Schools notebook

By Dylan Thomas

Armatage meeting on busy intersection

ARMATAGE — Principal Joan Franks was working with district and city officials to head-off what she termed “an accident waiting to happen” near Armatage Community and Montessori School in February.

Franks said traffic near the intersection of Sheridan Avenue and West 57th Street was becoming a safety hazard. In February, she appealed to parents for suggestions to solve the problem.

 

February 25, 2008
Full Article

Read more stories about: Fulton neighborhood, Armatage neighborhood, Tangletown neighborhood

Schools notebook

By Dylan Thomas

Armatage principal honored by peers

ARMATAGE — Armatage Community and Montessori School Principal Joan Franks was up for two awards in February recognizing her skills as a school leader.

Franks received the Division Leadership Achievement Award at the 2008 Minnesota Elementary School Principals’ Association (MESPA) Institute in February.

“Certainly, it’s a great honor,” Franks said, adding that she has “the utmost respect” for the other principals of MESPA’s Minneapolis Division, who selected her for the award.

February 11, 2008
Full Article

Read more stories about: Fulton neighborhood, Armatage neighborhood, Lowry Hill Neighborhood

Auto thefts prompt crime alert south of 46th Street

By Robyn Repya

A string of auto thefts and theft attempts prompted Minneapolis police to issue a crime alert May 4 for Southwest residents living south of 46th Street.

Community Crime-Prevention Officer Jabra Kawas wrote that since April 13, six auto thefts were reported in the Fulton, Kenny, Windom and Armatage neighborhoods. In each incident, the car was parked on the street or in a lot.

No suspect information is available, but Kawas offered these tips:

- Lock vehicles when parked and driving.

- Always report suspicious behavior by calling 911.

- Park in well-lit areas.

For more information about safety tips or for questions, contact Kawas at 673-2867 or his partner, Crime- Prevention Specialist Jennifer Neale at 673-2819.

April 29, 2004
Full Article

Read more stories about: Fulton neighborhood, Armatage neighborhood, Kenny neighborhood

Neighborhood Notebook

By Mary O'Regan and Dylan Thomas

ARMATAGE

FESTIVAL: The annual Armatage Summer Festival will take place from 6–8 p.m. on July 17. Attendees will be able to enjoy ice cream, a skateboard competition, a 5k fun run, music by the Lynn Deichert Trio and a silent auction. ANA members will also be on hand to pass out free “Slow Down” yard signs.

July 16, 2007
Full Article

Read more stories about: Lowry Hill Neighborhood, Fulton neighborhood, East Isles neighborhood, Calhoun Area neighborhood, Armatage neighborhood, Tangletown neighborhood

Neighborhood notebook

UPDATED December 31, 2007, 9:12am

By Dylan Thomas and Mary O'Regan

ARMATAGE
ONLINE STORE: The Armatage Neighborhood Association (ANA) has created an online store at www.cafepress.com/armatagegear where residents can purchase sweatshirts, T-shirts, coffee mugs, mouse pads and other items featuring two different Armatage logos. Apparel runs from $10.99 for an infant bodysuit to $43.99 for a full tracksuit. Ten percent of the proceeds will go to the neighborhood organization — an attempt to boost funds in the wake of NRP cuts.

December 31, 2007
Full Article

Read more stories about: Stevens Square neighborhood, Fulton neighborhood, East Harriet neighborhood, Armatage neighborhood, Windom neighborhood

Schools notebook

By Dylan Thomas

New principals announced for three Southwest schools

BRYN MAWR — Three Southwest-area schools will start the 2008–2009 school year with new principals, Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) announced in May.

The new school leaders are Renee Montegue at Bryn Mawr Community School, Cecilia Saddler at Anwatin Middle School and Mary Rynchek at Lake Harriet Community School.

Montegue was most recently assistant principal at City View Performing Arts Center and will replace retiring Bryn Mawr Principal Jim Lemmer. She began her career with MPS in 1994 as an elementary school teacher and also has served as a behavioral specialist, mentor and assistant principal at Sheridan Global Communication School.

June 30, 2008
Full Article

Read more stories about: Bryn Mawr neighborhood, Fulton neighborhood

Beyond kibble

By Jake Weyer

A new Southwest business plans to serve up meat and produce dishes for kitties and canines.

FULTON — Chicken, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and diced apples — at first blush, the spread on Enrique Palma’s table looked like it was going to be his lunch.

But he was actually preparing a meal, the way he always does, for three eager onlookers: two beagles named Jamie and Fred and a shepherd mix named Woody.

It was dog food, but not the kind most pet owners are used to seeing. And that’s the point.

“Actually what we’re doing is trying to mimic nature, what they’d eat in nature,” Palma said.

May 19, 2008
Full Article

Read more stories about: Fulton neighborhood

Green report

By Sarah McKenzie

Mayors unveil plan to bolster Twin Cities’ green economy

Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak and St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman unveiled a new study, “Making It Green in Minneapolis Saint Paul,” on Earth Day, April 22, a plan that looks at ways the Twin Cities can take advantage of three green manufacturing sectors.

Highlights of the report include:

— The market for green products is expected to see significant growth with demand for green products of all types expected to jump 100 percent in three years.

— Minneapolis and St. Paul have strengths in green manufacturing sectors, particularly in green building, transportation and renewable energy.

— The Twin Cities is already recognized as a

May 5, 2008
Full Article

Read more stories about: Fulton neighborhood

Lake Harriet teacher nominated for honor

UPDATED March 17, 2008, 11:38am

By Dylan Thomas

FULTON — A Lake Harriet Upper School science instructor was one of two Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) teachers up for Minnesota Teacher of the Year, the district reported.

Diane Weiher was one of 28 semi-finalists for the award. Emerson Spanish Immersion School kindergarten teacher Megan Unger was the other MPS teacher up for the award.

Semi-finalists for Minnesota Teacher of the Year were selected by a panel of 25 community leaders from a list of 114 nominated teachers, the district reported. Ten finalists will be named later this month, and the winner will be announced at a banquet May 4.

Education Minnesota, the state educators union, sponsors the award, now in its 43rd year. Nominations are open to all K-12 teachers from any of Minnesota&rs

March 10, 2008
Full Article

Read more stories about: Fulton neighborhood

Letters to the editor

UPDATED February 21, 2008, 3:15pm

By Readers

Abuse of power

I am writing in regards to the most recent Planning Commission and their decision on the Calhoun Square development.  For those of you who have not seen it, the city planner recommended approval on all areas of the project. The Planning Commission ignored her, ignored protocol, ignored standards, and voted against it. When asked for specifics as to why, they had none and could not justify their decision other than to say it is their right.

Even Council Member Remington spoke against them; he wants it to be more like the developments you see in L.A. The fact that our weather and culture has very little in common with L.A. is a fact that elected officials need not consider, apparently.

And everyone wants a

February 25, 2008
Full Article

Read more stories about: Fulton neighborhood

Letters to the editor

UPDATED January 24, 2008, 9:05am

By Readers

Quality of life in Fulton

While life in the Fulton neighborhood is generally serene, there is one aspect that disturbs this serenity and it appears to be getting worse. Dogs!

Most dog owners are conscientious, using a leash when walking, picking up messes and generally being good neighbors. The dog owners who concern me are the unconscionable, lazy and irresponsible owners who put their dogs outside, in their yards, and allow them to bark incessantly.

January 28, 2008
Full Article

Read more stories about: Fulton neighborhood, Kingfield neighborhood

A day for all parents

UPDATED February 4, 2008, 11:25am

By Dylan Thomas

FULTON — Minneapolis Public Schools will celebrate National African American Parent Involvement Day by inviting all parents to visit their child’s school Feb. 11.

Lake Harriet Community School was one of several Minneapolis school sites also planning a special event to mark the day.

All Lake Harriet students will watch a performance on diversity by Inver Grove Heights-based CLIMB Theater. Lake Harriet’s 7th and 8th graders also will participate in “Diversity Institute 2008: Race, Privilege and Power in Our Community.”

January 28, 2008
Full Article

Read more stories about: Fulton neighborhood

The buzz

By Jake Weyer

29th & Bryant

Anew Fitness and Spa recently moved from 2920 Bryant Ave. S. to 2817 Lyndale Ave. S.

Owner Sooki Jalali said she had landlord issues at the old space and thought she'd be able to "create a business with a clearer vision" at the new location.

Jalali's two-year-old wellness center offers full spa services and a workout facility. Customers can take yoga, kung fu, qi gong and social dance classes as well as receive personal fitness training. When it's time to relax, body masks, massages and other therapies are available.  

The center's only change is that it no longer does hair or nails, Jalali said.  

Hours are 8 a.m.–8 p.m. Monday–Friday and 8 a.m.–6 p.m. Sa

November 19, 2007
Full Article

Read more stories about: Fulton neighborhood

An odd, but lasting, friendship

By Dylan Thomas

Longtime collaborators Dick Brewer and Al Wadzinski show at Gallery 360

FULTON — What has drawn artists Dick Brewer and Al Wadzinski together?

The two display recent works at Gallery 360 in Fulton this month in a joint exhibition that has become something of a fall tradition at the gallery. But, superficially, at least, these comrades in art seem to have little in common.

