Southwest Journal : stories

Items pertaining to East Harriet neighborhood

Jockeying for City Council seats has already begun

By Scott Russell

Next year is a big one for local races; 13th Ward seat draws a crowd

Sick of the election just passed? Minneapolis is now less than year away from picking a new City Council, and a handful of candidates are already running, or considering a run, for Southwest seats.

Candidates are already angling for the 13th Ward seat, since Barret Lane announced he wouldn't seek reelection.

People in the mix include: former 10th Ward Councilmember Lisa McDonald; Jim Bernstein, former state commerce commissioner; Betsy Hodges, development director for the Minnesota Justice Foundation; Mark Lindberg, a senior program officer with the Otto Bremer Foundation; amd Jack Newton, a retired teacher.

November 11, 2004
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"What's more important, the bikes or the parking?"

By Robyn Repya

As SW neighborhood leaders try to extend bike lanes into neighborhoods, they're meeting resistance from business owners and residents

Call this case Cars v. Bikes. To promote bike riding, the city and cycling advocates dedicated bike lanes on neighborhood streets. Such lanes provide a safer way to get from residential areas to the main bike thoroughfares like the Midtown Greenway, the Chain of Lakes or Kenilworth Trail.

People generally like bike lanes. However, new bike lanes mean less on-street parking -- so many residents and business owners urge the amenity to go somewhere else.

The East Harriet and CARAG neighborhoods are currently trying to find ways to accommodate bikes and on-street neighborhood parking.

August 26, 2002
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Neighborhood Events

By Southwest Journal Reporters

Find out what's going on in your neighborhood

CARAG garage sale is May 22

The CARAG neighborhood hosts its annual neighborhood garage sale Saturday, May 22 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sales will be held at individual homes, apartment buildings, churches and at Bryant Square Park, 3001 Bryant Ave. S.

CARAG's boundaries are West Lake Street to West 36th Street and from Hennepin Avenue to Lyndale Avenue.

Signs will mark sales and neighborhood sale maps will be distributed at each sale site. Residents can register to be part of the neighborhood sale until Wednesday, May 19. There's a $5 fee to register, which covers costs for signs, maps and advertising.

To register, contact CARAG resident Rick Pritchett at 822-3330.

April 29, 2004
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Photo by Jake Weyer

Café Agri at 3400 Bryant Ave. S., in the former My-T-Fine Bakery & Cafe space.

Biz buzz

By Kyle Pendergast & Jake Weyer

50TH & XERXES

After seven years in business, The Baby Collection will close its doors this month.

The store, located at 5006 Xerxes Ave S., sold specialty baby gifts that could be personalized on site.

Although business has been up and down in the past few years, owner Kathy McLeod said she was closing up shop for personal reasons.

“It was the right decision. There’s a time for everything and I have other things in mind,” McLeod said. “I may be doing an online business with my daughter with the best things out of here.”

Currently everything in the store, except special orders, is 30 percent off, McLeod said. Tables are at 50 percent off and 75 percent off, she added.

May 19, 2008
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Photo by Robb Long

Chad Smude (left) and Ron Sterbenz have helped develop a fundraising plan for the Bryn Mawr Neighborhood Association.

A fundraising frenzy

By Dylan Thomas

BRYN MAWR — Each of approximately 1,100 properties in the Bryn Mawr neighborhood has its own line on a spreadsheet on Ron Sterbenz’s computer.

“We track every household in our neighborhood,” said Sterbenz, co-treasurer of the Bryn Mawr Neighborhood Association (BMNA). “We track every property, and we know the history of every dollar they give.”

The database is one sign that the BMNA, like many neighborhood organizations, is getting more serious and sophisticated about fundraising. Across the city, neighborhood leaders are finding new ways to pay for neighborhood programming that, for the past 20 years, was primarily funded through the city’s Neighborhood Revitalization Program (NRP).

May 5, 2008
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City council actions

By Steve Pease & Jake Weyer

Council supports extending bar hours during GOP Convention

It’s 4 a.m. — do you care for a drink?

In an attempt to court throngs of Republicans and media, the City Council voted April 4 to support legislation that would extend bar time in the city to 4 a.m. over an 11-day period from Aug. 29 to Sept. 8.

However, Council members also said they’d like to examine the issue in more depth and have a say in which bars could extend their hours.

“There’s so many unknown things about this and what the consequences may be it seems premature to even address it,” said Council Member Cam Gordon (2nd Ward).

Council Member Lisa Goodman (7th Ward), meanwhile, argued extending bar time would be

April 21, 2008
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Whittier Alliance Executive Director Marian Biehn stands in front of Whittier International Elementary School. NRP funds were used to build a gymnasium at the school.

A funding roller coaster

By Michelle Bruch, Mary O'Regan, Dylan Thomas, Jake Weyer and Kari VanDerVeen

Neighborhoods brace for more cuts to the Neighborhood Revitalization Program

Like struggling neighborhoods across Minneapolis, Whittier battled urban blight through the Neighborhood Revitalization Program (NRP).

"Particularly to a neighborhood like Whittier that was pretty desolate, pretty delinquent, NRP really gave it back its dignity," said Marian Biehn, executive director of the Whittier Alliance, a neighborhood organization.

Since the early '90s, when the first NRP dollars flowed into neighborhoods, the program has funded home-improvement grant programs, extra police patrols, even million-dollar community centers — all planned by neighbors, for their neighborhoods.

Then, in September, it looked as if the NRP tap was running dry, two years before the program's scheduled end date in 2009.

October 22, 2007
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East Harriet nursing home draws noise complaints

By Jake Weyer

Residents say Walker Methodist slow to respond to concerns

Loud music, late night chatter, trash and a lack of parking have become chronic problems near Walker Methodist Health Center in the East Harriet neighborhood according to several upset residents.

