[Mpls] Boulevard development loses committee vote
The southwest Minneapolis project has been seen as a way to increase affordable housing in a less-affordable part of the city, but a city council committee decided a subsidy was too rich on a 3-2 vote. The developer said the subsidy - $542,000 for 15 subsidized units - was in the middle range of city proposals. Robert Lilligren and Dean Zimmermann voted yes; Paul Ostrow, Lisa Goodman, Scott Benson voted no. http://www.startribune.com/stories/462/3243590.html David Brauer List manager ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Primary election roundup: Gray loses in State Auditor primary
--- Shawn Lewis [EMAIL PROTECTED] provided this link: Primary election roundup: Gray loses in State Auditor primary http://www.skywaynews.net/display/inn_news/news03.txt sm: I plan on writing in Gregory Gray's name on the ballot come November. Anyone else? Susan Maricle Bruno, MN formerly of Folwell __ Do you Yahoo!? New DSL Internet Access from SBC Yahoo! http://sbc.yahoo.com ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Nicollet/Lake Task Force meeting last night
I attended the meeting with, Tom Johnson, Jon Wertjes and others...here's the thing...we still, I believe have a option that is never mentioned by anyone...NO CHANGE.. after listening to the same stuff last night I have heard for years..The only part of the plan I agree with is the housing developement/grocery store(CUB) and of course opening Nicollet Avenue. However, I'd really like to know who's doing what and to whom and how much is it going to cost our neighborhood with no cost to the suberbs. I vote NO CHANGE. Becky Olson Whittier ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Boulevard development loses committee vote
List; Thanks to Listmember S. Brandt for writing the story. Thanks to David to linking the strib story. The housing development in question was to receive 542K for 15 units. Equals $36,130 per unit subsidy. Not the cost, but grab bag money. The project is being subsidized in other fashions. Housing tax credits are as good as cash if not better. Sometimes they get you investors with limited knowledge of real estate, thus minimum interference for the managing entity. Deferred loans are great also. It allows you to pile up net revenue with out paying debt. Picture not having to pay your house loan for a couple of years. You could do something stupid and spend the cash, or you can stick it in the bank at a fixed rate for the pre-determined time. You make serious interest money on the taxpayers dime. 'other assistance from the MCDA'. I wonder what that amounts to. $36,130 plus X is what the subsidy amounts to. Is there county,MHFA (State) or other agencies involved. Not a bad deal when you start adding it all up. 3 cheers for the three who said no. One hiss for the private sector landlord who said yes. I also hope that the private sector developer who pursued this passes the word to the rest of their sistren and brethren. Mpls isn't such a cheap/easy date anymore. Craig Miller Man with a conscious who could never start a non-profit. [EMAIL PROTECTED] Former Fultonite - Original Message - From: List Manager [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Mpls list [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, September 20, 2002 5:42 AM Subject: [Mpls] Boulevard development loses committee vote The southwest Minneapolis project has been seen as a way to increase affordable housing in a less-affordable part of the city, but a city council committee decided a subsidy was too rich on a 3-2 vote. The developer said the subsidy - $542,000 for 15 subsidized units - was in the middle range of city proposals. Robert Lilligren and Dean Zimmermann voted yes; Paul Ostrow, Lisa Goodman, Scott Benson voted no. http://www.startribune.com/stories/462/3243590.html David Brauer List manager ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
RE: [Mpls] Boulevard development loses committee vote
-Original Message- From: Craig Miller [SMTP:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Friday, September 20, 2002 7:17 AM To: Mpls list Subject:Re: [Mpls] Boulevard development loses committee vote Craig Miller is correct. Mpls needs to stop giving money away for development, the marketplace works best if left alone. Subsidizing developers causes everyones rent and taxes to increase. This in turn makes more apartments and homes unaffordable. The cost to the taxpayer for an debt of $36,130 at 7% payable over 25 years is $255.36 per month. Another example why rents are high in Mpls. Mel Gregerson South Mpls For Profit Affordable Housing Provider and unpaid tax collector. List; Thanks to Listmember S. Brandt for writing the story. Thanks to David to linking the strib story. The housing development in question was to receive 542K for 15 units. Equals $36,130 per unit subsidy. Not the cost, but grab bag money. The project is being subsidized in other fashions. Housing tax credits are as good as cash if not better. Sometimes they get you investors with limited knowledge of real estate, thus minimum interference for the managing entity. Deferred loans are great also. It allows you to pile up net revenue with out paying debt. Picture not having to pay your house loan for a couple of years. You could do something stupid and spend the cash, or you can stick it in the bank at a fixed rate for the pre-determined time. You make serious interest money on the taxpayers dime. 'other assistance from the MCDA'. I wonder what that amounts to. $36,130 plus X is what the subsidy amounts to. Is there county,MHFA (State) or other agencies involved. Not a bad deal when you start adding it all up. 3 cheers for the three who said no. One hiss for the private sector landlord who said yes. I also hope that the private sector developer who pursued this passes the word to the rest of their sistren and brethren. Mpls isn't such a cheap/easy date anymore. Craig Miller Man with a conscious who could never start a non-profit. [EMAIL PROTECTED] Former Fultonite - Original Message - From: List Manager [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Mpls list [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, September 20, 2002 5:42 AM Subject: [Mpls] Boulevard development loses committee vote The southwest Minneapolis project has been seen as a way to increase affordable housing in a less-affordable part of the city, but a city council committee decided a subsidy was too rich on a 3-2 vote. The developer said the subsidy - $542,000 for 15 subsidized units - was in the middle range of city proposals. Robert Lilligren and Dean Zimmermann voted yes; Paul Ostrow, Lisa Goodman, Scott Benson voted no. http://www.startribune.com/stories/462/3243590.html David Brauer List manager ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Boulevard development loses committee vote
The whole problem from the very beginning with this project is that the developer did not have funds to invest. Although the project was admirable, a developer cannot expect to only have public subsidy just for the sake of affordable housing. I had hoped that the developer would have been able to find the necessary funds for their portion of the investment, but obviously that did not happen. I guess it's a good lesson for people to learn. Karen Collier Linden Hills
Re: [Mpls] Nicollet/Lake Task Force meeting last night - a new sales job
I too attended the meeting last night Becky. I left because I heard the same information Tuesday night at the Whittier Alliance Transportation and Land Use Committee. I went to hear what Sherman Associates was reporting. I believed the Whittier Alliance had taken votes on this issue and that these presentations were repetitive. I was very confused as to why the Transportation and Land Use Committee was entertaining this issue again when the vote had already been taken two months ago. However, what I discovered is that the Transportation and Land Use Committee took votes on two motions regarding this area. The committee is in full support of re-opening Nicollet Avenue and in turning 1st Av. into a two way between 28th and the mall. A second motion opposes the off-ramps at Lake and 35W and the widening of Lake Street. The motion did go on to the Whittier Alliance Board, however, they decided to postpone the vote for one month. The following month the board again took no action. There was no motion to table according to the minutes.They simply stated the boarddecided not to vote on it. Notsure what's up with that. It appears to me that the Phillips Partnership, MnDot,the county and the city public works department are working very hard to tie the re-opening of Nicollet and other traffic management issues directly to the off-ramps at 35W and the widening of Lake Street.In fact, it is now being sold as onebig package. And you are right, not once in their presentations did they inform anyone that one of the options is to say NO! In fact, the presentation last night gave the inference that this was a done deal and they are moving ahead with the current project. The time-line included beginning construction dates etc. However, there was no date for when this group might go back to the legislature to talk about getting the project funded. The last time I checked, the price tag was about $150 million. In listening to Loren Bruggeman from Sherman and Associates, it appears that they are now on board with the widening of Lake Street. They reported at the meeting that there had been some land swap. The Nicollet Lake development project was given additional land on the North end of the project in exchange for the 20 feet they would be losing on the Lake Street side. Becky, since you are one of the officers of the Whittier Alliance Board, perhaps you can share with us why the Whittier Alliance has not taken any action on the Trans. Land Use Committee motion at the board level for two consecutive board meetings? Not that what the Whittier Alliance decides really matters. The neighborhood has been ignored before. What else is new? This has opened all kinds of new questions for me now. If the off-ramp project and the bigger, badder Lake street has been tied with an ambilical cord to the re-opening of Nicollet at Lake and the traffic calming measures on 1st Av., will those two projects be scrapped if the ramps and street widening don't happen? Perhaps one of our councilmembers can provide us with some information on this. I do not believe these projects should be tied to one another. I do believe they can be done independly of one another.I just wonder if the politics has now put them together in an effort to strengthen the off-ramp and lane widening projects. Anyone out there who knows what's going on? Opposing the off-ramp and street widening project is starting to feel like a David and Goliaththing. Barb Lickness/Whittier "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed,it's the only thing that ever has." -- Margaret MeadDo you Yahoo!? New DSL Internet Access from SBC & Yahoo!
