The Seward Garage Sale Daze are here! And we have an awesome online map.

The Seward Garage Sale Daze are here!! Don’t miss the best deals of the year. Don’t miss this wonderful chance to socialize with your neighbors while you check out their stuff!! You can look at the online map here http://bit.ly/SewardGarageSaleDays2012 or if you want a print map go to www.sng.org Maps are also available at all the sales, The Birchwood, The Seward Co-op and Deli and Welna II Hardware. Sales are open Friday May 18th and Saturday May 19^th 9AM – 5PM

There is also a new hand painted garage sale sign at the corner of Seabury and 25^th Street, courtesy of Maureen Casperson, Seward neighbor. Check it out.

Kerry Cashman, Community Coordinator

Seward Neighborhood Group

2323 E. Franklin Ave.

Minneapolis, MN 55406

612-338-6205, x119

SNG Newsletter—Garage Sales Daze this weekend!!

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SNG Events

Seward Walkers— At Matthews Center Thursdays May 17th 7PM
Seward Garage Sale Days May 18th and 19th—Rain Day May 20
Garden Tour and Tea Party June 16
Seward Community Picnic & Scavenger Hunt June 16
National Night Out August 7th

SNG Committee Calendar

Community Building Committee-May 22nd 5PM 2901 E. 22nd ST. FFI contact Kerry@sng.org.
Board of Directors Meeting – May 23 7:00 PM, Matthews Park 2318 29th Ave. Board meetings are open to the public—all residents and those who work or own property in Seward are invited to attend. FFI, contact board chairs Ben Walen benwalen@yahoo.com or Mike Trdan miketrdan@earthlink.net
History Committee –June 6 7PM, SNG office, 2323 E. Franklin Ave., FFI, contact Dick Westby at sandrich22@comcast.net.
Community Development Committee – June 12 7:00 PM, Matthews Center, 2318 29^th Ave. S., FFI, contact Doug Wise at doug@sng.org
Crime and Safety Committee – July 9^th (meets Quarterly) 7:00 PM, Matthews Center, 2318 29^th Ave. S., FFI, contact committee co-chair Dick Westby 722-2853
Environment Committee Meeting – TBD (meets Quarterly) 7:00 PM Matthews Center 2318 29^th Ave. S., FFI, contact committee chair Mike Trydn, Miketrdan@earthlink.net

Seward Longfellow Restorative Justice Parnership
Pathways to a Peaceful Neighborhood-A three-part series
Thursday, May 24, 6:30p.m. to 8:30 p.m.—Gandhi Mahal Restaurant (3009 – 27^th Avenue S.)
Learn about restorative justice and how neighbors from Longfellow and Seward created Seward Longfellow Restorative Justice Partnership to respond to youth crime in our community. Discover ways to apply restorative justice to conflict in your own life.
Panelists: Shun Tillman, Crime Prevention Specialist; Rebecca Miller, founding volunteer; Paul Matthews, Lake Street Target; Rick Maas, Juvenile Diversion, Minneapolis Police Department; Michele Braley, Program Manager Upcoming panels:
Conflict Mediation, June 5
Court Watch, June 28

Sponsored by Longfellow Community Council 612-722-4529

Seward Neighborhood Group News
Garage Sale Daze May 18th and 19th 9AM - 5PM
Don’t miss Seward’s annual Garage Sale Daze this Friday and Saturday from 9AM - 5PM. This is a wonderful time to cruise the neighborhood and see old friends. There are many treasures to be had. No matter what you are looking for you are sure to find it at one of these wonderful sales. Expect the unexpected and savor the distinct personality of the Seward Sales. Maps will be available at all the sales, the Birchwood, The Seward Community Co-op and Deli and online at www.sng.org as early as Thursday.
Seward Walkers starting Thursday, May 17^th 7PM at Matthews Center
The Seward Walkers begin a new season with the first meeting of 2012. If you are planning to walk on behalf of SNG this summer you are invited to attend a brief meeting on Thursday May 17t to discuss procedulres and ideas. Afterwards we will walk the neighborhood wearing our Seward Walkers Cap. If you plan to participate come to this first public meeting. Come and discuss details a& meet other walkers. Every Thursday during the Summer a group of walkers will meet at 7PM. Please consider this easy and enjoyable task of representing the neighborhood. Call SNG 612-338-6205 ext 119 or Dick Westby at 612-722-2853 for more information. Nice Ride Kick-off at the Birchwood Cafe- Today!! May 15 4 - 7PM—First 50 people receive a Nice Ride Helmet

Nice Ride is back on the street and with Nice Ride in Your Neighborhood brings an opportunity for you to know them better!

Join Nice Ride in our neighborhood. This event will give you an opportunity to speak with a Nice Ride representative about details of the NR system. Join them for fun and games, give aways (including 1-Year Subscriptions), discounts, offers from area businesses and an optional short ride to explore the neighborhood. Look for the black tent and hope to see you there!

Ride time for all rides is approximately 20 minutes.

Seward’s Super Summer Kick-off—June 16

Summer begins in Seward on June 16th with a super Saturday of community events. With morning yoga in the Park, followed by a community picnic and scavenger hunt and/or an afternoon of touring local gardens and sampling tea and treats , everyone in the neighborhood should find something fun to do. So plan to enjoy the early summer and the great community in which we live.

Gorilla Yoga in the Park

Touchstone is partnering with Gorilla Yoga to offer a one-hour, one-time yoga experience in Matthews Park from 11 a.m. to noon. No yoga experience is necessary, although everyone is encouraged to bring a mat. This event is a fundraiser for Touchstone with a suggested donation of $10. Donated funs will help provide mindful movement classes, acupuncture, healing touch, and guided imagery programs available to more than 700 men and women in the Twin Cities living with a mental illness. The goal of the event is 500 yogis enjoying a morning of hope, healing, and well-being.

Community Picnic and Scavenger Hunt

Everyone in Seward is invited to the first Seward Community Picnic on Saturday, June 16 from noon to 2PM p.m. at Matthews Park. Bring a picnic for your family, including plates, utensils, and beverage, and folding chairs or a blanket to sit on. If you’d like to make food to share with others, there will be a sharing table for all contributions; just be sure to label your items so that those with dietary restrictions know the contents. SNG will light up charcoal grills for anyone wanting to barbecue. Come at 1PM to take part in the first Seward Scavenger Hunt. This event, designed for residents of all ages, should provide a slightly zany way to get to know more about the ‘hood while enjoying the company of other Sewardites. You can choose to walk, bike or run the hunt. There will be a “mini-version” for our smaller residents.

