[Mpls] Rybak names Fey deputy mayor
Mayor-elected Rybak revived a title dormant since the Fraser years for the current head of Seward Redesign, who had been mentioned as head MCDA. Rybak also named campaign co-chairpersons Laura Sether as press secretary and legislative liaison, while Peter Wagenius becomes City Council liaison. http://www.startribune.com/stories/462/905507.html David Brauer List manager _ Do You Yahoo!? Get your free @yahoo.com address at http://mail.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] More Kudos for Mpls: US Census Statistics
More Kudos for Mpls! Mayor Sayles Belton requested that I post this. Ann Freeman Based on the recently published 2000 Census Supplemental Survey, Minneapolis is ranked #1 in the country for bicycle commuting with an estimated average of 5,366 people riding to work each day on a bike. That is a 2.63% mode share. Sacramento, California ranks #2 with a 2.59% mode share, and Portland, Oregon ranks #3 with a 2.25% mode share. More information can be found at the following website: http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/DTGeoSearchByListServlet?ds_name=ACS_ C2SS_EST_G00_state=dt ___ 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] Charger Update (Have You Hugged a Public Defender Today?)
The disorderly conduct charge Minneapolis police issued to Jeremy Meyer after his dog, Charger, was shot 4 times last August by one of its officers was dropped yesterday. Hennepin County public defender, Barbara Isaacman represented Jeremy. At Jeremy's first court appearance, Ms. Isaacman requested production of a complaint. At yesterday's appearance, Ms. Isaacman was given written statements of two individuals present at the 8/13/01 incident which contradicted the police account that Jeremy was the one yelling into the microphone. After she spoke with the prosecutors, the charges were dismissed. The Meyers are still awaiting resolution of the issue of whether the City will reimburse them for Charger's medical expenses. Amy Draeger Lowry Hill ___ 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] Transportation, housing, metro government
Message: 2 From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] I remind the editorial board that I took an oath to protect the interests of my constituents to the best of my ability. I am not convinced that fast-tracking a capacity project (HOV lanes) on I-35W is in the best interest of the 8th Ward. I have been involved in the access project since the spring of 1998. CM Dore Mead is educating me about the earlier work on this project and the Neighborhood Transportation Network (NTN). I will be meeting with freeway activists (past and present; pro and con) to determine a strategy. My guess is this will mean a community-wide meeting(s) early in 2002. Hopefully, this will move us toward the clarity the Strib board seeks. I am disturbed by the oblique threat in the quote from Commissioner Tinklenberg. State Transportation Commissioner Elwyn Tinklenberg is right when he says: The more inflexible Minneapolis becomes, the more it alienates itself from the support it needs. [TB] While Im no where near convinced that building more freeway lanes is the answer to anyones problem, I dont think anything related to 35W has been fast-tracked. These discussions have been going on for years. We certainly know that if we build more lanes, the cars will come and there is a large number of people out there who make extensive use of automobiles. I think, however, that there is some truth to what Commissioner Tinklenberg said. Minneapolis cant go it alone and needs support. Same for the burbs. If they didnt need Minneapolis wed have significantly fewer concrete ribbons leading to downtown Minneapolis. We need the support but we need creative solutions that meet everyones needs. Meets needs, not everyones pipedreams. Message: 17 From: W. Brandon Lacy Campos [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unfortunately, at this juncture in Minneapolis Housing, I don't see rents free-falling nor landlords getting the proverbial shaft anytime soon. As a matter of fact, rent in Minneapolis is ridiculous. Does anyone on the list have compartitive statistics for rents in other Minneapolis sized cities? [TB] Its fortunate that rents are not free-falling. A landlord needs to make the money to be able to maintain the property to the standards that will attract tenants. 2 websites that provide some comparable information with other areas are: http://www.holland-chamber.org/hcccstlv.htm http://www0.mercurycenter.com/svtech/news/special/wealth/cht_marketbasket.html The survey cited by the Holland Area Chamber of Commerce is referred to in numberous sites and shows our housing costs to be similar to cities such as Denver, Seattle, Washington DC, Phili and Cleveland, much lower than New York City and higher than Pheonix. Equally important is vacancy rates or availablility. -Brandon Lacy Campos again: On a salary of roughly 26,000 dollars a year, I can no longer afford to live in Uptown, Lynn/Lake, or adjacent neighborhoods. And I have fairly low financial burdens. I currently live in Powderhorn Park, a wonderful neighborhood, where rent pricess are steadily climbing. [TB] There is a distinction to be made between what we want and what we need. Clearly people need housing where they have access to jobs, schools, etc. Many of us have places that we would like to live that we cannot afford or even have had times in our lives when we could not afford to live where we do now. Im now in the 6th year of renting the same apartment in the Loring Park neighborhood. While I make no claim that the apartment is cheap, I think it is competitively priced with similar property around the city and I certainly dont feel that Ive been gouged with price increases. Both the transportation and housing issues are issues that cannot be solved by just one municipality, we need metro area solutions. All of our municipalities need to quit acting like little protectorates that are looking out only for their individual interests. The number of governmental units we have within the area served by Metropolitan Council is absurd. For the good of the entire metro area, we need an elected Metropolitan Council that would take over most of the duties of our existing municipalities including planning, transportation and zoning. Terrell Brown Loring Park [EMAIL PROTECTED] = Terrell Brown CPA CFI-MEI/ATP Financial Management/Aviation Safety 110 West Grant Street #30H Minneapolis, MN 55403 [EMAIL PROTECTED] (612)371-9681 h/(612)998-9681 c __ Do You Yahoo!? Check out Yahoo! Shopping and Yahoo! Auctions for all of your unique holiday gifts! Buy at http://shopping.yahoo.com or bid at http://auctions.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
Re: [Mpls] Vacancy rates, rents, economic indicators......