“Who would think living across from a nursing home would be loud?” said Janet Maddux, who lives across the street from Walker, which is located at 3737 Bryant Ave. S.

Neighborhood concerns have led to meetings between residents, Walker officials, police staff and City Councilmember Ralph Remington (10th Ward) in recent months. The East Harriet Farmstead Neighborhood Association (EHFNA) also became involved. Walker officials said they are taking steps to resolve complaints, but many residents - som

November 20, 2006
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Fate of East Harriet SuperAmerica site remains uncertain

By Jake Weyer

Evenings at Ann Lynch's home near 40th and Lyndale have been quieter during the past few weeks.

The East Harriet SuperAmerica (SA) on the Southwest corner of that intersection - next door to her house - closed April 14 after years of simultaneous operation with a Kingfield SA on the southeast corner.

Lynch said she doesn't miss the truck noise, gas fumes, light, and crime she and her family dealt with when the East Harriet store was open, but she's looking beyond that now.

“Of course, it looks ugly,” Lynch said. “It's not how we want it to stay.”

May 22, 2006
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A vote on voting

By Kari VanDerVeen

A campaign to change the way Minneapolis residents vote in city elections has earned the endorsement of the East Harriet Farmstead Neighborhood and the Kingfield Neighborhood associations.

The Better Ballot Campaign aims to put a question on the ballot this fall asking voters if they want future city elections to include instant runoff voting. With instant runoff voting, voters rank candidates in order of preference rather than choosing one. When all the ballots are collected, first choices are counted. If no candidate receives a majority, the candidate who received the fewest votes is defeated. Those ballots are then recounted and the candidate listed as second choice receives those votes. The process is repeated until a candidate receives a majority of votes.

January 30, 2006
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Donations from two neighborhood associations save popular Senior Center program

By Kari VanDerVeen

Twice a week, Mary Banyard walks to the Southwest Senior Center, where an exercise class focusing on weightlifting and flexibility training helps her stay limber and keeps her aches at bay.

Like others in the class, Banyard, in her late 80s, likes that the sessions are tailored to seniors. And because she doesn't drive, getting to another exercise program would be difficult.

Thanks to grants from the Kingfield Neighborhood Association and the East Harriet Farmstead Neighborhood Association, she won't have to. Kingfield donated $5,000 and EHFNA $1,573 to keep two exercise classes going at the Southwest Senior Center, located at 3612 Bryant Ave. S.

January 30, 2006
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East Harriet, Kingfield residents work with SuperAmerica

By Kari VanDerVeen

Members of the East Harriet Farmstead Neighborhood Association (EHFNA) and the Kingfield Neighborhood Association met with SuperAmerica (SA) representatives Dec. 13 to continue a discussion about how the company's two gas stations at West 40th Street and Lyndale Avenue South can improve their standing with neighbors.

EHFNA Chair Julia Paulsen called the meeting “very promising.” Residents from the two neighborhoods compiled a list of complaints about the two stores and discussed their concerns with store officials. Paulsen said the relationship between store representatives and the neighbors was at an all-time low before the meeting, but both sides now are willing to work together on the issue.

January 16, 2006
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East Harriet neighborhood group forming block clubs, volunteers needed

By Robyn Repya

The East Harriet Farmstead Neighborhood Association (EHFNA) is working to formulate a strategy for making the neighborhood safer, according to EHFNA staffer Scott Marshall.

In an e-mail, he said that in November, EHFNA's Transportation, Noise, and Crime & Safety Committee group met and opted to facilitate the formation of block clubs to enhance the social atmosphere of the neighborhood and also to make it safer for all.

Marshall said the EHFNA board is committed to identifying 13 block club leaders to help in the effort, adding that they hoped to have volunteers by the end of 2005. In 2006, the group hopes to have more than 15 new block leaders.

Marshall said the group is being aggressive in hopes of making this effort successful.

“Whether you're

January 2, 2006
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EHFNA annual meeting is Oct. 5

By Robyn Repya

The East Harriet Farmstead Neighborhood Association is hosting its annual meeting Wed. Oct. 5, 6-9 p.m. at Clara Barton Open School, West 43rd Street & Colfax Avenue South.

A 6-7 p.m. neighborhood potluck will be followed by the 7-9 p.m. meeting. There will be a speaker and the opportunity to learn about neighborhood activities.

EHFNA board seats are open. For more information or to nominate a neighbor, contact Scott Marshall at 824-9350 or info@eastharriet.org.

September 19, 2005
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East Harriet adds e-mail list, with Web site to come

By Robyn Repya

In March, the East Harriet Farmstead Neighborhood Association (EHFNA) published its first biweekly e-mail newsletter. The electronic news is intended to supplement the existing newsletter in a timely way.

The neighborhood covers Southwest between West 36th and 46th streets and from Lyndale Avenue South to Lake Harriet's east shore.

EHFNA's printed newsletter is back from a hiatus while the board discussed communications goals. East Harriet residents should be receiving a new mailed copy in early April.

EHFNA is also finishing building a Web site with help from students from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, 200 E. 25th St. The Web site is expected to be live by or near May 1. The Web address will be www.eastharriet.org.

To sign up for the e-newsletter,

April 4, 2005
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East Harriet, Barton team up on alternative energy

By Robyn Repya

The East Harriet Farmstead Neighborhood Association has teamed up with staff at Barton Open School, 4237 Colfax Ave. S., to form the Bryant/Barton Environmental Awareness Team (BEAT).

Neighborhood group Vice-Chair Stephen Rueff said residents and Barton students would team up to explore an environmental topic each year; the first is alternative energy.