Seward Garden Tour w/ Refreshments—June 16th from 1 - 5
Enjoy a variety of beautiful Seward gardens by joining the afternoon Tea and Gardens Tour from 1 to 5 p.m. on June 16th. Each lovely garden will offer light refreshments including Tea/Coffee and cookies or appetizers and sparkling waters or wine. You’ll be invited into all different kinds of gardens, a tranquil Japanese garden, native plantings, rain gardens, and venture into secret gardens hidden away behind fences. You’ll also tour gardens that were created under this areas original oak forest with 200 year old trees. Each garden you visit will give you a chance talk with the gardener about plans and planning, techniques and trials. There may be a professional garden or two but most are just people who love to garden and have created interesting landscapes. The Garden tour is a fundraiser for the Seward Neighborhood Group. Tickets are $10 and may be purchased in advance from SNG at www/sng.org or 612-338-6205, ext 119. Tickets will also be available on June 16th at any of the gardens on the tour; you can just look for signs in gardens around Seward.

Spokes—Bike Walk Connect

Job Openings– SNG’s Spokes—Bike Walk Connect-A Program of Seward Neighborhood Group Lead Trainer/Mechanic, Spokes—Bike Walk Connect
Community Organizer, Spokes—Bike Walk Connect

The Seward Community Bike Walk Center (SCBWC) is a community bike center located at Minnehaha Avenue and 22^nd Street in the Seward Neighborhood, one block from the Hiawatha LRT bike trail. This community bike center, a program of the Seward Neighborhood Group (SNG), is due to open in June 2012 after final approval of a federal grant through Bike Walk Twin Cities. The vision of the program is to provide an education, repair, and community space offering free build-a-bike and commuter education programs for youth and adults to promote the use of bicycles for transportation purposes. The center, while serving all communities, will initially concentrate on promoting bike riding in the East African immigrant communities in the Seward, Cedar Riverside, Ventura Village and East Phillips neighborhoods of Minneapolis.

Lead Trainer/Mechanic:
This is a 75%, salaried position that is funded through 2013, pending outcomes deemed satisfactory by the primary funder, Bike Walk Twin Cities, MnDOT and Federal Highway Administration. This position will not be filled until final approval of the funding documents by MnDOT, the Federal Highway Administration and the City of Minneapolis in early May, 2012.

Salary: Dependent on qualifications and experience. Deadline for applications: Monday, May 14, 2012, 5 PM.

Responsibilities
The Lead Trainer/Mechanic, in partnership with the program director is responsible for developing and managing SCBWC’s bike programming, including youth programming, earn-a-bike, educational classes, women and transgender night, and open shop. As one of the key initial staff (with the Program Director and Community Organizer),this person will be directly involved in launching the Bike Walk Center. Specifically, the Lead Trainer/Mechanic will be held responsible to: ·   Develop and coordinate all educational classes (e.g. Basic Bike Maintenance, Basic Learn to Ride, Riding in Traffic, Winter Commuting, among others). Teach many of the classes. Work with the Community Organizer to make the classes culturally appropriate for the East African and other cultural communities.
·   Oversee or directly staff all bike programming.
·   Manage SCBWC’s open shop program.
·   With the Program Director, train and supervise any volunteers within programs stated above.
·   Collaborate with the Program Director and Community Organizer to create and support SCBWC’s strategic direction, including the development of strategic and annual plans, staffing plans, and general organizational visioning.
·   Manage and organize the shop.
·   Manage the used bike repair program (repaired used bikes will be used both in program activities and be sold to members of the community.

The Lead Trainer/Mechanic will report to the Program Director. Qualifications
·   Experience managing and implementing programming with diverse individuals.
·   Experience working with diverse populations
·   Experience in managing facilities.
·   Experience managing volunteer workers.
·   Experienced in bike maintenance and bike repair.
·   Ability to teach bike mechanics.
·   Is currently a League of American Bicyclists Certified Instructor (League Certified Instructor).
·   Commitment to biking and walking as sustainable, healthy, reliable transportation options.
·   Experience in working with a grassroots, community-based nonprofit.
·   Preferred: Experience in community outreach and engagement of low-income communities, communities of color, and immigrant communities (in particular East African communities)
·   Preferred: Ability to commit to the full term of employment (through December 2013)

Benefits: Seward Neighborhood Group provides health care coverage to full time staff and pro-rated coverage to part time staff. Additional benefits (pro-rated) include 15 days paid annual leave, 10 paid holidays, and significantly discounted (5-10% above wholesale cost) purchase of new parts and bicycles. How to apply:Email a cover letter, resume, and 2-3 references by Monday, May 14, 2012, 5 PM. Applications should be emailed to bikecenter@sng.org. Applications should be Microsoft Word Documents or PDF Documents.

Community Organizer
This position will also work as a community organizer in the Seward Towers (25^th Avenue and 9^th Street East and Riverside Avenue and Franklin Avenue). Seward Neighborhood Group has a contract with Common Bond Communities (the Management company at the Towers) to provide community organizer services. This position will work with SNG’s lead community organizer in providing these services to the Seward Towers. This is a 50%, salaried position that is funded through 2013, pending outcomes deemed satisfactory by the primary funder, Bike Walk Twin Cities, MnDOT and Federal Highway Administration. This position will not be filled until final approval of the funding documents by MnDOT, the Federal Highway Administration and the City of Minneapolis in early May, 2012. In addition to working with the Bike Center, this position will work on community organizing activities in the Seward Towers.

Salary: $16,000 to $19,000 per year dependent on qualifications and experience. Deadline for applications: Friday, May 18, 2012, 5 PM.

Reports to: Lead Community Organizer and Community Bike Walk Center Director Responsibilities
General:
· Assist the Senior Organizer with outreach efforts to help the East African Community become more connected to the Seward Neighborhood.

Bike/Walk Center (work will be with the East African residents of Seward, Cedar Riverside and Phillips communities):
·       Help identify why members of the East African Community, to a large extend, do not use bicycles for transportation or recreation.
·       Work with community groups and leaders of the East African communities in the Cedar Riverside, Phillips and Ventura Village neighborhoods to insure participation in bike/walk center activities.
·       Assist in developing programs and classes to address the needs of the East African residents while considering cultural issues.
·       Assist in teaching bike related classes, facilitating activities and promoting biking and walking. Classes will be for both adults and youth. Seward Towers:
·       Assist the Senior Organizer in providing services to the residents of the Seward Towers.