[Mpls] Running for country commissioner
Since Ed Felien got worried that I had developed ESP and could see what's in his mind, I'll explain my reasoning for the comment that Felien has got to know. If running for county commissioner these are things to take into consideration: Biggest block of voters are senior citizens. *McLaughlin, as incumbent, can point to a list of things he's done that brought home the bacon--the Greenway, Hennepin Works on Lake St. (which makes life more doable for constituents who need county services), LRT funding, etc. etc. *Felien calls himself radical, which is not something the voters are necessarily all that thrilled about as I read them, whereas McLaughlin portrays himself as left of center but not that far left. I don't believe radical plays that well with the bulk of voters. *When Felien was on the Mpls. City Council he made a right botch of things and wound up in court with criminal charges along with Zollie Green. Seniors remember that as do some of the rest of us. For me, it's not a positive memory. *Even in the hotbed of South Minneapolis, the Greens have not, as yet, pulled that many voters. *Felien has run for office as a DFLer and lost at the convention level a few times. (He ran against Herron the first time Herron ran. He ran against Sayles Belton even earlier than that.) He begins to take on the aura of perpetual candidate like Dick Franzen. And finally, (sorry Ed), McLaughlin is handsome. If one is running for office, those are things to take into consideration. I can't believe Felien is so out in the ozone that he never thought about this stuff. WizardMarks, Central ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] RE: Mpls digest, Vol 1 #1039 - 19 msgs
From: Shawn Lewis [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Thu, 19 Sep 2002 22:51:17 -0500 Subject: [Mpls] Lori Sturdevant: Gray's defeat is a discouraging note for DFL Nevertheless, it is with trepidation that one looks back at the drubbing of DFL endorsee Gregory Gray by Carol Johnson for the DFL state auditor nomination in last week's primary. That is because most plausible explanations of that outcome reflect unfavorably on the Minnesota electorate. Shawn Lewis, Field Neighborhood I wonder what is meant by plausible explanations here? Are the voters accused of being racist? One such plausible explanation is the last name Johnson. You might ask Congressman Martin OLAV Sabo about this one. I heard that he ran once without the Olav name and almost lost. He believed it was because the voters thought he was not only un-Scandinavian, but also that he probably was Slavic or some other such minority. Ray Marshall, Minnehaha ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] RE: Mpls digest, Vol 1 #1039 - 19 msgs
Ray Marshall wrote: I wonder what is meant by plausible explanations here? Are the voters accused of being racist? One such plausible explanation is the last name Johnson. You might ask Congressman Martin OLAV Sabo about this one. I heard that he ran once without the Olav name and almost lost. He believed it was because the voters thought he was not only un-Scandinavian, but also that he probably was Slavic or some other such minority. Your plausible explanation is an example of a racist one...right? Michael Atherton Prospect Park ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] response to Wizard Marks
Wizard: you deliberately and with malice defame my character. I never wound up in court with criminal charges along with Zollie Green. That is a deliberate lie. It fits the legal definition of slander. I do not wish to pursue charges against you. However, I demand that you apologize to me and to my supporters for the poison you have spread. Ed Felien, Powderhorn ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Crash at 36th and Grand
Chicken Little didn't have photographic evidence that the sky was falling. My photos prove that there is a serious and persistent threat to life on the streets and sidewalks of Minneapolis. If there was a rabid dog running down the street the police would shoot it. If a man was wielding a machete on the streetwell we know what happened to him...but speeding cars and red light runners are allowed to crash, kill , maim and terrorize us. The first step is for the City Government take responsibility for the safety of our most vulnerable of bicyclists and walkerschildren. Stop making excuses- if Hennepin County won't allow traffic calming, take the streets back form the county. If the County won't let us take them back, let's secede from the County. Unsafe streets affect neighborhoods in many ways...this from www.livingstreets.org.uk: In many places, streets have become dirty, dangerous, full of litter and graffiti and dominated by speeding traffic. As a result, walking is in decline; children cant play outside or walk to school; neighbours no longer talk to each other; older people dont go out after dark and people are reluctant to spend time outside due to fear of crime. Young couples move into my neighborhood, have kids and move to a cul de sac in the 'burbs when their kids begin to walk. Guess why! We could pump a billion dollars of NRP money into a community , but if parents are too afraid to let their kids out of the house, it's a waste of money. If we spend $150 million into a highway project that widens streets and dumps more dangerous cars into the neighborhoods, we expect more people to use Minneapolis as a temporary stop. Instead of accepting this urban sacrifice zone where the billboards say We Buy Ugly Homes (do they have those billboards in Wayzata?) let's have a little self respect and demand from our well paid city officials, at the very least - safe streets for our kids. Ken Avidor 36th and Grand ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] RE: Mpls digest, Vol 1 #1039 - 19 msgs
How can this be a racist explanation? I've heard Ray Marshall's Sabo story from several people who are trustworthy. This is one of the axioms of Minnesota(and Minneapolis) politics: use a Scandanavian name if you have one. If not, find some shirt-tailed relative and incorporate it. Current example: Awata Johnson David Wilson Loring Park On Fri, 20 Sep 2002, Michael Atherton wrote: Ray Marshall wrote: I wonder what is meant by plausible explanations here? Are the voters accused of being racist? One such plausible explanation is the last name Johnson. You might ask Congressman Martin OLAV Sabo about this one. I heard that he ran once without the Olav name and almost lost. He believed it was because the voters thought he was not only un-Scandinavian, but also that he probably was Slavic or some other such minority. Your plausible explanation is an example of a racist one...right? Michael Atherton Prospect Park ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] RE: Mpls digest, Vol 1 #1039 - 19 msgs
David Wilson wrote: How can this be a racist explanation? I've heard Ray Marshall's Sabo story from several people who are trustworthy. This is one of the axioms of Minnesota(and Minneapolis) politics: use a Scandanavian name if you have one. If not, find some shirt-tailed relative and incorporate it. Given that racial categories are fuzzy at best, it might be possible to define a racial category of Scandinavian; Scandinavians do, supposedly have distinct physical characteristics from people say in Asia or Italy for that matter. Choosing to vote for someone because their ancestors come from a distinct geographical area would be a racist act from my perspective. Michael Atherton Prospect Park ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Decorum
Members, we've had a resurgence of personal attacks and demands for satisfaction lately... To help me maintain a constructive list, please don't respond to a personal attack - email me and I'll warn or expel the poster. Responding in kind just keeps this stuff going and alienates more members and hurts the list. Again, if you have something to say or demand of a specific member - email them DIRECTLY, not the whole list! I do take action - I've expelled 2 members recently. So those of you who still don't get it, might get it in a different way. A toxic list is not a list that will last long. Stick to the issues and we'll deal with the attacks off list. David Brauer List manager ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Posting
