Transportation notebook

By Mary O'Regan

A facelift for Uptown

Residents of East Isles, Lowry Hill East, East Calhoun and CARAG are another step closer to a revitalized community. After 18 months of meetings and analysis, planning consultant the Cunningham Group has prepared a draft of the Uptown Small Area Plan, which addresses parking, building heights, sidewalks and green space, among other issues.

Neighbors have expressed interest in increasing jobs, transit, arts, parking and density, but they don’t want the area to become packed with skyscrapers and pollution.

“Uptown will not be Downtown,” said Council Member Ralph Remington, who sits on the project’s steering committee, at a Sept. 19 presentation about the plan.

October 8, 2007
Full Article

Read more stories about: Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood, East Isles neighborhood, East Harriet neighborhood, Calhoun Area neighborhood, Lowry Hill Neighborhood

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
Full Article

Read more stories about: Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood, East Isles neighborhood, East Calhoun neighborhood, Calhoun Area neighborhood, Lowry Hill Neighborhood

Neighborhood notebook

By Cristof Traudes & Dylan Thomas

ARMATAGE

BULBS GALORE: In preparation for the annual neighborhood festival and this year’s drive to sign up people for the Minnesota Energy Challenge, neighborhood coordinator Jennifer Swanson contacted Xcel Energy to see if she could get a light-bulb donation.

She was successful, receiving more than 300 bulbs a week after making
her request. The donation amounted to more than $700.

June 30, 2008
Full Article

Read more stories about: Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood, Armatage neighborhood, Tangletown neighborhood

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
Full Article

Read more stories about: Lyndale neighborhood, Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood, Kenwood neighborhood, East Isles neighborhood, East Calhoun neighborhood, Calhoun Area neighborhood, Whittier neighborhood

City council actions

By Steve Pease

New pet policies

Council members adopted several changes to the city’s pet policy May 2.

City Council Member Gary Schiff (9th Ward) called the reform “significant.”

May 19, 2008
Full Article

Read more stories about: Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood, Republican National Convention

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
Full Article

Read more stories about: Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood, East Isles neighborhood, East Calhoun neighborhood, Calhoun Area neighborhood, Lyndale neighborhood

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
Full Article

Read more stories about: Lyndale neighborhood, Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood, East Isles neighborhood, East Calhoun neighborhood, Calhoun Area neighborhood, Whittier neighborhood

Police send graffiti upsurge alert

By Robyn Repya

Spurred by increasing graffiti complaints in the last two months, Southwest Crime-Prevention Specialist Jennifer Waisanen sent an alert reminding the community that the city doesn't enforce graffiti removal until April because of the cold weather -- meaning there is no inspections enforcement done until then.

However, Waisanen said that graffiti applied in the cold usually doesn't get enough time to set, so it could be scrubbed-off. She said several neighborhood organizations have volunteers and graffiti-removal products available.

Waisanen covers the 5th Police Precinct's Sector 1, which includes Cedar-Isles-Dean, Kenwood, East Isles, Lowry Hill, Lowry Hill East, Stevens Square-Loring Heights and Whittier.

 

February 5, 2004
Full Article

Read more stories about: Stevens Square neighborhood, Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood, Kenwood neighborhood, East Isles neighborhood, Cedar-Isles-Dean neighborhood, Whittier neighborhood

Midtown Greenway continues progress

By Robyn Repya

The Midtown Greenway, the bike-pedestrian trail that runs parallel to West 29th Street through the CIDNA, East Isles, Lowry Hill East and Whittier neighborhoods, continues to add amenities. Here's a progress report:

West trail connection

Hennepin County Commissioner Peter McLaughlin said contractors have their permit to proceed with construction on the "gap" at the west end of the Greenway spanning St. Louis Park and Minneapolis. The so-called "beltline trail" is four-tenths of a mile that is the "missing link" to hitch the Midtown Greenway to the Hennepin County bike trails taking cyclists as far west as the city of Victoria. "It's the most significant gap in the Hennepin County trails," McLaughlin said.

Const

September 23, 2002
Full Article

Read more stories about: Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood, Cedar-Isles-Dean neighborhood, Whittier 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

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

Neighborhood notebook

By Sarah McKenzie, Jake Weyer and Dylan Thomas

CARAG

Plant swap: The Calhoun Area Residents Action Group (CARAG) Plant Swap is set for April 26 at 9:30 a.m. at Urban Earth Cooperative, 910 W. 36th St. The event provides an opportunity to for area green thumbs to trade plants and gardening knowledge.

Crime walk: The CARAG Stroll Patrol is teaming up with the Lyndale Walkers for a spring kickoff walk April 27. The details were not finalized at press time. For more information contact CARAG at 823-2520 or the Lyndale Neighborhood Association at 824-9402.

April 7, 2008
Full Article

Read more stories about: Lyndale neighborhood, Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood, Linden Hills neighborhood, Kenny neighborhood, Calhoun Area neighborhood, Whittier 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

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

Crime reports

By Lila Bolke

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. This rundown of police reports is from July 24–30.

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
Full Article

Read more stories about: Lynnhurst neighborhood, Lyndale neighborhood, Lowry Hill Neighborhood, Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood, Kingfield neighborhood, Kenwood neighborhood, Kenny neighborhood, East Calhoun neighborhood, Armatage neighborhood, Whittier neighborhood

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
Full Article

Read more stories about: West Calhoun neighborhood, Tangletown neighborhood, Stevens Square neighborhood, Lynnhurst neighborhood, Lyndale neighborhood, Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood, Kenwood neighborhood, East Isles neighborhood, East Calhoun neighborhood, Cedar-Isles-Dean neighborhood, Bryn Mawr neighborhood, Armatage neighborhood, Whittier neighborhood

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
Full Article

Read more stories about: Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood, Kenwood neighborhood, East Calhoun 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.

May 19, 2008
Full Article

Read more stories about: Lyndale neighborhood, Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood, Linden Hills neighborhood, Kingfield neighborhood, East Isles 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.


Armatage

+ Nov. 30, 2:27 p.m., W. 60th St. and Xerxes Ave.

Two unknown suspects assaulted a 20-year-old man and a second person. The two suspects assaulted the victims with an aluminum bat while two other suspects sat in a vehicle watching. All suspects fled the scene in the vehicle. Both victims received medical attention at the scene and were released.

December 31, 2007
Full Article

Read more stories about: Stevens Square neighborhood, Lyndale neighborhood, Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood, Kingfield neighborhood, East Isles neighborhood, Armatage neighborhood, Whittier neighborhood

Police and city team up for graffiti sweep

By Jake Weyer

 

Police walked the Wedge neighborhood to raise awareness about city's efforts to crack down on taggers

WEDGE - Minneapolis police officers combed six blocks in the heart of the neighborhood March 20, spreading the word to residents about the city's graffiti-abatement efforts and offering free cleanup for the day.

Employees from the city's Solid Waste and Recycling Services scoured the area's fences, trash cans, light posts and buildings for graffiti, scrubbing anything they found and blasting it away with jets of hot water.

“I hope we can get the residents doing this,” said Solid Waste employee Darryl Maxwell, who had just finished spraying off graffiti “tags” on an alley fence in Lowry Hill East.

April 9, 2007
Full Article

Read more stories about: Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood, Kingfield 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
+ Nov. 2, 10:35 p.m., W. 31st St. and Bryant Ave.
A 48-year-old man attempted to tackle a 22-year-old woman in an effort to steal her purse. A brief struggled ensued until two witnesses intervened and restrained the suspect until police arrived. The suspect was arrested and transported to Hennepin County Jail.

Between Nov. 2, 3 p.m., and Nov. 5, 3 p.m., 3100 block of Fremont Ave.
A 31-year-old man left his vehicle parked on the street in front of his apartment.

December 3, 2007
Full Article

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

Neighborhood notebook

By Mary O'Regan, Dylan Thomas and Jake Weyer

ARMATAGE

MASSAGE ROOM: On Aug. 29 police arrested a 23-year-old woman and a 53-year-old man for loitering with intent to commit prostitution at the Massage Room at 5410 Penn Ave. According to Crime Prevention Specialist Chelsea Adams, police have requested that the business close. The Armatage Neighborhood Association (ANA) plans to send a letter to the parlor expressing their concern about any illegal activities.

October 8, 2007
Full Article

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

Police Reports

By Southwest Journal Staff Repoters

CARAG

Feb. 12, 8 p.m., 3000 block of Lyndale Ave. S. A victim left his black 1995 Chevy Blazer running in a parking lot while he ran into a business. He returned to find the car stolen.

Feb. 23. 12:20 a.m., Figlios, 3000 block of Hennepin Ave. S. Officers cited and released a suspect for theft after he left the restaurant, failing to pay his tab for seven shots of Absolut vodka and a pack of cigarettes. When questioned, the suspect said he had no intention or means of paying. A Calhoun Square security guard stopped the suspect and performed a citizen's arrest, holding him until officers responded to the scene. The individual was also issued "No Trespassing" papers for Calhoun Square.

March 4, 2004
Full Article

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

Government

By Scott Russell & Michael Metzger

Various government-related stories

Bottom of the Ballot group explores caucuses

As Minnesota's March 2 caucuses draw closer, some are busily preparing to watch TV, read books and talk on the phone that night instead. The folks at Getting to the Bottom of the Ballot hope to change all that by hosting a nonpartisan discussion of how to get involved in party politics on Tuesday, Feb. 17 at Southwest High School, 3414 W. 47th St., at 7 p.m.

The Republican Party will be represented by John Halvorson, the DFL by David Weinlick, the Green Party by William G. Kingsbury and the Independence Party by Jim Moore.

February 5, 2004
Full Article

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

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

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

Crime reports

By Christopher Griesling

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. 26, 5:49 p.m., W. Lake St. and Girard Ave.
Police officers stopped a vehicle for having illegally tinted windows. The officers found that the passengers, two 26-year-old men, had warrants out for their arrest. The passenger allegedly had an unidentified narcotic in his possession. Hennepin County Jail refused to book the suspect due to an unknown medical reason and he needed to be transported to Hennepin County Medical Center.