The Community Organizer will report to the Bike/Walk Center Program Director for Bike/Walk Center activities and to the Lead Community Organizer for all other activities. Qualifications
·    Familiarity with the different cultures in the East African communities in Minneapolis.
·    Experience working with diverse populations.
·    One or more years of organizing experience
·    Excellent verbal communications skills
·    Proven ability to work well as a team member and to coordinate with a variety of people and programs.
·    Proven ability to assist diverse groups of people.
·    Demonstrated capacity to meet deadlines and to manage multiple tasks.
·    Excellent personal accountability, self-motivation and follow through skills.
·    Experience managing volunteer workers.
·    A passion for biking and walking as sustainable, healthy, reliable transportation options and a willingness to learn more about biking and walking..
·    Experience in working with a grassroots, community-based nonprofit.
·    Experience in community outreach and engagement of low-income communities, communities of color, and immigrant communities (in particular East African communities)
·    Preferred: Ability to commit to the full term of employment (through December 2013)
·    Preferred: Fluent in Amharic, able to translate English to Amharic and Amharic to English

Benefits: Seward Neighborhood Group provides health care coverage to fulltime staff and pro-rated coverage to part time staff. Additional pro-rated benefits include 15 days paid annual leave, 10 paid holidays, and significantly discounted (5-10% above wholesale cost) purchase of new parts and bicycles. How to apply:Email a cover letter, resume, and 2-3 references by Friday, May 18, 2012, 5 PM. Applications should be emailed tobikecenter@sng.org. Applications should be Microsoft Word Documents or PDF Documents.

Seward Neighborhood Group:
Seward Neighborhood Group is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, or sexual orientation. Women and people of color are strongly encouraged to apply. Seward Neighborhood Group is the designated citizen participation organization for the Seward neighborhood in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Seward neighborhood extends south from I-94 to the Midtown Greenway and stretches westward from the Mississippi River to Hiawatha Avenue. Its residents are diverse in culture, ethnicity, income, education and religion. Since its inception in 1960, the Seward Neighborhood Group has served as the grass-roots community organization for the area, working on a wide variety of issues including housing, environmental sustainability, economic development, the arts, block club organizing, and crime and safety. SNG also provides community facilitation services to the residents of two large apartment complexes on Franklin Avenue that house many recent African immigrants.

SNG Loan Programs
For more information on the loan programs or general home improvement advice, contact Doug Wise, SNG’s Housing Coordinator, at (612) 338-6205, ext. 102 or doug@sng.org.

Neighborhood Crime alerts available
If you are interested in getting up-to-date emails on Neighborhood crime issues sign up at http://www.minneapolismn.gov/police/crimealert/police_crimealert_signup There has been an small increase in daytime break-ins. Make sure your doors are locked both day and night. Don’t forget about locking your garage door! An SUV parked on E. 22nd and 31st Ave had all of it’s tires removed and stolen during the night. The theives knew what they were doing, as there were cement blocks under the wheels and they must not have made too much noise—no one saw it happen. Make sure to report any suspicious activity to 911!!
Community News

Welna II Hardware hosts 3rd Spring Master Gardener Event on Saturday May 18th 1 - 4PM
A master gardener will be at Welna Hardware to answer your gardening and lawn questions. Jim Welna will be serving his famous free root beer floats inside the store. Free Computer Class for adults -
Email starts May 23, 2012
Email class starts May 23, 2012 Meets: Monday and Wednesday evenings from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Where: MN Literacy Council, Lake Street Learning Center - 2700 E. Lake Street, 2nd floor above Denny’s
Register for class: Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m. or 6:00 p.m. For further details call 612.483.1763 or email: adonlan@mnliteracy.org

SUMMER EXERCISE CLASSES FOR ADULTS AT PRATT SCHOOL
Pratt School will host “Body Shaping” classes for SE neighborhood residents this summer. “Body Shaping” combines weight lifting with calisthenics and yoga in a group format. There’s a basic routine that’s easy to follow with enough variety to keep your interest. Body Shaping tones the full body including arms, legs, chest, abs and back with special attention to arms and abs. You’ll feel and see the results very quickly. This is a fun, challenging workout that you can start today and continue for life. All levels welcome. No experience necessary. Bring exercise shoes and water to class. Tues/Thurs May 29-July 26, 7:30-8:30AM. For registration information: conniebalcom@comcast.net, 612 339-5133. $5 per class if preregistered or $6 per class drop in price. Seward Montessori School
Will be installing a raingarden on June 1st. Congratulations Seward!

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Volunters needed to deliver Garage Sale Signs and Maps—don’t forget to register for the sales!!

Hi,

SNG needs a few volunteers for two small Projects:

1. We need someone to come in and label all the garage sale signs. This is about an hour of work and could be done anytime between Thursday and next Wednesday AM 2. We need a few volunteers to deliver Garage Sale Signs and Maps to all the registered sales. The signs need to go out next Wednesday and Thursday Email Kerry at SNG . org or call me at 612338-6205 ext 119

Thanks! Kerry Cashman, Community Coordinator
Seward Neighborhood Group
2323 E. Franklin Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55406
612-338-6205, x119

History Committee seeking interviews with current and early immigrants to Seward for Book

The Seward History Committee is seeking interviews with either current or early immigrants to the Seward Neighborhood. These can also be stories of your parents and grandparents. Call Dick Westby at 612-722-2853 for more information.

Kerry Cashman, Community Coordinator

Seward Neighborhood Group

2323 E. Franklin Ave.

Minneapolis, MN 55406

612-338-6205, x119

Planning meeting for SNG June 16th Scavenger Hunt/Geo Caching event

We are looking for creative volunteers to help us plan an innovative event during our June 16 all community potluck. Come to a planning meeting on April 16^th at 5:30PM at 2901 E. 22^nd ST. Call 612-877-1928 if you have any questions. Thanks!

Kerry Cashman, Community Coordinator

Seward Neighborhood Group

2323 E. Franklin Ave.

Minneapolis, MN 55406

612-338-6205, x119

Seward Neighborhood Group April 1, 2012 Newsletter

Dog Park Party…Writers needed—job annoucement—single sort recycling in the pilot area..read on!

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SNG News

Seward Neighborhood History Book-Job Description for Writers

The Seward Neighborhood History Committee has begun the process of writing and publishing a history of the neighborhood. We are seeking writers to help us complete our project.

Description of the Work

Working from an outline created by the History Committee, contracted writers will choose subjects that match their interest and expertise. Over the past few years, the History Committee has started the research process and gathered a large collection of materials. In addition to providing these materials, the committee will collaborate with the writers on further research, interviews, and photo collection. Throughout the writing process, writers will meet monthly with the book production team and provide regular progress reports.
Writing assignments will be based on the anticipated length of each topic section. Writers will be paid by the topic section (not by words or pages). Selecting photos and writing captions will be part of the writing assignment. Writers will submit a first draft for committee review and then revise the draft based on the committee’s suggestions. Writers will be paid after their final draft is completed and accepted by the History Committee.
Formal contracts will be signed with all writers. Expenses for writing materials, photocopying, permissions, etc. will be reimbursed when invoices and receipts are submitted to the project manager. Travel expenses may be reimbursed, but must be approved in advance by the project manager.