Wadzinski is a found-object sculptor who sees the potential in a world littered with debris. Brewer, his long-time collaborator, is a painter, albeit a painter whose work is enlivened by sculptural elements.

Wadzinski, whose sculptures are often representational, admitted he tends to "chicken-out" on abstract work. Brewer, by contrast, works almost exclu

November 5, 2007
Full Article

Read more stories about: Fulton neighborhood

Schools notebook

By Dylan Thomas

Warned of ‘crisis,’ Board plans bold action

A school district faced with a widening achievement gap, growing financial shortfalls and enrollment declines must take “bold” action to reverse those trends.

That was the message from consulting firm McKinsey & Company when it presented its findings to the Minneapolis School Board Sept. 25. The firm spent the summer collecting parent, community and educator opinions to guide the district’s long-term strategic planning process.

The district “needs to act immediately or the crisis will worsen,” the firm stated in its report.

The School Board plans to use McKinsey’s findings when it sets several long-term strategic goals later this year.

October 8, 2007
Full Article

Read more stories about: Fulton neighborhood

Reaching out to the 'unchurched'

By Martha Sawyer Allen

As Lake Harriet United Methodist celebrates 100 years, congregation works to develop a new type of ministry

FULTON — As they reach their centennial anniversary, members of Lake Harriet United Methodist Church are reaching out to new people and creating new ministries in Southwest neighborhoods.

The more than 500 members of the church, at 49th and Chowen Ave. S., are starting a new ministry, aimed at those who do not now attend any religious community or who have dropped out of a church.

October 8, 2007
Full Article

Read more stories about: Fulton neighborhood

Schools notebook

By Dylan Thomas

Whittier principal returning to St. Paul

WHITTIER — Principal Armando Camacho left Whittier International Elementary School over the summer to take a leadership position with St. Paul Public Schools.

Assistant Principal Shelley Berken will serve as interim Whittier principal until a new principal is named.

In August, Camacho was named assistant director of St. Paul’s alternative learning programs. He will oversee nontraditional school programs, such as those serving adults, pregnant teenagers, and youth recovering from drug or alcohol abuse.

Camacho attended St. Paul schools and also worked in that district before joining Minneapolis Public Schools in 1998, a Minneapolis district spokesman said.

September 10, 2007
Full Article

Read more stories about: Fulton neighborhood, Whittier neighborhood

Neighborhood Notes: Pershing tennis renovated by private donor

UPDATED September 23, 2007, 9:53pm

By Sarah Phemister, Dylan Thomas and Mary O’Regan

ARMATAGE
COMPETITOR WEBSITE: Noah Schuchman, president of the Armatage Neighborhood Association, wrote a letter to Jane Paulus of Edina Realty, asking her to stop publicizing armatagenews.com, a website that provides information about the neighborhood. “Given the absolute lack of actual information about the Armatage neighborhood,” he wrote, “your self-promotional mailing and website are incredibly misleading.” He asked her to find other ways to participate in the neighborhood and leave distributing information up to the neighborhood association, which has a site at armatage.org.

September 10, 2007
Full Article

Read more stories about: Lowry Hill Neighborhood, Kenwood neighborhood, Fulton neighborhood, Bryn Mawr neighborhood, Armatage neighborhood, Stevens Square neighborhood

Calling on the courts to stop a career criminal

By Michael Marchio

Frustrated by a career criminal that has struck several times in their neighborhood, Fulton residents are fighting back.

But instead of going after the offender, they’re taking to task the criminal justice system and the presiding judges they say have repeatedly put him back on the streets.

August 27, 2007
Full Article

Read more stories about: Fulton neighborhood

Girl Scouts collecting school supplies

UPDATED August 31, 2007, 4:11pm

By Dylan Thomas

FULTON — Southwest’s Girl Scout Troop 443 is collecting school supplies for low-income families at the Central Community Housing Trust in Elliot Park.

They request donations of any school supplies for grades K–12, including pencils, ballpoint pens, spiral notebooks, art supplies and three-ring binders. The supplies will go to school age children at the non-profit apartment and town home complex.

Donated supplies can be dropped off at Lake Harriet Community School’s upper campus, 4912 Vincent Ave. S., or lower campus, 4030 Chowen Ave. S. Drop-off boxes will be placed outside the school offices at both locations. Donations are welcome through Sept. 14.

The girls in Troop 443 include students from Lake Harriet Community School, Tal

August 27, 2007
Full Article

Read more stories about: Fulton neighborhood

Calling on the courts to stop a career criminal

UPDATED August 17, 2007, 1:23pm

By Michael Marchio

Fulton residents want to know why the justice system can’t keep a repeat offender off the streets

Frustrated by a career criminal that has struck several times in their neighborhood, Fulton residents are fighting back.

But instead of going after the offender, they’re taking to task the criminal justice system and the presiding judges they say have repeatedly put him back on the streets.

The Fulton Neighborhood Association Safety Committee plans to publicize the outcome of the offender’s cases — including the names of presiding judges — to residents and area business owners. It also considered taking out an advertisement in local newspapers.

August 13, 2007
Full Article

Read more stories about: Fulton neighborhood

Infill housing ordinance passes

By Kari Vanderveen and Jake Weyer

July 16, 2007
Full Article

Read more stories about: Fulton neighborhood

Dream world

By Dylan Thomas

There's no mistaking the unique art of Jennifer Davis

FULTON - She is not: the Jennifer Davis who played a nurse in nine episodes of "M*A*S*H;" DJ Jennifer Davis of Caracas, Venezuela; professional ballroom dancer Jennifer Davis; or Jennifer Davis, Ph.D., University of Cambridge lecturer.

She is not even the Minneapolis yoga instructor of the same name, who also happens to be an artist. (But it's funny what a Google search will turn up, isn't it?)

Really, though, there is no mistaking the Jennifer Davis showing this month and next at Gallery 360.

Her paintings depict a world of concrete skies and prairie-flat horizons, lithe young women wearing animal heads and wispy trees speckled with pink leaves. They're all postcards fr

June 18, 2007
Full Article

Read more stories about: Fulton neighborhood

New programs help plug the income gap for buyers

By Dan Haugen and Jake Weyer

Neighborhood groups offer variety of buyer-assistance programs

To afford a mortgage on a median-priced home in Southwest last year, a household would have to earn about $70,000 a year.

That income is out of reach for many families, even those with two people working full-time.

It's a gap that has affordable housing advocates and some neighborhood groups concerned and trying to take action.

But high land values and in-demand neighborhoods make affordable housing programs particularly challenging to pull off in Southwest, those who are working on the issue said.

Many neighborhood groups have programs to assist existing residents in rehabilitating their homes, but few have programs to assist people in purchasing homes.

 

February 26, 2007
Full Article

Read more stories about: Fulton neighborhood, Calhoun Area neighborhood, Lyndale neighborhood

Southwest Super-sized

By Anna Pratt

Several new homes rising on teardown sites

An increasing number of Southwest homes are in the path of bulldozers as property owners look to replace aging properties with larger, suburban-style homes.

Property owners involved in teardown projects say some of the older homes, despite their historic charms, are in such bad shape they're not even worth saving.

The teardown trend has concerned some community leaders who say the new homes, often dubbed McMansions, don't blend in with the character of neighboring properties. Some span entire lots, dwarfing their neighboring structures.

Fulton resident Lynn Steele who lives near several new constructions said the new properties would fit better in the suburbs.

 

June 5, 2006
Full Article

Read more stories about: Lowry Hill Neighborhood, Linden Hills neighborhood, Fulton neighborhood, East Isles neighborhood, Cedar-Isles-Dean neighborhood, Lynnhurst neighborhood

Home is where the art is

By Michael Metzger

A Fulton couple's abode abounds in creativity

Bob and Sally Kruta talk quietly, thoughtfully, about their art. The two Fulton residents have a house full - and lives full - of art to discuss, but they're in no hurry to tell their stories. They're more inclined to let their paintings and sculptures do the talking.

As Sally walks around the home they've lived in for 20 years, she points to her landscape paintings from recent years and smiles when she's asked why she doesn't name them. There are too many of them to assign monikers, she says.

“I'd be up to what? Thirty? You know, ‘Minnesota Landscape Number 30.'”

Selections from her various series of paintings - the series she did of chairs (and scenes containing chairs), the series

December 12, 2005
Full Article

Read more stories about: Fulton neighborhood

West 50th Street luxury condo project on hold

By David Brauer

A proposed condo project at a former Fulton funeral home site is on hold, its developer says.

Tom Lohmann of Pinehurst Properties, Inc., plans 40-72 luxury units for the Werness Brothers site at West 50th Street between Beard and Chowen avenues south. Lohman's plan has been well received by the Fulton Neighborhood Association, a stark contrast to intense neighborhood opposition over an earlier drive-though CVS drugstore proposal.

The problem is that Lohmann does not yet own the land - and after discovering poorer-than-expected soil conditions and other problems, he's still dickering over price with current owner SCI. Lohman said he has "no idea" how or when negotiations will conclude, but said his plan is finalized enough to submit to the city "the same day&

September 5, 2005
Full Article

Read more stories about: Fulton neighborhood

No sweat

By Robyn Repya

In early May, Kenny resident Ellen Gavin and her friend Marti Markus opened a new, "values-driven" clothing store in Fulton called Birch Clothing, 2309 W. 50th St., which offers shoppers clothes to match their convictions.

