Message from Council Member Kevin Reich

Looking back on the past year, I am pleased to be able to say that 2012 has ushered in a significant increase in economic strength and development for the First Ward, with a parallel improvement in our community’s livability and vitality. The Solar Arts Building in the Logan Park neighborhood is a stellar example of the development occurring in the community. This 100-year old former factory has been thoroughly and carefully renovated and takes its place as the newest addition to the Arts District. In the Marshall Terrace neighborhood, Mississippi Watershed Management Organization’s new headquarters opened this fall and serves as a visible demonstration of MWMO’s mission to safeguard and improve water quality. Central Avenue has also seen some changes. First & First’s new Broadway development at the old Land O’ Nod location at Broadway and Central broke ground this year, while Hillcrest Development has also begun work on repurposing the long-neglected Burger King site at Central and 18th Avenue NE. 2012 also saw welcome progress at our historic Hollywood Theater on Johnson Street. On December 14 the City Council granted exclusive development rights for the Hollywood to developer Andrew Volna. This designation will give Volna time to determine the feasibility of a development proposal. Last year the City Council made a change in City ordinance that allowed breweries to open taprooms and sell their beer in Minneapolis. That change has borne immediate fruit in Ward One, with the opening this year of Indeed Brewery in the Solar Arts Building and the planned openings of 612 Brew and Northgate in early 2013, as well as other potential breweries and taprooms in our community. Northeast is quickly becoming Minneapolis’ “Brew District”, making us a destination spot for entertainment dollars. Last, but perhaps most importantly, 2012 has been a banner year for the Second Precinct in terms of providing a safe and crime-free environment. At our recent Public Safety Community Reception, Inspector Schafer shared some stellar statistics about the First Ward.  - Kevin Reich --- Contact Kevin Reich 350 S. 5th Street Room 307 Minneapolis, MN 55415 612-673-2201 Kevin.Reich@minneapolismn.gov

First Ward Public Safety Reception

Thanks to everyone who attended the First Ward Public Safety Reception at the Firefighters Hall & Museum on November 27. Former Police Chief Tim Dolan came out of retirement for the event to introduce incoming Chief Janeé Harteau and to offer his thoughts on the history of the Second Precinct. Chief Harteau, who joined the Minneapolis police force in 1987, shared her philosophy of policing and the commitment to community engagement she brings to the Minneapolis Police Department. Inspector Schafer gave a report on 2012 crime statistics for the Second Precinct, including the welcome announcement that the Precinct was on track to lead the City in the lowest crime rate this year, as well as highest officer productivity. Some specifics: ·         Part I crime overall down 6% ·         Burglary down 12% ·          Robbery down 22%. He also discussed the crime prevention initiative instituted around Jackson Square Park this past summer and the resultant 80% drop in overall crime in that area. Inspector Schafer introduced Susan Bradshaw, the new Crime Prevention Specialist for the Second Precinct. She joins Nick Juarez as one of two Second Precinct Crime Prevention Specialists, and she will specifically cover the portion of Northeast north of Broadway. Bradshaw talked about her background in the military, serving in both Iraq and Afghanistan as an intelligence analyst, as well as her work for the Downtown Improvement District. She expressed great enthusiasm for becoming a part of the Northeast community and extending the outreach work of the Second Precinct. This well-attended event was the last in a series of 2012 First Ward forums, following previous public discussions on such topics as Minneapolis’ Boards & Commissions, Urban Agriculture, and Arts Education & the Creative Economy. Stay tuned for upcoming First Ward forums in 2013.