Timeline

First drafts are due July 1, 2012.
The History Committee will review the drafts during July and will return comments to the writers by July 31.
Final drafts are due on September 30, 2012.
The History Committee, together with a smaller group of selected writers, will merge the collected documents into the finished manuscript, which (under the terms of the Legacy Grant) must be completed by December 1, 2012.

Requirements

Demonstrated research skills
Demonstrated computer skills, especially in word processing
Photoshop and database expertise a plus
Demonstrated writing skills, samples required
Current or previous residence in, or a strong work connection to, the Seward neighborhood
Personal experience and/or knowledge of the Seward neighborhood – its history, organization, governance, and culture
Willingness to work with the Seward History Committee
Willingness to offer some volunteer time if necessary for project completion

Please send your application to:
Seward History Committee,
ATTN: Dick Westby, Seward Neighborhood Group, 2323 E. Franklin Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55406
OR sandrich22@comcast.net
Applications are due April 12, 2012.

Neighborhood Crime alerts available
If you are interested in getting up-to-date emails on Neighborhood crime issues sign up at http://www.minneapolismn.gov/police/crimealert/police_crimealert_signup There has been an small increase in daytime break-ins. Make sure your doors are locked both day and night. Don’t forget about locking your garage door!

The SNG Profile needs you!!
Got a nose for news? Have a yen to explore the nooks and crannies of our vibrant neighborhood? interested in building your resume? Or just interested in having fun working together on a community building endeavor? The PROFILE needs you!
After three issues, the small band of volunteers has gotten the nuts and bolts of the production and delivery worked out. But help is needed in all areas of the publication from putting together stories, through graphic design to connecting with enough advertisers to fully fund the publication. The time commitment can be as small as an hour or two each quarter. Email Diann Anders diann.anders@iphouse.com or come to the PROFILE meeting on April 3rd 7-9PM at SNG, 2323 Franklin Ave. S.

Volunteer needed
Looking for a Creative Outlet? We are looking for someone to organize the first ever Seward Scavenger Hunt/Geo Cacheing event/Paper Chase. We are open-you get to create the event. We do the leg work!! We need an idea person. Call or email Kerry at Kerry@sng.org or 612-338-6205 ext 119

Seward Neighbors Day at the Franklin Terrace Dog Park-April 29 1 -3PM
Save the date for a chance to meet your neighbors, drink some coffee and watch your dog play silly dog games. The Minneapolis Park Board is waving the dog park permit for the afternoon. Just update your city license and you are good to go.

New Rules on Yard Waste Collection starting Spring 2012
With the start of our 2012 Yard Waste season Minneapolis Solid Waste and Recycling is banning the collection of plastic yard waste bags. In accordance with state law and City policy, residents who bag their yard waste must put the yard waste out for pickup in compostable plastic bags, Kraft paper bags, or reusable containers that are less than 33 gallons in size, with sturdy handles. If you have filled bags from late last fall you can put out the black plastic bags for the first pick-up in April. After that all containers must be within the guidelines above.

Single Sort Recycling
If you are in the pilot area for the Single Sort Recycling you should have received a large black container with a blue lid. All of your recycling can go in that one container. Remember to recycle all plastics # 1 - 7 and all paper household paper. Nothing is too small to recycle!

SNG Loan Programs
For more information on the loan programs or general home improvement advice, contact Doug Wise, SNG’s Housing Coordinator, at (612) 338-6205, ext. 102 or doug@sng.org.

Seward Garage Sale Days Scheduled for May 18^th and 19^th
Save the date(s) for the annual Seward Garage Sales and clean out your basements!!

SNG Events

Seward Neighbors Day at the Franklin Terrace Dog Park-April 29
Seward Garage Sale Days May 18th and 19th—Rain Day May 20
Seward Community Potluck & Scavenger Hunt June 16
National Night Out August 7th

SNG Committee Calendar

Seward Profile Committee—April 3 7PM, SNG Office 2323 Franklin Ave., FFI contact Diann Anders diann.anders@iphouse.com
Crime and Safety Committee – April 9^th (meets Quarterly) 7:00 PM, Matthews Center, 2318 29^th Ave. S., FFI, contact committee co-chair Dick Westby 722-2853
Community Development Committee – April 10 7:00 PM, Matthews Center, 2318 29^th Ave. S., FFI, contact Doug Wise at doug@sng.org
History Committee – April 18th 7PM, SNG office, 2323 E. Franklin Ave., FFI, contact Dick Westby at sandrich22@comcast.net.
Environment Committee Meeting – TBD (meets Quarterly) 7:00 PM Matthews Center 2318 29^th Ave. S., FFI, contact committee chair Mike Trydn, Miketrdan@earthlink.net
Board of Directors Meeting – April 25th 7:00 PM, Matthews Park 2318 29th Ave. Board meetings are open to the public—all residents and those who work or own property in Seward are invited to attend. FFI, contact board chairs Ben Walen benwalen@yahoo.com or Mike Trdan miketrdan@earthlink.net

Seward Longfellow Restorative Justice Parnership
Just two spots left for conference facilitator training, April 20-22. This 2 ½ day training will introduce you to restorative justice principles and give you the foundation you need to facilitate restorative conferences with youth referred for committing low-level offenses in Seward and Greater Longfellow Contact Michele at michele@sng.org or 612-338-6205 x108 for more information or to request an application.

Community News and Events

2012 Metro Paint-A-Thon
The Metro Paint-A-Thon helps low income seniors and people with physical disabilities continue to live independently in their own homes. Volunteer teams scrape, prime and paint home exteriors at no cost to the homeowner.
To qualify the homeowner must
·       Be over the age of 60 or have a permanent physical disability.
·       Own and occupy a single-family home in the seven county metro area that needs the exterior painted, but does not need major repairs.
·       Live in a home where the monthly income of all persons living in the home does not exceed the following guidelines:

Household Size	1	2	3	4	5
Monthly Income	$1,800	$2,500	$3,100	$3,700	$4,300

2012 Paint-A-Thon applications are due May 4, 2012.
For more information, contact Molly Chandler, Coordinator at mchandler@gmcc.orgor (612) 276-1579.

Grant money is available now to help with your natural gas bill
Visit CenterPointEnergy.com/pPaymentAssistanceMN or call 612-372-4680
You may be eligible for a Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program grant to pay for a portion of your CenterPoint Energy Natural gas bill.