March 24, 2008
Full Article

Read more stories about: Whittier neighborhood, Tangletown neighborhood, Stevens Square neighborhood, Lynnhurst neighborhood, Lyndale neighborhood, Lowry Hill Neighborhood, Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood, Linden Hills neighborhood, Kingfield neighborhood, Kenny neighborhood, East Isles neighborhood, East Harriet neighborhood, Calhoun Area neighborhood, Windom 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
Between Aug. 24, 11 p.m., and Aug. 25, 8 a.m., 6000 block of Sheridan Ave.
A 58-year-old woman parked her vehicle in the driveway of her residence overnight. The next morning she discovered that an unknown suspect(s) had stolen the vehicle. The victim also found her garage door open but is unaware if any items are missing.

September 24, 2007
Full Article

Read more stories about: West Calhoun neighborhood, Stevens Square neighborhood, Lyndale neighborhood, Lowry Hill Neighborhood, Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood, Kenny neighborhood, East Isles neighborhood, Calhoun Area neighborhood, Armatage 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

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

Read more stories about: West Calhoun neighborhood, Tangletown neighborhood, Lynnhurst neighborhood, Lyndale neighborhood, Lowry Hill Neighborhood, Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood, Kenny neighborhood, East Isles neighborhood, East Calhoun neighborhood, Cedar-Isles-Dean neighborhood, Calhoun Area neighborhood, Whittier neighborhood

City helps fund efforts to fight graffiti in Uptown, Lyndale

By Jake Weyer

Uptown Association and Lyndale Neighborhood Association each receive $10,000 grant

Curb appeal has nothing to do with the color scheme of TNT’s Barbershop at 38th Street and Nicollet Avenue South. 

Owner and operator Tarik Propes is blunt about his distaste for the colors, but said they’re good for one thing — covering up graffiti tags.  

“If you look at my building, it’s got these real ugly chocolate brown colors for that reason in particular, so that I can just run right over it each time they do it,” he said. “But they do it pretty regularly.”

June 2, 2008
Full Article

Read more stories about: Lyndale neighborhood, Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood, Kingfield neighborhood, Whittier 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

Planning Commission approves new Mozaic plans

By Jake Weyer

The Minneapolis Planning Commission in late April approved revised plans for Mozaic, a large mixed-use development planned for Lagoon and Emerson avenues.

The $75 million project, spearheaded by local development firm The Ackerberg Group, has changed substantially since initial concepts were dreamt up in November 2004. Past iterations have included condos, a new Lagoon Theatre, a hotel and various arrangements of office, commercial and public plaza space.

As approved in April, Mozaic plans call for 158 rental units, 66,000 square feet of office space, 37,000 square feet of commercial, retail and restaurant space and 695 parking spaces.

May 19, 2008
Full Article

Read more stories about: Calhoun Area neighborhood, Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) 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.

East Isles

April 18, 12:01–8 a.m., 1000 block of W. Franklin Ave.

Unknown suspect(s) burglarized the apartment of a 25-year-old woman and a 20-year-old woman. No forced entry was found, but multiple items were missing from inside the residence. Some of the victims’ property was later recovered by another person and inventoried, along with pictures of the crime scene.

May 5, 2008
Full Article

Read more stories about: West Calhoun neighborhood, Tangletown neighborhood, Stevens Square neighborhood, Lyndale neighborhood, Lowry Hill Neighborhood, Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood, Linden Hills neighborhood, Kingfield neighborhood, Kenwood neighborhood, East Isles 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
+ March 24, 9 p.m., W. 33rd St. and Harriet Ave.
Three suspects robbed and assaulted a 37-year-old man as he was walking home. The three suspects approached the victim and one of the suspects hit the victim in the head with an object. The suspects then fled the scene with several of the victim’s items. The victim needed to be treated and transported by ambulance to the hospital for a large contusion above his left eye sustained during the assault.

April 7, 2008
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Read more stories about: Stevens Square neighborhood, Lynnhurst neighborhood, Lyndale neighborhood, Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood, Kingfield neighborhood, East Harriet neighborhood, Calhoun Area neighborhood, Whittier neighborhood

An uncommon cafe

By Jake Weyer

Click here to view the interview with Danny Schwartzman talking about his Common Roots Cafe.

 

LOWRY HILL EAST — Danny Schwartzman was no business veteran. He wasn't a pro in the kitchen, either.

But those details didn't stop him from running with an idea to open his own bagel shop, an idea he made reality last July when he opened Common Roots Cafe at 2558 Lyndale Ave. S.

"I was really experienced at eating bagels, not so experienced in baking them …" said Schwartzman, whose background was in community organizing. "I real

December 3, 2007
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Neighborhood notebook

By Mary O'Regan, Dylan Thomas, Jake Weyer

ARMATAGE

VOTE ON BYLAWS: Armatage residents are invited to attend the Nov. 20 neighborhood association meeting to vote on changes made to the association's bylaws. The amendments include extending term lengths for board members from one to two years, allowing board members to take actions without a meeting, and requiring each board member to serve on a standing committee and help with the annual festival.

November 5, 2007
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Read more stories about: Lyndale neighborhood, Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood, Armatage 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.

CARAG
Sept. 20, 5 a.m.–11:50 p.m.,
3200 block of Bryant Ave.
A 25-year-old man left his apartment in a hurry and forgot to lock the back door. When he returned home, he discovered an unknown suspect had entered his residence and stolen CDs and DVDs. Officers responding to the burglary were unable to locate any evidence left at the scene.

October 22, 2007
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Read more stories about: Whittier neighborhood, West Calhoun neighborhood, Stevens Square neighborhood, Lyndale neighborhood, Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood, Kingfield neighborhood, East Isles neighborhood, Cedar-Isles-Dean neighborhood, Calhoun Area neighborhood, Windom 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.

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
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Read more stories about: West Calhoun neighborhood, Lynnhurst neighborhood, Lyndale neighborhood, Lowry Hill Neighborhood, Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood, Kingfield neighborhood, East Harriet neighborhood, East Calhoun neighborhood, Whittier neighborhood

Police seek impact statements for upcoming trials

UPDATED October 17, 2007, 12:50pm

By Jake Weyer

The Minneapolis Police Department’s 5th Precinct is requesting community impact statements from residents affected by three recent Southwest crimes for use in upcoming court trials.

- On Oct. 10, police arrested Lowry Hill East resident John Perkins, 45, after finding a large marijuana-growing operation at his residence, the top floor of a duplex on the 2600 block of Aldrich Ave.

Officers went to the duplex around 10:40 p.m. after a 911 caller reported strange odors coming from the property and suspected a meth lab. Police obtained a search warrant after smelling the odor and a strong marijuana scent. Roughly 8.5 lbs of marijuana was recovered, but no meth chemicals or evidence of a lab were found, said 5th Precinct Crime Prevention Specialist Sarah Mahmud.

October 8, 2007
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Block parties will challenge neighbors to reduce energy use

By Alison Fiebig

A series of block parties this fall will focus not only on getting to know your neighbors, but getting to know how much energy they use.

The goal of the Energy Challenge block parties is to get neighbors together to share ideas about ways to save energy and the environment. The parties will encourage neighborhoods to track their yearly energy use and pledge to take certain actions to reduce that use. The block club with the highest number of participating households will be personally recognized with a visit by Mayor R.T. Rybak and be featured on the WCCO evening news.

September 24, 2007
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Read more stories about: Tangletown neighborhood, Lynnhurst neighborhood, Lowry Hill Neighborhood, Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood, Linden Hills neighborhood, Kenny neighborhood, Calhoun Area neighborhood, Whittier 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
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Read more stories about: Linden Hills neighborhood, Fulton neighborhood, Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood

Sleepless near SuperAmerica

By Dylan Thomas

It’s not easy living next to a busy gas station.

Neighbors of the SuperAmerica at 2200 Lyndale Ave. S. know this. For years, they worked with station managers to cut down on panhandling, crime and litter near the 24-hour station.

Noise, in particular, frustrated neighbors, who complained of customers shouting, slamming car doors and blasting car stereos at all hours of the day and night.

“There’s constant noise problems,” said neighbor Steve Benson. “It’s like living next to a party house.”

August 13, 2007
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Read more stories about: Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood

A new vision for Lyn-Lake

By Jake Weyer

With work on his Aldrich Avenue apartment project scheduled to begin this month, developer Arnie Gregory shares his plan for connecting Lyn-Lake and Uptown

THE WEDGE - An apartment building, a duplex, a single-family home, an abandoned gas station and a former school building along the 2900 block of Aldrich Ave. are scheduled to topple this month to make way for developer Arnie Gregory's $50 million apartment complex.

 

April 9, 2007
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Seizing center stage

By Jake Weyer

A profile of Ralph Remington: actor, activist, politician

He wears a big grin, carries plenty of quick quips and has a contagious, bellowing laugh.

But behind Ralph Remington's jovial personality is an earnest desire to make a difference. It's a yearning for change he developed as a child and carried throughout his life as an outspoken activist, actor, theater director and politician.

The rookie 10th Ward Minneapolis City Council member's colorful past comes full circle at City Hall, where he brazenly speaks his mind and stands firm in the face of opposition, even if his vote stands alone. In his words, “I don't scare easy.”

 

March 12, 2007
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Keeping it light

By Jake Weyer

Tuthill's Balloon Emporium on Hennepin adapts to helium shortage

The scissors in Meg Tuthill's mouth barely muffled her voice as she recommended balloon colors to a customer from behind the counter.

It was a busy Friday at Tuthill's Balloon Emporium at 2455 Hennepin Ave. S., and Meg didn't have time to put down the balloons, scissors and ribbon she was juggling next to the helium tank. She and husband Dennis Tuthill, daughter Carmen Tuthill and employee Anne Pelton were filling, tying, bundling and wrapping about 1,200 balloons for the Minneapolis Public Schools Information Fair at the Downtown Radisson Hotel. Balloons floated so thick in the cozy little shop that walking through it became a challenge.