Their store specializes in men and women's clothing not produced in sweatshops (some cleverly labeled No Sweat), made with eco-friendly materials by manufacturers and workers who receive a fair wage.

Gavin said as a consumer, she found it hard to find "fair trade" clothes - other than T-shirts - made with environmentally friendly fabrics.

"It started with us trying to find clothes we felt good about," she said.

Birch merchandise includes casual and some dressy clothes, jeans, tennis shoes and workout apparel - jew

May 16, 2005
Full Article

Read more stories about: Fulton neighborhood

Fulton seeks NRP spending changes

By Michael Metzger

Fulton residents get a chance to weigh in on the Fulton Neighborhood Association (FNA) plan to reallocate unspent monies at a Wednesday, Feb. 9 meeting.

FNA is proposing to shift $128,290 of Phase I Neighborhood Revitilization Program funds into new strategies.

FNA would reallocate these amounts:

- $104,909 from Home Improvement Revolving Loans

- $9,080 from Fulton School Technology Lab

- $11,079 from Southwest High School programs

- $1,000 from the Creative Learning Program

- $1,000 from Youth Reading Program

- $1,034 from Junior Great Books

- $188 from Junior Achievement

The money would go to:

- Education Initiatives, $23,381. This spending strategy helps fund projects at Lake Harriet School, 4912 Vincent Ave. S. and So

February 7, 2005
Full Article

Read more stories about: Fulton neighborhood

Art condition

By Rochelle Baltzer

SW art crawl

Southwest is blessed with many galleries and art centers; now through Sunday, Oct. 17 you can celebrate them with the "Southwest Art Crawl."

This Southwest-specific part of the Twin Cities-wide "Art on the Town" celebration features many free special events and exhibits at local museums and galleries, including:

- A showing of traditional animal masks, masquerade objects and sculpture from Asia, Africa and the Pacific during this educational event, "Animals in Tribal Art," at Indigo Uptown Annex, 1428 W. 31st St., Thursday, Oct. 14, 4-8 p.m.

- A sneak preview of an upcoming exhibit of Pakistani prints led by guest curator Ali Raza at Lowry Hill East's Highpoint Center for Printmaking, 2638 Lyndale Ave.

October 14, 2004
Full Article

Read more stories about: Fulton neighborhood

Fulton talent show seeks performers

By Michael Metzger

Everyone harbors a secret dream of getting up on stage in the bright lights in front of a crowd of adoring fans. Not everyone ever gets that chance, however.

The Fulton Neighborhood Association is going to give residents of the neighborhood their opportunity to strut their showbiz gifts on Sept. 18 at the Fulton Fall Festival Talent Show as part of their annual festival. The deadline for entries is Aug. 15.

If you can sing; dance; juggle; perform magic tricks; tell a good, clean joke (remember, this is a family affair); or possess other talents your neighbors should experience, this talent show is for you.

Rae Ann Vandeputte, chairperson of the Fulton Neighborhood Association's Community Engagement Committee said people of all ages are invited to perform, and there's

June 24, 2004
Full Article

Read more stories about: Fulton neighborhood

West 50th restriping plan gets funds

By Robyn Repya

In April, the City Council's Ways and Means Committee approved $112,728 for road sealing, restriping work and new left- turn signals as part of the West 50th Street restriping project.

West 50th is owned by Hennepin County, which will reimburse the city for the roadwork and half the signals' cost.

Roadwork is set to begin in June.

The restriping will change the busy thoroughfare from four lanes to three with a center left-turn lane. Fulton and Lynnhurst residents proposed the plan to slow traffic, but an initial design that removed almost all on-street parking and angered other residents and many business owners.

 

April 29, 2004
Full Article

Read more stories about: Fulton neighborhood, Lynnhurst neighborhood

Zoned out

By Michael Metzger

Should a neighborhood group recommend for or against big development deals? Fulton's board says no -- and disbands its own Zoning Committee to prove it.

Neighborhood board meetings tend to be quiet, polite affairs involving long, earnest discussions of how to improve schools, sidewalks, traffic, etc., interspersed with occasional bits of gossip and neighborhood news.

Once in awhile, though, Minnesota Nice melts and temperatures rise. It felt like a hot August night at the Feb. 11 meeting of the Fulton Neighborhood Association (FNA), where the board voted to fire its own Zoning Committee for what one board member said was a "clear, malicious intent to harm the board."

FNA board members were irked that Zoning Committee members had written a letter to the city

March 4, 2004
Full Article

Read more stories about: Fulton neighborhood

Buckthorn battles continue, but humans winning

By Michael Metzger

Years of sustained effort are ridding Southwest of European invader

The Fulton and Linden Hills neighborhoods are teaming up to chop down, poison and pull out a common enemy: buckthorn. Though it might sound like a character in a John Wayne movie, buckthorn is more like an escapee from a Monty Python film: a shrubbery. Not just any shrubbery or small tree, mind you, but one that threatens to turn your yard, neighborhood, parks and forests into one lookalike thorny thicket.

On Saturday, Oct. 11, Linden Hills and Fulton residents can have buckthorn they've chopped down on their property hauled away as part of the neighborhoods' annual Buckthorn Bust. On Saturday, Oct. 25, the fight moves to William Berry Park -- the greenspace between Lake Harriet and Lake Calhoun bounded by

September 4, 2003
Full Article

Read more stories about: Fulton neighborhood, Linden Hills neighborhood

Business Buzz

By

Some East Isles residents, who live west of the new restaurant, were hoping that Chipotle would be a bit more East Isles.

"It's a free-standing, single-story building that could've been incorporated into a three- to four-story mixed-use building," said John Meldahl, a property manager who is also a member of the East Isles Residents Association.

Meldahl said the property is probably being underutilized, but his real gripe is with the Chipotle company, which, he feels, did an end-run around the development-approval process. "My concerns were that the process got a little bit ignored," he said.

He'd hoped to see Chipotle submit its plans for the new Uptown store to EIRA. "They did it after [the plans] were approved [by the city], which kind of

July 10, 2003
Full Article

Read more stories about: East Isles neighborhood, Fulton neighborhood

The master of monarchs

By Robyn Repya

14-year-old Sam Epperly has transcended his classroom teaching as an expert on raising butterflies

When other sophomores at St. Louis Park High School are playing football, Fulton resident Marion London said her son, Sam Epperly, is in the woods collecting bugs. "He's always had an interest in nature," she said.

London said her son enjoys all "unusual and sometimes scary" bugs, but raising and nurturing monarch butterflies has been his focus since he was 6 years old.

Now 14, Epperly has nearly perfected the art of raising the fragile creatures in a milkweed patch behind his Fulton garage. His parents said as soon as spring hits, they find Epperly out looking for butterfly eggs to raise, a sort of ritual.

Epperly said he's gone from raising j

June 26, 2003
Full Article

Read more stories about: Fulton neighborhood

Got a speeding ticket lately? More have

By Robyn Repya

Ticket-writing surges after city traffic police doubled

Have you gotten a traffic ticket lately? Minneapolis traffic police say they nearly quadrupled tickets written in May compared to March after their unit was more than doubled.

Despite recent widespread 2003 city budget cutting, the traffic unit grew from 10 to 22 officers in part because ticket fines can pay officer salaries. City officials insist finances aren't the only motivation; they predict speeding and other bad driving will fall and safety and neighborhood livability will improve, although early data shows no drop in accidents.

Still, City Councilmember Dan Niziolek (10th Ward), head of the council committee overseeing the police, said more traffic cops are already producing results.

June 12, 2003
Full Article

Read more stories about: Fulton neighborhood

Interior design the professional way

By Robyn Repya

Spending a little on expert advice can save eyestrain -- and sometimes money

One way to improve and spruce up your living space is by tapping into the world of interior design. Two Southwest designers have a multitude of information and tips for people wishing to revamp their living space.

Sandra Mangel Interior Design, 4601 Bryant Ave. S., shares her studio with an interior-accessories store, Two's Company, run by her mother. Sandra Mangel is a professional American Society of Interior Designers member and she is also on their board. She began her Lynnhurst business in 1974, and has designed interiors for celebrities such as Pat Miles. She specializes in both residential and commercial designs.

Pamela Marie, owner of Designing Visions, 5228 Upton Ave. S., h

June 12, 2003
Full Article

Read more stories about: Fulton neighborhood

Will city take free land?

By Caitlin Pine

In October, Hosmer Brown, an attorney who owns commercial and residential property in the 50th-and-France business area, offered to give the Public Works Department a vacant lot -- at no cost. However, almost seven months later, the city hasn't accepted or rejected the offer.

Brown, who has a long-standing relationship with the Fulton Neighborhood Association, stipulated that he'd donate the 40-foot-wide lot at 5048 Ewing Ave. S. as long as it is used for parking and the immediate neighbors approve.