$25 Trees Available!! Tree Trust Minneapolis Tree Sale
Local tree canopies are dwindling: for every new tree that a resident plants, five more are lost to storms, pests and disease. Do your part to restore the city’s tree canopy by planting a tree this spring! Each tree costs $25. Orders may be placed beginning March 12, and pick up dates are May 12 – 14. For more information: http://treetrust-news.blogspot.com/2012/02/tree-sales-minneapolis-st-louis-park.html

Free classes for adults at The Minnesota Literacy Council
GED, Computers, Math, ESL (English language), College and Career Preparation, Medical Careers and Citizenship. The Minnesota Literacy Council Lake Street learning center, 2700 East Lake St., 2^nd floor, offers day and evening classes to accommodate adult work and family schedules. Registration sessions are held every Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. and at 6:00 p.m.-start your class the following week. Phone 612 483 1763 with questions. Take advantage of free classes to improve your life and advancement opportunities. Over 5,000 adults have attended the Lake Street Learning Center in the past eight years. The MN Literacy council has been helping adult students for more than 40 years.

Articulture has their spring and summer listings up-to-date
ArtiCulture offers classes and workshops for ages 12 months of age through adulthood. Please visit our website to see their complete spring schedule<http://articulture.org/class-schedule>. Check out their Summer Camp schedule<http://articulture.org/content/summer-art-camps-2012>posted there!

Tastings at Zipp’s Liquors
Tuesday April 3 - Beers of Spring 6:30 - 8pm
This tasting is free to everyone over 21 and will take place on Zipp’s salesfloor. Tyler will be pouring over at least a dozen of his favorite spring seasonals.

Wednesday April 11 - Wine Class: Skype With a Wine Maker 6 - 7:30pm
This class is free for the first 25 people to register and will take place in Zipp’s backroom. Renowned Uruguay wine maker, Juan Marichal will Skype with us and guide us through a selection of some of his favorite wines.

AARP Tax Assistance
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church (2730 East 31st Street) hosts AARP income tax aid for seniors and low income taxpayers. Mondays and Tuesdays, 11 am —2:30 pm going through April 10. Enter through east entrance and go up to the second floor. No appointment necessary. First come, first served.

Performance and Educational Opportunities from Youth Performance Company
Youth Performance Company is offering a 15% off discount on a SPRING or SUMMER CLASS for Seward Residents! Space is still available in most of our fun, challenging theatre classes and workshops for kids in grades K-12. Check out our class offerings online at www.youthperformanceco.orgor call 612-623-9180 x102 to request a brochure. Our building is located above Cupcake on University and Bedford. Register online or call 612-623-9180 x102.

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Seward Neighborhood Redistricting Info

Information for Seward including links to info at the City web site, text of the SNG Executive Committee letter to the Redistricting Committee, and the maps under discussion.

City site for Redistricting

City Site for Current Ward Maps

Link to the interactive ward map at City of Minneapolis Site.
It’s not very intuitive especially in figuring out how to display the past versions. You have to find the little button that says “Show Contents of Map” located in the upper left, just above the heading “Minneapolis Draft Maps”.

Text of letter to the Redistricting Committee from Seward Neighborhood Group. (from March 12 Executive Committee meeting.)

Members of the Redistricting Group:

Seward, one of the few Minneapolis neighborhoods well defined by geographical boundaries, is a strong and cohesive neighborhood that works hard at engaging all its stakeholders in building a strong and vibrant community where everyone can flourish. In the past decade, our efforts at community building have been enhanced greatly by the fact that the neighborhood lies entire within a single ward. This gives Seward stronger representation at the City Council, minimizes the amount of time we spend interacting with elected representatives, and, consequently, maximizes the number of volunteer hours available for engaging the community itself. It is this cohesiveness and sense of community that gives Seward the tools it needs to respond quickly and positively both to opportunities such as facilitating public input into City projects and programs and to tragedies like the horrific slaying at the Seward Market a few years ago.

Seward was divided as a community during Urban Renewal in the late 1960’s and through the 1970”s into two parts: East Seward, the more affluent and stable area targeted first by city planners for strengthening and relatively minor rehabilitation and West Seward, the less affluent and more blighted area originally slated for wholesale demolition and rebuilding. We have spend decades mending the rift in the community cause by that division.Now, in your final redistricting plans, you are proposing a return to this division of our neighborhood. By bifurcating Seward into two wards along a residential north-south avenue, so minor that it does not even directly cross Franklin Avenue, this division of the neighborhood between Wards 6 and 2 may well resurrect the east-west ill feelings among residents. Certainly, the division will make it more difficult for the Seward Neighborhood Group to continue its efforts at building community and fostering the growth in cross-cultural experience and appreciation that makes the neighborhood such a great place to live.

For these reasons, at its March 12th meeting, the Executive Committee of the Seward Neighborhood Group reaffirmed its support for the February redistricting plan for Seward and strongly opposed the March redistricting plan that divides the neighborhood. We encourage you to listen as carefully to the voices coming from our neighborhood as you have to the voices from outside it.

Maps

Map 1 is the redistricting plan that SNG recommends.

Map 2 is the latest draft redistricting plan from the Redistricting Group.

Map 3 are the current ward boundaries for Ward 2. Other maps for ward boundaries can be downloaded at the City’s site.

Map 1

Feb15WardMapsMinneapolis.pdf Download this file

Map 2

Mar6WardMapsMinneapolis.pdf Download this file

Map 3

currentWard2Map.pdf Download this file

Community Building Committee Meeting-Feb 21 7PM

We are looking for volunteers for two Spring/Summer events.

1. Late April “Seward day at the dog park”. This will be a first ever Seward community event at the dog park. No permit required.

2. Community Potluck and Scavenger Hunt—June 16^th. Help us create a scavenger hunt that will include all ages.

If you are interested in either of these events come to our planning meeting on February 21^st, 7PM. The meeting will be held at 2901 E. 22^nd St., the home of Kerry Cashman and Bill Barnett. If you can’t make the meeting or just don’t like meetings but want to help, call or email Kerry Cashman at Kerry@SNG.com or 612-338-6205 ext 119.

Kerry Cashman, Community Coordinator

Seward Neighborhood Group

2323 E. Franklin Ave.

Minneapolis, MN 55406

612-338-6205, x119

SNG Newsletter - February 2, 2012

SNG E-NEWSLETTER

Feb 2, 2012

The following people have had donations given to SNG in their name:Bernie Weibel, Dick Westby, Charlie Hoffman, Verna Strick and Kate Bruce. Thank you Bernie, Dick, Charlie, Verna and Kate for all you have done for the Seward Neighborhood!

Join Jazz88ʼs Morning Show with Ed Jones Friday morning February 3rd, 7 to 9 a.m. for an In the Neighborhood Live Broadcast from The Birchwood Cafe (3311 E. 25th St.) in Minneapolisʼ Seward Neighborhood. Jazz88ʻs In the Neighborhood broadcasts celebrate the stories of our vibrant neighborhoods in the Twin Cities. Ed will be spinning his usual mix of jazz, traffic updates, neighborhood interviews, news and more. Stop on down to have coffee with Ed and experience and celebrate the Seward neighborhood!

