Southwest Journal : stories

Items pertaining to East Calhoun neighborhood

5th Precinct gets new civilian crime-stopper

By Robyn Repya

Southwest's 5th Police Precinct welcomes civilian Crime-Prevention Specialist Tom Thompson, formerly of Southeast's 3rd Precinct.

Thompson will cover Sector 2 , which includes the West Calhoun, East Calhoun, CARAG, Lyndale, Linden Hills, East Harriet and Kingfield neighborhoods. He replaces Karen Abrahamson.

As part of the SAFE unit, crime-prevention specialists (CPS) report to sector lieutenants, respond to community concerns, and promote safety and crime prevention. CPSs previously worked as a team with a police officer, until major SAFE unit cuts in 2002-03.

Thompson said he was a police officer for 17 years and a CPS for three years, before being laid off due in the latest SAFE unit cuts. He said he's very excited to be recalled and reported for his first day of

May 2, 2005
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Updated East Calhoun development design released

By Robyn Repya

A new design for the Edgewater, a six-story, 23-unit condominium building at West Lake Street & East Calhoun Parkway, was released at a January meeting of the East Calhoun Community Organization (ECCO).

The new design has three fewer units and features an exterior with more stone and less glass. A green roof, which will capture approximately 70 to 80 percent of runoff, will also be part of the project.

In addition, the new plans also show the building's top floor will step down from six stories to four on the west end, closest to Lake Calhoun's shore.

Developer Clark Gassen, president of Financial Freedom Realty, said the design changes come from the work project's neighbors and his desire to differentiate the building design from other new buildings in town.

March 7, 2005
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Whittier creates historic-property task force

By Bob Gilbert

The East Calhoun News, a monthly Uptown newspaper, ceased publication in October, but a group of residents are working to bring it back to life in some form. They're hoping to publish again in March.

East Calhoun resident and group member Gary Farland said the paper's finances were "really screwed up" after a former editor took over the paper's accounting.

He said the residents have been working to fix the finances and investigating how other small neighborhood papers exist. The East Calhoun Community Organization (ECCO) and the CARAG neighborhood group subsidize the paper, which has had an independent board.

January 10, 2005
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Calhoun shoreline development gets city OK

By Robyn Repya

By a 6-1 vote Sept. 27, the Minneapolis Planning Commission approved proposed plans for a new condo project at 1805 W. Lake St. Some neighbors plan to appeal the approval to the Minneapolis City Council.

Developer Clark Gassen plans to build a six-story, 26-unit condominium building on the current Edgewater apartment site but needed the city's OK to move forward due to zoning limitations.

Gassen purchased the site for $2.6 million, originally to convert the Edgewater's apartments into condos, but found the existing building is sinking, so he chose to rebuild.

The land near Lake Calhoun's northeast shore is zoned for up to a six-story building, but because it is within 1,000 feet of water, a two-and-a-half story or 35-foot height limit kicked in, absent a city waive

October 14, 2004
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Permit parking proposed in CARAG
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By Jake Weyer

CARAG — In response to concerns from residents about some streets being too crowded and unsafe after sundown, City Council Member Ralph Remington (10th Ward) has proposed permit parking during late-night hours in parts of the neighborhood.

Remington’s proposal includes permit or “critical” parking from 9 p.m.–2 a.m. Monday-Saturday along Girard, Fremont and Emerson Avenues between 31st and 33rd Streets, 32nd Street from Hennepin Avenue to Emerson and a southern stretch of 31st between Girard and Emerson.

Parking would be open to the public all day Sunday because of activities at Joyce Church, located at 1219 W. 31st St.

“This was constructed based on complaints from people in the area,” said Remi

December 17, 2007
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What's in the water?

By Dylan Thomas

Fish in Lake Calhoun found to have high levels of former 3M chemical

ECCO - On an overcast Tuesday morning, Billy Kaphaun of St. Louis Park cast a line into the channel connecting Lake Calhoun to Lake of the Isles.

It was two days before a May 10 town hall meeting brought state officials to nearby St. Mary's Greek Orthodox Church, where they briefed area residents on the lakes¹ contamination with an industrial chemical and their plans to find a source.

Kaphaun, never taking his eyes off an orange bobber, said he¹d seen recent news reports warning anglers to limit their consumption of bluegill sunfish from the Chain of Lakes. Minnesota Pollution Control Agency tests showed Lake Calhoun bluegill fillets had relatively high concentrati

May 21, 2007
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Council approves Rybak’s selections for Planning Commission

By Jake Weyer

The Minneapolis City Council has approved Mayor R.T. Rybak’s appointment of two Southwest residents to the city’s Planning Commission.

Lara Norkus-Crampton of East Calhoun and Lauren Huynh from Kenny have taken the places of former commission president Judith Martin and commissioner Michael Kraus on the 10-member panel, which advises the City Council on long-range planning issues including development, zoning and capital improvements. Kraus resigned and Martin was not reappointed.

Norkus-Crampton and Huynh are among four commission members appointed by the mayor with City Council approval. The rest of the commission consists of the mayor or designee and representatives from the City Council, Library Board, School Board and Park Board. Commissioners serve two-year

September 11, 2006
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Detailed plans presented for proposed Uptown hotel

By Jake Weyer

Traffic, height concerns still on CARAG, East Calhoun minds

East Calhoun and CARAG residents packed a reception room at St. Mary's Greek Orthodox Church, 3450 Irving Ave. S., Aug. 3 to view plans and ask questions about a proposed hotel in Uptown.

Investor Curt Gunsbury, who publicly presented plans at an East Calhoun Community Organization (ECCO) meeting in May for a boutique hotel to be built at 3017-3029 Holmes Ave. S., returned to the group this month with other investors, architects and more detailed plans.