At the April Fulton Board meeting, Brown announced he hadn't heard from 13th Ward Councilmember Barret Lane's office and would rescind the gift if he didn't hear soon. Brown said he's losing $1,000 in potential income a month on the unoccupied land.

"I grew up in

May 29, 2003
Full Article

Read more stories about: Fulton neighborhood

50th Street re-striping postponed

By Robyn Repya

At a contentious May 5 public meeting, Hennepin County officials agreed to delay a controversial West 50th Street re-striping to talk more with 50th Street businesspeople.

Approximately 300 residents and business owners packed the Pershing Park meeting room, leaving many to listen outside the door or through the windows. The mood was hostile towards city and county officials such as 13th Ward City Councilmember Barret Lane and Hennepin County Commissioner Gail Dorfman. Those against the plan yelled and repeatedly interrupted speakers.

The county's proposal would change West 50th Street from a four-lane undivided road to a three-lane road with one lane in each direction and a center left-turn lane.

May 15, 2003
Full Article

Read more stories about: Fulton neighborhood, Lynnhurst neighborhood

Deja vu on West 50th ...

By Robyn Repya

In a book called "From the Barber's Chair: 50th and France Avenue: 1936-1988," Vern Swanson detailed the neighborhood's development. Swanson's barbershop was on the southeast corner of the intersection, and he wrote that the parking concerns on 50th Street have been a Fulton issue since 1934.

"The Edina Theatre was built in 1934," he wrote. "They wanted to build this here theatre on 50th and Xerxes, but the neighbors there got up a petition to keep 'em out because of the parking. They didn't have the parking space, and the residents didn't want the parking around their homes."

May 1, 2003
Full Article

Read more stories about: Fulton neighborhood

Change is good at West 50th Street

By Kathy Shea

Change always hurts somebody, doesn't it? And in a dense urban neighborhood, any gain, no matter how important to the public good, registers on somebody's radar screen as a loss. Despite this political fact of life, however, change remains essential to improvement and -- in the case of West 50th Street -- traffic needs to be calmed.

Unfortunately, after years of steady, reasoned effort by Fulton and Lynnhurst neighborhoods, elected officials and professionals to slow and calm traffic on 50th Street, late-comers to the process -- a newly organized collection of local businesses -- are demanding that the traffic-calming re-striping project on 50th Street be abandoned.

May 1, 2003
Full Article

Read more stories about: Fulton neighborhood, Lynnhurst neighborhood

Between a rock and a parking place

By Robyn Repya

A 50th Street redesign -- with slower traffic and less parking -- divides residents and business owners

"You're killing us. We need parking to survive and we still don't have enough to meet today's needs," said Tom Morgan, owner of Birds N Stuff, 824 W. 50th St.

Morgan spoke passionately at a late-March meeting to discuss implementing a West 50th Street re-striping plan this summer. The plan would wipe out all parking on 50th from Lyndale to France Avenues, except for scattered parking at 50th Street business nodes.

While some details have not be added to the plan,Hennepin County (which owns the affected section of 50th) is working to adjust parking restrictions on business-node side streets for more parking turnover.

 

April 3, 2003
Full Article

Read more stories about: Fulton neighborhood, Lynnhurst neighborhood

Gang graffiti in Fulton

By Caitlin Pine

Six people have been arrested for two mid-November episodes of Latino gang-related graffiti on Southwest High School and surrounding Fulton property.

Sergeant Richard Duncan of the 5th Precinct's Graffiti Task Force said the first incident occurred when members of the Vatos Locos (Crazies) sprayed gang insignia on the high school's building, 3414 W. 47th St., the Qwest Building next door, and on residential garages.

The second incident occurred when members of the Sureno 13 gang crossed out Vatos Locos' graffiti with their own.

Six individuals were arrested between Nov. 16 and Dec. 3. They included one adult and five juveniles. All of those arrested are members of the Vatos Locos gang.

Duncan disregarded the idea that gang graffiti is a warning sign for incre

November 18, 2002
Full Article

Read more stories about: Fulton neighborhood

Not everyone on-board for 50th Street re-construction

By Tom Bengtson

Your page 18 report in the Sept. 23-Oct. 6 edition about the reconstruction of West 50th Street leaves out many important facts about the situation. Although the city and county are quick to say that the project has broad support, many of the business owners near the 50th & Xerxes intersection have significant reservations about it.

The proposed redesign of 50th Street will eliminate parking along the south side of the street near Xerxes. This is a devastating development to the neighborhood businesses along that stretch, given the lack of off-street parking in the area. And, although the rush-hour restrictions are being removed from parking on the north side of the street, the number of parking places is being reduced. Many of the business owners attending a recent Fulton Nei

October 7, 2002
Full Article

Read more stories about: Fulton neighborhood

A happy view from the political biosphere

By Lynnell Mickelsen

Politics hasn't passed Minneapolis by... we're the trend-setters

To live in Southwest Minneapolis during election season is to live with a certain level of disconnect between political lawn signs and state or national polls.

Coleman and Wellstone neck and neck? Governor's race in a three-way dead heat? Two-thirds of the citizens supporting a U.S. invasion of Iraq?

Get out. Not in my neighborhood. Where, according to lawn signs, bumper stickers and conversations, Wellstone is overwhelming Coleman; Moe has a lead; and no one is itching to take on Saddam.

Okay, okay, we're talking Linden Hills. We're talking Minneapolis. Where, according to conservative Republicans, we live in our own weird, little biosphere and do outlandish things like pass school re

September 23, 2002
Full Article

Read more stories about: Fulton neighborhood

County may fund West 50th Street reconstruction in 2003

By Caitlin Pine

Hennepin County Commissioner Gail Dorfman has promised to push for 2003-04 funding to reconstruct West 50th Street.

After receiving approval from the Fulton and Lynnhurst neighborhood associations, Dorfman said she is optimistic that the county will fund the project because of strong support from the neighborhoods.

According to Councilmember Barret Lane (13th Ward), West 50th between Lyndale Avenue and France Avenue will be re-striped next summer to implement a three-lane design tested between Queen and Zenith avenues this year.

Fulton and Lynnhurst residents had raised concerns regarding traffic speed, pedestrian safety and dangerous driving conditions when vehicles on 50th swerve to avoid left-turning vehicles.

 

September 9, 2002
Full Article

Read more stories about: Fulton neighborhood, Lynnhurst neighborhood

Fulton election snafu will be sorted out Nov. 6

By Caitlin Pine

There was some confusion at Fulton Neighborhood Association's Sept. 11 election for five open board seats.

The ballot instructed residents to vote for five out of the six listed candidates -- but left one candidate, Tom Broder, off the ballot. The omission was caught and voters were asked to add his name to the list. However, after ballots were counted and residents left, someone realized that voters should have been able to vote for six instead of five candidates.

Election judges couldn't simply take the top five vote getters because the winners could have changed if there were more votes. Therefore, the top four vote getters were elected, and the bottom two will run again.

Four current board members -- John Finlayson, Bill Kerker, Tom Steele and Tom Broder-- were r

September 9, 2002
Full Article

Read more stories about: Fulton neighborhood

How Steve Minn's Southwest development dream was derailed

By Caitlin Pine

A popular ex-councilmember vowed to work with a neighborhood he liked, toward an affordable-housing goal everyone wanted. How did it end up in rejection and angry words?

To Steve Minn, a developer and former city councilmember, building a two-to-three-story, 44-unit mixed-rate senior apartment complex in the ward he once represented made perfect sense.

The 50th & Ewing intersection in the Fulton neighborhood is on a bus line, there's a grocery store across the street, and there's plenty of retail shopping in walking distance. "Market research shows the Southwest Minneapolis population is aging -- and they'd rather move within their own neighborhood than to Richfield or Edina," said Minn.

Minn, elected twice from the area, had a base of neighbo

July 29, 2002
Full Article

Read more stories about: Fulton neighborhood

Minn withdraws Fulton senior-housing plan

By Caitlin Pine

Steve Minn, Lupe Partners developer and former 13th Ward councilmember withdrew his proposal for a three-story senior housing development in Fulton during an informal neighborhood meeting on June 19. Minn announced his decision shortly after the meeting began and left.

In a letter to the Southwest Journal, Minn was disappointed to abandon the project at West 51st Street and Ewing Avenue South. "What a shame that a small but vocal minority of residents on Ewing Avenue has been able to dissuade me from pursuing a thoughtful and sensitive affordable housing project for seniors."

About 40 Fulton residents, the majority of whom live in the immediate vicinity of the proposed development, attended the Fulton Neighborhood Association meeting. Residents who opposed the pro

June 17, 2002
Full Article

Read more stories about: Fulton neighborhood

DFL endorses one incumbent, rejects another in Senate District 63

By Kevin Featherly

On June 8, the DFL party endorsed incumbent Sen. Jane Ranum for re-election in Senate District 63, while rejecting House District 63A colleague Mark Gleason. The Senate and House districts include Fulton, Lynnhurst, Kenny, Armatage and part of Windom.

Ranum, a Lynnhurst resident, was endorsed for re-election on the first ballot, defeating challenger Edwina Garcia, a former state representative from Richfield.

Ranum said that Garcia may run in the Sept. 10 primary. "We also hear that she said in a screening with labor that she would abide by the endorsement," Ranum said.