Listen for neighborhood celebrities Tracy Singleton, Sheldon Mains, Mary Delander and John Devine.

www.jazz88fm.

SNG Newsletter Moving to MailChimp—Yippee

We know the newsletter hasn’t been pretty or easy to read. We are sorry about that. We are going to be using MailChimp to send out our newsletters. We believe this will make a huge difference. If you would like to help in the transition, give Kerry a call or email at 612-338-6205 ext 119 or Kerry@sng.org

SNG Makes Changes to Home Improvement Loan Programs

Income limits for the Revolving Loan Program and Interest Subsidy Grant Program have been raised from 80% of the metro median income to 115%. The current household income limit for the programs is now $96,500. SNG has also created a new Emergency Deferred Loan Program to assist homeowners in making emergency repairs when they don’t have access to other funding.

The SNG Revolving Loan Program provides loans up to $12,000 to income eligible homeowners for exterior, energy, mechanical, electrical and code improvements at 3.99%. The Interest Subsidy Grant Program reduces the interest rate on Minnesota Fix-up Fund loans from 5.99% to 3.99% on loans up to $20,000 for up to 15 years. The Minnesota Fix-up Fund can be used for most types of home improvement projects including interior remodeling and additions.

The purpose of the Emergency Deferred Loan Program is to provide deferred loans to owner-occupants of properties in the Seward neighborhood who face emergency home repairs and are unable to obtain funds to repair the problem. Loans will be made to cover the cost of correcting the problem up to a maximum of $5,000. For homeowners unable to make monthly payments, the loans will be repaid when the house is sold.

For more information on the loan programs or general home improvement advice, contact Doug Wise, SNG’s Housing Coordinator, at (612) 338-6205, ext. 102 or doug@sng.org

“National Night In” Don’t wait until August to see all your neighbors!! They are still all there behind closed doors and cold cars. Join other Seward Block Clubs and have a “National Night In” party. Find someone willing to host and invite the neighbors for a potluck. If seating space is an issue, have your neighbors for coffee or tea and ask everyone to bring a treat. Sounds like a perfect Sunday afternoon event!

Exciting news! We are planning a fun new event for Saturday June 16^th. Teams of neighbors will scour the neighborhood on foot or on bike for clues during a community wide scavenger hunt. All teams and team supporters will end at Matthews for a neighborhood wide potluck in the park. Our next planning meeting is Feb 21^st at 7PM at the home of Kerry Cashman & Bill Barnett—2901 E. 22^nd St. Call Kerry at 612-338-6205 ext 119 or email at kerry@sng.org if you have any questions.

Communications meeting: Do you like working on websites…Newsletters…Facebook? This is your chance to change the look of SNG’s online communications. We are meeting February 7^th to discuss the look and content of all of SNG’s materials. We’re looking for volunteers to help create our new look. Come to the SNG offices on Tuesday, Feb 7^th at 7PM. Call Kerry at 612-338-6205 ext 119 or email at kerry@sng.org if you have any questions.

Seward Garage Sale Days Scheduled for May 18^th and 19^th

Save the date(s) for the annual Seward Garage Sales and clean out your basements!!

Green Yards in Seward

Tired of our brown winter and want a little green? Check out the attached story and pictures, about our Great Green Yard #2.

Nominate a neighbor to be part of the “Great Green Yard” project

“Great Green Yard” is part of the Environment Committee’s “Make Seward Green” program, part of our effort to help neighbors reduce use of products that damage health, air, and water, and use products and practices that are safe for human health and the environment while getting the same or better results.

SNG Committee Calendar

-Board of Directors Meeting – February 22

7:00 PM, Seward Towers East, at the intersection of 30th and Franklin Avenues

Board meetings are open to the public—all residents and those who work or own property in Seward are invited to attend. FFI, contact board chair Mike Trdan miketrdan@earthlink.net

-Communications Committee-Feb 7

7PM at SNG office, 2323 E. Franklin Ave.

FFI, contact Kerry@SNG.org

-Community Building Committee-Feb 21

7PM at Kerry Cashman’s house, 2901 E. 22^nd St.

FFI, contact Kerry @ Kerry@SNG.org

-Community Development Committee – Feb 14 (may be rescheduled to March 13)

7:00 PM, Matthews Center, 2318 29^th Ave. S.

FFI, contact Doug Wise at doug@sng.org

-Crime and Safety Committee – April 9^th (meets Quarterly)

7:00 PM, Matthews Center, 2318 29^th Ave. S.

FFI, contact committee co-chair Dick Westby 722-2853

- Environment Committee Meeting – March 19 (meets Quarterly)

7:00 PM Matthews Center 2318 29^th Ave. S.

FFI, contact committee chair Mike Trydn, Miketrdan@earthlink.net

-History Committee – Feb 28

7PM, SNG office, 2323 E. Franklin Ave.

FFI, contact Dick Westby at sandrich22@comcast.net.

Seward Longfellow Restorative Justice Partnership News

Two Fun Events to Support Restorative Justice

Wine, Beer & Liquor tasting—Saturday, Feb 11 from 6:30 – 9PM

Zipps Liquors will be hosting a Wine, Beer and Liquor tasting on Saturday, February 11 from 6:30-9:00 to benefit Seward Longfellow Restorative Justice Partnership. Tickets are $20 individually or $30 if you buy two. The event will be at the Minneapolis Eagles Club (2507 E. 25th Street). Tickets are available from SLRJP, Zipps, or at the door.

Benefit concert at Faith Mennonite Church—Sunday March 11^th 2:00 – 4:00PM

Mark your calendars for benefit concert for SLRJP in March. Faith Mennonite church and Community of St. Martin will co-host a concert on Sunday, March 11 from 2:00-4:00pm with singer-songwriters, folks musicians and blue grass by performers including Ray Makeever, Linda and Sophia Breitag, Robin Nelson and Chris Jones. The concert is free and donations to SLRJP will be gratefully received at the concert.

For information about either event or to find out more about SLRJP contact Michele Braley at 612-338-6205 x108 or michele@sng.org.

Community News and Events

Playwrights’ Center reading “The Few” by Samuel D. Hunter Monday Feb 6 at 7PM

This Monday, Feb. 6 at 7 pm, the Playwrights’ Center will be presenting its latest free staged reading, *The Few* by Samuel D. Hunter. If you haven’t had a chance to check out one of our Ruth Easton readings, you won’t be disappointed. The event is casual, there are free snacks and drinks provided, and there’s a discussion with the playwright afterwards. Samuel D. Hunter is a rapidly rising star in the world of playwriting — his play *A Bright New Boise *just had an extended run at Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company in Washington, D.C. and *The Whale *premiered to rave reviews at Denver Center Theatre earlier in January.