While I appreciate Peter McLaughlin's information about his work, he fails to respond to the criticisms raised by his opponent. The willingness to respond to legitimate questions iswhat makes the difference between issuing PR statements and showing true accountability to voters.In the hope of starting a genuine dialogue, Ipose the following questions for commissioner McLaughlin: 1) Why have you appeared to consistently support public funding for a private sports stadium? 2) What was your role in the decision to have Highway 55 fly over Lake Streetwhile causing a much larger delay in the traffic lights at that intersection? 3) Why did you sign your names as one of the co-authors of an op-ed piece in the Star Tribune on March 27, 2001, in which you appeared to denounce the Minnesota Attorney General's investigation of Allina Health System's unethical practices? 4) How do you justify your consistent pastsupport for the Highway 55 reroute near the Mississippi river which was destructive to the environment, the community, Native American culture, and has actually led to more rather than less traffic? 5) How do you compare or distinguish your political agenda from your allies in the city of Mineapolis' DFL leadership whowere defeated in last year's elections? Thank you in advance for taking the time to respond. Jordan Kushner Powderhorn - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Thursday, September 19, 2002 4:23 PM Subject: [Mpls] Posting David, Please post. I have often commented on how difficult it is to catch the attention of the voters when you are runningfor County Commissioner. My hat is off to the issues list and those of you who participate in it for paying attention and providing the opportunity to present information. Thank you to those of you who have written words of support. Please excuse the length of this posting, but I have been busy, have gotten a lot done and have a lot more that I want to accomplish. During the time I have been privileged to serve on theHennepin County Board of Commissioners, we have accomplished remarkable things. In 1992, no one gave Light Rail Transit much of a chance, and yet, at the end of 2001, the HiawathaLine was more than 30% completed! During the past few years, I have helped bring, for the first time,significant Hennepin County resources to the fight for affordable housing. In 2002 alone, the Hennepin County Affordable Housing Incentive Fund will provide $4 million for projects throughout the county,adding to the hundreds of units we have already helped create in the last two years. And the Midtown Greenway has gone from an abandoned trench to a multi-use trail that will soon be built to Hiawatha Avenue, and in the years to come, all the way across the Mississippi River. As hard as we have worked and as much as we haveaccomplished, there are challenges that remain. I am excited about the work ahead and the opportunities that wehave to make Hennepin an even better county in which to live and work. AFFORDABLE HOUSING: During the past three years, Hennepin County has dedicated millions of dollars to developing affordable housing. But the County alone cannot spend enough to solve the problem,and we must be creative in our efforts. I am working with local and state veterans and housing organizations to secure State bonding money for the Fort Snelling Veterans Housing Project –218 units of efficiency housing. We have used County bonding to turn over 1000 new market rate units into critically needed affordable units. I also authored a resolution providing funding to support development of a land trust for affordable housing in Minneapolis. And County Sentence toService crews (men and women) are rehabilitating boarded properties and getting them back into productive use. These are the kinds of creative, effective projects I will continue to fight for on the County Board. ENVIRONMENT: The picture on global warming is clear and frightening. I am doing all I can to make Hennepin Countya partner in reducing dangerous emissions and an innovator in new and greener forms of energy. With my leadership,Hennepin County’s capital plan calls for investing in a large gas turbine atHennepin County Medical Center and in gas turbines and experimentalfuel cells at the County Home School, making us less dependent oncoal- and nuclear-fueled electricity. Hennepin County has also distributed thousand of below-cost compostbins to reduce solid waste volumes. And, perhaps most new and old all at once, I am working on the development of a Community Energy Coop in the Phillips Neighborhood. If successful, this would be the first urbanelectric coop in Minnesota and the first new coop statewide since the late1930’s. The coop would organize consumers to more effectively
[Mpls] County Commissioner Race
Greetings! I just have to weigh in on this race because the discussion has taken such a nasty turn. It seems Wizard Marks has some negative feelings for Eddie Felien. This should not dominate our discussion of this important race. Hennepin County Commissioners are arguably the most powerful and least recognized elected leaders in the State. This small group of seven oversees a budget that is second only to the State's in size and scoop. To paraphrase Steve Marchese, we need less heat and more light on this race. Running in the race for the 4th district seat (which covers all of the new 2nd, 9th and 12th wards; most of the 8th; half of 11 and parts of ward 1, 3 6 and 7.) are two of the most honorable men I have ever met. Peter is a clear speaking, friendly, hard working leader. He has excellent staff and many great ideas to serve his constituents in the county. Ed is blunt talking, articulate, thoughtful, hard working leader. He has excellent staff and many great ideas to inform the residents of the South side and the greater metro area. Jordan Kushner's recent post points up the difficulty of this debate. While Peter has the DFL machine behind it, there are many in the district who feel that their positions are not represented by McLaughlin. Consequently, Ed felt compelled to run. Folks in my part of Minneapolis (the granola eaters) worry that the voters living on the banks of the Mississippi River, around the Lakes and along Minnehaha Creek are getting better representation than the voters living along Lake Street, Bloomington, Cedar, Franklin and Chicago Avenues. We want to hear a civilized debate of the issues. I want to hear Peter respond to the issues Jordan raised. I know all about the work Peter has done that he is proud of. The true test of politician is when they can acurately and honestly describe what they did when it didn't really turn out right. Let's hear what Ed and Peter will do on issues where there are ligitimate dissagreements (as Eva pointed out) that transcend right/left labels like the stadium and a county wide tax for it. Despite my long friendship and association with both these candidates I am still undecided is this critical and usually undercovered race. -- In cooperation, Erik Riese Seward: a great place to live, work, learn, and play! (612) 724-3217 home ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Re: Boulevard development loses committee vote
With regard to the MCDA Operating Committees decision yesterday to deny funding yesterday I have a couple of thoughts. Those who have posted on this subject so far seem to be of a mind stated by Mel Gregerson when he said Mpls needs to stop giving money away for development, the marketplace works best if left alone. I think that statement is a bit absurd. The fact of the matter is that the marketplace is not being left alone, never has, and in a big way and for good reason. It doesn't work the way the majority of people would like to see it work. Hence government steps in in a multitude of ways to effect the changes that we - the voters - decide are needed. Affordable housing is one of those areas. Yes, government has failed in some previous attempts to deal with this issue, but there has never been any doubt in my mind that thoughtful and committed people are struggling with this tough issue. We still have problems of availability, affordability and concentration. And thats where government (all of us) needs to step in and find solutions. OK, my two thoughts: First of all if Lyndale West Partners (developers of the Boulevard) can still pull off this development in spite of the fact that they have been denied TIF funding, then the decision yesterday is to be applauded. Since they are a private, for profit developer, I have no idea as to whether or not they can still make this work. My hope is that they can My second point is that if on the other hand the decision of the Operating Committee yesterday (assuming that it is upheld by the full board on September 27th) is the last nail in the coffin for this project then I have great concerns about whether or not affordable housing projects will ever be possible in SW Minneapolis. The Boulevard Project has been held up as a model for how the city of Minneapolis wants to deal with issues of increased density, affordable housing and de-concentration of low-income housing. We have all heard the rhetoric: We have a severe housing crisis; Everyone has to do their part, Smart growth; Mixed income housing throughout the city and the region; Build housing in commercial corridors, Mixed used projects. If this is all just a bunch of blow from our elected officials then I wish they would just stand up and say so. Tell us that the numbers will only work in poorer neighborhoods and then we will all understand why low-income housing is once again being concentrated in the citys poorer neighborhoods. That the subsidy for this project in Lynnhurst might be higher than in other neighborhoods should be obvious. Both land costs and taxes are higher in Lynnhurst than elsewhere. But based upon land costs and tax rates, there should be a sliding scale for these subsidies . What the MCDA Operating Committee needs to do is figure out what is reasonable in that regard. Otherwise the present scenario simply becomes an excuse and one more covert tool for keeping those people out of certain neighborhoods. Paul Lohman Lynnhurst Paul Lohman [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: [Mpls] Jim Graham, I'm crossing you off the Christmas list