The large audience of more than 100 people had plenty of questions and mixed opinions about the project.

Gunsbury presented two plans for the hotel, named Hotel Uptown. His preferred option was a 63-foot, six-story, 100-room building with 95 val

August 14, 2006
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Three lots for sale near Edgewater draw community attention

By Jake Weyer

Coldwell Banker Burnet agents would like to sell lots for single-family homes

Neighbors are keeping their eyes on three 5,000-square-foot residential lots for sale along East Calhoun Parkway near the Edgewater condominium project, hoping the properties don't become the next big development.

Al Theisen and Taya Rotering of Coldwell Banker Burnet are overseeing the sale, which could include three other nearby properties if all of the lots are purchased together.

The properties for sale are at 3017, 3021 and 3025 E. Calhoun Parkway. Lots that Theisen and Rotering said could “piggyback” on the sale are 3015 E. Calhoun Parkway and 3012 and 3016 Knox Ave. S.

Theisen estimated the four East Calhoun Parkway lots could fetch a combined $7.3 million and the South K

June 19, 2006
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Boutique hotel proposed in Uptown

By Jake Weyer

A development group has proposed a boutique hotel and condominium complex for a portion of Holmes Avenue between Lake Street and 31st Avenue.

Investor Curt Gunsbury and officials from Minneapolis-based U+B Architecture & Design met with community members at a recent East Calhoun Community Association (ECCO) meeting to discuss potential designs for the structure and get feedback.

Gunsbury's plans call for either an eight-floor hotel spanning three lots or a seven-floor hotel built across five lots. The height is the minimum needed to be financially successful, he said. All of the lots Gunsbury is looking to purchase have willing sellers, he said.

The building would feature 80 to 90 hotel rooms selling at $130 a night and 10 to 24 “high-end” condominiums

June 5, 2006
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East Calhoun/CARAG paper comes together

By Robyn Repya

East Calhoun and CARAG residents working to create a new neighborhood newspaper have made progress, forming a managing board last month.

Neighbors began meeting to devise a plan after the East Calhoun News ceased publication last October due to finances. Since then, the CARAG neighborhood group has published a newsletter.

The paper had served both East Calhoun and CARAG neighborhoods, which stretch between Lake Calhoun's east shore and Lyndale Avenue South and between the Uptown business epicenter and West 36th Street.

In May, both neighborhood boards appointed three representatives to the new newspaper's managing board. East Calhoun members include Ralph Knox, Gary Farland and Al Ohme. The CARAG members are Kay Graham, Jill Bode and Anna Matthes.

Mary Ann Knox

June 13, 2005
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Residents hoping to resurrect the East Calhoun News

By Robyn Repya

The East Calhoun News, a monthly Uptown newspaper, ceased publication in October, but a group of residents are working to bring it back to life in some form. They're hoping to publish again in March.

East Calhoun resident and group member Gary Farland said the paper's finances were "really screwed up" after a former editor took over the paper's accounting.

He said the residents have been working to fix the finances and investigating how other small neighborhood papers exist. The East Calhoun Community Organization (ECCO) and

the CARAG neighborhood group subsidize the paper, which has had an independent board.

The paper covered both neighborhoods, which stretch between Lake Calhoun's east shore to Lyndale Avenue and between the Uptown business distri

January 10, 2005
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Uncertain future for East Calhoun News

By Robyn Repya

The East Calhoun News, a monthly Uptown newspaper, did not publish as usual in October. The paper has an independent board but is subsidized by the East Calhoun Community Organization (ECCO) and the CARAG neighborhood groups.

The paper covers both neighborhoods, which stretch from Lake Calhoun's east bank to Lyndale Avenue and from the Uptown business district to West 36th Street.

CARAG neighborhood staffer Scott Engle said slow ads sales caused the publication suspension. He also the CARAG board decided not to allocate money to the paper next year and is instead considering publishing its own newsletter.

East Calhoun News board representative, Ralph Knox said they're meeting to discuss the paper's uncertain future and hope to have a publication up and running withi

November 11, 2004
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East Calhoun group votes against six-story lake-area development

By Robyn Repya

At its July meeting, the East Calhoun Community Organization (ECCO) voted 8-2 not to support a luxury 26-unit condominium building proposed for the current Edgewater apartment site at 1805 W. Lake St.

Neighborhood group votes are advisory to the Minneapolis Planning Commission and City Council, which will vote on developer Clark Gassen's request for conditional-use permits and variances for the project.

Because the building, which is just east of the Lake Calhoun refectory, is within 1,000 feet of shore, it is subject to a height limit of two-and-a-half stories or 35 feet tall, whichever is lower. The city could grant a conditional-use permit to allow a taller structure.

Gassen purchased the site for $2.6 million and had originally wanted to convert the Edgewater's a

June 24, 2004
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Read more stories about: East Calhoun neighborhood, East Isles neighborhood

Is high-end condo project too tall for Lake Calhoun?

By Robyn Repya

Six-story proposal near Calhoun refectory needs shoreline height waiver

Southwest developer Clark Gassen is solidifying plans to build a luxury six-story, 26-unit condominium building with a 43-space underground parking ramp at 1805 W. Lake St. The East Calhoun lot is currently occupied by the Edgewater Court apartment building and is sinking into the ground.

Gassen said he originally wanted to buy the building and convert it to condos, but surveyors told him the building was structurally unsound and wouldn't last much longer. So, he said, he decided to redevelop the prime location instead.