Ice Follies at Matthews Park—Saturday, February 11, 12:30-2:30 p.m.

A day filled with winter fun, on the ice, for the whole family to enjoy. Relays, games, prizes, food, and entertainment for everyone. Bundle up and jump on the horse drawn hayride with your friends and neighbors. Co-sponsored by Minneapolis Community Education. FREE - ALL AGES WELCOME

Midtown Greenway WINTER WONDER WALK/RIDE February 11^th 2012 12 – 2PM:

A wintertime extravaganza on the Midtown Greenway.

The Midtown Greenway has become a backbone of bicycle transit and recreation in south Minneapolis—and not just in summertime. Whether you’re a walker, an experienced year-round biker, or a fair-weather cyclist just itching to get back out on the trails, come to the first-ever Winter Wonder Walk/Ride on February 11^th to see just how fun winter on the Greenway can be! From 12 pm. to 2 p.m., the Midtown Greenway will teem with activity: a fat tire bike obstacle course courtesy of Freewheel, Nice Ride MN’s slow-bike races, tricycle trains, three-legged snowshoe races, bike tubing, and more. We’ll have snacks and hot drinks to keep you going; you can even enjoy a s’more made with a marshmallow-toasting bicycle.

Register now by going to www.midtowngreenway.org! Participation is free and open to the public. Plenty of activities will be centered around the Midtown area, within walking distance of each other. You can also bring a bike to access another activity hub at Brackett Park. Either way, check in outside of Freewheel Midtown Bike Center between 11:30 and 12. The official kick-off will happen at noon outside of Freewheel!

More info available at www.midtowngreenway.org, and contact Rebecca@midtowngreenway.org with questions.

Fourth Annual Pancake Breakfast and Bake Sale
The fourth Annual Pancake Breakfast fundraiser hosted by the Holy Trinity Lutheran Confirmation students will be Sunday, February 12, 8 am – 1 pm. Grab your favorite valentine and plan to attend! Funds raised help to subsidize the cost of youth trips. Tickets are $5 and can be reserved in advance by calling 612-729-8358.

Let’s put the “veg” back in V-Day to support Boneshaker Books! On February 14, enjoy a four-course gourmet dinner by renowned vegan chef, Joshua Ploeg, hosted at the Seward Cafe. There will be two seatings for dinner: 7:00pm and 8:30pm. This is not just for couples; groups & singletons are welcome! There will be childcare available during the first seating (7pm) at the bookstore. The will be beverages, but beer and wine will be BYOB!

Purchase tickets here: http://www.boneshakerbooks.com/v-day-vegan-gourmet-dinner

Fare For All Express http://www.emergencyfoodshelf.org/OurFamilyOfPrograms/ffa/
Fare for all Express will distribute food on Wednesday, February 15 from 5 – 7 PM at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. This is a great way to save money on quality nutritious food. Fare For All Express buys fruits, vegetables, and frozen meats in bulk to save you up to 40% off grocery store prices. They select the best food from the shipments, pre-packaging it to give you the greatest deals. Fare For All Express is community supported and open to everyone. The more people who participate, the better. Packages range from $10-$30. Come to the north entrance facing Lake Street/East Lake Library.

Minnehaha Park Family Nature Quest Saturday, February 18, 10 — 11:30 am

It’s time for a winter quest! Bring the family out to Minnehaha Park where you will be able to hike, explore and follow the clues placed throughout the park to unlock its secrets and find a hidden treasure. It’s a nature-based scavenger hunt in winter. After the quest is completed, stick around to spend some time in the park while enjoying some warm and delicious treats! Meet at the Minnehaha Park music pavilion. Call 612-313-7725 for more details.

Home improvement talks

“Home Improvement: Found Space” is a talk offered at Nokomis Library, 5100 34^th Ave. S., Tuesday, Feb. 21 at 6:30 p.m. South Minneapolis homeowners who would like more usable space from a home without expanding its footprint can see how a designer does it. “Before and after case histories will amaze you and start you thinking about the hidden potential of your home,” said Fred Peters of F&P Remodeling by Design, seminar presenter.

March 6, 6:30 p.m., Bob Buck of Buck Brothers Construction will present “When should I contact a contractor?” at the East Lake library, 2727 East Lake Street, for homeowners who want to make changes but are not sure where to begin, or those thinking of tackling a DIY project. Learn how the pieces of the construction puzzle fit together, and how to work with today’s professionals to stretch dollars.

Auditions for Theatre Production of “It’s a Wonderful Life”
The Holy Trinity Theatre Circle’s spring production will be an adaptation of the timeless Frank Capra film, “It’s a Wonderful Life!” Come join Holy Trinity as they travel to Bedford Falls and into the lives of George and Mary Bailey and their family and friends and watch how George’s life has such a positive impact on everyone he meets. Be a part of George’s struggles with the evil Mr. Potter, and marvel as Clarence the Angel helps George to understand that George really HAS had a “wonderful life!” As in the classic movie, there are many characters to bring to life–people of ALL AGES are needed for the parts, children, young adults, older adults—everyone. They will be holding AUDITIONS on Saturday morning, February 25 starting at 10 am, and Sunday afternoon, February 26 starting at 12:30 pm, in the first floor Bartsch Room (please come to east entrance). NO PREPARATION OR PAST EXPERIENCE IS NECESSARY! Auditions will consist of readings from the script.

Don’t feel comfortable on stage but still want to be a part of the production? We always need behind-the-scenes help with sets, props, lights, costumes, and publicity, so if you’re interested in that, let us know! If you have questions, just email the director - Peter Johnson at peterj911@comcast.net.

South Minneapolis Housing Fair, Saturday, March 10, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. is at South High School, 3131 19th Ave. S., Minneapolis

Dozens of home improvement professionals, finance people and artisan trades gather under one roof. This popular, free information fair is in its 18th year, a project of several south Minneapolis neighborhood organizations. In addition to exhibits, several workshops will be offered in two sessions that day.

For more information, visit www.housingfair.org or Facebook, or call 612-867-4874.

AARP Tax Assistance
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church (2730 East 31st Street) hosts AARP income tax aid for seniors and low income taxpayers. Mondays and Tuesdays, 11 am —2:30 pm beginning February 6 and going through April 10. Enter through east entrance and go up to the second floor. No appointment necessary. First come, first served.

This newsletter was compiled by SNG with the assistance of neighbors who contributed suggestions and news items. To subscribe, send an email to admin@sng.org with “subscribe” in the subject line. To unsubscribe, send an email to admin@sng.org with “unsubscribe” in the subject line. If you know of an upcoming event, meeting, or news item that should be included in a future newsletter, please email admin@sng.org. Thank you!