Eddie whether you get paid per copy or per ad the higher your circulation the larger the income generated by your publication. And I congratulate you on it, and yes business does fit in such a narrow spectrum. As to issues, I am glad I motivated you to put them on the List. And I might add you do a very good job and make very compelling arguments. As to the fringe, Eddie where did you get the idea that saying someone is on the fringe is marginalizing that person? Have you ever thought that the word Leadership implies being on the leading fringe of something. The great mentally unwashed in the middle need reasons to vote for such leadership though. As to the system working for my community, yes the system works very hard for my neighborhood. It works very hard to screw it as much as possible, and to keep it a fertile spot for running the great industry of poverty. The poverty business is good in our neighborhood and any effort to disrupt the County supported business is very much frowned on by the system. Do you realize the City could set up 60 or 70 small businesses with a million dollars each with the subsidy of the Target fiasco. If you gave each $100,000 as start up funds it would create 600 to 700 new small businesses. I do believe we would have gotten a lot more real livable wage jobs and future tax benefits from such an option than what we are receiving from Target. As to garbage, as you might remember Ray Peterson, myself, and a whole lot of other neighborhood people fought that fight before it became fashionable, and long before the Green Institute. We did not win the fight, but we certainly kept the County Hoard at bay until the rest of the people thought it was cool enough to join. Eddie, do you really believe I mind offending rich people and people in the suburbs? I have no problem taking on the rich people, or the RICH non-profits who victimize our City communities. The rich non-profits seek to pave us over, not with concrete, but with poverty. Rich non-profits let nothing get in the way of their exploitation of poor people. Keeping people in poverty is in the rich non-profit's interest, and the County assists them as much as possible. They and their rich developer friends buy County and City politicians as a regular course of doing business. Though I respect your position on the stadium. Let's look at it from a different perspective. How about having the people buy the Twins as a publicly held corporation and then help that entity to build a stadium. If a little community like Green Bay can own one why not Minneapolis. I like the idea of the little fan owning a part of the team. I could support a deal to build a stadium for a whole lot of common people and not some millionaire who threatens to move the team if the ransom isn't paid. So Eddie, even though I might support Peter, I like what you are saying and hope you keep saying it. If it doesn't bring Peter around maybe you will get elected. Though Peter may be good looking, you have more experience being old. A lot of us, (Other than Wizard), really don't vote because someone is cute, so don't let the cute factor bother you. Besides to some you may be just as cute as Peter, and I think RT is definitely the winner of the cute race, but he is Mayor so don't worry about him either. Yes Eddie, I will agree to keep an open mind and I'll treat all your ideas as worthy of consideration, without prejudice. I'll judge them on their merits. But I would not even think of voting for you unless you agree to at least attempt to be on the leading fringe of issues. Jim Graham, Ventura Village - the fringe of Downtown Minneapolis ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Crash at 36th and Grand
I agree with Ken about having better expectations for Mpls than accepting crime, dirty streets, and an inferiority complex for our housing and other amenities, but I have to disagree about traffic calming. We have all sorts of traffic calming set up in Minneapolis now. All it does is make commutes inconvenient frustrating, and get drivers more riled up when they keep running into closed off or rerouted streets. We are already the Land of 10,000 Stop Lights. Some of the poster children for truly dumb traffic calming measures are the reroute onto Nicollet off Lake Street, the maze of changing one-ways off Franklin between Lyndale Blaisdell, and the blocked off s-curve streets between Nicollet Lyndale, in the mid-30s. While I can't condone drivers gunning it out of frustration with traffic jams unexpected turnoffs lights timed for a stop every block or two during rush hour, I also think the frustration is very understandable. We live in the inner city. That's a dense population, with many workplaces/entertainment venues that people commute to from outside the city as well. That means that there will be traffic, and lots of it. The city's job is to make the heavy flow of traffic efficient while keeping streets safe through enforcement. You do not put in speed bumps everywhere or close off a street every few blocks to prevent cars from zipping through at 45 mph on a 30 mph street - you make a point of enforcing the law so that people will think twice before driving like bozos. Let's face it - in most areas of Mpls, drivers can flagrantly ignore the traffic laws and the cops will watch do nothing. (Unless the scofflaw is on a bicycle.) We don't need Minneapolis to become the Land of 10,000 Cul-de-Sacs. If people want an area where traffic is as laid back and sparse as in the suburbs, then I guess the suburbs are their best place to live. My neighborhood has a lot of traffic, and it has a lot of kids who play outside. I walk and I bike in my neighborhood, which is right at Lake Street and other main arteries, and I'm not afraid to do it. So do lots of other people, with and without kids. I'm really tired of the argument that to make the inner city a good place to live, we have to turn it into the suburbs for the kids. Go to any borough in New York, or neighborhoods in Chicago or Boston or D.C. or many other large cities, and you'll see far less traffic calming than here, and plenty of children, elders, business people, bikers, etc. all sharing the streets. Let's demand the important things - better policing, police accountability, quality city services in ALL neighborhoods, etc. But let's remember that along with some down sides like heavier traffic, many of us choose to live in the city for all the good reasons the suburbs can never offer - like multicultural neighborhoods, exciting places to go, unique housing, and central location. Roxana Orrell Central On Friday, September 20, 2002, at 11:17 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Message: 5 Date: Fri, 20 Sep 2002 11:01:45 -0500 From: ken avidor [EMAIL PROTECTED] Reply-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Organization: avidor studios To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [Mpls] Crash at 36th and Grand The first step is for the City Government take responsibility for the safety of our most vulnerable of bicyclists and walkerschildren. Stop making excuses- if Hennepin County won't allow traffic calming, take the streets back form the county. If the County won't let us take them back, let's secede from the County. In many places, streets have become dirty, dangerous, full of litter and graffiti and dominated by speeding traffic. As a result, walking is in decline; children canít play outside or walk to school; neighbours no longer talk to each other; older people donít go out after dark and people are reluctant to spend time outside due to fear of crime. Young couples move into my neighborhood, have kids and move to a cul de sac in the 'burbs when their kids begin to walk. Guess why! We could pump a billion dollars of NRP money into a community , but if parents are too afraid to let their kids out of the house, it's a waste of money. If we spend $150 million into a highway project that widens streets and dumps more dangerous cars into the neighborhoods, we expect more people to use Minneapolis as a temporary stop. Instead of accepting this urban sacrifice zone where the billboards say We Buy Ugly Homes (do they have those billboards in Wayzata?) let's have a little self respect and demand from our well paid city officials, at the very least - safe streets for our kids. ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] City Council (Biernat and Boulevard threads)