Rueff said the catalyst for the program was a neighborhood survey that revealed high interest in energy conservation and alternative energy.

While Rueff works on fund-raising, Barton science teacher John Klein is developing course plans for students to explore alternative energy options such as hybrid cars, solar panels and conservation.

Klein said this curriculum would lead to an alternative energy fair this sprin

September 30, 2004
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East Harriet's annual meeting is Oct. 6

By Robyn Repya

The East Harriet Farmstead Neighborhood Association will host its annual meeting Wednesday, Oct. 6, 6 p.m., in the auditorium at Clara Barton School, 4237 Colfax Ave. S.

The event will feature speakers from city government and the election of new board members. The board will also present and seek feedback on its Neighborhood Revitalization Project Phase II action plan, which includes goals and spending priorities for the neighborhood's $218,316 allocation.

Pizza will be provided. For more information about EHFNA, call 824-9350.

September 16, 2004
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East Harriet adds bike lanes, narrowly

By Robyn Repya

East Harriet residents reached a compromise regarding the River-Lake Greenway, a bike lane and greening project that will run down 40th Street or 42nd Street from Lake Harriet to the Mississippi River. At their November meeting, the East Harriet Farmstead Neighborhood Association board approved a revised bike-lane plan that did not take parking between Lyndale and Bryant avenues.

The original plan presented by EHFNA's transportation committee featured the bike lane running down 40th, removing parking spaces on the south side from Lyndale to Bryant. Business owners said those streets are used heavily by residential and customer parkers.

The new plan will interrupt the dedicated two-way bike lanes being built from Lyndale Avenue to I-35W. Instead, EHFNA transportation committ

November 4, 2002
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East Harriet garage sale Saturday

By Robyn Repya

The annual East Harriet Farmstead garage sale is Saturday June 29, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. In case of rain, the sale will be held on Sunday June 30.

EHFNA's borders are 36th to 46th Street, Lyndale Avenue to Lake Harriet.

June 17, 2002
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Neighborhood notebook

By Mary O'Regan, Jake Weyer and Dylan Thomas

ARMATAGE

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

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

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

February 25, 2008
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Council Member Ralph Remington in front of a drawing of a revitalized Uptown.

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
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Neighborhood notebook

UPDATED December 31, 2007, 9:12am

By Dylan Thomas and Mary O'Regan

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

December 31, 2007
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Photo By Robb Long

Walker Methodist resident Mary Pearl plays the reverie harp in the lobby of the center.

Soothing strings

UPDATED February 11, 2008, 12:18pm

By David Streier

Click here to listen to an audio clip of the reverie harp.

EAST HARRIET — Over a year ago, Chaplain Ann Bergstrom came across a unique tool that’s since been quite helpful in her ministry at Walker Methodist Health Center and Elder Suites.

Here’s a hint: it has 22 ball-end guitar strings, a solid redwood soundboard, a solid cherry frame and weighs less than 5 pounds. Never heard of such an
instrument?

That’s because she uses a one-of-a-kind reverie harp, designed by a Stillwater folk instrument outfit to be used specifically for music therapy

February 11, 2008
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Parks update

By Dylan Thomas

Sound system upgrade for Lake Harriet Band Shell

EAST HARRIET — A new sound system should be installed at the Lake Harriet Band Shell prior to the June 1 kick-off of the 2008 concert season, the Park Board announced in April.

People for Parks donated $4,800 to upgrade the band shell’s sound system, installed in 1986 during construction of the performance space.

People for Parks (www.peopleforparks.net) is a Minneapolis nonprofit organization founded in 1979 to fund park improvements. Proceeds from the organization’s 5-kilometer Run for the Band Shell support band shell improvements.

Musical performances at the Lake Harriet landmark are scheduled nearly every day from June 1 into September.

May 5, 2008
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Read more stories about: Kenwood neighborhood, East Harriet neighborhood, Lynnhurst neighborhood

What's next for NRP?

By Kari VanDerVeen

City Council gears up to discuss future of Neighborhood Revitalization Program

With the clock winding down on the 20-year lifespan of the Neighborhood Revitalization Program (NRP), members of the Minneapolis City Council have acknowledged that they need to begin an in-depth discussion about the future of the program and its impact on the city's pocketbook.

Yet with less than 20 months to go before NRP reaches the end date specified in the legislation that created the program, the City Council is still working out a definitive timeline for discussions.

April 23, 2007
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Read more stories about: Kingfield neighborhood, East Harriet neighborhood, Lyndale neighborhood

Two Southwest properties picked for redesign

By Anna Pratt and Jake Weyer

Two blighted sections of Southwest will get design makeovers during the next six months.

Mayor R.T. Rybak's Great City Design Teams, groups of volunteer architects, urban designers, and developers will work with residents and neighborhood groups to create visions and redevelopment plans for the Nicollet Avenue corridor just south of Interstate 94 and the intersection of 40th Street and Lyndale Avenue. The sites are among five throughout the city slated for such redesigns.

Rybak's teams were assembled with the help of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the Urban Land Institute (ULI) and the Minneapolis Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects (MASLA). They are part of his plan to “re-weave” the city into diverse, connected urban villages.

January 15, 2007
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Ideas proposed for future of 40th & Lyndale

By Jake Weyer

More than 60 East Harriet and Kingfield residents and business owners convened at Walker Methodist Health Center last month to discuss the future of the 40th Street & Lyndale Avenue intersection.

The intersection is the site of two controversial SuperAmerica (SA) gas stations that operated simultaneously for years. The station on the Southwest corner of the intersection closed last April and has been sitting vacant since.

The 40th and Lyndale Task Force, a group of Kingfield and East Harriet residents concerned about the node, has been working with SA officials and organized last month's meeting to talk about long-term visions for the area. SA officials attended the meeting, as did city staff and two members of the City Council.