Property owners to the immediate south of the lot say they're ecstatic about the redevelopment plans and promises made by Gassen regarding area maintenance. But the proje

June 10, 2004
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Airport establishes new sound-mitigation zone; SW critics say it's too small

By Michael Metzger

Battle over projections determines which jet-noise sufferers may get help

For the first time, the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) has published a map projecting a new sound contour that may mean Southwest residents will get more noise insulation. However, area antinoise activists say the projection underestimates how many homes will need sound-deadening enhancements such as central air conditioning and insulation.

The map, released Feb. 4, shows how noise levels around the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport are projected to change by 2007. It also establishes a new sound contour for homes falling in the so-called 60-64 DNL area. ("DNL" is a day-night average sound level.) Homeowners in that contour are eligible for mitigation steps yet to be determin

February 19, 2004
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Art Condition

By April Wooster

Oh, 55408

The Minneapolis 55408 exhibit ends Saturday, Aug. 23 at 5 p.m., so catch it while you can. The eighth annual exhibition celebrates the artwork of roughly 70 artists in the 55408 ZIP code, which includes Southwest residents in ECCO, CARAG, Lyndale, Whittier, Lowry Hill East and East Isles. Look for two- and three-dimensional art, film and new media. All artwork is for sale. Head down to the Intermedia Arts gallery at 2822 Lyndale Ave. S., this Thursday-Saturday, noon-5 p.m. The exhibition is free, with a $2 suggested donation. Call 871-4444 for more information.

'Five Women Explore the Figure'

Sensing a resurgence of well-rendered figurative art in the arts community, the Shelley Holzemer Gallery owner and curat

July 24, 2003
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ECCO residents get Calhoun Boulevard stop sign

By Scott Russell

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board unanimously approved a stop sign on East Calhoun Boulevard to improve pedestrian access to the new Lake Calhoun tot lot between West 33rd and West 34th streets

Several dozen East Calhoun residents attended the March 19 meeting, many wearing stop-sign red, to make the appeal. The Board fast-tracked the decision.

"I'm thrilled," said Tracy Nordstrom, an East Calhoun resident. "It really speaks to community involvement. We have almost 700 signatures collected in January. It wasn't just moms pushing strollers."

The neighborhood dedicated the tot lot in 2001. The East Calhoun Community Organization (ECCO) had earmarked money in its Neighborhood Revitalization Program to make the crossing safer. Residents said m

April 3, 2003
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Parks

By Scott Russell

Parks confront budget woes

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board would lose at least $7 million in anticipated state aid over the next two years, which translates into a 14 percent budget cut, under the state budget proposed by Gov. Tim Pawlenty.

The state would cut the Park Board's share of Local Government Aid (LGA) by $3 million in 2003 and $3.5 million in 2004, according to an analysis prepared by Don Siggelkow, the board's assistant commissioner for administration. That's nearly 50 percent of the Park Board's current LGA.

The Park Board would lose an added $500,000 in cuts from lottery funds, regional park funding and youth employment grants, he said.

The city of Minneapolis gets the LGA from the state and gives a percentage to the P

March 6, 2003
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Broad-daylight crimes in Kingfield, ECCO, CARAG and Lyndale

By Scott Russell

The city has issued robbery and burglary alerts for neighborhoods between Lake Calhoun and I-35W.

A robber has assaulted people during the day in the East Calhoun (ECCO), Kingfield and CARAG neighborhoods, police said. In several cases, the suspect targeted people walking alone. In two cases, suspects targeted elderly women walking by themselves or with other elderly women.

The police gave no suspect descriptions.

Police also report a string of burglaries in the Kingfield and Lyndale neighborhoods, in an area between Lake and 40th streets and between Stevens and Garfield avenues.

Since Aug. 28, the area has had 16 daylight burglaries, with the perpetrator entering both homes and garages by cutting screens and windows, police said.

September 9, 2002
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Growing Pains

By Anjula Razdan

"Downzoning" not good for city, says councilmember

Minneapolis has been looking more and more suburban lately, says City Councilmember Dan Niziolek (10th Ward), thanks to a citywide trend in recent years to downzone properties from multi-unit housing to single-family homes.

And, that's too bad, according to Niziolek, because density - even "upzoning" (a four-letter word to many neighborhood residents) - can be a good thing.

In a recent interview with the Southwest Journal, Niziolek outlined some proposals to change the zoning code that are being discussed in the City Council - among them, incentives to encourage developers to develop and maintain affordable housing, easing the path to duplex conversion and the return of the carriage house.

April 22, 2002
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Bastille Day block party is Sunday

UPDATED July 7, 2008, 11:43am

By Dylan Thomas

ECCO — Barbette is preparing for une grande fête Sunday when the Uptown restaurant hosts its annual Bastille Day block party 4–10 p.m. on Irving Avenue in the ECCO neighborhood.

This year’s lineup includes live and local music from Faux Jean, Romantica and others, as well as a hula-hoop contest, BMX and skateboarding demonstrations and roller derby.

The event is free, but some proceeds from food, drink and art sales will benefit the Minnesota Fringe Festival, the local nonprofit that organizes an annual summer theater festival.

June 30, 2008
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Community leaders start crafting Uptown plan

By Jake Weyer

Vibrant, sustainable, safe, innovative, artful, green, diverse and sexy were a few of the of the words Uptown Small Area Plan Steering Committee members tossed out at their first meeting June 13 to describe what they want the area to be.

The committee will advise city staff involved in the development of a land-use plan for Uptown. Members will guide the planning process, give input on plan content, serve as a communication link between organizations they represent and the committee, and engage the public.

July 3, 2006
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Lacking incumbent, Ward 10 race is wide open

By Scott Russell

Uptown building heights dominate race; candidates offer wide range of life experiences

A seven-way Ward 10 City Council primary offers voters a wide range of first-time candidates to take on challenges from police funding and development pressures to property taxes.