Notes from the MCDA committee meeting are below, but first, regarding due process. Here is a theoretical scenario - I am NOT suggesting that this is in any way representative of the current situation, just explaining why I feel due process is important: . . . contrived scenario . . . Someday, in the future, we have a City Council member who is a thorn in the side of some group, so this group decides to sink the CM politically. They decide on a crime to accuse the CM of and find someone who is willing to make an allegation - either for personal reasons or for payment. They then get an agent who is in their pocket to interview the CM. Several of our intelligence agencies have done a great deal of research into using manipulation, coercion, and drugs to put someone in a suggestible or controllable state and they use these techniques to secure a false confession. If this is not viable, the agent simply forges the confession and leaks it to the press. From the public perspective, getting our information primarily from the press, this would not be very distinguishable from the current situation, and the group will have won (whether or not the CM is convicted, they're pretty much done politically unless they can prove the conspiracy). Part of the reason we have due process is that executive agents do not always act ethically. . . . end contrived scenario . . . Now, again, I am NOT in any way suggesting that this is the case with CM Biernat. Our judicial system is not perfect, but the protections provided by due process do need to be maintained (or improved). While the scenario was contrived, I am pretty sure that each specific aspect has been used at different times in this country for various ends. Now to look at the current situation. Because of my concerns about due process, I am not in support of asking the mayor to demand the resignation of CM Biernat. However, I do feel that it is appropriate to suggest to the CM that he should resign. There has been a call for people from Biernat's ward to speak out. Due to redistricting, I have recently found myself to be in that ward (barely). Here's a proposed letter: - - - Council Member Biernat, While we, your constituents, will not know the truth of your innocence or guilt until the proceedings are done, you are obviously aware of what actually happened. IF you are guilty of the crimes you are accused of, we will demand accountability and consequence. We will also demand criminal and civil accounting for the fact that you have lied to us about your actions. IF you are guilty of the crimes you are accused of, expect suit for the following: * Repayment of all wages, with interest, you have earned as a city council member from the time you were indicted and did not step down. * Damages from any businesses these actions adversely affected * Additional civil and punitive damages. As a member of the community you represent, be aware that if you are proven to be guilty, I will fully support any suits against you for these reasons. If you are not guilty of these crimes, I would still ask that you voluntarily suspend yourself from the City Council and cooperate fully with the investigation and proceedings so that this situation may be cleared up as quickly as possible. - - - Now, on to the MCDA committee meeting last night. I had not heard of the Boulevard project until I attended the committee meeting yesterday. I had not intended to go on list with this, but based on some of the discussion I have read, there are a few details I think should be pointed out. A lot of what I have to say is vague as I wasn't taking notes and didn't realize that this issue was a big deal, so if anyone can confirm or deny what I'm saying, that'd be good. I do not have the information or expertise to form an opinion either way whether this project should get TIF financing. I believe that the decision in front of the committee was not whether or not to approve TIF, but to approve $5,000 to do certain tests (details anyone?) to see if the property and development proposal was eligable for TIF. I am not certain if it was the city, the agency, or the developers who would be responsible to pay the $5,000, but the agency would be required to do the study. So I don't think that Lilligren and Zimmerman were voting to approve TIF, they were voting to approve further steps to see if the development was eligable for TIF. I believe that it is also significant to note that Zimmerman had made a motion (seconded by Lilligren) to postpone the vote so that there would be enough time to review all the materials presented. The other three committee members voted not to postpone. It seemed like the developer did not make a great case for themselves. They provided two documents - one was a three page summary which was lacking in detail while the other was a tome of data that would take the committee members a very long time to read. They did not have ready answers for several specific
RE: [Mpls] Re: Boulevard development loses committee vote
The MCDA Operating Committee was absolutely right to deny tax-increment financing for the Boulevard project because the 15 affordable units are already being subsidized with low income housing tax credits and other funds. In essence, the developer is seeking TIF to subsidize the market rate (apartments and retail) portion of the development and the city can't afford to do that. The project may offer good urban design and three-bedroom units; those are excellent reasons to approve the site plan - but not to finance the project. More importantly, the Boulevard project is a small prototype for the pending mixed-use development at Nicollet Lake, where - in the name of affordable housing and good urban design - the city will be asked to provide a lot of TIF. The city needs to establish some clear guidelines now regarding public subsidies. Mixed-use developments with affordable housing can get built without TIF; the city just needs some new ground rules. John Rocker Calhoun ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] joe has got to go
I ran against Joe last election. One thing I wanted to do was add a recall amendment to the City Charter. Currently there isn't. At this point I can't imagine Joe hanging on much longer. Some theorize he is holding on until the new districts would take effect. If he resigned today the old district would be used. They think he wants to pass the torch to another DFL insider and if he can hold on long enough to use the new ward she can run. Others say it's as simple as he likes the paycheck. Regardless of his motivation, the court has rejected his many motions, so whether through removal or resignation he will soon be gone. Brian Monroe still in Phillips looking NEP.s. Paul Zerby (second ward council) did say he should resign. Get more from the Web. FREE MSN Explorer download : http://explorer.msn.com
[Mpls] Affordable Housing, Write-in
David Brauer: The southwest Minneapolis project has been seen as a way to increase affordable housing in a less-affordable part of the city, but a city council committee decided a subsidy was too rich on a 3-2 vote. The developer said the subsidy - $542,000 for 15 subsidized units - was in the middle range of city proposals. Any special virtue in locating affordable housing in less-affordable areas? Seems to me that it might reduce property tax collections. Dont we have deteriorated locations that are paying little or no tax that could be replaced with something that could pay a LITTLE tax? Between the River Road and 46th Avenue, there is housing development that is replacing an abandoned gas station and a very old revival house. This is my idea of a good redevelopment. Susan Maricle: I plan on writing in Gregory Gray's name on the ballot come November. Anyone else? I wont vote for a candidate because of skin color. Id have to hear that hes a better candidate than whats available. Given that racial categories are fuzzy at best, it might be possible to define a racial category of Scandinavian; Scandinavians do, supposedly have distinct physical characteristics from people say in Asia or Italy for that matter. Choosing to vote for someone because their ancestors come from a distinct geographical area would be a racist act from my perspective. Michael Atherton Prospect Park I consider it an extremely INTELLIGENT act. And I base that on the fact that our state, when ruled by Scandinavians, lacked some of the amenities we now prize like topless nightclubs, lotteries, legal card gambling, etc. Ever since we broadened our toleration, weve suffered a slow deterioration. A bunch of non-serious voters gave Jesse Ventura a plurality with what seem to me obvious deleterious results. So Im not willing to be tolerant anymore. Only Scandinavians have the stiff spine and sang froid to resist all these temptations. Paul Lohmann: Affordable housing is one of those areas. Yes, government has failed in some previous attempts to deal with this issue, but there has never been any doubt in my mind that thoughtful and committed people are struggling with this tough issue. Paul, is it POSSIBLE that government played a role in the failure to build affordable housing? Do the various rules that government imposes to build in Minneapolis convince builders to build somewhere else? What is the trend in the construction of affordable housing and how does it correlate with enactment of new ordinances? And whats the deal with a certain number of unrelated tenants living in a building? Is that a way to protect the franchise of multi-unit housing? I mean, would the old-fashioned room-and-board arrangement be illegal now? And what is the over-riding interest of society in keeping unrelated people from sharing a roof? I ran against Joe last election Brian Monroe still in Phillips looking NE Can anybody anywhere in the city run for office in some other part of the city? = Jim Mork Cooper Neighborhood Vote Wellstone! One of the few people in Washington who'll stick his neck out for BOTH the stockholders (combatting management fraud) AND the working people. __ Do you Yahoo!? New DSL Internet Access from SBC Yahoo! http://sbc.yahoo.com ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] bike issues