December 4, 2006
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East Harriet's Bethlehem Lutheran Church spawns new congregation

By Jake Weyer

Katherine Anderson and her husband Dan Miller were looking for a new church experience.

The hymns, sermons and scripture readings of traditional Lutheran services left the couple unfulfilled.

“We were looking for something different, with music we listen to on a daily basis and a message that's more applicable,” Anderson said.

On Sept. 17, they found what they had been looking for at a South Minneapolis middle school.

The Diamond Lake, community couple sat with their 9-month-old son, Cadence, in the back row of Field Middle School's commons during the first official service of Jacob's Well. Pastor Greg Meyer, who spent 15 years serving Bethlehem Lutheran Church in East Harriet, founded Jacob's Well with the financial and moral backing of the Beth

October 9, 2006
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Parent reminder: elementary-school choice cards are due Monday, Feb. 28

By David Brauer

You might forget to send Aunt Mim a Christmas card, or fill out that Best Buy rebate form, but there's a piece of mail you must remember to have a say in where your 4-year-old goes to kindergarten in the fall: the Minneapolis Public School District's School Choice card.

The cards - on which you list your preferred schools - must be postmarked on or before Monday, Feb. 28. All families of incoming kindergarteners can make two choices; parents in the Kingfield and East Harriet neighborhoods can add a third choice because they have no designated community school. Families with a K-8 student who wishes to transfer between Minneapolis Public Schools must also use the cards.

February 21, 2005
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Whittier, Kingfield and East Harriet parents can make extra school choice

By David Brauer

Most families with kids entering kindergarten can make two selections on their Minneapolis Public School choice cards, but some Southwesterners can make three - even if the cards don't list a third option.

Parents in the Kingfield, East Harriet and Whittier neighborhoods have no designated school to which their child is guaranteed admission. To compensate, the district gives families in these "open areas" a third choice - as long as they pick one magnet and two community schools.

District Student Placement Official Jackie Turner said parents can simply write in a third choice below the line for "Second School Request."

January 24, 2005
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Crime and Safety and Police Reports

By Southwest Journal Staff

Whittier crime sweep

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

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

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

September 4, 2003
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School Notes

By Anjula Razdan

Harsh measures expected in response to budget cuts

Superintendent Carol Johnson will announce her proposal to contend with $30 million in budget cuts at the next school board meeting, Feb. 12 at 4 p.m.

After reducing this year's budget by $25 million through a variety of painful measures -- including eliminating over 200 staff positions and voting to close three schools next year -- the district must now cut more than 4 percent from its budget for the 2002-2003 school year.

January 28, 2002
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Biz buzz

By Jonathan Cowgill, Jake Weyer & Cristof Traudes

46TH & NICOLLET

With the 46th Street bridge closed over Interstate 35W as part of the Crosstown Reconstruction project and traffic muted, Steve’s Tire and Auto is hoping to take the opportunity to expand its facility at 4601 Nicollet Ave.

If the city approves the proposed plans, the shop’s current facility would be torn down. A much larger building, the architectural style of which would echo the old firehouse on the opposite side of the intersection, would be put up in its place.

July 28, 2008
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Photo by Jonathan Cowgill

A group of girls take in some tunes at the East Harriet Rose Fest held on July 19.

Neighborhood notebook

By Cristof Traudes & Jonathan Cowgill

EAST HARRIET

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

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

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

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

July 28, 2008
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Read more stories about: Fulton neighborhood, East Harriet neighborhood, Lowry Hill Neighborhood

New community-crime-prevention supervisor at 5th Precinct

By Robyn Repya

As of Dec. 26, Sector Lt. Marie Przynski will be the new 5th Precinct officer supervising Community Crime Prevention/SAFE efforts for the West Calhoun, Linden Hills, East Calhoun, CARAG, Lyndale, East Harriet and Kingfield neighborhoods.

Przynski will replace Brad Sporny, who will be transferred to the 3rd Precinct in Southeast Minneapolis. Sector Lieutenants work with civilian crime-prevention specialists.

Przynski has most recently worked as a professional development unit supervisor for officer training but has been an officer for 21 years. She previously worked as a civilian involved in community policing. She has also been a sector lieutenant with Northeast Minneapolis' 2nd Precinct and worked for eight years in the North Side.

December 23, 2004
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Parks update

By Cristof Traudes

With donation change, Lowe’s signs no longer required

A $90,000 donation from Lowe’s — an unsolicited offer that ignited a flurry of comments and criticism for proposed signage it would bring into parks — is changing shape.

Park Board officials said the hardware store chain, after continued negotiations with Minneapolis and other cities to which it’s donating, has all but decided to drop the idea of signing contracts. Instead, Lowe’s is considering sending its donation in the form of gift cards, leaving the systems in charge of their own purchases, said Michelle Kellogg, grants coordinator with the Park Board.

The original proposal would have had Lowe’s representatives much more hands on.

“It just got to be more complicated,” Kellogg said.

The lack of a contract would have several implications for the Park Board’s plans with the donation, including taking away a signage requirement. Talk of 11-inch by 17-inch indoor signs and 6-foot by 2-foot outdoor banners proclaiming “This park brought to you by Lowe’s” created a dustup from constituents concerned about putting advertising in the city’s parks.

August 11, 2008
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Neighborhood notebook

By Sarah Phemister, Dylan Thomas and Jake Weyer

BRYN MAWR

NEW WEBSITE: A new Bryn Mawr Neighborhood Association (BMNA) website was set to go online sometime in April. The new site will retain the old website’s address (www.bmna.org).

ANNUAL MEETING: The BMNA annual meeting is 6:30–8 p.m. May 14 at Bryn Mawr Community School, 252 Upton Ave. S.