Hot-button ward issues include how tall the condo projects should be and what precedent the Lagoon Project sets for future Uptown developments.

The overarching challenge for any Councilmember will be finding money to pay for core city services such as public safety, in the face of recent budget cuts. The 2005 Legislature restored some state aid, making the problem easier for next year's leaders.

August 8, 2005
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Wine-tasting to benefit Hennepin-Lake neighborhoods is June 9

By Robyn Repya

Hennepin Lake Liquors, 1200 W. Lake St., hosts its 22nd annual charity winetasting Wednesday, June 9 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in a tent in the Campiello's parking lot, 1320 W. Lake St. Food will be provided by the restaurant and wine by Hennepin Lake Liquor.

All proceeds go to participating neighborhood groups, including the Calhoun Area Residents Action Group (CARAG), Lowry Hill East Neighborhood Association (LHENA), East Calhoun Community Organization (ECCO), East Isles Resident Association (EIRA) and Kenwood Isles Area Association (KIAA.)

"After doing business in the community for a number of years, we decided to give something back," said Phil Colich, owner of Hennepin Lake Liquors for 29 years.

Colich said the event is Minnesota's longest-running charitab

May 13, 2004
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New park district lines leave candidate out

By Scott Russell

Tracy Nordstrom, an East Calhou resident who narrowly lost to Bob Fine for the 6th Park

District seat in 2001, has been redistricted into the 4th Park District.

Nordstrom lost 8,810 votes to 8,322 votes, or 51 percent to 48 percent.

"I think it is pretty obvious," she said. "I think it is blatant gerrymandering. This is a tidy way of him not having to face me again."

The Park Board appointees to the redistricting commission were former Park Board member and Fine supporter Scott Neiman and former City Councilmember Tony Scallon.

East Calhoun is the only neighborhood south of Lake Street and west of I-35W left out of the 6th District.

April 22, 2002
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A guide to upcoming neighborhood garage sales

By Shira Kantor

It's a sure sign of summer when Southwest residents start peddling personal items out of their garages and yards. Several neighborhoods will host annual garage sales later this month and in June. Here's a snapshot of area garage sales and registration information.

Armatage

The Armatage Neighborhood Association's annual garage sale will span two days this summer, Friday and Saturday, June 2 and 3 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sale locator maps will be available at the Armatage Park building, 2500 W. 57th St.

The Armatage Community and Montessori School PTA will host its “Foster's Garage Sale” separately on Friday, May 19 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday, May 20, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The sale, to be held at Armatage Community School at 2501 W.

May 8, 2006
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Crime reports

By Christopher Greising

Editor’s note: Alleged crimes against persons (assault, rape, murder, etc.) will feature the + symbol. Note, this compilation of crime reports provides highlights of area criminal activity. It’s not intended to be a comprehensive overview of Southwest crime.

Armatage

Between July 10, 7 p.m., and July 11, 8 a.m., 6000 block of Russell Ave.

A 58-year-old man parked his vehicle in front of his home overnight. When he returned in the morning he found the vehicle missing. He told police that the vehicle had been unlocked and the keys left under a floor mat.

July 28, 2008
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Three SW projects nominated for city urban environment awards

By Anna Pratt

The 32nd annual Committee on Urban Environment (CUE) Awards recognizes Minneapolis projects that considered community input in design and function, Thursday, May 6, 5-7:30 p.m. at the Historic Pantages Theatre, 710 Hennepin Ave. S. -- a venue that is among the 21 finalists.

At least three Southwest projects, the Linden Hills Library, East Calhoun Tot Lot, and 3rd Avenue Bridge, are also among the finalists.

CUE, a volunteer organization, rewards urban, architectural or environmental design; historic preservation; streetscapes; neighborhood improvement; parks and open spaces; public art; special events; and personal achievement that contribute to urban quality, aesthetics and livability.

April 15, 2004
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Biz buzz

By Jake Weyer and Jonathan Cowgill

LA Fitness coming to Calhoun Square

Uptowners looking to get their sweat on will have a new place to do it in 2009.

Calhoun Square management confirmed July 29 that a large LA Fitness sports club is planned for the mall, which is scheduled to get a complete makeover starting in August. Speculation of the Irvine, Calif.-based fitness giant coming to Calhoun Square started long before the announcement and before the Planning Commission’s March 31 approval of renovation plans.

August 11, 2008
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Wine-tasting benefit raises money for Southwest neighborhoods

By Jake Weyer

Hundreds of wine lovers showed up at the 24th annual Hennepin-Lake Community Wine-Tasting Benefit June 14 in the parking lot behind Campiello in Uptown.

Event Director Pat Fleetham estimates the event brought in roughly $220,000 for area neighborhood organizations. CARAG, ECCO, Lyndale, Whittier, Lowry Hill East, East Isles, Cedar Isles Dean and Kenwood were all involved in the event, sponsored by Hennepin-Lake Liquors, Campiello and Maserati of Minneapolis.

Proceeds from tickets purchased at the Liquor store or at the event were divided among five core neighborhoods: CARAG, ECCO, Lowry Hill East, East Isles and Kenwood, Fleetham said. Each neighborhood group got to keep 100 percent of the proceeds from tickets they sold as individual organizations.

July 3, 2006
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Greenway streetcar gains support, faces transit rivals

By Robyn Repya

More than half the neighborhoods along the Midtown Greenway support an historic streetcar system in the trench, according to the Midtown Greenway Coalition. The group hopes that passing a City Council resolution will solidify an overarching commitment to reviving a city streetcar system.

Coalition Executive Director Tim Springer said his group advocates a streetcar to run next to the pedestrian path from Chowen Avenue South to the light-rail transit (LRT) corridor at Hiawatha Avenue. The streetcar's tracks, known as turf tracks, would be embedded in grass. He said a greenway streetcar route could be a starting point for a city system.