 

December 4, 2006
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New apartments proposed for Lowry Hill East

By Anna Pratt

The 241-unit complex would be split between two buildings

Lowry Hill East Neighborhood Association (LHENA) passed a motion to approve a proposal for a six-story apartment complex at 2900-2936 Aldrich Ave. S. at its Oct. 18 Board meeting.

LHENA rejected an earlier version of the development proposed by Greco Real Estate Development that called for a 10-story building. The neighborhood group raised concerns about the project's height and density, said Caroline Griepentrog, LHENA coordinator.

The board agreed to send a letter supporting the project to the City Council.

 

November 20, 2006
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Sharing the road

By Jake Weyer

New pavement markings on Bryant Avenue meant to increase public awareness of road's use as a bikeway could help change national traffic control codes

A strategy to get Bryant Avenue recognized as a shared road and bikeway could have a national impact.

Thanks to a push from the Calhoun Area Residents Action Group (CARAG), Minneapolis recently joined the ranks of a handful of cities testing experimental shared-roadway markings that could be considered for federal approval. CARAG used Neighborhood Revitalization Program (NRP) money to fund pavement markings incorporating a cyclist rendering and arrows pointed in the direction of traffic in each lane along every block of Bryant Avenue from the Midtown Greenway to 40th Street.

 

November 6, 2006
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Read more stories about: Calhoun Area neighborhood, Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood

Uptown's Mozaic project will feature luxury hotel

By Jake Weyer

Development will feature fewer condos

Uptown will have a 138-room, seven-story luxury hotel by the spring of 2009.

Graves Hotels Resorts has partnered with The Ackerberg Group and CAG Development to turn the eastern half of Mozaic, a large, modern, mixed-use development planned for the Lagoon Theater site along Lagoon and Fremont Avenues, into what could be the area's first hotel. Work on the $150 million project is scheduled to begin around February of this year and wrap up by the spring of 2009.

Mozaic was originally planned to feature 135 condominiums. The hotel introduction reduced that number to 68. Square footage of the entire project has been reduced about 40,000 square feet, but the building footprint will be the same.

CAG Development

October 23, 2006
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Read more stories about: Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood

New late-night restaurant slated for West Lake Street

By Jake Weyer

Afterbar draws criticism from neighborhood leaders

A high-end, late-night, “Miami Vice”-themed restaurant being built at 913 W. Lake St. has drawn opposition from two local neighborhood groups.

The Calhoun Area Residents Action Group (CARAG) and Lowry Hill East Neighborhood Association (LHENA) each approved a resolution recommending the City Council deny the liquor license requested for Afterbar Restaurant, at which owner Robert Serr wants to serve alcohol until 2 a.m. and close at 4 a.m.

The approved resolution, which CARAG drafted, recommends an 11 p.m. cutoff for alcohol Monday-Friday and a midnight last call on Fridays and Saturdays.

September 11, 2006
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Read more stories about: Calhoun Area neighborhood, Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood

Bike bridge: benefit or boondoggle?

By Jeremy Stratton

Despite Lyndale overpass, many bikers keep to the streets

For bicyclists traveling between Loring Park and the Wedge neighborhood, the five-block stretch between Franklin Avenue South and East 15th Street has long been a necessary evil.

The city hopes to make the trip easier with a two-phased project.

A newly constructed red brick bike bridge already offers bikers an alternative to the traffic between Franklin Avenue and I-94, a wider pedestrian and bike path is being laid down. Once completed, the path should make the descent into the park more pleasant.

While many are looking forward to the improved path, more bikers are sticking to the streets, instead of using the $1.6 million bridge.

June 19, 2006
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Neighborhood groups voice opposition to Lyndale turn lane

By Jake Weyer

Three neighborhood groups have passed resolutions opposing Hennepin County's plan to incorporate a 200-foot left turn lane on each side of Lyndale Avenue where it crosses Lake Street.

The lane is part of the Lake Street reconstruction project, which includes a section of Lyndale Avenue between 29th and 31st Street. Reconstruction of the area is scheduled to begin in the spring of 2007.

CARAG, Lowry Hill East and Lyndale each approved resolutions to send their concerns about the project to county and city representatives. Lyndale has not followed through with its resolution because of communication and meeting attendance issues, said Holly Reckel, the group's president.

 

June 19, 2006
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Read more stories about: Calhoun Area neighborhood, Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood

Crime alert issued for Wedge

By Robyn Repya

Crime-Prevention Specialist Jennifer Waisanen issued a crime alert for the Lowry Hill East (Wedge) neighborhood following two similar burglaries in mid-November. The burglaries occurred on the 1900 block of Bryant Avenue South at approximately 12:45 a.m. and on the 1900 block Aldrich Avenue South at approximately 7 p.m.

The suspect is described in the alert as a black man 30 to 35 years old and between 5-foot-6 inches and 6 feet tall. The report states the alleged suspect wore a green knit cap and carried a crowbar.

In the alert, Waisanen urges residents to call 911 if they see the suspect or to report any suspicious behavior. Other tips include:

December 12, 2005
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Wedge neighborhood battles graffiti

By Robyn Repya

Residents in the Wedge neighborhood have been struggling with a graffiti problem, according to Caroline Griepentrog, a Lowry Hill East Neighborhood Association staffer.

At a Nov. 16 meeting, she said recent incidents of suspected gang graffiti have caused concern, spurring discussions about how to fight the problem.

She said the board is considering organizing a graffiti cleanup program in which property owners would sign a waiver, allowing community service providers to clean up graffiti. The idea is still in its formative stages.

For more information, interested residents and property owners should contact LHENA at 377-5023.

December 12, 2005
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Council approves St. Sabrina's rezone

By Robyn Repya

The City Council Nov. 4 approved the rezoning of the 2645 Hennepin Ave. S. commercial building. The owner of St. Sabrina's Parlor in Purgatory, 2751 Hennepin Ave. S. plans to renovate and move the popular tattoo, piercing and retail shop a block north.

The building was zoned C1, but St. Sabrina's had to have C2 zoning to allow for its tattoo and piercing services.

St. Sabrina's owner Leslie Bok approached the Lowry Hill East (Wedge) Neighborhood Association (LHENA) in May after signing a purchase agreement for the new building. LHENA board voted to support the upzoning.

 

November 28, 2005
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Wedge bike bridge opens

By Jeremy Stratton

Southwest bicyclists may have an easier time getting to and from downtown now that the Loring Bike Bridge has opened - and a future project may extend improvements to Loring Park.

The bridge sweeps over Lyndale Avenue just south of the I-94 entrance ramp. It connects the Loring Park path to Bryant Avenue in the Wedge neighborhood.

The bridge is designed to help riders get over the car-heavy maw where Hennepin and Lyndale avenues meet. Instead of having to cross Lyndale at street level, riders can use the bridge to go over it.

 

September 5, 2005
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Read more stories about: Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood

In the 13th Ward, a hard-fought primary

By Scott Russell

Three candidates, experienced in the halls of government, vie for two general election spots

Former Councilmember Lisa McDonald, small business consultant Mike Hohmann and neighborhood activist Betsy Hodges are in a three-way tussle for the open 13th Ward City Council seat.

The Sept. 13 primary will narrow the field to two.

For more than a decade, Ward 13 has elected independents to City Hall. Steve Minn represented the ward from 1994 to 1999, and Barret Lane has represented it since then.

 

August 22, 2005
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Wedge board backs 'The Edge' condos

By Dani Litt

The Lowry Hill East (Wedge) Neighborhood Association voted to recommend city approval of a five-story condo development at the southwest corner of Lagoon & Emerson avenues.

The developers of "The Edge" include Financial Freedom Realty and the Ackerberg Group, the same duo spearheading the condo/office redevelopment of the nearby Lagoon Theater parking lot, 1320 Lagoon.

The Edge's first level will feature 12,500 square feet of office/commercial space, with 42 condos on the four upper floors. Units will range in size from 640 square feet to 1360 square feet, with inset balconies. There will be 43 underground parking spaces for residents but none for visitors. Units in the building will range between $170,000 and $400,000.

 

July 25, 2005
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Lagoon development a no go

By Robyn Repya

Council group spikes Uptown condo/retail plan

The City Council's Zoning and Planning Committee rejected the controversial Lagoon redevelopment project on June 23. This vote comes one month after the city's Planning Commission voted to approve zoning changes to allow a 13-story condo tower with a five-story office building and other facets. Neighborhood opponents appealed the decision, leading to the June 23 vote.

Councilmembers said the project has many attractive aspects but that the condo building was too tall for an area surrounded by four- and six-story buildings.

 

July 11, 2005
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Read more stories about: East Isles neighborhood, Calhoun Area neighborhood, Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood

Wedge neighborhood board backs St. Sabrina's Hennepin move

By Robyn Repya

St. Sabrina's Parlor in Purgatory, 2751 Hennepin Ave. S., might be headed a bit north, if all goes as planned. Leslie Bok, owner of the popular tattoo and piercing shop, has signed a purchase agreement for the building at 2645 Hennepin Ave., which would be renovated as St. Sabrina's new home.

The Lowry Hill East (Wedge) Neighborhood Association (LHENA) voted in May to recommend the city approve a necessary upzoning for the 2645 Hennepin location.

The site is now zoned C1, but St. Sabrina's needs a C2 - a designation that also allows a money exchange, tobacco sales and a liquor store - which had some residents concerned.

 

June 13, 2005
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Developer presents Urban Village's final phase

By Robyn Repya

At the May meeting of the Lowry Hill East (Wedge) Neighborhood Association, Brighton Development Corp. unveiled plans for the land along the 2800 block of Colfax Avenue South, as part of the Urban Village project. The neighborhood board voted to support the conceptual redevelopment, which includes 60 condo units, some affordable by city standards.

The Urban Village project is a 257-unit development along the 2800 blocks of Aldrich to Dupont avenues, split into three distinct projects. Brighton's prospective development is the last.