EAST HARRIET

ROSEFEST: The East Harriet Farmstead Neighborhood Association (EHFNA) is looking for volunteers for Rosefest, the neighborhood’s signature event planned for July 19 at Lyndale Farmstead Park, 3900 Bryant Ave. S. For more information, visit www.eastharriet.org.

April 21, 2008
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File photo

Lowry Hill residents have raised concerns about artificial turf installed at Parade Stadium

Parks update

By Dylan Thomas

Questions about turf at Parade Stadium

LOWRY HILL — Just a couple of months after DeLaSalle High School withdrew its proposal for an artificial turf playing field on Nicollet Island, questions were once again being raised about synthetic substitutes for grass.

Bill Kell said he and other Lowry Hill residents were concerned about a synthetic turf field installed at Parade Stadium in 2007. Kell raised many of the same questions about health and environmental impacts as the opponents of artificial turf at DeLaSalle.

He asked, “With this stuff already in, what are the prospects for how much damage it’s going to do?”

April 7, 2008
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Read more stories about: Lowry Hill Neighborhood, East Harriet neighborhood

Neighborhood notebook

By Staff

ARMATAGE

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

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

October 22, 2007
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Crime reports

UPDATED February 25, 2008, 9:30am

By Christopher Greising

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

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

February 25, 2008
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Photo by Cristof Traudes

A feasibility study is expected to begin soon on a pedestrian bridge over Minnehaha Creek that residents are hoping to have repaired. The bridge has been closed since April.

Parks update

By Cristof Traudes

Milfoil remains steady issue for Park Board

Eurasian water milfoil is out in full force this year. Just ask Bob Fine, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board commissioner.

He’s used to fielding a lot of phone calls and e-mails from his constituency, but he said he’s been surprised at how dominant the topic of milfoil has been this summer. While he hears about the discomfort the invasive underwater plant species brings every year, Fine said that this year, in particular, people in the parks’ sixth district are asking about it a lot.

That doesn’t mean the situation is getting worse, according to Park Board staff.

It makes sense to hear people talking milfoil in August, said Mike Schmidt, the Park Board’s general manager of operations and recreation.

“This is the worst time of year,” Schmidt said, “but I would not characterize things as worse than before. We don’t have a milfoil explosion any worse than in any of the past dozen years.”

August 25, 2008
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Read more stories about: East Harriet neighborhood, Lynnhurst neighborhood

Photo by Eli Hamann

Caren and Paul Umbarger performing as the Uptown Duet at the Lake Harriet Band Shell.

Aiming for growth

By Dylan Thomas

ECCO couple starting fourth season of youth musical ensemble

EAST HARRIET — The crowd of retired couples and young parents with children might have happily listened to anything when they took their seats at the Lake Harriet Band Shell on a warm August evening.

On this particular night, the couple on stage was the Uptown Duet — Paul and Caren Umbarger on the guitar and violin, respectively — accompanied by a bassist. The early evening sun cast an orange glow on stage as they began a set of jazz standards, gypsy jazz, folk and classic rock tunes, and a few youngsters ran up front to dance.

“I bet you haven’t really heard Beatles songs arranged for the guitar and violin before, but we have a fun time doing it,” Caren Umbarger told an audience munching on popcorn and ice cream from a nearby concession stand.

“Yeah, we’re the Fab Two,” her husband quipped just before launching into the Beatles’ “Norwegian Wood.”

After the final verse, Paul Umbarger, who is laid-back and unafraid to use the word “groovy” in conversation, continued his gently funny stage banter.

August 25, 2008
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Read more stories about: East Harriet neighborhood

Representing the 'hoods

By Cristof Traudes

T-shirts and merchandise give neighbors a common bond

Neighborhoods provide people a relatively small bond, certainly not one as recognized as being a Minneapolitan or a Minnesotan or an American. Yet they somehow still succeed at bringing a sense of unity to their regions.

While demographics aren’t always that different from one neighborhood to the next, each has its own stories to tell and its own unique interests.

One way that’s reflected is in merchandise — mainly, in T-shirts. They represent the stories of relatively small East Harriet wanting to build a strong brand, Kenny feeling like one mind, Linden Hills going green.

August 25, 2008
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Police bust local drug ring

UPDATED December 26, 2007, 11:17am

By Jake Weyer

The Minneapolis Police Department’s Narcotics Unit made eight arrests Dec. 20 that should result in a “dramatic decrease” in mobile drug dealing, said 5th Precinct Crime Prevention Specialist Sarah Mahmud in a crime alert e-mailed to residents this morning.

Mobile drug dealing, which involves car-to-car transactions, has been a growing problem in some Southwest neighborhoods such as East Harriet and Lynnhurst.

The eight individuals arrested were involved in an organized drug distribution ring operating in the southern parts of the 3rd and 5th Precincts. The arrests came after police executed two search warrants, which also turned up a large amount of drugs and cash.

December 17, 2007
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Read more stories about: East Harriet neighborhood, Lynnhurst neighborhood

Back in blackout

By Robyn Repya

Even before the a long, hot summer, power interruptions have plagued parts of Southwest

The blinking clocks, begging to be reset. The alarm that should have gone off but didn't. Everyone's experienced classic symptoms of a power outage at some point. In recent months, a handful of residents independently wrote the Southwest Journal that they've experienced more power outages than usual, even before the recent heat wave.

The problems are not Southwestwide, and residents cite different causes.

One problem area is near Lake Calhoun's north and east shores.

Athena Priest, co-owner of Tin Fish, 3000 East Calhoun Parkway, said one week in late June, her business experienced three outages - one due to a storm.