January SNG Community Development Committee Agenda (Jan. 10) & Draft Minutes (Dec. 13)

AGENDA
SNG Community Development Committee
Matthews Center, 2318 29th Av. S.
January 10, 2012, 7:00 p.m.

7:00 Introductions and approval of minutes.

7:10 Touchstone Project - Seward Commons Redevelopment The Phase I Touchstone project of the Seward Commons Redevelopment is now
fully funded. The Touchstone building will include 40 apartments for the
persistently mentally ill with on-site staff support, a Health and
Wellness Center and offices for Touchstone Mental Health. Touchstone’s
office move will bring a minimum of 40 existing jobs and 25 new jobs to
Seward. The project is scheduled to be under construction in the late
spring or early summer of 2012.

The architect will present the current plans for the project at the
meeting. The committee is being asked to make recommendations on a
Conditional Use Permit and Variances being requested for the project.
Touchstone will be requesting variances for the rear yard setback, along
the bikeway, from 11 feet to 0 feet, and to reduce the width of the
driveway to 20 feet. The project partners are Seward Redesign, PPL and Touchstone Mental Health.

7:50 2307 Milwaukee Avenue Variance At the June 2011 meeting, the committee recommended approval of a porch
addition at 2307 Milwaukee Avenue. The plans presented to the committee
are attached. The addition was also approved by the Milwaukee Avenue
Homeowners Association and the Minneapolis Heritage Preservation
Commission. The city is now requiring the homeowner to obtain a setback
variance for the addition (see attached hearing notice). The property Is
part of a National Historic Preservation District and the first Planned
Unit Development (PUD) adopted by the city.

8:10 Semi Truck Parking on 26th Street A number of residents have expressed concern about Semi Truck
Parking on
26th Street. Some trucks have not been moved in 3-4 days and it is felt
they present a potential safety hazard. Tadd Kelly, who lives on
26th
Street will be at the meeting to discuss the issue.

8:30 Updates:
Seward Redesign
SNG Housing Coordinator
City Council Member Gordon 8:40 Other Business

8:45 Adjourn. (The Park staff lock the outside doors at 9 p.m. so all
attendees must exit).
Draft Minutes
Community Development Committee
December 13, 2011

Attending: Ken Webb (meeting chair), Bob Hain, Robert Gratz, Garry Hesser,
Scott Henderson, Ben Walen , Laura Miller, Jesse Miller, Chris Wilson
(PPL), Sheldon Mains (SNG Board Co-President), Brian Miller (Redesign),
Doug Wise (SNG Housing Coordinator) and Robin Garwood (Council Member
Gordon’s Office).
The minutes for the November meeting were approved.
Update on Touchstone Project Seward Commons Redevelopment
Brian Miller from Redesign introduced the upcoming phases in the Seward
Commons redevelopment. Construction on Phase 1, the Touchstone building,
is planned to start in the Spring of 2012. Phase 2 will be a senior
housing building developed by CommonBond Communities; groundbreaking on
this will be at least 1 ½ years away. Also coming in May 2012 is the new
Bike/Walk Center, which will occupy the building at 1915 22nd St E. Sheldon Mains briefly described the Bike/Walk Center.
Chris Wilson from PPL presented site plans and renderings of the
Touchstone project located at the southernmost portion of the Seward
Commons site, at the intersection of 24th St and Snelling, adjacent to the
LRT bike trail. PPL is the real estate developer of the project, and
Touchstone will operate the building and its programs. The front door of
the project will face the LRT trail and 24th St. It will contain an
underground parking garage, with the entrance to the garage from a
driveway off of Snelling on the North-West side of the building.
The facility will have 3 components: 1. Housing, 2. Health and Wellness
Center & 3. Touchstone offices. The Health and Wellness center will be
open to Touchstone clients, both residents and non-residents of the
building, and will include a smoking cessation program, acupuncture,
massage therapy and other treatments. The overall design is focused on
helping people “get well.” It includes natural daylight and “neighborhood”
clusters within the housing.
The building will be equipped with solar panels and a variable refrigerant
heating system. The grounds will include storm-water collection. The
wellness center will be on the first floor, housing will be on floors 1-4,
and Touchstone offices will be on floors 2 & 3. The project will cost
$11.5 million, and is now fully funding.
Potential residents were surveyed by the developers; they said they want
the housing to feel “homey.” The building was designed with a sloped roof,
as flat roofs were mentioned as too institutional. There may be a small
barrier between the LRT trail and the courtyard, but otherwise desire is
to make courtyard seem open and inviting.
Exterior building materials will include stone and Hardy paneling, but
nothing is set yet, as construction bids still need to go out. Several
meeting attendees advocated for the use of stone throughout exterior.
Chris stated that they want to building to be finished with a high quality
look, as this is what the neighborhood desires.
The only zoning variance required is on the NW corner along the LRT trail,
where the building is designed to have no setback from the property line.
This wall will include residential windows. Chris believes there are 8-10
feet between actual trail and the property line, but will check to make
sure, as this could be an issue for clearing snow from the trail.
PPL will start the city permitting process in January. He will attend the
January CDC meeting with the project architect to formally present the
project to the neighborhood.
Brian stated that the new driveway on the NW side of the building will be
shared by Phases 1 & 2, which will require both phases to have the same
zoning. Phase 2 will require a 30% density variance to accommodate the
planned 60 residents. He sought an indication that SNG would be open to
this variance. Sheldon suggested Brian bring some preliminary plans for
Phase 2 to the next CDC meeting.
______________________________________________________________________
Updates:
Brian stated that HUD has now approved $9 million in funding for Phase 2,
leaving $2.3 million to fund ($11.3 million total). Redesign is working
to find tenant(s) for the Koyi Sushi Too/Seward Post spaces at Franklin &
21st Ave. Redesign has had some discussions with prospective tenants, but
nothing to speak about yet publicly. Tenants are not necessarily
restaurants at this point, though that would be desirable given the
kitchen in the building. Redesign has a new staff member Renee, a grad
of the Humphrey Institute, will staff the business association and work on
other projects. The resident at “Carl’s House” at 904 30th Ave, and
Brian hopes they can get in there soon to see if they can renovate.
Doug Wise stated that last month’s CDC recommendations on SNG’s loan
programs were approved by the board and are now in effect.
Jesse Miller asked about the scheduled 22nd St connection to Cedar, and if
more traffic will be expected on 21st Ave S. Brian explained that at this
point the only change will be the connection to Cedar, with no additional
stop signs or signals added to Minnehaha.
Meeting adjourned at 8:15 pm.

1-10-12 CD Committee Agenda.doc Download this file

Minutes CDC 12-13-11.doc Download this file

Notice of Public Hearing 2307 Milwaukee Ave BZZ5432.pdf Download this file