February 5, 2004
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Neighborhood cops pricey

By Scott Russell

Neighborhoods have spent more than $600,000 for extra police patrols in the Neighborhood Revitalization Program (NRP), contracting with off-duty officers and paying them time-and-a-half.

Some say in tight budget times it is an inefficient way to fund public safety. City Councilmember Dan Niziolek (10th Ward), chair of the Public Safety and Regulatory Services Committee, said he would prefer to run the money through the police department budget and pay officers straight time, stretching public funds further.

August 21, 2003
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Garage sale season sweeps SW

By Jayne Solinger

Looking to buy? Sell? Chances are, if you live in Southwest, you need not travel far to do either. Southwest neighborhood sales have become popular "destinations" when garage sale season gets hot and heavy. With the help of the neighborhood organizations, what follows is a listing of the garage sales currently planned by SW neighborhoods in the coming months. Included is a contact number if you'd like to take part in a sale in your neighborhood. In case of rain, call the contact number for a rain date.

May 6, 2002
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Crime reports

By Lila Bolke

Armatage

Between July 25, 9 p.m. and 7 a.m., 5539 Richmond Ct.

A 40-year-old male parked his car in front of his house. His car was left unlocked and was entered while the man slept. The unknown suspect rifled through his belongings, taking a laptop and several other items. The other items were discarded and later found in an alley across the street. These were returned to the man.

August 13, 2007
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New Southwest legislators energized, realistic

By Jim Chase

State Representatives Frank Hornstein and Paul Thissen are freshmen at the state legislature, but savvy about working the system -- and surviving being in the minority

"Did he do his Wellstone?" asked Margaret Anderson Kelliher. Kelliher -- a Bryn Mawr state representative just elected Minority Whip, the number-two House Democrat -- was talking about one of her newest colleagues, Rep. Frank Hornstein.

Indeed, Hornstein had done his Wellstone -- and his Jesse Ventura. A cheerful, outgoing man, the Southwest Minneapolis legislator does impressions for his guests and colleagues, and occasionally for visiting journalists. "I can't quite get Pawlenty," he lamented. "Not distinctive enough."

February 20, 2003
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Crime reports

UPDATED February 25, 2008, 9:30am

By Christopher Greising

Editor’s note: Alleged crimes against persons (assault, rape, murder, etc.) will feature the + symbol. Note, this compilation of crime reports provides highlights of area criminal activity. It’s not intended to be a comprehensive overview of Southwest crime.

CARAG
Feb. 7, 12:45–3:15 p.m., 3000 block of Lyndale Ave.
Police arrested a 36-year-old man on burglary and damage to property charges. The suspect allegedly broke into the apartment of a deceased 41-year-old man and lived there for sometime. The deceased victim’s brother discovered the suspect living there and called police. The suspect explained he had been having issues with his spouse and needed a place to stay in the meantime.

February 25, 2008
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Neighborhood notebook

By Staff

ARMATAGE

MASSAGE ROOM: The Armatage Neighborhood Association (ANA) sent a letter to William O'Neill, the owner of the building that houses The Massage Room, 5410 Penn Ave., a parlor that has been under suspicion of prostitution. In the letter, president Noah Schuchman asked for the business to be evicted. "Residents of the Armatage neighborhood do not tolerate prostitution and we have great concerns about properties and property owners who do," he wrote.

Around this time, the Massage Room closed and O'Neill wrote back, "We share your concern for keeping the Armatage neighborhood safe, and wholeheartedly agree that what took place at the Massage Room was completely unacceptable."

October 22, 2007
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The architects’ touch: The stories behind five architect-designed home projects

By Cristof Traudes

Summer is home-tour season. There are luxury tours and garden tours, city tours and small neighborhood tours. These have been going on for years. Architects, meanwhile, have stood mostly on the sidelines despite oftentimes having designed the best work.

This year, however, they get to take center stage.

On Sept. 20–21, the Minnesota chapter of the American Institute of Architects is putting on a tour of 29 homes in the metro area, all of which were designed by certified architects. It’s a chance, organizer Jennifer Gilhoi said, to show that architects are a smart sounding board for all types of home projects.

“It’s the details that add up to the whole,” architect Jean Rehkamp Larson said. “That’s where architects play a big part.”

Featured on the tour are small homes, big homes, green homes and loft-style homes. Five Southwest locations will be featured. Here is a preview.

September 8, 2008
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Minneapolis legislative, congressional candidates set

By Scott Russell

The fall campaigns for the Minnesota House of Representatives' seats in the Southwest area firmed up as the July 20 filing deadline passed.

The 2004 elections include the president, U.S. Congress, the Minnesota House of Representatives, and state judicial candidates.

Six state House districts include all or parts of Southwest. All incumbents are DFL party members. All races are contested. They are:

House District 60A: Incumbent Margaret Anderson Kelliher of Bryn Mawr will face challenges from Republican Tom Gromacki of Loring Park and Sigrid Hutcheson of the Cedar-Isles-Dean neighborhood, an Independence member. District 60A covers Bryn Mawr, Lowry Hill, Lowry Hill East, East Isles, Kenwood, CIDNA and parts of Lyndale and CARAG.

June 24, 2004
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Crime and Safety and Police Reports

By Southwest Journal Staff

Whittier crime sweep

Fifth Precinct Crime-Prevention Specialist Shun Tillman says a crime sweep was done between Aug. 22 and Sept. 12 in Whittier's Washburn Fair Oaks Park, 200 E. 24th St., due to complaints of criminal activity.