Garcia did not return calls for comment.

The primary winner will face GOP endorsee Vern Wilcox of Bloomington. Ranum's district also encompasses Richfield and parts of Bloomington.

June 17, 2002
Full Article

Read more stories about: Kenny neighborhood, Fulton neighborhood, Armatage neighborhood, Lynnhurst neighborhood

The question: Is driving any saner on West 50th Street?

By Kathy Shea

Let's swap opinions: is driving on West 50th Street a saner experience than it used to be? I offer my opinion; then you share yours.

Why go through this exercise? Because when it comes to traffic conditions, perception is as important as traffic study results. If we feel that driving through our neighborhoods is a pleasant and safe experience, then conditions are good.

Two years ago, I co-chaired the high profile Fulton-Lynnhurst neighborhood campaign to calm traffic on West 50th. Last year, our neighborhoods ran a modest two-week reminder campaign to keep driving awareness alive and well. Following each effort, residents told us: "This is good, but you have to keep reminding us!"

 

June 3, 2002
Full Article

Read more stories about: Fulton neighborhood, Lynnhurst neighborhood

Neighborhoods hope 50th St. drivers slow down -- again

By Beth Wohlberg

Fulton and Lynnhurst neighbors want people to pay attention to drivers--and the speed of their cars--on 50th Street.

This is the third year of a campaign to encourage slower speeds on 50th. Surveys conducted after the initial 2000 campaign showed 75 percent of residents indicated that they slowed down their driving, and 48 percent said the pace on 50th Street slowed because of the campaign.

"We have taken a long-range view," said Kathy Shea, former co-chair of the Fulton-Lynnhurst Neighbors for Safe Driving task force. "Education, enforcement and engineering--they are the only way to truly affect long-term change. We never had the illusion that our public education campaign would do it all."

May 20, 2002
Full Article

Read more stories about: Fulton neighborhood, Lynnhurst neighborhood

Fulton schedules special meeting on housing project

By Beth Wohlberg

In response to a petition signed by 33 people, the Fulton Neighborhood Association has scheduled a special meeting to discuss the proposed senior housing development at 51st and Ewing.

The Lupe Development project drew about 100 people to a neighborhood meeting May 8, and developer Steve Minn presented various designs over several meetings to area residents. But some neighbors said they also want a chance to voice their opinions on the project.

The special meeting is scheduled for June 19, at 7 p.m. at Pershing Park, 3523 W. 48th St.

May 20, 2002
Full Article

Read more stories about: Fulton neighborhood

Opinions differ on Fulton housing development

By Beth Wohlberg

Lupe Development Partners LLC returned to the Fulton neighborhood April 22 to discuss options for a senior-housing building at 51st and Ewing.

Last week's meeting followed up a February meeting in which Fulton residents discussed traffic and parking issues, and the building's size.

The proposed three-story building would have underground parking and increase the capacity of the existing municipal lot. The building also would include affordable housing--20 percent of the building's units would be affordable to seniors at 50 percent of the metropolitan median income.

For the folks who oppose the project, it's not the affordable-housing aspect of the developer's new design plans they don't like.

It's the size, and the related effects on traffic and parking in

April 22, 2002
Full Article

Read more stories about: Fulton neighborhood

The Sound and the Fury

By Scott Russell

Controversial MAC budget maneuvers, possible re-drawing of noise contour maps may signify nothing for SW homes

Those hoping for airport-paid noise relief under the expanded sound-insulation program are facing a double-whammy.

First, while the Metropolitan Airports Commission earmarked $150 million for its sound-insulation program, it has approved a plan that would allow it to pocket any savings if it comes in under budget. The move leads some to question MAC's commitment to the program and may run afoul of an agreement it had with the Metropolitan Council.

Second, the MAC may redraw its airplane noise map based on new, lower flight numbers and

quieter aircraft -- a move that would reduce the number of homes eligible for sound insulation.

That deci

April 22, 2002
Full Article

Read more stories about: Fulton neighborhood

The kindest cut

By Jayne Solinger

Kids' salon owner makes it - with plenty of heart

Walk into Shear Kids in the Fulton neighborhood and you'll notice right away it's not your average hair salon.

An aquarium gurgles against one wall, surrounded by yellow and green fish that swim in the wallpaper. Pint-sized barber chairs and video monitors line the other wall, and pictures of kids are everywhere. But the most striking feature at Shear Kids is the hundreds of paper hearts hanging from the ceiling, row upon row, each bearing a name.

They're the hearts that have allowed this kids' salon to stay in business.

Owner Barb Nevils, a Kingfield resident, has been in the hair-cutting business for 25 years, but nothing prepared her for the outpouring from clients in the past several months, supp

April 22, 2002
Full Article

Read more stories about: Fulton neighborhood

Neighorhood notebook

By Staff report

ARMATAGE

COMPETITOR WEBSITE: Noah Schuchman, president of the Armatage Neighborhood Association, wrote a letter to Jane Paulus of Edina Realty, asking her to stop publicizing armatagenews.com, a website that provides information about the neighborhood. “Given the absolute lack of actual information about the Armatage neighborhood,” he wrote, “your self-promotional mailing and website are incredibly misleading.” He asked her to find other ways to participate in the neighborhood and leave distributing information up to the neighborhood association, which has a site at armatage.org.

September 24, 2007
Full Article

Read more stories about: Lowry Hill Neighborhood, Linden Hills neighborhood, Kenwood neighborhood, Fulton neighborhood, Bryn Mawr neighborhood, Armatage neighborhood, Stevens Square neighborhood

Neighborhood notebook: Opposition to Lake of the Isles plans building

UPDATED July 27, 2007, 4:35pm

By Sarah Phemister, Michael Marchio, Dylan Thomas and Mary O’Regan

BRYN MAWR
NEW BOARD MEMBER: Beth Turnbull was elected Area 5 co-representative to the Bryn Mawr Neighborhood Association Board. Robert Lindquist also represents Area 5.

FULTON
PLANT SALE PROCEEDS: The Fulton Neighborhood Association discussed tapping money raised by the plant sale during the Edina Art Fair to plant trees in the neighborhood. More than $2,500 was raised by the plant sale in the last two years, and board members said they will seek matching funds in the form of a grant to add to the money already raised.

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT: The association discussed National Night Out, the community anticrime event held nationwide on Aug. 7, and noted that permits to close down a street to host the event are free if reside

July 16, 2007
Full Article

Read more stories about: Bryn Mawr neighborhood, Fulton neighborhood, Kenwood neighborhood

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
Full Article

Read more stories about: Tangletown neighborhood, Stevens Square neighborhood, Lyndale neighborhood, Kingfield neighborhood, Kenwood neighborhood, Fulton neighborhood, East Isles neighborhood, East Harriet neighborhood, East Calhoun neighborhood, Cedar-Isles-Dean neighborhood, Calhoun Area neighborhood, Whittier neighborhood

Pershing Park tennis courts to be dedicated

UPDATED July 15, 2008, 9:48am

By Cristof Traudes

FULTON — The four renovated tennis courts at Pershing Park are repaired, renovated and repainted, and tonight, they’ll be rededicated.

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board will host a 6 p.m. event featuring games for children and adults, demonstrations, entertainment and refreshments. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held at 6:30 p.m.

The Pershing Park courts were one set in a trio of tennis court renovation projects sponsored by Kenwood resident Ellen Doll’s Support The Courts. An anonymous donor paid for half of the $500,000 price tag, which also applied to Webber Park, near Shingle Creek, and Powderhorn Park.

Pershing Park is located at 3523 W. 48th St. The event is free and open to the public.

July 14, 2008
Full Article

Read more stories about: Fulton neighborhood

Neighborhood notebook

By Mary O'Regan, Jake Weyer and Dylan Thomas

ARMATAGE

PARK THEFTS: Jerry Peterson, Armatage Park director, noted that there has been an increase in thefts from cars in the parking lot at Armatage Park. Incidences have occurred mostly from 2–4 p.m. when parents are picking their kids up from school.

FESTIVAL: Board members voted to hold the Armatage Summer Festival on July 22.

GARAGE SALE: The board has agreed to hold a garage sale event over Memorial Day weekend with Kenny neighborhood.

 

February 25, 2008
Full Article

Read more stories about: Linden Hills neighborhood, Armatage neighborhood, East Harriet neighborhood, East Isles neighborhood, Fulton neighborhood, Kingfield neighborhood

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
Full Article

Read more stories about: Tangletown neighborhood, Stevens Square neighborhood, Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood, Kingfield neighborhood, Fulton neighborhood, East Harriet neighborhood, East Calhoun neighborhood, Calhoun Area neighborhood, Whittier neighborhood

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
Full Article

Read more stories about: Tangletown neighborhood, Stevens Square neighborhood, Lowry Hill Neighborhood, Linden Hills neighborhood, Kingfield neighborhood, Kenwood neighborhood, Fulton neighborhood, East Isles neighborhood, East Harriet neighborhood, East Calhoun neighborhood, Armatage neighborhood, Whittier neighborhood

PRICED OUT: First-time home buyers face real estate sticker shock

By Dan Haugen and Jake Weyer

The hunt for an affordable home in Southwest

Prospective buyers find slim pickings for homes priced under $300,000

LINDEN HILLS - A safe neighborhood, close to parks and trails, and preferably with a little charm to it, too.