Mark Snyder wrote: I remember specifically when the St. Paul officer handed me my ticket, he said that I should be careful to watch my speed in that area because residents had been complaining enough about speeders to make it a high priority for the St. Paul police. This raises an important question. Is the MPD as responsive as their counterparts across the river? Having lived in both cities and interacted with the cops in both, I'd have to say no. This points to another question: why not? Tim Bonham wrote: Automobiles their drivers pay the majority of the costs for our transportation 'system', so it's built mainly for their needs. As a bicyclist, I pay for others' reliance on automobiles every single day. Does the gas tax pay for filling potholes? How about installing and maintaining traffic signals? Paying cops to clean up after traffic accidents like the one near Ken's house, or just to pull over the sorts of people who cause them? Or treating the people without health insurance who, when injured in car accidents, are brought to HCMC and saved at taxpayer expense? No, no, no, and no. I'm being taxed for these functions of government, through property and sales taxes. I'm paying for services whose necessity I did not create. (Though I may, at some point in the future, be forced to use them. Perhaps the next time somebody opens their door into me as I bike past. No, wait. I have health insurance. I'll have to cover the deductible on my broken bones myself.) But hey, that's part of living in a modern society and I accept it. I understand that we help one another, and that maybe less than 100% of my tax dollar will come directly back to me. All we bicyclists are asking for - whether we're talking set-aside lanes, trails, or streets - is fair and equal treatment, and maybe to recoup some of the investment we've made in y'all's nasty habit. And for even raising this issue, we hear a response like Tim's. How much better an example of the tyranny of the majority could one hope for? Seems to me his quote is off. Rather than them that pays the gold write the rules, we should admit it comes down to them that's GOT the gold (or sufficient numbers to bully...) write the rules. Tim also ignores the secondary purpose of taxation. If there are two individuals who both expect local infrastructure to support their habits, but one dabbles in hideously destructive behaviors(think drug use or automobile driving) and the other prefers behaviors which not only have a positive impact on the individual in question, but the larger society (think education or bicycling)... who do you tax and who do you subsidize? What if the former places far greater strains (even per capita) on the infrastructure in question? Don't we have a responsibility to discourage destructive behavior with any method available to us? Or think of it in a free market sense. Automobile drivers are not being forced to pay for the true costs of their choices. They're forcing others to pick up their tab. We will never make adequate progress on getting people out of their cars as long as this is true. Robin Garwood Seward P.S. Hey, it's payday! Looks like I've spent $1,789.98 so far this year on health care insurance. How much of that money (or of the 50% of their income HMOs actually spend on healthcare, but that's a different discussion) enabled the dirty car habit of my neighbors? Take into account the cost of ERs, asthma, emphysema, cancer, and the lack of exercise which fuels obesity, heart disease... starts to feel like quite a bit. I wonder - could Minneapolis ever build enough bike lanes to reimburse me for all the money I've shelled out to keep motorists in their cars? ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Boulevard development loses committee vote
Here's a different way of looking at public subsidies for housing. Can anyone produce evidence that shows that these subsidies ACTUALLY REDUCE the amount of rent that the developer charges? In the case of Seven Corners apartments ($20 million plus in subsidies) the rents (for studio apartment) were $630, compared to $525 across the street at my building (indoor pool, private balconies, no subsidies.) In the case of Riverside Plaza, the rents were actually HIGHER than market rent (studios $650) - but no one noticed because the Federal government paid most of it. Were all of the subsidized riverfront developments sold and rented at below market rates? Not the ones that I know about. It seems to me that, in an effort to help those in need, we're giving all the money to the wrong party - the developer who ends up with a multi-million dollar asset (at no cost to himself.) First, decide WHO you are trying to help. Then, decide HOW MUCH you are willing to subsidize on their behalf. $10,000 per family? $20,000? $100,000. How much for an able bodied person who would rather drink than work? For example: A 4 person family might need an extra $300 each month to pay rent in the apartment of their choice (there are lots of them available.) It makes no sense to give Mr. X $2 million to build an apartment that the family may or may not have access to. How do we know WHO will be living in the 10 or 15 subsidized units for the next 10, 20, 30 years? Investors (as opposed to developers) would be eager to build houses and apartments IF they knew that they could attract buyers/renters who could actually afford to buy/rent at market rates. More jobs at higher wages would have the same effect. Lots of developers have become multi-millionaires by helping the poor. Vicky Heller North Oaks ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Minneapolis urban environment cable program - October edition
Tune in to On CUE and explore our urban environment, taped on location-this month in green, sunny North Mississippi Regional Park. Sponsored by the Minneapolis Committee on Urban Environment (CUE), the program looks at the diverse people, issues, trends and physical elements that influence-and are affected by-our built and natural surroundings. This month, On CUE host Phill Lindsay's guests discuss partnerships between neighborhoods and the park district, between cities, and within the political dimension of working with the urban environment. Please click on the following link to read the entire news release. http://www.mcda.org/whats_new/Newsreleases/oncue_oct02.htm Elizabeth Haugen, Communications Specialist Minneapolis Community Development Agency 105 5th Ave. S., Suite 375 Minneapolis MN 55401-2534 mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] (612) 673-5121 www.mcda.org ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Write-in
Jim Mork <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>wrote: Given that racial categories are fuzzy at best,it might be possible to define a racial categoryof Scandinavian; Scandinavians do, supposedlyhave distinct physical characteristics frompeople say in Asia or Italy for that matter.Choosing to vote for someone because theirancestors come from a distinct geographical areawould be a racist act from my perspective. Michael Atherton Prospect Park I consider it an extremely INTELLIGENT act. AndI base that on the fact that our state, whenruled by Scandinavians, lacked some of theamenities we now prize like topless nightclubs,lotteries, legal card gambling, etc. Ever sincewe broadened our toleration, weve suffered aslow deterioration. A bunch of non-seriousvoters gave Jesse Ventura a plurality with whatseem to me obvious deleterious results.EM: Funny, since Scandanavians were in charge when the state legalized all of the above. From watching the news ( I swear), I know Scandinavians actually own a couple of the topless nightclubs. I know, you were just kiddding. Eric Mitchell Maple GroveDo you Yahoo!? New DSL Internet Access from SBC & Yahoo!