August 8, 2005
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New zip code lowers auto insurance rates

By Bob Gilbert

When the U.S. Postal service changed the zip codes of several Southwest homes from 55409 to 55419, some residents fumed about the hassle of having to get new stationery and checks.

What they didn't expect was a financial windfall: lower car insurance rates.

David Raymond, who lives on the 4800 block of Fremont Avenue South, saw the cost of insuring his 1999 Dodge Caravan and his 2004 Toyota Corolla cut by 26 percent per year -- a $520 annual savings, even though nothing had changed other than one Postal Service digit.

"It's good for us who have had their zip codes changed to 55419, but it is bad in the sense that it shows how Minneapolis residents pay more than the suburbs for auto insurance," Raymond said.

July 8, 2004
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Zig-Zag-Zig-Zag-Hoi-Hoi-Hoi!

By Bob Gilbert

After 18 years, Fuller soccer is still having a ball

In the Fuller Park Soccer Club, the goal is not so much about winning as it is about community. The club, whose season lasts for six weeks in the spring and six in autumn, is not the product of the Minneapolis Park Board but rather the parents of the Kingfield, Tangletown, Lynnhurst and East Harriet neighborhoods. The club plays its games at the former site of Margaret Fuller Elementary School at 48th Street between Harriet and Grand avenues, and at the commons at Washburn High School, 201 W. 49th St.

August 21, 2003
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Jon Egbert, East Harriet's "Shoe Wizard," dies

By Robyn Repya

East Harriet resident and Bryant Avenue Shoe Service owner Jon Egbert died March 16 due to complications from cancer. He was 52. He is survived by his two sons, Karl, 29, and Andy, 12, and wife Joanne Hostert. "He was a very loving husband and father," said Hostert.

Egbert, who worked in the shoe repair trade since 1970, had a loyal Southwest following. Hostert said the 4310 Bryant Ave. shop was a very important part of his life, as was his relationship with loyal customers. She said Egbert, known to customers as the "Shoe Wizard," was much more than the "Shoe guy" Southwest residents came to know and love.

April 17, 2003
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Read more stories about: East Harriet neighborhood, Lynnhurst neighborhood

At Bryant Shoe Service, a good soul

By Robyn Repya

In a life spent giving new life to shoes and joy to customers, Jon Egbert gives up his business to fight cancer

A long note taped to an ancient cash register notifies customers of the Bryant Shoe Service that Jon Egbert will no longer run the store. Shortly before Christmas, Egbert was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and recently began chemotherapy. Steve Plaster, Egbert's friend since 4th grade, is taking over the store to ensure it remains a fixture in the East Harriet neighborhood.

Plaster said that although the 52-year-old Egbert will be at the 4310 Bryant Ave. S. shop when he can, his absence would be tough for him and for his customers, who often ask about his condition. "It's bittersweet for me," Plaster said.

February 6, 2003
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East Harriet project creates peace rocks

By Scott Russell

Work is underway for a $50,000 East Harriet Gateway Peace Project, a series of six markers connecting Lyndale Farmstead Park to the Rose and Peace gardens.

The markers will resemble a pile of rocks, called cairns, a traditional way-finding device left on trails by explorers, said a statement by artists Greg Ingraham, a landscape architect and park planner, and artist Teri Kwant of Seward.

"The community wanted something that was timeless," Kwant said. "The concept is to have a pathway to peace."

The two propose having text sandblasted into the limestone base of each cairn, reflecting the East Harriet community's feelings, questions and ideas about the meaning of "peace."

April 22, 2002
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Read more stories about: East Harriet neighborhood, Lynnhurst neighborhood

Redistricting proposals put political boundaries up for grabs

By Brent Killackey

State Senators Myron Orfield (DFL-Minneapolis) and Jane Ranum (DFL-Minneapolis) could find themselves running against each other this fall. Rep. Jean Wagenius (DFL-Minneapolis) might need to court Edina residents to keep her seat. Congressman Martin Sabo (DFL-Minneapolis) could run against Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-North St. Paul) to represent a new congressional district that includes Minneapolis and St. Paul.

These are some of the scenarios created in the four state-redistricting plans. Every ten years, political districts are redrawn to more accurately reflect population data from the census. The most recent census was taken in 2000.

February 11, 2002
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Read more stories about: Lyndale neighborhood, East Harriet neighborhood, Lynnhurst 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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Photo by Jake Weyer

The Southwest Senior Center, 3612 Bryant Ave. S., received a graffiti-prevention grant from the city for a mosaic project that started this month.

Mosaic planned for Southwest Senior Center

By Jake Weyer

The project is designed to prevent graffiti, build community and bridge different generations of Southwest residents

EAST HARRIET — Volunteers young and old will join together this month to create a huge mosaic on a wall of the Southwest Senior Center at 36th Street & Bryant Avenue.

The project will involve seniors, eighth-grade students from Clara Barton Open School, 4237 Colfax Ave. S., and community members from the East Harriet and CARAG neighborhoods. The Southwest Senior Center received an $8,000 graffiti-prevention micro grant from the city for the mosaic, but the project is just as much about community building as it is about stopping vandalism.

“We really want to invite the whole community to come in,” said Southwest Senior Center Director Mary Ann Schoenberger. “Families, kids; we want anyone who wants to participate to come be a part of it.”

The roughly 1,000-square-foot mosaic could take about two months to make and will go up on a south wall frequently hit with graffiti.

Local artist Maria Ricke will oversee the project, designed to be an oval shape with a tree in the middle, symbolizing different generations of community members. It will be made of thousands of ceramic tile pieces and other objects that volunteers contribute.

September 8, 2008
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Read more stories about: East Harriet neighborhood

Photo by Michele Jokinen

Rob Martin, of St. Louis Park, adds air to his tires before participating in the second annual Minneapolis Bike Tour Sept. 14.