When Parrish and Lisa Aharam started looking to buy a house earlier this winter, Linden Hills seemed like the perfect match.

It''s a part of town Lisa would feel comfortable being home alone in when Parrish is away on business. It''s got a friendly, small-town feel but it''s also close to Downtown. And the lake''s trails would be ideal for exercising their border collie.

February 26, 2007
Full Article

Read more stories about: Kingfield neighborhood, Fulton neighborhood, Linden Hills neighborhood

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

+ July 1, 6:45–7 p.m., 5400 block of Penn Ave.

Two juvenile males were leaving a park when a male suspect began following them. One of the victims was talking on his cell phone when the suspect allegedly approached and demanded the phone.

July 14, 2008
Full Article

Read more stories about: Tangletown neighborhood, Lyndale neighborhood, Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood, Linden Hills neighborhood, Kingfield neighborhood, Kenny neighborhood, Fulton neighborhood, Cedar-Isles-Dean neighborhood, Calhoun Area neighborhood, Armatage neighborhood, Whittier neighborhood

Neighborhood notebook

By Cristof Traudes & Jonathan Cowgill

EAST HARRIET

ROSEFEST: The dunk tank was full, the grills were fired up and ponies topped with smiling young riders paraded at Lyndale Farmstead Park July 19.

The 2nd annual East Harriet Farmstead Neighborhood Rosefest brought a festive atmosphere and thousands of people to the park at 3900 Bryant Ave. S. The festival featured carnival-type inflatable rides, grill fare, local vendor booths and live music.

Rosefest is a fundraiser for the East Harriet Farmstead Neighborhood Association (EHFNA) and the programs it puts on. “We’re looking to support local business,” said Pamela Ann Meyer, the community-building chairwoman of the EHFNA.

This year’s festival hoped to bring in 2,500 people, compared to the 2,000 people that showed up the previous year. “We’ve refined the things that worked last year and also confined the festival to one area of the park, to create a neighborhood atmosphere,” said Matt Perry, president of the EHFNA. 

July 28, 2008
Full Article

Read more stories about: Fulton neighborhood, East Harriet neighborhood, Lowry Hill Neighborhood

The rise of Southwest's blue thumbs

By Jake Weyer

A primer on building your own rain garden

Backyard puddles and basement flooding used to be the norm when it rained at Kathleen Davies' Linden Hills home.

"Now I don¹t have either," she said. "And I don't have to mow."

These days, wetland plants in Davies' backyard rain garden drink the water that used to gather in pools on her lawn or drain into her basement. The master gardener for the University of Minnesota Extension Service also planted a rain garden in her front yard to prevent water from running into the street and ending up in Lake Calhoun.

 

May 21, 2007
Full Article

Read more stories about: Linden Hills neighborhood, Kingfield neighborhood, Fulton neighborhood, Lyndale neighborhood

Neighborhood notebook

By Mary O'Regan and Dylan Thomas

FULTON

BLEND AWARD WINNERS: The Fulton Neighborhood Association (FNA) has selected three winners for its Buildings and Landscapes Enhancing the Neighborhood through Design (BLEND) Awards. The award recognizes builders, architects and designers whose projects are in line with the current neighborhood aesthetic. The winners are Choice Wood Company for a 3,200-square-foot home built at 5308 Russell Ave. S.; Reuter Construction and Bryan Anderson Architecture for an addition to 5257 Washburn Ave. S.; and Choice Wood Company for renovation at 2515 52nd St. W. An awards ceremony will take place during the FNA meeting at 7 p.m. on Sept. 12.

August 27, 2007
Full Article

Read more stories about: Linden Hills neighborhood, Fulton neighborhood, Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood

50th Street's restriping -- has it worked?

By Robyn Repya

New design has calmed speeds and some tempers. Is it a model for Southwest thoroughfares?

As a battle and as a finished product, West 50th Street represents the rare effort that calmed speeds -- and perhaps calmed many critics' tempers.

Instead of a speedway designed to move as many drivers as fast as possible, the area's safety-conscious neighbors fought for a design that reduced speeds -- and ultimately reduced the number of lanes, from four to three, including a center left-turn lane.

Other neighbors didn't define "livability" quite the same way. The design reduced on-street parking -- which angered some enough to counter the "Slow down on 50th" signs with ones reading "No parking, no businesses, no neighborhood."

Now

November 11, 2004
Full Article

Read more stories about: Linden Hills neighborhood, Fulton neighborhood, Lynnhurst neighborhood

Moving billboards out of the neighborhoods: an ordinance that worked

By Scott Russell

City plan has swapped hundreds of neighborhood ads for a few more in the urban core

Outdoor advertising companies have removed more than 217 billboards from Minneapolis neighborhoods in the past decade, swapping them for fewer but more visible locations downtown and along freeway corridors.

The 1993 city billboard ordinance was designed to reduce the number of neighborhood "posters" -- the 12-foot-by-25-foot signs typically found on top of the mom and pop grocery stores and other commercial buildings -- in exchange for 14-foot-by-48-foot "deluxe paints," the new industry standard, in new downtown and freeway locations, said Steve Poor, city zoning supervisor.

 

June 10, 2004
Full Article

Read more stories about: Linden Hills neighborhood, Fulton neighborhood, Lynnhurst neighborhood

Art Condition

By Southwest Journal Staff

'The Magic Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle'

In 1947, Betty McDonald created her timeless "Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle" stories. Now a student at Whittier's Watershed High School, 2344 Nicollet Ave., Celeste J. Busa, is helping to bring this series to life at the Children's Theatre Company, 2400 3rd Ave. S. Busa, a freshman, plays Mary O'Toole, a girl who hates to wash the dishes. With the help of Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle's kindness (and a dash of her magic), she just may end up enjoying her chores.

"The Magic Mrs. PiggleWiggle" runs at various times through Sunday, June 20. Tickets are $15-$28. For tickets or more information, call 874-0400 or log on to www.childrenstheatre.org.

'Red Hot Art'

The Stevens Square Community Organiz

May 13, 2004
Full Article

Read more stories about: Linden Hills neighborhood, Fulton neighborhood, Stevens Square neighborhood

Business Buzz

By Southwest Journal Staff

Business related issues going on in and around Southwest Minneapolis

25th & Hennepin Caf Ibiza opens Friday, Oct. 17 at 2528 Hennepin Ave. S., in place of Pasqual's Uptown, which recently closed. Caf Ibiza is a high-end European-style espresso bar, said owner Yasser Ebrahim.

"The place is dramatically changed," he said. "The whole atmosphere of the place is really bright."

Ebrahim has repainted the space in vibrant oranges and blues, has a new bar made of cherrywood and features free wireless Internet connections. He said the smoke-free Caf Ibiza would cater to business professionals, students and families.

"Most of the coffeeshops here cater to younger, punkish looks," he said.

 

October 2, 2003
Full Article

Read more stories about: Linden Hills neighborhood, Fulton neighborhood, Tangletown neighborhood

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

July 27, 4:30 a.m., address
not available

An unknown suspect burglarized the home of a 34-year-old woman and a 33-year-old man. The victims had very little, unspecified, information on the suspect.

August 11, 2008
Full Article

Read more stories about: Whittier neighborhood, Lyndale neighborhood, Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood, Linden Hills neighborhood, Kingfield neighborhood, Fulton neighborhood, East Isles neighborhood, East Calhoun neighborhood, Armatage neighborhood, Windom neighborhood

Biffs spiffed

By Scott Russell

The 110-year-old historic restrooms at Lake Harriet will reopen Sunday July 14 amid red balloons, a barbershop quartet, lemonade and cookies and general fanfare -- the labor of love of a group calling itself the "Spiff the Biffs" project.

The 1892 Harry Wild Jones-designed restrooms closed in 1991. The citizen's "Biffs" campaign -- formally known as Lake Harriet Historic Restroom Renovation Project -- began in 1995.

The restrooms are the oldest buildings in the Minneapolis park system, along with the superintendent's building in Loring Park, according to the Spiff the Biffs committee.

 

June 17, 2002
Full Article

Read more stories about: Linden Hills neighborhood, Fulton neighborhood, Lynnhurst neighborhood

Southwest's commuting bonus

By David Brauer

If you live in Southwest, you probably pay more for car insurance than your pal in the suburbs -- but you're not in your car as long.

According to Metropolitan Council statistics, the jaunt to work takes Southwest Minneapolis residents 20.8 minutes, compared to 22.5 minutes for Hennepin County suburbanites.

That 1.7-minute difference adds up: multiplied by two trips per day 250 work days per year, and Southwesterners spend 14 fewer hours per year commuting than suburbanites.

A quick statistical overview:

- Southwest residents spend less time commuting than Minneapolitans overall, and those in Hennepin County, Minnesota and the U.S.

- Southwest residents drive alone more often than the average Minneapolitan, but less than county, state or U.S. residents.