Snow & Ice Pilot in First Ward

In 2011 the City of Minneapolis Public Works Department, in cooperation with the Pedestrian Advisory Committee, examined the City’s sidewalk snow and ice removal procedures and determined that more needed to be done to ensure effective snow and ice clearance for pedestrians. Currently, if property owners fail to clear their sidewalks, there’s an average of 7 days between first and second inspections, before sidewalks are cleared by City staff. This winter Public Works will test the use of a private contractor for snow clearance. The pilot program will be undertaken in sections of Northeast and South Minneapolis; it will include the portion of Ward 1 north of Lowry, encompassing Audubon Park, Waite Park, Columbia Park and much of Marshall Terrace. Snow shoveling rules remain in place. Ordinance requires that residential property owners clear sidewalks within 24 hours of the end of a snowfall and within 4 hours for apartments and commercial buildings. The City also offers free sand for sidewalks. Sand can be picked up 24 hours a day at the Public Works Maintenance Facility at 1809 Washington St NE (bring your own pail and shovel). Are there neighbors on your street who are elderly, have a disability or may have a hard time shoveling for any reason? Work with your neighbors to give a hand and ensure your entire block is safe and accessible to all.

Northeast Life Size Book Project

Artshare, a Northeast non-profit with a mission to create community-based art, has launched the Northeast Life Size Book Project. The end result will be a handmade art book that’s created by and celebrates the Northeast community. Artshare co-founder Jennifer Arave approached the Northeast Library about partnering on the project and the book will be displayed at the library upon completion. Artists Laura Brown and Bridget O’Malley will lead 4 free workshops to teach papermaking, printmaking and bookbinding while garnering ideas for the book’s content. Each participant will receive a small version of the Life Size book to keep. Workshop dates: ·         Saturday, Jan. 26, 1-3 p.m. ,Northeast Library ·         Saturday, Feb. 2, 1-3 p.m., Edison High School ·         Saturday, Feb.  9, 1-3 p.m., Edison High School ·         Saturday, Feb. 16, 1-3 p.m., Northeast Library For further information, contact Artshare at 612-432-1512. To sign up for workshops, go to http://www.hclib.org/pub/events/ or call 612-543-1512.

Snow Emergency Information

Residents, workers and visitors have a number of ways to learn with Snow Emergencies are declared and what to do when they are. We’re advising drivers to put many of these tools to use, not just one or two. The more ways people learn about a Snow Emergency, the more prepared they will be to do their part, and the less likely they will be to be towed because they didn't know one was declared. Hotline: call 612-348-SNOW to find out if a Snow Emergency has been declared and what parking restrictions are in force. City Website: go to www.minneapolismn.gov  to find out whether a Snow Emergency has been declared. Also check out the street lookup, which lets you put in an address or neighborhood to see where you can park. Phone Alerts: If your landline or cell phone is unlisted, click HERE to sign up for the automated alert system. Email Alerts: Click HERE for more details about receiving automatic email alerts. Facebook/Twitter Alerts: Click HERE for more details about receiving automatic Facebook & Twitter alerts.

Save the Date:

Conversations with Carla Friday, January 11, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m., Edison High School Media Center, 700 22nd Ave NE. Families and students are invited to meet Principal Carla Steinbach and Edison staff to learn about the IB and other rigorous academic programs and wide-ranging extracurricular activities offered by Edison High School. A light dinner and school tour will be included. RSVP to thomas.parks@mpls.k12.mn.us. Eastside Co-op Winter Market Saturday, January 12, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., Eastside Food Co-op, 2551 Central Ave. NE. The winter market, which offers local vendors and local wares, continues on the 2nd Saturday of each month through April. Minneapolis School Choice Fair Saturday, January 12, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Minneapolis Convention Center, 1301 2nd Avenue S. Free parking, shuttle service and childcare are offered at this showcase of Minneapolis public school options. For further information, click HERE. Winter Warm Up Friday, January 25, 7 – 11 p.m., Grace Center, 1500 6th St. NE. This fundraiser to support Northeast Middle School’s theater program and their spring production of “Peter Pan” will feature food, drink and music by the band Buster Phelan. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door. For further information, click HERE. 5th Annual NE Mpls Presidents Day Walk Saturday, February 16, 10 a.m., Edison High School, 700 22nd Ave NE.  This year’s event includes Presidential Pets and White House Animals. Join your neighbors for this walk to commemorate NE’s “presidential” streets.