The sweep was a cooperative effort between many 5th Precinct units, including the SAFE crime-prevention team, the antidrug Community Response Team, beat officers, Hennepin County Probation Officers and the Park Police.

The results: more than 100 suspicious people were screened for outstanding warrants or any probation violations. There were seven narcotics arrests, 12 alcohol violations, nine warrant-related arrests, three disorderly conduct arrests seven loitering arrests and two graffiti arrests.

September 4, 2003
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Crime reports

By Christopher Greising

Editor’s note: Alleged crimes against persons (assault, rape, murder, etc.) will feature the + symbol. Note, this compilation of crime reports provides highlights of area criminal activity. It’s not intended to be a comprehensive overview of Southwest crime.

CARAG

Between Aug. 17, 11 p.m., and Aug. 18, 8:15 p.m., 3500 block of Fremont Ave.

An unknown suspect(s) allegedly burglarized the residence of a 55-year-old woman. The victim had been home at the time of the burglary. The suspect(s) entered the residence through a ground level window by cutting a screen and removing a fan that had been in the window. Once inside, the suspect(s) removed the victim’s backpack that contained various items before fleeing the scene.

September 10, 2007
Full Article

Less SAFE? Fewer crime-prevention teams to cover neighborhoods

By Robyn Repya

In response to proposed state budget cuts, the Minneapolis Police Department sliced its Community Crime Prevention/SAFE teams in 5th Precinct (Southwest) neighborhoods from five to three -- meaning fewer civilian-officer teams covering 20 area neighborhoods.

SAFE teams serve in pairs of sworn officers and civilian crime prevention specialists (CPS) and are the primary contact for Southwest residents to the police department in responding to crime trends, assisting in block club training, providing business and home security checks and workshops and focusing on problem properties.

Citywide, 25 SAFE teams were reduced to 14.

May 15, 2003
Full Article

Primary election roundup: Dibble defeats Roche in DFL fight

By Kevin Featherly

Scott Dibble, the freshman District 60B state representative who is hoping to make the quick leap to the Senate, easily survived a challenge from former Massachusetts Rep. Rick Roche in the Sept. 10 primary.

In an unusual state Senate primary featuring metro-wide TV ads from Roche, Dibble outpolled Roche 5,830 votes to 1,061, an 85 percent to 15 percent margin.

According to the state Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board, Roche spent $15,375 on the campaign as of Aug. 19; however, most of his TV ads accusing Dibble of favoring stadium financing aired after that date, driving his expenses higher. Dibble spent $14,778 as of Aug. 19, the latest available date for expenditures.

September 9, 2002
Full Article

Crime reports

By Christopher Greising

Editor’s note: Alleged crimes against persons (assault, rape, murder, etc.) will feature the + symbol. Note, this compilation of crime reports provides highlights of area criminal activity. It’s not intended to be a comprehensive overview of Southwest crime.

CARAG
Between May 23, 11:30 a.m., and May 24, 11:30 a.m., 3500 block of Colfax Ave.
An unknown suspect burglarized the home of a 44-year-old man. It appeared the suspect broke out the rear window and then unlocked the back door to gain access to the house. Items were missing from the basement and an upstairs bedroom closet. A bottle of wine that had been moved was dusted for fingerprints and two prints were found.

June 16, 2008
Full Article

Robberies spike in the 5th Precinct's 2nd sector

By Jake Weyer

Eleven robberies were reported in the 2nd sector of the Minneapolis Police Department's 5th Precinct between Oct. 15 and Oct. 27, most of them in the Lyndale neighborhood.

The 2nd sector includes East Calhoun, CARAG, Lyndale, East Harriet, West Calhoun and Linden Hills. One of the recent reported robberies was on Hennepin Avenue between East Calhoun and CARAG, another was in Kingfield, two were in CARAG and seven were in Lyndale.

Suspect descriptions vary. Some of the reported robberies involved one suspect, others involved as many as four. Some suspects were reportedly armed.

November 6, 2006
Full Article

Crime reports

By Christopher Greising

August 11, 2008
Full Article

Crime reports

By Andrew Newman

Editor’s note: Alleged crimes against persons (assault, rape, murder, etc.) will feature the + symbol. Note, this compilation of crime reports provides highlights of area criminal activity. It’s not intended to be a comprehensive overview of Southwest crime.

Armatage

+ Oct. 3, 7:32–7:40 p.m.,
6000 block of Penn Ave. S.

A gas station attendant said the suspect entered the store and asked if they had a certain auto part for his car. The attendant went to check and heard the cash register open. He returned and saw the suspect taking money. The suspect said he had a gun and ran out of the store with an unknown amount of money. The attendant was not harmed.

October 20, 2008
Full Article

Neighborhood notebook

By Steve Pease, Sarah Phemister, Brian Voerding and Dylan Thomas

BRYN MAWR

SCHOOLS REFERENDUM WINS SUPPORT: A motion supporting the 8-year, $60 million Minneapolis Public Schools property tax levy referendum was approved by the Bryn Mawr Neighborhood Association [BMNA] Oct. 13.

The vote by the Executive Board added BMNA to a growing list of neighborhoods that have voted in support of the Strong Schools Strong City campaign.

HARVEST DINNER: BMNA is sponsoring an appetizer competition at the neighborhood’s annual Harvest Dinner Oct. 30.

Neighbors can bring an appetizer to enter in the competition or a salad or dessert to share. Beverages will be provided.

The Harvest Dinner is 6 p.m.–7:30 p.m. in the cafeteria of Bryn Mawr Community School, 252 Upton Ave. S.

October 20, 2008
Full Article

Crime reports

By Christopher Greising

Editor’s note: Alleged crimes against persons (assault, rape, murder, etc.) will feature the + symbol. Note, this compilation of crime reports provides highlights of area criminal activity. It’s not intended to be a comprehensive overview of Southwest crime.