 

June 13, 2005
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Lagoon project set for May 23 city review

By Robyn Repya

The Minneapolis Planning Commission's review of the controversial Lagoon condo/retail/office project will go forward Monday, May 23 after a month's worth of delays.

The latest holdup came after 35 residents petitioned the city to require an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) for the project, which features a 12-story, 112-unit condo building and 100,000-square-foot, five-story office complex along with entertainment and retail on a parking lot behind the Lagoon Theater, 1300 Lagoon Ave.

An EAW would delay the project the developers, Stuart Ackerberg and Clark Gassen, want to begin construction this summer.

 

May 16, 2005
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Read more stories about: East Isles neighborhood, Calhoun Area neighborhood, Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood

Uptown residents digest condo/office redevelopment

By Robyn Repya

In the past few weeks, Uptown residents have been digesting a proposed 12-story condo building and office project slated for a parking lot behind the Lagoon Theater at Lagoon & Girard avenues.

Developers Stuart Ackerberg and Clark Gassen presented their updated at the February CARAG neighborhood meeting and later at a meeting with CARAG and Wedge residents.

Resident reaction ranged from satisfaction to outrage. Some complimented the developers for a project that would provide daytime customers - the office workers - for Uptown businesses. Others threatened to sue.

 

March 7, 2005
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Read more stories about: Calhoun Area neighborhood, Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood

Urban Village adds units, but shrinks their size

By Robyn Repya

Now that the first part of the 190-unit Urban Village is nearly complete, the developer of the next part of the Wedge project has tweaked his design and layout.

Developer Ross Fefercorn will redevelop the 2800 block between Aldrich and Bryant avenues. In January, he presented plans to the Lowry Hill East Neighborhood Association to increase loft units from 58 to 71, making smaller, more affordable units. (The project also has 54 townhomes.)

He would also move the building's traffic entrance to West 28th Street instead of Aldrich Avenue. In addition, he will add one single-family or duplex unit on 28th.

The Wedge neighborhood board voted to recommend that the Planning Commission and City Council approve the changes.

 

February 7, 2005
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The biggest thing since Calhoun Square

By David Brauer and Robyn Repya

The concept: A new 12-story condo tower, five-story office complex and park plaza in Uptown

The Uptown Theater marquee may not be Uptown's most prominent symbol anymore.

If two Southwest developers' concept becomes a reality, a 12-story condo tower will rise behind the old Walker Library at Lagoon & Hennepin in what is now a big parking lot.

That's not all. There would also be a five-story 50,000-square-foot office complex, a new 12,000-square-foot green park plaza, an expanded Lagoon Theater, 27,000 square feet of retail and a three-story underground parking ramp.

The two developers are:

 

January 24, 2005
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Read more stories about: Calhoun Area neighborhood, Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood

Art condition

By Rochelle Baltzer

Not your average holiday shows

For those who need a little escape from the Bing Crosby and Julie Andrews tunes that seem to follow you wherever you go at this time of year, a little alternative holiday cheer can be found at Lowry Hill East's Bryant-Lake Bowl and Brave New Workshop.

The "Santaland Diaries" are being performed by Theatre Limina, a Twin Cities-based theatre company, at Bryant-Lake Bowl Mondays, Dec. 20 and 27 at 7:30 p.m.

The play brings to life author and radio commentator David Sedaris' book of same name, described by the New York Times as "a delightfully thorny account of working as a Yuletide elf at Macy's." Tickets are $12, and reservations are recommended.

 

December 23, 2004
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Read more stories about: Calhoun Area neighborhood, Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood

Promenade and road repair to go with Urban Village

By Robyn Repya

The first part of Urban Village, a 190-unit Wedge neighborhood development, is nearly complete after eight years. Tenants have begun moving into the Midtown Lofts, a 72-unit condo project between Bryant and Colfax avenues along the Midtown Greenway's northern edge. The two-phase project will eventually run between Aldrich and Dupont avenues.

The city is now preparing to build a Midtown Greenway promenade along the stretch next spring and summer, according to city Project Manager Mitchell Sawh.

At the November meeting of the Lowry Hill East (Wedge) Neighborhood Association, Sawh showed illustrations of the sloped ramp that will bring bikers and pedestrians to the greenway.

 

December 9, 2004
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Wedge newspaper's future reviewed

By Robyn Repya

Lowry Hill East (Wedge) Neighborhood Association board members are reassessing bankrolling the Wedge newspaper, a monthly neighborhood publication.

The paper features news, arts and entertainment information, LHENA board meeting summaries and articles submitted by City Council representatives and local business interests. However, the much-beloved paper has continuously lost money.

LHENA's Accountant Adrianne Hamilton Butler explained at the July board meeting that the paper -- which also sells ads -- has been short by nearly $400 per month or approximately $2,190.56 so far this year. That figure is expected to double by next January.

 

July 22, 2004
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Tenth Ward's Niziolek won't seek Council reelection

By Scott Russell

First-term City Councilmember Dan Niziolek (10th Ward) has announced he will not seek reelection, citing competing family and job demands.

Niziolek made the announcement early -- 16 months before the November 2005 election -- to give political novices more lead time to organize.

"I want the community to have the best representation it can," he said. "If I wait until January [to announce], it means only those people who are politically connected get to run. By announcing now, anybody who is motivated to make a difference in this neighborhood can put together a campaign and run."

 

June 24, 2004
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Wedge residents seek more 24th Street parking

By Robyn Repya

Residents of 24th Street in the Wedge neighborhood are discussing parking restrictions with the city and will approach the neighborhood group this month with more information.

That section of 24th Street runs between Hennepin and Lyndale avenues.

Steve Nelson, a Lowry Hill East Neighborhood Association (LHENA) board member, who wants more parking, said residents want more parking; drivers currently can only park on the street's south side, and not during rush hour.

Nelson said new options being discussed are:

 

- 24-hour parking on both sides of the street with rush-hour restrictions on the north side.

More information will be available at LHENA's Wednesday, July 21 meeting, when the

June 24, 2004
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Planning Commission delays Wedge rezoning decision

By Robyn Repya

The Minneapolis Planning Commission has delayed a possible vote to rezone the Lowry Hill East (Wedge) neighborhood until Monday, July 12, leaving a fight between city planners and neighborhood representatives unresolved for now.

The Lowry Hill East Neighborhood Association (LHENA) formed a rezoning task force to work with the city on the neighborhood zoning study. However, taskforce members felt the city's proposed rezoning map didn't offer enough protection for older single-family homes at risk for redevelopment, so each group created their own map.

The Planning Commission, which held a public hearing in the neighborhood June 14, was to vote on the rezoning maps but delayed the vote until July to mull over the two map options.

 

June 10, 2004
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Aggressive-solicitation ordinance passes City Council

By Robyn Repya and Sarah McKenzie

The full City Council approved a revised antibegging ordinance May 28 outlawing "aggressive solicitation" in public places.

The Minneapolis City Attorney's Office redrafted the ordinance after Hennepin County District Judge Beryl Nord ruled March 30 that it was too broad and violated First Amendment rights.

The ruling threw out a begging charge against a homeless man who was ticketed while standing near the Southwest intersection of Hennepin and Lyndale avenues, asking motorists for money.

The new ordinance defines aggressive-solicitation as a plea for money that is "disturbing and disruptive" and may include "approaching or following" pedestrians.

 

May 27, 2004
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City ups ante fighting problem properties

By Scott Russell

The City Council voted May 14 to increase the amount of money the city may spend to fix vacant, hazardous and nuisance buildings before demolition.

The city used to cap the rehabilitation investment at the cost of demolition (approximately $10,000), according to city reports. The Council increased the cap to 50 percent of the property's after-rehabilitation market value. The city recovers the rehabilitation cost by assessing the property owner.

The Council also voted to fully fund vacant and boarded building demolition if needed. It dropped a requirement that neighborhood groups contribute matching money from the Neighborhood Revitalization Program (NRP).

 

May 27, 2004
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Read more stories about: Stevens Square neighborhood, Lyndale neighborhood, Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood, Kingfield neighborhood, East Isles neighborhood, Whittier neighborhood

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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Read more stories about: Kenwood neighborhood, East Isles neighborhood, East Calhoun neighborhood, Calhoun Area neighborhood, Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood

The Wedge gets a Web site

By Robyn Repya

The Lowry Hill East Neighborhood Association, which represents the area also known as the Wedge, debuted their long-awaited Web site last month. The site can be found at www.thewedge.org.

The site lists neighborhood resources, city government links, and neighborhood board and committee information, including contact information for ongoing neighborhood projects.

 

May 13, 2004
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Wedge burglary alert issued

By Robyn Repya

SAFE team Crime-Prevention Specialist Jennifer Waisanen issued a crime alert May 6 for Lowry Hill East (Wedge) residents because of four reported area burglaries since April 9.

The alert states that in each case, unknown suspects entering on ground-floor alley-facing apartment windows. Burglars entered by cutting the screens of open windows.

Waisanen suggested a few safety tips, including reporting any suspicious activity, keeping an eye on neighborhood homes, using security alarms, and keeping windows and doors locked and closed.

 

April 29, 2004
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City Council actions

By Scott Russell

3/19/04 meeting

Absent: Don Samuels (3rd Ward) and Sandy Colvin Roy (12th Ward)

Smoke detectors: Council voted 11-0 to amend the housing maintenance code, requiring smoke detectors near all sleeping rooms and on every level of a dwelling. Smoke detectors near a kitchen must have a silencing switch.

Kenwood Tower: Council voted 11-0 to negotiate a lease agreement with T-Mobile USA for installing a cellular telephone antennae on the Kenwood Water Tower.

Boulevard: Council voted 11-0 to extend the completion date for the Boulevard Project, 5320 Lyndale Ave. S. The project needs to have building permits and start construction by April 1 and finish site plan improvements by May 1, 2005.

April 1, 2004
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Read more stories about: Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood

Wedge draft of rezoning map draws criticism

By Robyn Repya

The Lowry Hill East Neighborhood Association -- concerned that older Victorian-style homes were being torn out and replaced with high-density, rental housing -- has tried to get their neighborhood rezoned to stop the demolitions.