November 25, 2004
Full Article

Read more stories about: Lowry Hill Neighborhood, Fulton neighborhood, Stevens Square neighborhood

Low rent

By Beth Wohlberg and Robyn Repya

Renters are underrepresented on neighborhood boards -- is too little neighborhood time and money spent on 44 percent of the city's population?

Brian Elliott rented a condominium in West Calhoun for almost five years. When he first moved to the neighborhood, he attended a few neighborhood group meetings but then quit going.

"I never expected to be in the neighborhood for very long," he said. "Not because I didn't want to live there, but because I wanted to buy a house."

Elliott just moved into his Kingfield home, and even before he was an official resident, he attended the neighborhood's annual meeting.

 

November 4, 2002
Full Article

Read more stories about: Lowry Hill Neighborhood, Linden Hills neighborhood, Kingfield neighborhood, Fulton neighborhood, West Calhoun neighborhood

Crime notes

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
Oct. 22, 7:20 a.m.–5:30 p.m., 3200 block of Bryant Ave.
An unknown suspect burglarized the residence of a 37-year-old man, stealing a sword collection.

Oct. 22, 8 a.m.–5:30 p.m., 3200 block of Bryant Ave.
An unknown suspect burglarized the residence of a 25-year-old woman. The suspect forced his/her way into the residence by unidentified means and removed the victim's laptop computer.

November 19, 2007
Full Article

Read more stories about: West Calhoun neighborhood, Stevens Square neighborhood, Lyndale neighborhood, Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood, Linden Hills neighborhood, Kingfield neighborhood, Kenwood neighborhood, Fulton neighborhood, East Isles neighborhood, East Harriet neighborhood, Calhoun Area neighborhood, Whittier neighborhood

Neighborhood notebook

By Jake Weyer, Mary O'Regan, Dylan Thomas

Editor’s Note:The Southwest Notes section provides a snapshot of neighborhood issues and activities. Reporters and contributing writers include summaries of important actions at neighborhood organization meetings, but this section is not limited to neighborhood group activities — other community events and noteworthy issues are also included. If you have neighborhood news to share, please e-mail us at swjournal@mnpubs.com.

ARMATAGE
GAS STATION REMODELING: The Armatage Neighborhood Association (ANA) has agreed to write a letter stating they do not oppose the remodeling of the BP gas station on 60th Street and Penn Avenue. The station is attempting to turn from a gasoline and repair shop into a full-fledged convenience store. They’re adding more fuel pumps, eliminating the repair shop and revamping the carwash. The store will sell hot dogs, nachos, sandwiches, lottery tickets and other items typical of a convenience store.

July 2, 2007
Full Article

Read more stories about: Stevens Square neighborhood, Lyndale neighborhood, Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood, Linden Hills neighborhood, Kingfield neighborhood, Fulton neighborhood, Calhoun Area neighborhood, Armatage neighborhood, Tangletown neighborhood

Kudos for fitting in

By Adam Epperson

The Fulton neighborhood runs an award program that encourages developers to build homes that blend with the community

In response to recent zoning changes designed to curb the construction of oversized homes — frequently called McMansions or Monster houses — the Fulton Neighborhood Association (FNA) created an award program that recognizes developers whose houses blend into the neighborhood.   

Last year, City Council Member Betsy Hodges (13th Ward) authored an ordinance creating zoning codes to prevent the building of oversized houses. Since then, the FNA zoning subcommittee has had to review several variance applications, which are required to be submitted to the subcommittee if the proposed new home or a remodeling project makes a home bigger, wider or taller than zoning allows.

“We’ve been seeing several (variance applications) in addition to common knowledge in the community of this sort of backlash against homes that were built either not to scale or proportions or the materials were not in keeping with the neighborhood,” said Phil Rader, an architect working on the Fulton Neighborhood Association’s Zoning committee. “The city has zoning regulations, of course, for housing or property, but there were no local design guidelines for the Fulton neighborhood, so the city decided to prepare design guidelines.”

August 25, 2008
Full Article

Read more stories about: Fulton neighborhood

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

Read more stories about: West Calhoun neighborhood, Tangletown neighborhood, Lynnhurst neighborhood, Lyndale neighborhood, Lowry Hill Neighborhood, Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood, Linden Hills neighborhood, Kingfield neighborhood, Kenwood neighborhood, Kenny neighborhood, Fulton neighborhood, East Isles neighborhood, East Calhoun neighborhood, Calhoun Area neighborhood, Armatage neighborhood, Whittier neighborhood

Fulton leading the way in state Energy Challenge

By Dan Haugen

A Southwest neighborhood with a reputation for eco-friendly efforts was on leading the pack as of last week in the Minnesota Energy Challenge.

Fulton residents had pledged to reduce their carbon dioxide emissions by about 18 percent for an annual total of about 85,492 pounds.

A month after the Center for Energy and Environment launched the website, Minneapolis had pledged to save 7 million pounds of carbon from being released into the atmosphere.

The site estimates how much carbon dioxide a household is responsible for based on the size of home, modes of transportation and other factors. It then calculates how much would be saved by pledging to take small steps and simple actions to make a difference.

December 4, 2006
Full Article

Read more stories about: Lynnhurst neighborhood, Linden Hills neighborhood, Fulton neighborhood, Whittier neighborhood

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
+ Oct. 3, 9:15 p.m., W. 31st St. and Bryant Ave.
Four male suspects robbed three victims, a 23-year-old woman and two others, at gunpoint. The three victims were standing at a bus stop when the suspects approached them and held a black, short-barreled revolver to the 23-year-old victim’s head and demanded their money. The victims complied, and the suspects fled the scene on foot.

November 5, 2007
Full Article

Read more stories about: Tangletown neighborhood, Stevens Square neighborhood, Lynnhurst neighborhood, Lyndale neighborhood, Lowry Hill Neighborhood, Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood, Linden Hills neighborhood, Kingfield neighborhood, Kenwood neighborhood, Fulton neighborhood, East Isles neighborhood, Calhoun Area neighborhood, Whittier neighborhood

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
Full Article

Read more stories about: East Calhoun neighborhood, Fulton neighborhood, Linden Hills neighborhood, Lynnhurst neighborhood

Neighborhood notebook

By Sarah Phemister, Cristof Traudes, Jake Weyer & Dylan Thomas

FULTON

ELECTIONS: The Fulton Neighborhood Association held its elections on Sept. 10. Originally, five candidates vied for six positions, but to fill the gap, current board president Nick Mark threw his name into the running.

“I have been considering stepping down,” Mark said beforehand.

New to the board are Charles Donly and Earl Savage. Returning are Mark, Bill Kerker, Linda Romine and John Finlayson — a 15-year veteran of the board. Outgoing are Taunya Nelson and Tom Steele.

September 22, 2008
Full Article

Read more stories about: Fulton neighborhood, Kenwood neighborhood, Kingfield neighborhood, Lowry Hill Neighborhood

In Fulton, five garage burglaries in two-day span

UPDATED September 23, 2008, 11:26am

By Cristof Traudes

Fulton-area residents: Lock your garages.

That’s the message the city of Minneapolis sent neighbors yesterday. According to an e-mail alert, there were four unsecured garage burglaries in a two-day span, Aug. 19-20. There also was a secured garage burglary.

All occurred between 6:45 and 11 p.m. between the 4800 and 5200 blocks of Penn Avenue South to Upton Avenue South.

“A significant percentage of burglaries are crimes of opportunity and could easily be prevented,” the alert said.

For more information on how to prevent burglaries or how to get a home security survey, the city recommends contacting a crime prevention specialist. Fulton’s is Amy Lavender, who can be reached at 673-5407 or amy.lavender@ci.minneapolis.mn.us.

September 22, 2008
Full Article

Read more stories about: Fulton neighborhood

Theirs, together

By Cristof Traudes

FULTON — Laura Martinez is at a loss for words a lot these days.

For years, her life was marked by a lack of stability. She’s lived with extended family members much of the 21st century, bouncing from town to town, city to city, state to state.

There was Milwaukee; there was Burnsville. There were years in Pelican Rapids, Minn., and in Austin, Texas. Bedrooms were shared. Beds
were shared.

Martinez cared for her little sister, the youngest of 10 siblings, as she lay dying. She has been a real estate appraiser, a plumbing apprentice, a medical transcriptionist and a mail carrier. Meanwhile, she also is a single mother raising two children.

The schools David, 13, and Becca, 8, have attended is a blur. Have they been to five schools? Six? A dozen?

October 6, 2008
Full Article

Read more stories about: Fulton neighborhood

In Fulton, five garage burglaries in two-day span

By Cristof Traudes

Fulton-area residents: Lock your garages.

That’s the message the city of Minneapolis has sent to neighbors in the area. According to an e-mail alert, there were four unsecured garage burglaries in a two-day span, Aug. 19–20. There also was a secured garage burglary.

All occurred between 6:45 and 11 p.m. between the 4800 and 5200 blocks of Penn Avenue South to Upton Avenue South.

For more information on how to prevent burglaries or how to get a home security survey, the city recommends contacting a crime-prevention specialist. Fulton’s is Amy Lavender, who can be reached at 673-5407 or amy.lavender@ci.minneapolis.mn.us.