East Calhoun

Sept 16, 3:28 a.m., 3300 block of Irving Ave.

A 59-year-old man had his vehicle stolen from in front of his residence. The vehicle had been left unlocked at the time of the theft. A neighbor believes he witnessed the crime but was unable to describe the suspect.

October 8, 2007
Full Article

Neighborhood notebook

By Southwest Journal staff

SOUTHWEST-WIDE

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT: City officials called on community leaders to honor a moment of silence for the victims of the bridge collapse during National Night Out gatherings on Aug. 7. The moment of silence was observed from 6:05–6:06 p.m., which coincided with the time of the bridge collapse on Aug. 1. The faith community also honored the moment of silence by ringing bells as did City Hall’s clock tower. For more information on the bridge collapse and its aftermath, go to www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/minneapolisresponds/.

GREAT CITY DESIGN TEAMS: Mayor R.T. Rybak’s Great City Design Teams are calling for proposals from neighborhood groups and other community organizations.

August 13, 2007
Full Article

Read more stories about: Lyndale neighborhood, East Calhoun neighborhood, Whittier neighborhood

Crime reports

By Emily Stickler

Editor's note: Alleged crimes against persons (assault, rape, murder, etc.) will feature the + symbol. Note, this compilation of crime reports provides highlights of area criminal activity. It's not intended to be a comprehensive overview of Southwest crime.

Armatage

Oct. 28, 2:25 a.m.,
5600 block of Xerxes Avenue South

Two suspects broke into the Holiday station and stole two trays of lottery tickets. The suspects fled before police arrived. There is no description of the suspects.

November 17, 2008
Full Article

Neighborhood notebook

By Brian Voerding and Dylan Thomas

EAST HARRIET

MAKING BANK ON ROSEFEST: East Harriet raised a little more than $3,700 at this year’s Rosefest celebration. That’s in contrast to losing around $500 in 2007, said board member Bruce Wadman, who called this year’s take “a nice, hefty profit.” This year’s financial boost came from stronger attendance and several sponsorships, he said. The money will go to East Harriet’s general fund and be available for future events and other initiatives.

NRP UPDATE: Board chair Matt Perry updated members on the new advisory board and city department recently created to govern the NRP program. Perry has been working with chairs of other neighborhood organizations citywide to help define how the advisory board will function and how its eight representatives from neighborhoods will be elected.

BREAKFAST AND BUDGETS: Councilmember Betsy Hodges invited board members and all East Harriet and Ward 13 residents to her monthly breakfast Nov. 19 at 8 a.m. at Pearson’s Restaurant (3808 W 50th St.), where she’ll discuss the city’s proposed 2009 budget and answer any questions.

November 17, 2008
Full Article

Photo by Robb Long

This house at 3249 Humboldt Ave., which has fallen into disrepair, will be demolished soon to make way for a new home.

Hope for a blighted property on Humboldt

By Brian Voerding

ECCO — The house at 3249 Humboldt Ave. had seen better days.

The paint peeling, the roof sagging, the front windows boarded up. The house, in an otherwise stable and well-kept neighborhood, had been vacant for years. Long as anyone could remember.

It became a regular topic of discussion, a place folks mentioned in passing after ECCO board meetings and published updates about in the neighborhood newspaper. Maybe because it stood out on the block, or maybe because neighbors cared and took it upon themselves to make others do the same.

The house even became a talking point during the Ward 10 City Council race in 2005. Ralph Remington heard about it at meetings, from people he met while door-knocking and visiting coffee shops.

December 15, 2008
Full Article

Read more stories about: East Calhoun neighborhood

Putting public art on the map

UPDATED March 11, 2008, 1:34pm

By Mary O'Regan

The city has unveiled a new tool on its website that allows residents to find examples of public art as commissioned by the Department of Planning and Economic Development (CPED).

Viewers can search for art in Southwest, South, Downtown, East and North Minneapolis. New pieces will be added as they’re put on display.

Southwest currently has four examples of public art in Whittier, East Calhoun, East Harriet and Armatage, ranging from a metal railing to an 18-foot bronze sculpture.
The tool is part of CPED’s Art in Public Places project, which has commissioned over three-dozen pieces.

March 10, 2008
Full Article

Free rain-garden workshops will help you save money and environment

By Scott Russell

City residents are invited to a series of free spring workshops on designing rain gardens with native perennial plants.

In Southwest, the Community on Urban Environment (CUE) will host a pair of two-part workshops at Linden Hills Park, 3100 W. 43rd St.. The first pair of workshops is March 31 and April 14; the second pair is May 5 and 26. All workshops are on Thursdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

The first workshop of each pair will focus on understanding what a watershed is, why it is important and how appropriate gardening can reduce pollution runoff into city lakes and rivers. The second workshop will include hands-on rain garden design in small groups, including the types of plants to use and drainage issues.

March 21, 2005
Full Article

Neighborhoods get reduced NRP allotments

By Scott Russell

The Neighborhood Revitalization Program (NRP) Policy Board has approved the final neighborhood Phase II allocations -- including a new $537,000 American Indian set-aside program.

The overall pot of money the Board earmarked for neighborhoods is estimated at $47.7 million, according to a memo posted on the NRP Web site.

Southwest neighborhoods will receive the following through 2009:

Armatage, $375,682

Bryn Mawr, $270,080

CARAG, $636,557

Cedar-Isles-Dean, $261,420

East Harriet $218,316

East Isles, $387,253

East Calhoun, $334,613

Fulton, $387,229

Kenny, $266,533

Kenwood, $85,600

Kingfield, $770,934

Linden Hills, $530,161

Lowry Hill, $448,754

Lowry Hill East (Wedge), $747,852

Lyndale, $643

April 15, 2004
Full Article

City seeking ways to deal with vacant properties

By Michelle Bruch

Neighbors have watched for more than two years while a house at 2738 Bryant Ave. S. was purchased to flip, languished on the market, erupted into flames and was eventually boarded.