In 2002 the City Council enacted a development moritorium at the neighborhood's request, allowing them time to convene a taskforce to work with the city on a rezoning map. The process was being touted as a model for city rezoning.

 

April 1, 2004
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Read more stories about: Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood

City Council actions

By Scott Russell

2/13/04 meeting

Absent: Barbara Johnson (4th Ward)

Community Engagement: Council voted 8-3 to designate the Communications Department as the permanent home for the civic engagement function. Paul Zerby (2nd Ward), Robert Lilligren (8th ward) and Gary Schiff (9th Ward) voted no. Council voted 10-0 to require departments to added community engagement and communications as part of their business plans.

Richfield Road: Council voted 12-0 adopt cost estimate of $2.7 million for the reconstruction of Richfield Road on the southeast shore of Lake Calhoun and to give notice of a public hearing.

Lamb reappointed: Council voted 12-0 to reappoint Kathleen Lamb to the Minneapolis Public Library Board.

 

March 4, 2004
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Read more stories about: Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood

Wedge development appeal denied, sparking city debate dialogue

By Robyn Repya

The City Council's Zoning and Planning Committee denied the Lowry Hill East Neighborhood Association's (LHENA) appeal Feb. 5 of a clinic remodeling and expansion.

Although LHENA reached an agreement with the clinic's operators, the circumstances of the neighborhood's appeal sparked a Council discard in balancing neighborhood input and the city's process.

Representatives of the Northwestern Health Sciences, which occupies the Uptown Natural Care Center, 2201 Hennepin Ave. S., came to the LHENA board in the fall about the remodeling/expansion.

 

February 19, 2004
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Read more stories about: Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood

Crime reports

By Michelle Bruch

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.

Stevens Square

+Aug. 10, 11:58 p.m.,
1915 Clinton Ave. S.

A 28-year-old man was put in a choke hold, punched and then robbed. The victim declined medical attention.

August 25, 2008
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Read more stories about: Whittier neighborhood, Tangletown neighborhood, Stevens Square neighborhood, Lyndale neighborhood, Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood, Kingfield neighborhood, East Isles neighborhood, East Harriet neighborhood, Calhoun Area neighborhood, Windom neighborhood

A carbon-light diet

By Sarah McKenzie

Co-ops promoting month-long ‘Eat Local’ challenge

The Linden Hills and the Wedge Community co-ops in Southwest have teamed up with 70 natural foods co-ops across the country for the “Eat Local America” challenge.

The challenge started Aug. 15 and runs through Sept. 15. The Southwest co-ops are among 11 in the Twin Cities taking part in the eat local campaign.

Those interested in the challenge can sign up at a participating co-op by signing a poster pledging their intent to have at least 80 percent of their food come from local sources within the five-state area and less than eight hours away.

Elizabeth Archerd, member services manager for the Wedge, said it’s nice to see that interest in local food has been on the rise. Area co-ops, she noted, have been promoting local food for three decades.

“It’s important for our local economics that we support local producers, whether it’s a locally owned bookstore or a local grower,” she said. “... It’s part of affirming stewardship in our area, and any number of studies have shown that every dollar spent locally recycles in the community more than a dollar spent on something outside of the community.”

August 25, 2008
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Read more stories about: Linden Hills neighborhood, Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood

Neighborhood News

By Southwest Journal Staff

Nov. 1 event raises money for prison books

The Women's Prison Book Project will have their fourth annual silent auction Saturday, Nov. 1 at Intermedia Arts, 2822 Lyndale Ave. S., from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. to raise money to help women in prison get books and education.

The WPBP is an organization started nine years ago to send free books and educational resources to incarcerated women to help them connect to the outside world.

Some items up for bid include gifts, desserts, theater tickets, and gift certificates for restaurants and bodywork. Final bids will be taken by 8 p.m. For more information about the organization, see www.prisonactivist.org/wpbp. -- Robyn Repya

October 2, 2003
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Read more stories about: Bryn Mawr neighborhood, Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood

West Lake Street's building boom: putting it all together

By Robyn Repya

Driving on West Lake Street between Hennepin and Lyndale avenues, several new apartments and commercial/townhome developments cast unfamiliar shadows. A combined 360 units of new housing and a handful of new retail spaces are rising where parking lots and vacant buildings once stood.

The housing projects include two buildings by Detroit-based Village Green Company called Uptown City Apartments. One is at Fremont Avenue on the old Perkins Restaurant site and the other at Aldrich Avenue.

Just across the street from the Fremont site, developer Ross Fefercorn's RMF Entities Ltd. is building townhomes and two commercial buildings. Called Emerson Row Townhomes and Uptown Row Commercial, they sit on the site of a former police garage.

 

October 2, 2003
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Read more stories about: Calhoun Area neighborhood, Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood

Goverment Notes

By Southwest Journal Staff

Walker Library attracts developer interest

By Michael Metzger

Southwest's Walker Library could be sold and moved from its Uptown location in one scenario the Minneapolis Library Board is considering.

At its Aug. 20 meeting, the MPL board ordered the library staff to explore three plans for the Walker, including selling the 2880 Hennepin Ave. S. facility and relocating the library in Uptown, possibly in a mixed retail/housing development. A second option is to redevelop the current site, incorporating the library into a mixed-use development. A third option would keep the library where it is and make approximately $750,000 in roof repairs.

 

August 7, 2003
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Read more stories about: Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood

Michael Lander: building a new Southwest

By Robyn Repya

From firehouse renovations to million-dollar condos, the developer wins neighborhood praise despite some doubters

While many future developers seek advanced architectural degrees to sprout their careers, Michael Lander made a more unconventional entrance into the profession, dropping out of college to design, build and sell houseboats in California -- with little to no training.

"I was just building because it was cool and fun," he said.

More than 20 years later, Lander is established in Minneapolis with CARAG-based development company, The Lander Group. He has numerous high-end housing projects under his belt and more on the way.

 

August 7, 2003
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Read more stories about: East Isles neighborhood, Calhoun Area neighborhood, Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood

Schools

By Southwest Journal Staff

Windom likely to get curriculum change By Bob Gilbert On Sept. 9, a Minneapolis Public Schools' committee will propose to the School Board that Windom Open School, 5821 Wentworth Ave. S., become the district's first Spanish-English immersion school, beginning fall 2004.

Windom, a kindergarten-through-8th-grade school, currently uses an "open" curriculum. The school would switch curriculum gradually: kindergarteners and 1st graders would be taught in Spanish and English in 2004, with a new grade level added each subsequent year.

 

August 7, 2003
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Read more stories about: Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood, Whittier neighborhood

Bike-riding robbers in SW

By Robyn Repya

Minneapolis Police Sgt. Barry Nelson said there's been a string of bike-riding criminals committing robberies in and around Stevens Square, Whittier, Lowry Hill, Lowry Hill East and Kingfield neighborhoods in Southwest over the past two months.

He said a few suspects were involved in each crime; some were juveniles and some had handguns. Nelson said about 65 to 70 percent of the robberies targeted women with purses.

Nelson said that on July 15, a bike rider shot a victim at the Nicollet Car Wash on the corner of 40th Street and Nicollet Avenue in Kingfield. Nelson said the victim survived and one arrest was made.

 

June 26, 2003
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Read more stories about: Stevens Square neighborhood, Lowry Hill Neighborhood, Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood, Kingfield neighborhood, Whittier neighborhood

Uptown-Downtown bike connection moving forward

By Robyn Repya

A final design for a bike bridge linking Uptown to Downtown is coming together after federal and neighborhood authorities accepted a new design that greatly reduces lost parking in the Lowry Hill East (Wedge) neighborhood.

The 14-foot-wide walking/biking bridge connects the tip of the Wedge (where Bryant and Aldrich avenues meet just north of Franklin Avenue) to Loring Park, bridging I-94.

Heading south from Loring Park, the plan would use an existing trail on Lyndale Avenue's east side. Between I-94 on-ramps from Hennepin Avenue and Lyndale, it would switchback upward and run west, parallel to the Hennepin ramp.

June 12, 2003
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Read more stories about: Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood

Minneapolis City Council actions

By David Brauer

3/21/03 meeting

RENTER-TO-HOMEOWNER: The Council voted 9-4 to oppose a Neighborhood Revitalization Program (NRP) Policy Board plan to use $2 million of affordable-housing money for mortgage insurance for low-income homebuyers. Councilmembers Johnson, Zerby, Lilligren and Johnson Lee voted no.

BILL OF RIGHTS:On a voice vote, the Council sent a resolution criticizing the USA Patriot Act and Homeland Security Bills back to the Intergovernmental Affairs committee. The resolution would recommend city non-cooperation with federal initiatives that violate individual privacy.

April 3, 2003
Full Article

Read more stories about: Kenwood neighborhood, Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood

Wedge neighborhood sets monthly community forums

By Robyn Repya

The Lowry Hill East Neighborhood Association decided at their February meeting that a board member would be present a half hour before every monthly meeting to facilitate a community forum.

Board member Ella Ritzman said that time would give residents a chance to interact with the board and foster community input and a more social atmosphere.

LHENA's board meetings are held the third Wednesday of the month at Jefferson School, 1200 W. 26th St., 7 p.m., with the forum time beginning at 6:30 p.m. LHENA's borders are Hennepin and Lyndale avenues and Lake Street.

For more information contact the LHENA office at 377-5023.

March 6, 2003
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Read more stories about: Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood

Business Buzz

By Southwest Journal Staff

Business related issues going on in and around Southwest Minneapolis

18th and Nicollet After a year's delay, Big E's Soul Food, 1831 Nicollet Ave. S., has set a grand opening date: Saturday, Feb. 15.

The 15-seat restaurant will offer Southern cuisine with classic French cooking techniques, said chef and owner Eric Austin, who said he has cooked at places such as the Loring Caf and Cafe un deux trois.

Menu items at Big E's will range from ribs, pork chops and barbequed chicken to grits, hush puppies and dirty rice.