Parks update

By Cristof Traudes

Lake of the Isles Parkway bridges get resurfaced

Lake of the Isles Parkway’s bridges are getting a makeover, as their surfaces are being replaced with concrete to prepare for the 2009 repaving of the entire parkway.

According to a news release from the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, the Kenilworth bridge, located on the west side of the lake, is scheduled to be closed through about Oct. 2. Only local traffic is able to use the parkway between Franklin Avenue and the bridge until that time.

The Calhoun Lagoon bridge, on the lake’s southeastern side, will be closed Oct. 6 through about Oct. 23. The parkway will be closed between 28th Street and Knox Avenue.

Neighbors expressed some concern at the Sept. 8 meeting of the Kenwood Isles Area Association about major arteries to their area getting temporarily cut off. Detours have been posted.

September 22, 2008
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Read more stories about: East Harriet neighborhood, East Isles 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
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Neighborhoods get new, old SAFE officers

By Robyn Repya

After a three-month maternity leave, Community Crime Prevention Specialist Jennifer Neale is back to work with a new partner, SAFE Officer Karl Olson. Neale and Olson are the CCP/Safe team for the Kingfield, East Harriet and Tangletown neighborhoods.

Olson, a newcomer to the SAFE unit, is a five-year veteran of the 5th precinct police force, where he worked on the community response and directed patrol detail. He said he's looking forward to the change.

Neale said initially that the main concentration for their team is going to be to focus on goals outlined by the neighborhoods, such as decreasing graffiti, increasing home and business security and working to get block clubs

October 7, 2002
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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
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Crime reports

By Christopher Greising

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

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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Crime reports

By Michelle Bruch

August 25, 2008
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City council actions

By Steve Pease

Council members weigh in on protestors’ rights

Council Members went back and forth over language on whether to allow only those registered with the city beforehand to protest during the Rebublican National Convention (RNC)(Sep. 1–4), which is less than three months away.

The ordinance eventually adopted by the Council “encourages” organizers of public assemblies of more than 50 people to voluntarily register with the city for demonstrations. It will “sunset” after a two-week period from Monday, Aug. 25 through Monday, Sept. 8.

June 16, 2008
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Read more stories about: East Harriet neighborhood, Whittier neighborhood

Neighborhood notebook

By Cristof Traudes, Jake Weyer & Dylan Thomas

ARMATAGE

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

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

June 2, 2008
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Neighborhood notebook

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

BRYN MAWR

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

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

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

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

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

October 20, 2008
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Crime reports

By Christopher Griesling

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
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Deadline approaching for input on community engagement proposal

By Jake Weyer

Neighborhood groups and individuals looking to comment on the city’s draft plan for the future of the Neighborhood Revitalization Program (NRP) and community engagement have until March 17 to do so.

The city’s NRP Work Group, made up of City Council members and city staff, completed the draft, called the Framework for the Future, in December. It’s a response to the nearing end of NRP, a 20-year program started in 1990 that has funneled millions of dollars into neighborhoods for housing improvements, events, community centers, police patrols and several other neighborhood-organized projects.

March 10, 2008
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Read more stories about: Lyndale neighborhood, East Harriet neighborhood, Whittier neighborhood

Neighborhood notebook

By Brian Voerding and Dylan Thomas

EAST HARRIET

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

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

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

November 17, 2008
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Neighborhood notebook

By Jake Weyer & Sarah McKenzie

CARAG
HOOT RETURNS: Journal columnist Jim Walsh's (aka Mad Ripple) Hootenanny is returning with two new locations. After two years of hosting local musicians in the basement of Java Jack's at 46th & Bryant, the Hoot is moving onto the Beat Coffeehouse, 1414 W. 28th St., 6:30–9:30 p.m. every Thursday beginning Jan. 1. You can also catch the Hoot every last Sunday of the month at Bootleggers, 323 1st Ave. N., from 7–10 p.m. The first show was Dec. 28. The lineup for the Jan. 1 Hoot includes the Mad Ripple, Holly Munox (Aviette) and Suzanne Vallie, among others. For more information, go to www.myspace.com/madripplemusic.

EAST HARRIET
KITE FESTIVAL: The East Harriet Neighborhood Association and Linden Hills Neighborhood Council will host their annual Winter Kite Festival Jan. 10 on Lake Harriet. The event is scheduled from noon–4 p.m. and will include kite flying, rides on a horse-drawn wagon, a children's scavenger hunt, marshmallow roasting and more. The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, the Minnesota Kite Society, Lyndale Farmstead Park and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources are sponsoring the event. An alternate date of Jan. 17 is planned in case of bad weather. Call the Winter Kite Festival Hotline at 370-4948 for more information.

December 29, 2008
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Read more stories about: East Harriet neighborhood, Calhoun Area neighborhood

Party on: Four ways to bring in the New Year in Southwest

By Andrew Newman

FAMOUS DAVE’S BBQ & BLUES

What: Over at Famous Dave’s BBQ & Blues in Calhoun Square, New Year’s Eve will be jam-packed with three different shows. The fun starts at 7 p.m. with vocalist Liz Cummings, a frequent visitor at Famous Dave’s happy hours. The celebration continues at 9 p.m. with comedian Jeff Gerbino. This New Yorker/Minnesotan/Hollywooder has been hailed as one of Hollywood’s funniest comedians by the Los Angeles Times. Then at 10 p.m., Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials will take the stage to rock in the New Year. A New Year’s Eve tradition at Famous Dave’s, Lil’ Ed is one of the most entertaining stage veterans on the road today. There is a $10 cover for the event.
Where: 3001 Hennepin Ave. S.
Contact: 822-9900,
www.famousdaves.com

December 29, 2008
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Read more stories about: East Harriet neighborhood, Calhoun Area neighborhood

Crime Reports

By Emily Stickler

November 3, 2008
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Putting public art on the map

UPDATED March 11, 2008, 1:34pm

By Mary O'Regan

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

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

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

March 10, 2008
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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
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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
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Crime reports

By Christopher Greising

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

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
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Crime reports

UPDATED January 8, 2009, 10:34am

By Jake Weyer

January 12, 2009
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Board denies vacation rental appeal
1 Comment

By Jake Weyer

An East Harriet resident's appeal of a city zoning administrator's decision not to allow her home to be used for short-term rental was denied last month at a regular meeting of the Minneapolis Zoning Board of Adjustment.