The home stands on an otherwise well-kept street with a stroller on one porch and flower baskets on another. One neighbor said he wondered if vagrants broke into the building before it was boarded.

"Seems kind of odd, they fixed it all up and they couldn't sell it, and all of a sudden it burned," said the neighbor, who declined to give a name.

The number of vacant and boarded buildings in the city climbed 77 percent this year over last year. City officials say the trend has mirrored a rising number of foreclosures, and they are looking to spend a multimillion-dollar federal grant on the issue to curb problems that vacant homes create.

December 1, 2008
Full Article

Crime Reports

By Emily Stickler

November 3, 2008
Full Article

Crime reports

By Christopher Greising

Editor’s note: Alleged crimes against persons (assault, rape, murder, etc.) will feature the + symbol. Note, this compilation of crime reports provides highlights of area criminal activity. It’s not intended to be a comprehensive overview of Southwest crime.

East Calhoun
Nov. 25, 4:15–9 a.m., 3300 block of Hennepin Ave.
An unknown suspect stole the vehicle of a 30-year-old man. The vehicle had been parked in the driveway of the victim’s home and, in the morning, the car was missing. The victim has not been able to locate the keys to the vehicle and believes they may have been inside the vehicle at the time of the time of the theft.

December 17, 2007
Full Article

Robberies surge at year's end

By Jake Weyer

Robberies in Southwest increased in late December, but were still down from last year

Police in the 5th Precinct spent the last month of 2008 fighting a wave of robberies scattered throughout more than a half-dozen Southwest
neighborhoods.

Robberies in Southwest were down all year compared to 2007 and 2006, but the weekly norm jumped from fewer than four in November and early December to seven or more by the year's end. Insp. Kris Arneson, commander of the 5th Precinct, said the holidays and the tough economy were likely factors in the increase.

January 12, 2009
Full Article

Rash of burglaries reported in Southwest

By Southwest Journal staff

Three Southwest neighborhoods were hit with a string of garage burglaries in late January.

Between Jan. 20 and Feb. 1, 10 home garages in Lyndale, CARAG and East Calhoun were burglarized, said Crime Prevention Specialist Tom Thompson in a crime alert e-mail to area residents. The burglaries were reported between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m.

"That doesn't mean these are occurring in the evening, only that they are being reported in the evening," Thompson said. "These are probably happening mostly during the day."

In most cases, the burglar used force to pry open the garage door. Burglars then searched through cars parked inside.

To prevent crime, Thompson instructed residents to be alert, inform others of the burglary trend, lock doors and not carry excessive items. Thompson also asked people to call 911 if anything out of the ordinary is seen.

"You are your and your neighbors’ best defense," he said.

February 9, 2009
Full Article

Photo by Cristof Traudes

A garbage hauler heads toward the Hennepin Energy Resource Co., the North Loop burner. Hennepin County is mulling over about $500,000 in scent-reducing improvements to the neighbor of the future Minnesota Twins ballpark.

Civic beat

UPDATED February 20, 2009, 3:10pm

By Dylan Thomas, Danielle Nordine and Cristof Traudes

Norkus-Crampton announces Ward 10 candidacy

ECCO — Minneapolis Planning Commission member Lara Norkus-Crampton announced her candidacy for the open Ward 10 City Council seat Feb. 12.

The ECCO resident said she would rely on her knowledge of land-use issues to promote thoughtful and sustainable development in the city.

Mayor R. T. Rybak appointed Norkus-Crampton to the Planning Commission in 2006 and again in 2008. She also served on the steering committee for the Uptown Small Area Plan and was ECCO Zoning Committee chair in 2005–2006.

"Now, I feel like I have a foundation I could really build on and make a contribution," she said.

February 23, 2009
Full Article

Read more stories about: East Calhoun neighborhood

Crime reports

By Alex Van Lepp

Editor's note: Alleged crimes against persons (assault, rape, murder, etc.) will feature the + symbol. Note, this compilation of crime reports provides highlights of area criminal activity. It's not intended to be a comprehensive overview of Southwest crime.

East Isles

+ Feb. 20, between 4:30 p.m. and 4:35 p.m., 2400 S. Hennepin Ave.

A suspect robbed Sudz Salon employees with a gun, and then robbed a 57-year-old woman from Golden Valley. The suspect fled away on foot.

March 9, 2009
Full Article

Photo by Kathleen Stoehr

Property values in Kenwood are up 22 percent.

Home values up in parts of Southwest

By Moira Kenny

On average, Twin Cities home values have dropped nearly 10 percent since last year, but some neighborhoods in Southwest have beat the odds.

Kenwood, Linden Hills, Fulton, Lynnhurst, East Calhoun and Whittier all showed an increase in property values the first quarter of this year compared to the same period in 2008, according to a recent report from Zillow.com, an online real estate service.

The areas have been less impacted by lender-mediated activity, such as short sales and foreclosures, as other areas in the city — particularly neighborhoods in North and South Minneapolis.

"The biggest differentiating factor between areas that have done well and areas that have faltered is due to less or more lender-mediated activity in those regions," Mark Allen, CEO of the Minnesota Association of Realtors, said.

Areas that have seen increases in home values tend to have older residents that haven't leveraged as much as homeowners in other parts of the metro, Allen said. Areas that have decreased in value struggle with lender-mediated activity in the down market. Transactions have fallen, and median prices are down.

March 9, 2009
Full Article