 

February 6, 2003
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Read more stories about: East Isles neighborhood, Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood

A stitch in time helps immigrants

By Robyn Repya

Project Regina's sewing program gives women a trade and, for some, opens a new world

On a Tuesday morning, crowded by sewing machines in a packed room on the ground floor of Uptown's Lehman Center, Project Regina student Fardowsa Nur, 27, stitched the waist on a light blue pair of pants for her alterations assignment.

Project Regina is a non-profit school for refugees, based in the Lowry Hill East (Wedge) neighborhood, specializing in teaching the sewing trade, while helping students assimilate to American life and work culture.

 

January 9, 2003
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Read more stories about: Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood

Niziolek stops all Wedge development

By Robyn Repya

Neighbors mostly thrilled by councilmember's plan; developers split. The eventual goal is to move high-density housing to the neighborhood's edges.

In late November, City Councilmember Dan Niziolek (10th Ward) put a moratorium on all development in the Wedge. Niziolek says the entire city is next.

Niziolek said the entire city must have a residential re-zoning because high housing density is concentrated where it shouldn't be -- in the center of the neighborhoods. "The concentration of higher density needs to be on the edges of neighborhoods," he said.

 

November 18, 2002
Full Article

Read more stories about: Kenwood neighborhood, Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood

Wedge lighting project advances

By Robyn Repya

The Lowry Hill East lighting project is steadily gaining necessary approvals. Beverly Warmka, city transportation engineer, said more than 65 percent of neighborhood residents signed a petition, topping the city requirement. All of the signatures have been verified.

The project will place lights on all residential streets in the Wedge between Hennepin Avenue and Lyndale Avenue, and from 28th Street north to I-94. Hennepin will not get lights because it already has them; Lyndale will not because of an ongoing street lighting upgrade. Warmka said the department estimates approximately 250 lights would be needed for the area, or about six lights per block.

November 18, 2002
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Read more stories about: Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood

Crane company move lifts Urban Village obstacle

By Robyn Repya

A stumbling block that's held up three blocks of redevelopment in Lowry Hill East (Wedge) for more than three years has finally given way.

The Minneapolis Community Development Agency signed a purchase agreement for between $90,000 and $350,000 for the Sowles Crane Co. land, 2813 Bryant Ave. S. The MCDA plans to sell the property to developers to build a 190-unit housing project called Urban Village, to be built on the north side of the Midtown Greenway between Aldrich and Dupont avenues.

Crane's search for a new site held up the project. Owner Dan Sowles said he is ready to close on an Eagan site.

 

November 4, 2002
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Read more stories about: Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood

Midtown Greenway bridges may get multi-media facelift

By Robyn Repya

Plans for bridges east of I-35W will foreshadow Southwest design possibilities

The city and county are working together to revamp and customize bridges lining the Midtown Greenway trench. The Greenway runs just north of 29th Street in Southwest. Thirty of the trench's approximately 40 bridges are being evaluated for a face-lift.

Jon Wertjes, the Midtown Greenway's transportation engineer, will manage the conceptual design project for Southwest's Greenway bridges.

"The bridges will have to be replaced according to which is worse off," he said, "We're starting with the bridges at Chicago [Avenue] in 2004 and Park [Avenue] in 2005."

 

September 9, 2002
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Read more stories about: Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood

After more changes, Lyn-Lake housing plan moves forward

By Robyn Repya

Councilmember, developer cut deal on street-level parking ramp height

The proposed Village Green housing development at Lyn-Lake hit another obstacle in the dash to break ground by Nov. 1 as the Lowry Hill East (Wedge) Neighborhood Association voted in August to oppose new raising an underground parking ramp and eliminating some architectural details.

However, Councilmember Dan Niziolek (10th Ward), who has also criticized recent alterations in the 82-unit 2935 Aldrich Ave. S. project, later struck a deal with developer David Dewey to reduce how high the ramp would rise above street level. Niziolek claimed that a higher street-level ramp would deaden pedestrian activity at the heavily traveled corner.

 

August 26, 2002
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Read more stories about: Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood

Developers fine-tune 16-unit Lowry Hill East redevelopment

By Robyn Repya

Owners of a West 24th Street and Dupont Avenue South commercial building containing a Stop and Buy market and a hair salon are fine-tuning their proposal to redevelop the Lowry Hill East property.

Their proposal has 16 residential units and 16 underground parking spaces. Co-owner John Parod said the building, built in 1902, needs to be renovated. "It's a very old building and it's really the end of its life cycle," he said.

Parod said he has made project adjustments based on neighbors' input. He said he has addressed exterior-design concerns by making sure the design fits in with the look of the neighborhood and surrounding properties.

 

June 17, 2002
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Read more stories about: Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood

Once stalled, Lyn-Lake housing project advances

By Robyn Repya

On June 27, the Minneapolis City Council agreed to sell land at 2935 Aldrich Ave. to Village Green Residential Properties. Village Green will construct a four-story, 75-rental-unit building on what is now a Lyn-Lake business district parking lot.

Village Green's owners have agreed to pay $663,000 for the Lowry Hill East lot -- about 40 percent above the area's market rate, said Gregory Finstad, the city's director of Transportation and Public Services.

Developer David Dewey said the project is unsubsidized; units will rent at market rates, and affordable housing is not part of the project.

 

June 17, 2002
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Read more stories about: Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood

Lowry Hill East's Urban Village moves ahead

By Scott Russell

The Urban Village development along the Midtown Greenway took a significant step forward with the signing of a development contract, said City Councilmember Dan Niziolek (10th Ward).

The Urban Village is a 190-unit development planned along the north side of the 29th Street Greenway between Aldrich and Dupont avenues in the Lowry Hill East neighborhood. The two blocks in Phase I involve two developers, Ross Fefercorn's Country Home Builders and the Sherman Lander Group, each with its own block.

Niziolek said Fefercorn signed a development agreement with the city, and Niziolek expected that Sherman Lander would sign soon. "One down, one to go," he said.

 

March 25, 2002
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Read more stories about: Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood

Gerold brings crime-prevention background to top cop position

By Scott Russell

In 1977, Lucy Gerold started as one of the city's first community crime-prevention specialists, working in the struggling Wedge neighborhood. On Jan. 14, she became Inspector for the Minneapolis Police Department's 5th Precinct, the commanding officer for 149 sworn officers and civilian employees and responsible for a $36.8-million budget.

She replaces Randy Johnson, who left to become the director of security for Minneapolis Public Schools.

February 11, 2002
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Read more stories about: Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) 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

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
Full Article

Read more stories about: Windom neighborhood, Armatage neighborhood, Calhoun Area neighborhood, East Calhoun neighborhood, East Isles neighborhood, Kenny neighborhood, Kingfield neighborhood, Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood, Lyndale neighborhood, Stevens Square neighborhood, West Calhoun 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.

Kingfield

+ March 26, 10:05 p.m., 3900 block of 1st Ave.

Five or six male suspects robbed a man. The suspects stole various items from the victim before fleeing the scene on foot. A 20-year-old man was arrested in connection to the robbery and booked at Hennepin County Jail.

April 21, 2008
Full Article

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

District to open first new ‘success school’

By Dylan Thomas

THE WEDGE — A Minneapolis school building on Lake Street was to sit empty this school year, but instead will house the district’s first new “success school.”

Designed to serve mainly students with a history of chronic attendance issues, the program is the first of several proposed success schools, each with a focus on students with particular educational needs. Known as SUCCESS Academy, it will be housed in the Lehmann Center, 1006 W. Lake St., the former home of several alternative high school programs that were closed or relocated at the end of last school year.

“This particular initiative is really part of the overall high school redesign,” Brenda Cassellius, assistant superintendent for secondary schools, said, referencing a broader district plan to reshape high schools and raise student performance.

Additional success schools may be introduced in coming years as the district takes greater control of programs now operated mainly by contract alternatives, community-based agencies on contract with the school district. Some have a poor track record of student academic performance and graduation rates, and all will face greater district scrutiny in coming years, Cassellius said.

Sally Reynolds, a licensed social worker and former charter school principal, will lead the new success school.

September 8, 2008
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Read more stories about: Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood

Peter and the stump: One man struggles with city’s growing stump problem
2 Comments

By Dylan Thomas

THE WEDGE — Peter Sukki Kim and the stump in front of his home are at a stalemate.

The irregular wooden disk on the boulevard is all that remains of an elm that had once towered over Colfax Avenue. It has been chiseled, hacked at, drilled into, doused with chemicals and set on fire. But it remains, its roots protecting a clump of weeds and saplings from the lawn mower.

“It’s just getting worse,” Kim said, inspecting the tangled growth.

The battle waged against the stump by Kim and his partner, Eric Meininger, even drew police and fire crews to their home earlier this summer. They are among hundreds of Minneapolis homeowners learning the time that passes between removal of a boulevard tree and removal of a stump often stretches into a frustrating, years-long wait.

September 22, 2008
Full Article

Read more stories about: Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood

Crime reports

By Michelle Bruch

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

Sept. 6; 8 p.m.–Sept. 7, 5:53 a.m.; 3400 block of Dupont Avenue South

A vehicle stolen overnight from the above location was taken to 2512 Humboldt Ave. S. and torched. The car was locked and the victim had the vehicle’s only set of keys.

Windom

+ Sept. 6, 9–10 p.m., Blaisdell Avenue & Diamond Lake Road

September 22, 2008
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Read more stories about: Whittier neighborhood, Tangletown neighborhood, Lyndale neighborhood, Lowry Hill Neighborhood, Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood, Kingfield neighborhood, East Isles neighborhood, Calhoun Area neighborhood, Armatage neighborhood, Windom neighborhood

Crime alert issued for Wedge, Whittier, Stevens Square

By Robyn Repya

Crime-Prevention Specialist Jennifer Waisanen issued a crime alert Dec. 2 for the Wedge, Whittier and Stevens Square neighborhoods due to thefts from cars.

Waisanen wrote that since Nov. 23, there have been 15 reported thefts in the area; most occurred between 5 p.m. and 11:30 p.m.