Carolyn Moore, who used her home at 49th Street & Bryant Avenue as a vacation rental — renting it to single parties for brief stays, usually less than a week — was cited several times for operating what Zoning Administrator Steve Poor said resembled a hotel or bed-and-breakfast, a prohibited use given the home's zoning. Moore argued her operation was closer to a regular rental property issuing short-term leases.

The Zoning Board of Adjustment postponed its decision twice before reaching an agreement on the topic, albeit with a less-than-full board. The vote was 3-2 with two members absent.

January 12, 2009
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Read more stories about: East Harriet neighborhood

Robberies surge at year's end

By Jake Weyer

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

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

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

January 12, 2009
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Submitted photo

A child walks past one of the games set up at last year's RoseFest in East Harriet.

RoseFest set for tomorrow in East Harriet

UPDATED July 18, 2008, 12:51pm

By Jake Weyer

The East Harriet Farmstead Neighborhood Association’s (EHFNA) signature event, RoseFest, is set for tomorrow from noon to 8 p.m. at Lyndale Farmstead Park, 3900 Bryant Ave. S.

This is the second year of RoseFest, which drew roughly 1,800 people throughout the day last year. More than 2,000 are expected this year.

EHFNA used to do more informal events at the Lake Harriet Rose Garden, but decided to start RoseFest at the park as the neighborhood’s premier happening, attracting people from throughout East Harriet and beyond. The event also serves as a fundraiser for the neighborhood and EHFNA programs.

July 14, 2008
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Read more stories about: East Harriet neighborhood

Faith in fundraising

By Dylan Thomas

Visitation Catholic School fights for its future

EAST HARRIET - On a bright, early March morning, Principal Dan Gleason is playing quarterback on the playground at Visitation Catholic School on Lyndale Avenue at 45th Street.

Gleason distributes his passes evenly among a dozen uniformed boys and girls scrambling around the snow-covered parking lot. He raises his arms and shouts “Touchdown!” whenever one of the giggling youngsters carries the ball all the way to a chain-link fence.

When the bell rings Gleason follows the children indoors, hangs up his coat and heads to the third-floor classroom where he teaches world history to 7th and 8th graders.

April 9, 2007
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Read more stories about: East Harriet neighborhood

Crime reports

By Jake Weyer

January 26, 2009
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Neighborhood notebook: Hundreds turn out for Uptown march against hate crime

By Danielle Nordine, Brian Voerding, Sarah McKenzie and Dylan Thomas

CARAG — Despite the frigid cold, about 400 people gathered Jan. 29 in the Dunn Bros parking lot at Lake & Bryant to march for Kristen Boyne, 32, who was attacked in the area Jan. 22.

Boyne said she was on her way to Rainbow Foods around 11 p.m. when two men abused her verbally and physically for being a lesbian and beat her until she was unconscious. She suffered head injuries because of the attack, which police are investigating as a hate crime.

Andrea Sieve, one of the organizers of the event and a close friend of Boyne's, said the march was a show of solidarity for Boyne.

"We want this to be for awareness and support for Kristen, but also to make a statement that this just shouldn't be happening," Sieve said. She added that while they were happy with the response from the Minneapolis Police Department, they wanted to make a statement of their own.

February 9, 2009
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Church group to fix up CARAG, East Calhoun this summer

By Robyn Repya

A St. Paul-based group called Urban Servants is working through Joyce United Methodist Church, 1219 W. 31st St., to help local property owners with building, painting, cleaning and other miscellaneous jobs for eight weeks this summer.

Beth Mueller, Urban Servants job site coordinator, said the group is a camping and Christian mission program run through Minnesota's United Methodist churches. She said groups of youth and adult volunteers (some skilled in a trade) participate in weeklong programs each summer, splitting time between a Mound campsite and the inner city.

This year, Mueller said the organization chose eight neighborhoods in Minneapolis and St. Paul, including Southwest's CARAG and East Calhoun neighborhoods.

CARAG is bordered by Hennepin and Lyndale avenue

April 29, 2004
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Read more stories about: Calhoun Square Redevelopment, East Harriet neighborhood

5th Precinct gets new civilian crime-stopper

By Robyn Repya

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

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

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

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

May 2, 2005
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Photo by Kathleen Stoehr

Property values in Kenwood are up 22 percent.

Home values up in parts of Southwest

By Moira Kenny

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

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

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

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

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

March 9, 2009
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Neighborhood notebook

By Sarah Phemister, Jake Weyer and Dylan Thomas

East Harriet helping to improve city's Block Club website

EAST HARRIET — The East Harriet Farmstead Neighborhood Association has agreed to spend $2,000 of its budget on renovations for the Minneapolis Block Club website, mplsblockclub.org.

The site is a way for block clubs throughout Minneapolis to communicate with each other and to provide resources for the clubs. The block clubs are aimed at fighting crime, and also community fellowship.

The money for the site's updates is coming from a fund previously set up to deal with graffiti in East Harriet.

March 23, 2009
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