[Mpls] Mayor's Ethics Task Force Presents Report to City Council
Mayor Rybak's Ethics Task Force presented their report in a City Council Study Session this morning in the Council Chambers. Ellen Trout, chair of the task force, said, These recommendations will bring Minneapolis's code in line with the best practices of other cities that have done a comprehensive review of their ethics codes. The Task Force recommended a new Code of Ethics including new or revised policies on conflicts of interest, post-city employment, financial disclosure, nepotism and ethics enforcement mechanisms. These recommendations include: * Require elected officials and top political appointees to abstain from participating in decisions on matters where they have a conflict of interest. * Prohibit officials from accepting employment for one year with companies they negotiated public contracts with while in city employment. * Expand financial disclosure for elected officials, top political appointees and their spouses. * Establish a nepotism policy to prevent people from being able to supervise their close relatives. * Establish an Ethical Practices Board to resolve complaints against high-ranking officials. The overall product was well received, with Council Member Paul Zerby describing the recommended code as a quantum leap forward over the existing code. The complete proposed code and a chart describing the major differences between the existing code and the suggested revised code can be found on the City's website at: http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/mayor/priorities/ethics/index.asp#TopOfPage. . Laura Sether Office of Mayor Rybak ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Mayor's Ethics Task Force Presents Report to CityCouncil
I cannot tell you how great this is. Now, maybe someone will get St. Paul to do the same thing. I tried for ten years as charter commissioner, and all I got was, Let the county prosecute, defeating the very notion of an ethics code. Congratulations. Andy Driscoll Saint Paul -- He who knows the precepts by heart, but fails to practice them, Is like unto one who lights a lamp and then shuts his eyes. --Nagarjuna From: Sether, Laura S [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Fri, 20 Sep 2002 17:00:42 -0500 To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [Mpls] Mayor's Ethics Task Force Presents Report to City Council Mayor Rybak's Ethics Task Force presented their report in a City Council Study Session this morning in the Council Chambers. Ellen Trout, chair of the task force, said, These recommendations will bring Minneapolis's code in line with the best practices of other cities that have done a comprehensive review of their ethics codes. The Task Force recommended a new Code of Ethics including new or revised policies on conflicts of interest, post-city employment, financial disclosure, nepotism and ethics enforcement mechanisms. These recommendations include: * Require elected officials and top political appointees to abstain from participating in decisions on matters where they have a conflict of interest. * Prohibit officials from accepting employment for one year with companies they negotiated public contracts with while in city employment. * Expand financial disclosure for elected officials, top political appointees and their spouses. * Establish a nepotism policy to prevent people from being able to supervise their close relatives. * Establish an Ethical Practices Board to resolve complaints against high-ranking officials. The overall product was well received, with Council Member Paul Zerby describing the recommended code as a quantum leap forward over the existing code. The complete proposed code and a chart describing the major differences between the existing code and the suggested revised code can be found on the City's website at: http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/mayor/priorities/ethics/index.asp#TopOfPage. . Laura Sether Office of Mayor Rybak ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Stadium Opponents - Read This!
Carl Pohlad, Minnesota's Richest Man, must be licking his chops now. With the Twins in the playoffs, he may feel that he is closer than ever to securing public money to build himself a new stadium. He will be able to increase the value of the franchize by hundreds of millions of dollars, and then walk away with the profits! If you feel that it is appalling that we would even consider a $300 million corporate welfare giveaway to Minnesota's Richest Man, then you have an opportunity to do something about it this weekend. Remember, even a shift of one vote on the Hennepin County Board could derail this scheme! Ed Felien, the Green/Labor endorsed candidate for Hennepin County Commissioner, kicks off the general election campaign with phone banks this weekend. WHEN: Saturday, September 21, 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.; and Sunday, September 22 from 1:00 P.M. to 5:30 P.M. WHERE: Mode Transportation, 3032 Minnehaha Avenue South. Just south of Lake Street, across from the Resources of the Americas. Join us as we get the word out to voters about the major issues in this campaign, like McLaughlin's continuing support for $300 million of corporate welfare for the richest man in Minnesota. We will be educating voters about Ed's progressive agenda, and ensuring that the public knows there are significant differences in priorities between the two candidates! Ed wants to bring a set of new priorities to the Hennepin County Board. He supports more responsive social services, a clean environment, property tax fairness, and campaign finance reform. Please drop by Mode during any of the above hours. Even a hour of your time can make a critical difference! For more information, please call Gene Martinez at 612-387-4474. Gene Martinez Minnehaha, Ward 12 ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
RE: [Mpls] Boulevard development loses committee vote
Victoria Heller asked, Can anyone produce evidence that shows that these subsidies ACTUALLY REDUCE the amount of rent that the developer charges? Rents at tax credit developments are restricted, usually for 30 years. HUD sets the maximum allowable rents each year based on 1) the area's median income; 2) the income restriction of the units (i.e., 30% of area median income (AMI)); and 3) the number of bedrooms. Because the maximum allowable rents are based on the countys or regions median income, the allowable rents sometimes exceed the achievable market rents in a neighborhood. Therefore most lenders and state housing finance agencies require that projects be underwritten at rents at least 10% below comparable market rate rents. With apologies to those without HTML email or receiving the digest version of this, the 2002 maximum allowable tax credit gross rents (including all utilities) in Minneapolis are: Bedrooms 60% AMI 50% AMI 40% AMI 30% AMI Studio $ 805 $ 671 $ 537 $ 403 1 Bedroom 863 719 575 431 2 Bedroom 1,035 862 690 517 3 Bedroom 1,196 996 797 598 4 Bedroom 1,335 1,112 890 667 5 Bedroom 1,472 1,226 981 736 The 2002 maximum income levels vary by household size and are as follows: % AMI 1-person 2-person 3-person 4-person 5-person 60% $32,220 $36,840 $41,400 $46,020 $49,680 50% $26,850 $30,700 $34,500 $38,350 $41,400 40% $21,480 $24,560 $27,600 $30,680 $33,120 45% $24,165 $27,630 $31,050 $34,515 $37,260 30% $16,110 $18,420 $20,700 $23,010 $24,840 John Rocker Calhoun
Re: [Mpls] Boulevard development loses committee vote
If I am reading Mr. Rocker's charts correctly, I could receive several million dollars in subsidies, and then rent one of my studio apartments to someone who makes $32,220 for $805 per month. That's a hefty rent! Why again would we subsidize this project? It seems like the renter is getting the shaft - and the taxpayers too! Vicky Heller North Oaks
Re: [Mpls] response to Wizard Marks