Waisanen said stolen items include purses, cell phones, computers, CDs and car stereos. She said in most thefts, the passenger window was broken and items taken were visible from outside the car. No suspect information is available.

In the alert, Waisanen suggests residents:

- Refrain from leaving valuables in their cars.

- Do not leave holiday package visible place in the car; put them in the trunk before reaching a parking spot.

 

December 23, 2004
Full Article

Read more stories about: Stevens Square neighborhood, Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood, Whittier neighborhood

Crime reports

By Michelle Bruch

Southwest Journal crime reports include major crimes in our area. We do not include common larcenies such as thefts from motor vehicles and crimes against businesses. We only report suspects’ race or ethnicity when the police reports mention it. Not all suspect information is made available to the public.

In general, domestic incidents are not reported, to protect the victim. However, we include the number of domestic assaults reported during the period.

Crime reports are compiled from Minneaplis police reports and are edited for length; there may be other incidents from your neighborhood. The police do not always file reports in time for inclusion in the Journal.

For more, see  www.i.minneapolis.mn.us/police/. Crime information there may be more comprehensive but less timely.

September 8, 2008
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Read more stories about: Whittier neighborhood, Tangletown neighborhood, Stevens Square neighborhood, Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood, Calhoun Area neighborhood, Windom neighborhood

Schools notebook

By Dylan Thomas

Students receive free dictionaries

TANGLETOWN — Third-grade students at Ramsey International Fine Arts Center received free dictionaries in November courtesy of the Uptown Rotary Club.

The club has partnered with The Dictionary Project nonprofit organization since 2005 to get dictionaries in the hands of Ramsey students. This year, club members Mary Ellen Scott and Magdeline Aagard delivered dictionaries to all 99 of the school's 3rd-graders.

The Dictionary Project (www.dictionaryproject.org) and its partners donated more than 1.9 million dictionaries to schoolchildren in 2006. The project began when a Savannah, Ga., woman donated 50 dictionaries to local students in 1992 and since has expanded nationwide.

December 3, 2007
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Read more stories about: Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood, Tangletown neighborhood

Southwest LRT alignment discussions continue

By Steve Pease

About the only thing that is for sure about the proposed Southwest Light-rail Transit (LRT) line is that it is on track to connect the southern suburbs with Downtown.

Everything else has yet to be decided.

Riders and deciders are eyeing four possible routes:

• Routes 1 and 2 are essentially the same. Both would begin outside the future Target (Twins) Stadium, and then run south along the Kenilworth Bike Trail, split Southwest’s Chain of Lakes before heading to Eden Prairie, where they would end at a hub south of the city.

• Route 3 would begin at 4th Street & Hiawatha in Downtown, head south past Nicollet’s “Eat Street” restaurants, until heading west along Lake Street, through Uptown, and again, end in the burbs.

October 20, 2008
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Read more stories about: Bryn Mawr neighborhood, Cedar-Isles-Dean neighborhood, East Isles neighborhood, Kenwood neighborhood, Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood, Stevens Square neighborhood, Whittier 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.

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
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Read more stories about: Stevens Square neighborhood, Lynnhurst neighborhood, Lowry Hill Neighborhood, Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood, Kingfield neighborhood, East Calhoun neighborhood, Calhoun Area neighborhood, Armatage neighborhood, Whittier neighborhood

Brewing sake in Southwest

UPDATED October 20, 2008, 10:57am

By Dylan Thomas

New restaurant is first sake brewery and restaurant outside of Japan

THE WEDGE — The first-ever sake brewery and restaurant outside of Japan was set to open tonight in Southwest.

moto-i opens in the former Machu Picchu site, 2940 Lyndale Ave. S., just a few doors down from The Herkimer Pub & Brewery. Blake Richardson owns both micro-brewing operations.

Sake is a fermented rice beverage that is increasingly popular in the U.S. Richardson’s moto-i aims to capitalize on diners’ growing familiarity with the drink by offering three handcrafted sakes and a sparkling sake, with additional varieties to follow.

 

October 20, 2008
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Read more stories about: Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) 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.

Lyndale

Oct. 16, 2 a.m.

3400 block of Nicollet Ave. S.

An unknown suspect entered the victim’s vehicle by breaking out the right rear window, peeled back the steering column and removed the car radio.

November 3, 2008
Full Article

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

East Harriet

Feb. 15, noon–6 p.m., 3900 block of Lyndale Ave.

An unknown suspect(s) burglarized the residence of a 26-year-old man and two 25-year-old men. Officers responding to the burglary found signs the front door had been forced open. Once inside, the burglar(s) removed various items before leaving the scene.

March 10, 2008
Full Article

Read more stories about: Whittier neighborhood, Tangletown neighborhood, Stevens Square neighborhood, Lyndale neighborhood, Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood, East Harriet neighborhood, Windom neighborhood

Schools notebook

By Dylan Thomas

Windom students on TPT

WINDOM — Windom middle-grades students are featured in a segment of the public television program "Venture North" scheduled to air on Twin Cities Public Television Nov. 23.

Students from Windom Spanish Dual Immersion and Open School were filmed in May at Wood Lake Nature Center in Richfield during an outing with noted nature photographer Dudley Edmondson.

Edmondson, who lives in Duluth, said students were given digital cameras and sent into woods to capture photographs of wildlife. He remembered one girl photographed a barn swallow, a species Edmondson had not personally photographed.

"It was better than anything I've ever done," he said.

November 19, 2007
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Read more stories about: Whittier neighborhood, Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood, Windom neighborhood

A creative outlet for lives in crisis: Kulture Klub Collaborative celebrates 15 years

By Dylan Thomas

THE WEDGE — Quendy Raymond was 18 years old and two months into her senior year of high school when her mother kicked her out of their home in Columbia Heights.

Raymond was good student who held a part-time job. But at home she endured a physically and verbally abusive relationship with her mother, a single parent, she said.

“For a while, I did the traditional homeless kid’s couch-hop,” she said. “… I didn’t know who to tell, and there was just a lot of shame.”

Raymond eventually found her way to YouthLink, a drop-in center for homeless youth on the edge of Downtown, where she first learned about Kulture Klub Collaborative. Along with a few other key individuals and organizations, Kulture Klub was one of the things that got her where she is today: a Macalester College graduate leading Kaleidoscope Place, a St. Paul-based nonprofit.

This month, Kulture Klub Collaborative celebrates 15 years of connecting homeless youth with art and artists. A gallery show at Soo Visual Arts Center, 2640 Lyndale Ave. S., will include contributions from Kulture Klub artists, as well as a history of the organization since its founding in 1992.

November 17, 2008
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Read more stories about: Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) 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

Read more stories about: Whittier neighborhood, West Calhoun neighborhood, Lynnhurst neighborhood, Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood, Kingfield neighborhood, East Calhoun neighborhood, Armatage neighborhood

Neighborhood notebook

By Dylan Thomas, Sarah Phemister & Brian Voerding

BRYN MAWR

NRP ELECTORS: The Bryn Mawr Neighborhood Association (BMNA) selected an elector and elector alternate to the Neighborhood Revitalization Program (NRP) Policy Board at the Nov. 12 Board of Directors meeting.

BMNA Co-Treasurer Ron Sterbenz was elector, and the other co-treasurer, Chad Smude, was his alternate. Neighborhood electors selected the NRP Policy Board Nov. 20.

EAST ISLES

LAKE OF THE ISLES: The East Isles Residents Association (EIRA) approved a resolution to join an ad hoc committee with other neighborhoods that would advise on completion of the Lake of the Isles renovation.

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board began the project in 2000, but neighbors have been disappointed with some aspects of the renovation.

A similar resolution was passed by the Kenwood Isles Area Association in November, and will be brought to other lake-area neighborhoods.

December 1, 2008
Full Article

Read more stories about: Bryn Mawr neighborhood, East Isles neighborhood, Kingfield neighborhood, Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood, Lowry Hill Neighborhood, Stevens Square neighborhood

Art beat: Artist at play

By Dylan Thomas

Sean Tubridy shows off his toy collection

THE WEDGE — Graphic designer Sean Tubridy bought his first Polaroid instant camera about a decade ago, and using it for the first time transported him back to his childhood.

“When I first took a [Polaroid] photo as an adult and watched it develop, there was just something kind of magical about it,” Tubridy said.

Holding the photo in his hand, watching the image appear — faint and ghostlike at first, then slowly gaining life and color — he experienced a sense of wonder and excitement. Tubridy compared it to tearing the wrapping paper off a Christmas present.

That gets us to his other obsession, besides Polaroids: toys.

December 1, 2008
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Read more stories about: Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood

Crime report

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 15, 2008
Full Article

Read more stories about: Armatage neighborhood, East Isles neighborhood, Kingfield neighborhood, Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood, Stevens Square neighborhood, West Calhoun neighborhood, Whittier neighborhood

A (not so) jolly old elf

By Dylan Thomas

Playwright Joseph Scrimshaw has a busy holiday

THE WEDGE — Let's examine some of the (seemingly) benign lyrics from that holiday classic, "Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town":

"He sees you when you're sleeping; He knows when you're awake; He knows if you've been bad or good; So be good for goodness sake."

Strip away the cheerful melody and it starts to sound like a dire warning: He's watching! Be good for goodness sake!

Pity the precocious child who, while his classmates naively repeat those lines, begins to view the main character in the school pageant as a sort of holiday vigilante, a jolly judge, jury and toy distributor.

December 15, 2008
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Read more stories about: Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood

Intermedia Arts supporters turn out for town hall

By Dylan Thomas

Meeting on financial crisis packs auditorium

THE WEDGE — In 35 years as a community arts organization, Intermedia Arts has made a lot of friends.

That was apparent Dec. 19, when dozens of artists, patrons and community members packed Intermedia Arts' theater for a town hall meeting on the nonprofit's financial crisis. A financial shortfall stemming from cutbacks in foundation support led Intermedia Arts to lay off most of its staff, close its galleries and cut some programming in December.

"We need you to help us now," Jim Farstad, chairman of the organization's board of directors, told a standing room-only audience that approached 200 people.

