments - 2121 S. 9th Street

Brent LaSalle stated Seward Square Apartments, an apartment building

serving disabled people, is applying for a conditional use permit to house

a Development Achievement Center, which will provide adult day care

services to current residents living in the building.  Seward Square is

also applying for two variances: one to provide adult day care services in

a residential building and the other a variance in the parking

requirements.

Brent indicated that traffic would only increase by four to five cars per

day for  employees of the Development Achievement Center. Brian was asked

if there are any plans to serve people that do not reside in the building.

He said there are no plans at this time, but it is something that may be

looked at in the future.

Motion: Moved that the SNG recommend the granting of a Conditional Use

Permit and Variances to Seward Square Apartments for a Development

Achievement Center.  Sheldon moved and Scott seconded.  Robin abstained.

Motion passed.

Proposed traffic calming measures on 34th Ave. between 24th and 25th.

Rolf Scholtz explained the proposed traffic calming measures, which

include bump-outs at both corners and at mid-block. Charlie stated that a

proposal for 22nd Street several years ago became quite controversial

because it didn’t take into account the effect on surrounding streets.  He

said this is something they need to consider.  It was suggested that after

finding out what Public Works would approve, they should contact their

neighbors on surrounding streets.

It was asked if Birchwood traffic was a problem.  Rolf stated that it was

not a factor. The major problem was traffic coming off of Minneapolis Ave.

 It was asked if stop signs could solve the problem, but the residents

felt that people taking off too fast from the stop signs would still be a

problem.

Robin said that bump-outs are a concern for the city primarily because of

the cost associated with having to relocate catch basins.  It was

suggested that those living on the block sell this as something that can

also be applied elsewhere.  Brian suggested they contact Transit for

Livable Communities as a resource for information on traffic calming

measures.

Motion: Moved that the SNG support the concept of traffic calming for 34th

Ave. between 24th and 25th Streets and endorse the use of creative

solutions that could be a model for other streets, provided that residents

of the surrounding blocks are consulted.  Sheldon moved and Brian

seconded.   Robin abstained.  Motion passed.

Proposed amendment to the Minneapolis Zoning Code

Robin explained the proposed amendment to the zoning code, which would

eliminate the conditional use permit application requirement for

multiple-family residential uses with five or more dwelling units.  After

a brief discussion of the pros and cons of the proposed ammendment, it was

decided that SNG would not submit any comments on the proposed change.

Updates:

Brian said there were some issues with the reroofing of Tru Thai that

caused  a disruption to nearby neighbors, but the problem has now been

resolved.

Doug reported that the developer is moving ahead with construction of a

house on the property at 3008 26th Street.   The developer has changed the

plans to include a garage in the front, which will comply with the

variance issued by the city.  Brian said Redesign owns the lot next door

and they have offered to provide an easement across the back of their lot

to access a garage in the rear. The developer has not responded to

Redesign’s offer.

Robin announced that there will be a meeting at Augsburg College on

September 19 to discuss bike lanes on 26th Ave. between Butler and

Franklin.

Meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m..

Doug Wise

Housing Coordinator

Seward Neighborhood Group

2323 E. Franklin Ave.

Minneapolis, MN 55406

(612) 338-6205, ext. 102

October CD Committee Agenda.doc Download this file

Minutes CDC 9 13 11.doc Download this file