October 6, 2008
Full Article

Read more stories about: Fulton neighborhood

Neighborhood notebook

By Cristof Traudes, Jake Weyer & Dylan Thomas

ARMATAGE

NEW SIGNS: The Armatage Neighborhood Association at their May 20 meeting voted to pay about $1,100 to order 30 new signs to be placed around the neighborhood.

The signs will feature the neighborhood’s new logo and are meant to identify the area. Several board members said they would like to list the neighborhood’s website.

June 2, 2008
Full Article

Read more stories about: Tangletown neighborhood, Stevens Square neighborhood, Lyndale neighborhood, Kingfield neighborhood, Fulton neighborhood, East Harriet neighborhood, Whittier neighborhood

MPD hires new 5th Precinct crime prevention specialist

By Jake Weyer

The Minneapolis Police Department has hired Kingfield resident Sarah Mahmud as a crime prevention specialist for the 5th Precinct's first sector, which includes the Cedar Isles Dean, Kenwood, Lowry Hill, Lowry Hill East, East Isles, Whittier, Steven's Square and Loring Heights neighborhoods.

Mahmud started Sept. 18, replacing Jennifer Waisanen, who now works in North Minneapolis.

Civilian crime prevention specialists work with neighborhoods to inform them of crime trends, reduce fear of crime, enhance community cooperation with police and improve the quality of life in Minneapolis.

Mahmud said she is looking forward to being a resource for the third sector community of the 5th Precinct.

“I want to become as involved as I possibly can,” she said.

September 25, 2006
Full Article

Read more stories about: West Calhoun neighborhood, Tangletown neighborhood, Lynnhurst neighborhood, Lyndale neighborhood, Lowry Hill Neighborhood, Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood, Linden Hills neighborhood, Kenwood neighborhood, Fulton neighborhood, Calhoun Area neighborhood, Armatage neighborhood, Whittier neighborhood

Map Quest

By Bob Gilbert

Kenny man collects 150 years worth of maps that chart the march of humanity through Southwest Minneapolis

Collecting antique maps of Minneapolis has been Bob Gosselin's hobby since 1996. The oldest of his approximately 40 maps are from 1839, and his anthology runs through the 1850s to all the way to 1997.

Individually, they are quaint documents of what Minneapolis once was. Collectively, they are mile markers tracing the history and economic development of the city -- especially of the Kenny neighborhood where Gosselin resides.

Gosselin's Sunrise Drive home was built in 1953, but the 51-year old researcher did not move in until 1986.

July 22, 2004
Full Article

Read more stories about: Lyndale neighborhood, Linden Hills neighborhood, Kenny neighborhood, Fulton neighborhood, Armatage neighborhood, Tangletown neighborhood

Neighborhood notebook

By Cristof Traudes

FULTON

ELECTIONS SOON: The Fulton Neighborhood Association will hold elections at its annual meeting, set for Sept. 10. Six current board members will be up for reelection.

Anyone interesting in joining the board should call neighborhood coordinator Tara Kumar at 922-3106 or e-mail info@fultonneighborhood.org.

FESTIVAL SOON: The Fulton Neighborhood Association is looking for more volunteers for its neighborhood festival, which will be 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Sept. 13 at Pershing Park.

Anyone interested in participating can call 922-3106 or e-mail info@fultonneighborhood.org.

August 25, 2008
Full Article

Read more stories about: West Calhoun neighborhood, Stevens Square neighborhood, Lynnhurst neighborhood, Linden Hills neighborhood, Kenny neighborhood, Fulton neighborhood, Windom neighborhood

Crime report

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 14, noon, and May 19, 6:11 a.m., 3000 block of Colfax Ave.

A 31-year-old man had his vehicle stolen from the front of his residence by an unknown suspect. The victim said that the vehicle had been locked and he still has the keys.



+ May 17, 1:40 a.m., W. 31st St. and Hennepin Ave.

An unknown suspect robbed two 28-year-old women at gunpoint.

June 2, 2008
Full Article

Read more stories about: Stevens Square neighborhood, Lynnhurst neighborhood, Lyndale neighborhood, Lowry Hill Neighborhood, Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood, Kingfield neighborhood, Kenwood neighborhood, Fulton neighborhood, Whittier neighborhood

Schools notebook

By Dylan Thomas

Teach for America considers Minneapolis

A national organization that recruits recent college graduates to teach in public schools was considering expansion to Minneapolis in October.

Teach for America selected the Twin Cities as one of five regions across the country where it may expand its program in the 2009–2010 school year. The other finalists were Dallas, Boston, Milwaukee and Nashville.

Teach for America will make its selection by about mid-November.

Spokeswoman Kerci Stroud said Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) agreed to place 10–15 members of Teach for America in its schools next fall. The organization was working on agreements with Brooklyn Park schools and Twin Cities charter schools to place up to 40 teachers, total, in the region, Stroud added.

October 20, 2008
Full Article

Read more stories about: Tangletown neighborhood, Fulton neighborhood, Windom neighborhood

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

Read more stories about: Stevens Square neighborhood, Lowry Hill Neighborhood, Linden Hills neighborhood, Kingfield neighborhood, Fulton neighborhood, East Harriet neighborhood, East Calhoun neighborhood, Bryn Mawr neighborhood, Whittier neighborhood

Art beat: One flute, many voices

By Dylan Thomas

Flutist Linda Chatterton plays from her new album ‘Diverse Voices’

FULTON — For many classical musicians who spend their childhoods and young adult years mastering an instrument, the road from a conservatory or university leads directly to a seat in a professional orchestra.

Flutist Linda Chatterton just never saw herself following that path.

“I think I always wanted to do solo work,” Chatterton said. “It was mostly just the opportunity and the feeling of being able to communicate with the audience on a more intimate level, versus in the middle of an orchestra.”

A two-time McKnight Foundation fellowship recipient, Chatterton tours as a solo recitalist and has performed with groups like the Minnesota Orchestra and Dale Warland Singers. Later this month, she will release her fifth album, “Diverse Voices: American Music for Flute,” in a free concert at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, just a few blocks from her Fulton neighborhood home.

All in all, it seems like the solo path was the right choice.

November 17, 2008
Full Article

Read more stories about: Fulton neighborhood

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.

December 29, 2008
Full Article

Read more stories about: West Calhoun neighborhood, Tangletown neighborhood, Stevens Square neighborhood, Lyndale neighborhood, Linden Hills neighborhood, Kingfield neighborhood, Fulton neighborhood, Calhoun Area neighborhood, Armatage neighborhood, Whittier neighborhood

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

Read more stories about: West Calhoun neighborhood, Tangletown neighborhood, Stevens Square neighborhood, Lynnhurst neighborhood, Lyndale neighborhood, Lowry Hill Neighborhood, Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood, Linden Hills neighborhood, Kingfield neighborhood, Kenwood neighborhood, Kenny neighborhood, Fulton neighborhood, East Isles neighborhood, East Harriet neighborhood, East Calhoun neighborhood, Cedar-Isles-Dean neighborhood, Calhoun Square Redevelopment, Calhoun Area neighborhood, Bryn Mawr neighborhood, Armatage neighborhood, Whittier neighborhood

Neighborhood notebook

By Dylan Thomas, Sarah Phemister, Sarah McKenzie and Jake Weyer

BRYN MAWR

CAPITAL PROJECT: Choosing from among the suggestions of neighborhood residents, the Bryn Mawr Neighborhood Association (BMNA) selected an annual capital project that this year will focus on beautifying its small business district.

Known by neighborhood residents as Bryn Mawr's downtown, the area around the intersection of Penn Avenue South and Cedar Lake Road is the potential site of a new mural depicting the neighborhood's history. The BMNA board of directors also discussed plans to install street banners in the downtown area.

January 26, 2009
Full Article

Read more stories about: Calhoun Area neighborhood, Fulton neighborhood, Linden Hills neighborhood, Lowry Hill Neighborhood, Stevens Square neighborhood

Crime reports

By Moira Kenny

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

+ Jan. 23, 11 p.m., Dupont Avenue South and Lake Street West

Anti-lesbian slurs were used during an assault on a 32-year-old woman. The victim told police she was a lesbian and believed she was attacked for this reason. She suffered a head injury and was taken to Hennepin County Medical Center.

February 9, 2009
Full Article

Read more stories about: Calhoun Area neighborhood, East Isles neighborhood, Fulton neighborhood, Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood, Stevens Square neighborhood, Tangletown neighborhood, Whittier neighborhood, Windom 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

Read more stories about: Windom neighborhood, Stevens Square neighborhood, Lynnhurst neighborhood, Lyndale neighborhood, Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood, Linden Hills neighborhood, Kingfield neighborhood, Fulton neighborhood, East Calhoun neighborhood, Calhoun Area neighborhood

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

Read more stories about: Armatage neighborhood, Bryn Mawr neighborhood, Cedar-Isles-Dean neighborhood, East Calhoun neighborhood, East Harriet neighborhood, East Isles neighborhood, Fulton neighborhood, Kenny neighborhood, Kenwood neighborhood, Kingfield neighborhood, Lyndale neighborhood, Lynnhurst neighborhood, Tangletown neighborhood, Whittier neighborhood, Windom neighborhood