December 29, 2008
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Read more stories about: Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood

Police Department plans to cut back on cops' overtime work

By Jake Weyer

The Minneapolis Police Department is counting on new officers to take the place of thousands of volunteer overtime hours worked fighting a crime surge throughout the city last year.

In 2006, the department spent more than $2 million on more than 66,000 hours of volunteer overtime or “buyback,” which officers work off duty. This year, the financially strapped department has just $250,000 for buyback and that money is frozen.

“Were trying to save as much money as we can,” said Assistant Chief Sharon Lubinski.

April 23, 2007
Full Article

Read more stories about: Lyndale neighborhood, Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood, Whittier neighborhood

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

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

New SAFE officer for seven Southwest neighborhoods

By Robyn Repya

Crime-Prevention Specialist Jennifer Waisanen is a new addition to the 5th Precinct's SAFE team, replacing CPS Shun Tillman, who recently transferred to another precinct. Waisanen will cover Sector 1, which includes the Kenwood, Cedar-Isles-Dean, East Isles, Lowry Hill, Lowry Hill East, Stevens Square-Loring Heights and Whittier neighborhoods.

Minneapolis Police Officer Karl Olson will remain part of the Sector 1 SAFE team.

Waisanen said she worked for SAFE for five years in Southeast Minneapolis' 3rd Precinct until last summer's budget cuts. She then worked at Minneapolis Emergency Communications Center as a 911 operator. She said she's very happy to be out in the community again.

 

February 5, 2004
Full Article

Read more stories about: Cedar-Isles-Dean neighborhood, East Isles neighborhood, Linden Hills neighborhood, Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood, Stevens Square neighborhood, Whittier neighborhood

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

Read more stories about: Whittier neighborhood, Lyndale neighborhood, Lowry Hill Neighborhood, Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood, Kingfield neighborhood, Kenwood neighborhood, East Calhoun neighborhood, Calhoun Area neighborhood, Windom neighborhood

Schools notebook

By Dylan Thomas

Yoga tested in Jefferson classrooms

THE WEDGE — Before Susan Saly’s 4th-grade class started on the state-mandated MCA-II tests in April, both students and teacher took time to relax in their Jefferson Community School classroom.

Saly was one of 25 district teachers participating in a yearlong study on the effects of yoga techniques in the classroom. Results from the Minneapolis pilot of the Yoga Calm curriculum — which began in September — should be available some time after the end of the school year, the district reported.

Saly reported improved student behavior and classroom climate.

May 5, 2008
Full Article

Read more stories about: Kenwood neighborhood, East Harriet neighborhood, Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood, Windom neighborhood

Crime reports

UPDATED January 8, 2009, 10:34am

By Jake Weyer

January 12, 2009
Full Article

Read more stories about: Lyndale neighborhood, Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood, East Isles neighborhood, East Harriet neighborhood, Calhoun Area neighborhood, Armatage neighborhood, Whittier neighborhood

Circuit benders

By Dylan Thomas

Bent Festival returns to Intermedia Arts

THE WEDGE

Bianca Pettis and Jacob Roske are circuit-bending evangelists, traveling the country to teach others how to reveal the musical potential hidden inside old consumer electronics.

“Bianca likes to say it’s the sounds the manufacturer never intended you to find,” Roske said. “But they’re in there, which is what’s so neat about it.”

April 21, 2008
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Read more stories about: Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood

Know your neighbors

By Dylan Thomas

THE WEDGE — What’s in a zip code?

In 55408, there are roughly 260 square blocks, portions of eight neighborhoods and addresses that range from the tony mansions of Lake of the Isles to the taquerias of East Lake Street.

On both sides and in between are also are many, many artists, said Bridgette Rongitsch, one of the curators of the “Minneapolis 55408” exhibition, Intermedia Arts.

“We like to call it Minneapolis’ most creative zip code,” Rongitsch said.

March 10, 2008
Full Article

Read more stories about: Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood

Intermedia Arts attempts Twister record

UPDATED January 28, 2008, 3:07pm

By Dylan Thomas

THE WEDGE — Romance, fun and a shot at the record books — the Love RoX fundraiser Saturday at Intermedia Arts promises all three.

The community arts center will attempt to set a Guinness World Record with a 6 p.m.-to-midnight Twister marathon, and anyone who buys a ticket can take a turn on the plastic mat. Start stretching now or you’ll be seeing polka dots come Sunday.

“There is no record, yet, so we’ll be the first to attempt this,” said Theresa Sweetland, artistic director at Intermedia Arts, 2822 Lyndale Avenue South.

January 28, 2008
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Read more stories about: Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood

Life as we (don't want to) know it

By Dylan Thomas

Alison Hiltner explores our inner nature

THE WEDGE — If you've wandered through the home theater section of a Best Buy anytime in the last few years, you've probably caught at least a few minutes of "Planet Earth."

The Discovery Channel show, filmed in high-definition, is the near-universal choice of electronics retailers hoping to hypnotize shoppers into dropping thousands on a new HDTV set.

December 3, 2007
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Read more stories about: Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood

Quieter nights for station neighbors

By Dylan Thomas

SuperAmerica ends use of loud security system

THE WEDGE — Neighbors of the SuperAmerica gas station at 2200 Lyndale Ave. S. won a quiet victory in November.

In March, the station installed a new, high-tech security system designed by the security firm Westec InterActive. Westec employees monitored a video feed from the station, and were able to access the SuperAmerica's intercom system to speak directly to customers.

Neighbors who were concerned about noise and crime associated with the station might have welcomed the security upgrade. But when the intercom started blaring in the wee hours of the morning, they were "blown out of bed," as neighbor Carol Wilson put it at the time.

November 19, 2007
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Read more stories about: Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood

Free ink Saturday at Highpoint

UPDATED October 29, 2007, 3:38pm

By Dylan Thomas

THE WEDGE — Highpoint Center for Printmaking celebrates Día de los Muertos, the Mexican Day of the Dead, with a free printmaking session Nov. 3.

Saturday is one of several Free Ink Day events held throughout the year at Highpoint, 2638 Lyndale Ave. S. The event is free and open to the public, but families and first-time printmakers are especially encouraged to attend.

Día de los Muertos, a holiday with its roots in native Mexican culture, is a day to honor the deceased and celebrate the belief in life after death. The holiday, meant to be joyful rather than a time of mourning, is celebrated mainly in Latin America and in the U.S. immigrant community.

October 22, 2007
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Read more stories about: Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood

Art to soothe a troubled mind

By Dylan Thomas

‘Mind Fields’ kicks off ‘Art & Healing’ program

THE WEDGE — Ever since his head injury 13 years ago on the set of a television commercial, Dean Seal has had trouble remembering things.

“They were spinning me around on a cable, and the cable broke,” Seal said. “I dropped 14 feet and landed on my head.”

Now, even the names of people he knows sometimes escape him.

“I don’t want to hurt their feelings, but at the same time I’m going to have to ask them sometimes,” he explained. “It’s embarrassing. I used to be good at that.”

October 8, 2007
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Read more stories about: Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood

Crime reports

By Jake Weyer

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.

January 26, 2009
Full Article

Read more stories about: Calhoun Area neighborhood, East Harriet neighborhood, East Isles neighborhood, Linden Hills neighborhood, Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood, Whittier 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

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
Full Article

Read more stories about: East Isles neighborhood, East Calhoun neighborhood, Calhoun Area neighborhood, Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood, Lyndale neighborhood, Whittier neighborhood

Wedge Co-op gives $100,000 in grants

By Michael Metzger

Recipients include Lyndale's Youth Farm and Market Project

The Wedge Co-op handed out grants totaling $100,000 to eight nonprofits at a ceremony on Jan. 18. The natural and organic food cooperative awarded the money to groups “focused on sustainable development through the environment, natural health, natural food or cooperatives,” according to a statement.

The 12,000-member Wedge Co-op, 2105 Lyndale Ave. S., gave a $20,000 WedgeShare grant to Wisconsin-based Cornucopia Institute for its “grassroots defense of organics.”

The co-op gave Sister's Camelot of South Minneapolis a grant of $15,000 for its work “sharing free organic produce and whole foods in low-income neighborhoods.”

 

January 30, 2006
Full Article

Read more stories about: Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood, Lyndale 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

Neighborhood notebook

By Danielle Nordine & Dylan Thomas

Editor of acclaimed jazz magazine dies

ARMATAGE — Leslie Carole Johnson, founder and publisher of jazz magazine the Mississippi Rag, died earlier this year after a three-and-a-half year battle with cancer. She was 66.

Johnson, a longtime resident of the Armatage neighborhood, had been publishing the Rag for 35 years, a widely circulated monthly magazine focusing on jazz musicians and traditional jazz and ragtime music.

The publication, dubbed the "voice of traditional jazz and ragtime," covered the history of jazz, ragtime, swing and similar styles of music, and focused on current musicians performing those kinds of music as well. The newspaper and its website featured calendar listings of jazz performances and meetings, book and CD reviews, history of jazz and columns.

According to its website, the rag boasted subscribers in all 50 states and in 26 countries. Almost 100 freelance writers and photographers regularly contributed to the publication.

March 9, 2009
Full Article

Read more stories about: Stevens Square neighborhood, Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood, Calhoun Area neighborhood, Armatage neighborhood

Wedge honors community groups with WedgeShare grants

By Moira Kenny

The Wedge Co-op has awarded $50,000 in grants to 13 local nonprofits doing work to promote sustainable development in their communities.

The recipients of the WedgeShare grant, called WedgeShare, were recognized March 3 at a special event at the Wedge Co-op, 2105 Lyndale Ave. S.

"The Wedge has been so successful for a long time. We're able to give organizations grants that are small but still big enough to be meaningful," said Elizabeth Archerd, member services manager at the Wedge. "We focus on sustainability issues, health, hunger, farming issues, and in general things that effect our ability to give really good quality food."

The grant winners include:

March 9, 2009
Full Article

Read more stories about: Lowry Hill East (The Wedge) neighborhood