I was around when Zollie Green got nailed, to use an indelicate term, and even as out to lunch as I was in those long ago days, I think I'd remember if Ed Felien, whom I had known previously as a fellow free school teacher, had come to such a bad end. I'm glad Ed is running for Peter's job because I think that Ed makes some sound points. I wasn't in favor of the original domed stadium and I still don't like the idea of shoveling the public's money into private corporate pockets. I think Peter has many redeeming qualities but nothing is forever and just as Lou DeMars had to move on - and Jackie Cherryhomes - maybe the time has come for some harder-edged advocacy for the core constituencies in the county commissioner district just to my east. Ed gets preachy sometimes - remember Tim Campbell's more pontifical moments? - but Ed's long years of involvement in South Minneapolis are worth more respectful comment than any offhand comparison to Dick Franson's quixotic humors. I appreciate Ed's publications for the exposure they give to young writers, the venues they provide for new entrepreneurs, and the sense of community they reinforce for a large part of our city. I'm glad the Greens have taken up Ed's banner because frankly the political grass is a bit greener on my political party's side of the fence and Ed has long since earned his stripes in the progressive community. Fred Markus, Horn Terrace, Ward Ten ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] More Biernat-related subpeonas at City Hall
http://www.startribune.com/stories/462/3316959.html David Brauer List manager ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Re: Boulevard development/$$$ Tossing at the Creek
In a message dated 9/20/02 10:22:29 AM Pacific Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: But based upon land costs and tax rates, there should be a sliding scale for these subsidies. What the MCDA Operating Committee needs to do is figure out what is reasonable in that regard. Otherwise the present scenario simply becomes an excuse and one more covert tool for keeping those people out of certain neighborhoods. Our City is a high density, well connected grid; at least compared to a fourth tier suburb. People living anywhere in the city can go to a job, lake, park, retail outlet, church, bar, sex shop, or bagel shop, etc., with relative ease. With, or without, a car. Market forces have deemed South Lyndale a desirable and expensive place to reside. Why should tax $$$ lavishly subsidize a poorer family to live at Lyndale and the creek? Unlike Wayzata it is not a social exchange to allow burger flippers to be near their grills, or even firemen to be near their ladders. You can get there from here; rather easily. This money tossing seems like subsidized socialist engineering; and for what? And this is not about putting a halfway house for recovering pedophiles over there. Nor about a halfway house for junkies, alcoholics, emerging felons (from prison), etc., because there is a reasonable argument against the current packing and stacking extant exclusively in the hood. I am not that old but I recall taking a ride with my Mommy, Daddy and Sister to look at the neighborhoods where the richer folks lived. In the Twin Cities posh is really not that far away from hood. And we are all about the same distance to all amenities, except safe streets and maybe decent schools (I am no expert there!). It is easy for most anyone to realize and acknowledge that racial segregation is wrong. I am not convinced that one should not start out in a starter neighborhood, in a starter home. As large, or as shmancy, as one can afford is OK, too. But giving people money, big money, to live by the creek, cause it is expensive for other people, seems ludicrous. Safe, clean streets; throughout the city- Buy it. Good schools with students learning; throughout the City- Buy it. Transit; Ditto. With these items in place the only subsidy might be a token to get on the bus; and we subsidize that weather a poor person gets aboard or not. Keith ReitmanNearNorth ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Feds deliver another subpoena to Minneapolis leaders
Feds deliver another subpoena to Minneapolis leaders Rochelle Olson Star Tribune Published Sep 21, 2002 Just two weeks before the start of Minneapolis City Council Member Joe Biernat's federal corruption trial, the U.S. attorney's office has subpoenaed more records from the city. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark D. Larsen told the Minneapolis Community Development Agency (MCDA) to deliver records relating to Biernat; his wife, Sheila Biernat; his mother, Sophie Biernat; a codefendant, former Plumbers Local 15 business manager Thomas J. Martin; and several addresses with connections to those individuals. http://www.startribune.com/stories/462/3316959.html Shawn Lewis, Field Neighborhood -- __ Sign-up for your own FREE Personalized E-mail at Mail.com http://www.mail.com/?sr=signup ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
RE: [Mpls] Re: Boulevard development loses committee vote
-Original Message- From: mel [SMTP:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Friday, September 20, 2002 11:24 PM To: 'Paul Lohman'; '[EMAIL PROTECTED]' Subject:RE: [Mpls] Re: Boulevard development loses committee vote -Original Message- From: Paul Lohman [SMTP:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Friday, September 20, 2002 12:16 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject:[Mpls] Re: Boulevard development loses committee vote With regard to the MCDA Operating Committee's decision yesterday to deny funding yesterday I have a couple of thoughts. Those who have posted on this subject so far seem to be of a mind stated by Mel Gregerson when he said Mpls needs to stop giving money away for development, the marketplace works best if left alone. I think that statement is a bit absurd. The fact of the matter is that the marketplace is not being left alone, never has, and in a big way and for good reason. It doesn't work the way the majority of people would like to see it work. Hence government steps in in a multitude of ways to effect the changes that we - the voters - decide are needed. Mel,s Reply Sorry, I don't call tearing down everything poor people can afford to live in Help. Sorry, I don't call enriching non-profit developers or for-profit developers $120,000 to $255,000 to build $60,000 apartments Help Sorry, but I call it waste. Let them spend their own money or borrow from the banks, just like the rest of us do. There are many For-profit Housing Providers who rent for $595 a Month rent or less. $595 wouldn't pay the interest on their $120,000 apartment. Please read the Sunday Paper to view how many apartments are listed for under $600. A good way to become Housing educated. Subsidizing Developers to build Just increases the rent we must ask. Waste hurts both taxpayers and non taxpayers. Mel Gregerson CAPS South Mpls. ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
RE: [Mpls] Re: Boulevard development loses committee vote
-Original Message- From: Paul Lohman [SMTP:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Friday, September 20, 2002 12:16 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject:[Mpls] Re: Boulevard development loses committee vote With regard to the MCDA Operating Committee's decision yesterday to deny funding yesterday I have a couple of thoughts. Those who have posted on this subject so far seem to be of a mind stated by Mel Gregerson when he said Mpls needs to stop giving money away for development, the marketplace works best if left alone. I think that statement is a bit absurd. The fact of the matter is that the marketplace is not being left alone, never has, and in a big way and for good reason. It doesn't work the way the majority of people would like to see it work. Hence government steps in in a multitude of ways to effect the changes that we - the voters - decide are needed. Mel,s Reply Sorry, I don't call tearing down everything poor people can afford to live in Help. Sorry, I don't call enriching non-profit developers or for-profit developers $120,000 to $255,000 to build $60,000 apartments Help Sorry, but I call it waste. Let them spend their own money or borrow from the banks, just like the rest of us do. There are many For-profit Housing Providers who rent for $595 a Month rent or less. $595 wouldn't pay the interest on their $120,000 apartment. Please read the Sunday Paper to view how many apartments are listed for under $600. A good way to become Housing educated. Subsidizing Developers to build Just increases the rent we must ask. Waste hurts both taxpayers and non taxpayers. Mel Gregerson CAPS South Mpls. ___ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