A thought on landlords: Why should a landlord expect that rents will cover the entire cost of their investment? Basically, the renters then pay the note and the cost of maintaining a property that they have no interest in and the owner reaps all the wealth created as the property appreciates in value both due to the market/land value and the mortgage gradually being paid off. IMO, landlords don't really have cause to complain that the rents aren't covering their costs. They have acquired an investment and as they say: It takes money to make money, right? They get the cooperation of tenants to pay down the debt they owe on THEIR investment and then reap the benefits of it through income tax write offs, equity, and long term security. The tenants MAYBE get a property tax rebate each year for dumping their money into their landlord's pocket. Oh, they also get a place to live, of course. Enough is enough with these property owners (no direct offense intended to parties on THIS list). Bob Velez Shingle Creek Ward 4 Quoting Victoria Heller [EMAIL PROTECTED]: The larger the mortgage on a building, the higher the rent. Some property owners have no mortgage payments at all, so they can charge lower rents. These are the good landlords. taxes (we know these are going up) ___ 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] 35 W ramps
Date: Mon, 17 Dec 2001 19:36:29 -0600 From: wizardmarks [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: David Brauer [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [Mpls] Strib edit: build the exta/transit lane on 35W David Brauer wrote: One thing I have heard (and would like list comment on) is that the transit lane pitch of the lane expansion is, in essence, a sham. Wizard Marks wrote: IMHO, it's a bait-and-switch routine. We asked for a remediation of mistakes made in the building of 35W at Lake Street. Before Freeway (b.f.), both Nicollet Av. and Lake St. were major commercial arteries. Part of the reason for decline, if not most of the reason, is attributed to the lack of access at 35W and Lake. The remediation we asked for was a Northbound entrance and a Southbound exit at Lake St., new bicycle/pedestrian bridges at 40th and 26th Sts., better looking bridge at 31st and Lake Sts. (under 35W). MNDOT came back with, 'we have to move the 35th/36th St. exits to 38th St so as not to worsen a bad design flaw and create more traffic hazards.' This latest from MNDOT is a whole 'nuther ballgame and a nose thumbing to us if ever there was one. People have worked hard on 35W for over two years only to be told it's all for nought. Had I sat through those numerous and perhaps endless meetings, I'd be royally honked off at MNDOT. Not having sat through that, I'm still royally honked. For everyone's sake, we have to get trains bringing people from the far burbs or exurbs and the mid-burbs and the near-burbs. Jana Metge writes: With regard to the the above statement, and having sat in on 35W meetings for 2 years during my 8 years at CNIA, people living around 35th and 36th street asked for the freeway ramps to be shut down. There was a survey done during 1997 through the Weed and Seed initiative and many, many residents felt that with the new Library expansion, as well as the New School, Early Learning Center, and Clinic...it was now too dangerous to cross those streets. There had been many a time when cars racing to get onto 35W crashed into the fence and yard on the corner of 35th and 3rd Ave. So. Of residents in that area surveyed, at that time, the majority wanted the freeway ramps now closed on those intersections. Those survey results were given to the 35W committee at the beginning of the 35W discussions. Additionally, at a 35W meeting, where I was present, it was Councilmember Herron that suggested a ramp at 38th St. He felt that it would enhance the commercial potential of that corridor. He was the one who requested that staff research this. Additionally, a community involvement committee was put together. I served on it, as did Robert Lilligren, David Sabaka from Whittier, and Sarah Hernandez from Honeywell..several Community meetings were held at that time. This would have been in 1999-2000. Again, residents surveyed and the majority of those who attended (meetings at Hosmer, as well as at the Zurah Shrine building) again asked that closing 35th and 36th St. be researched due to safety reasons. The fast traffic was hazardous and the environment had changed due to the school development, as well as the expanded use of the Hosmer Library. If now the climate has changed again and residents are not wanting 35th and 36th to be closed, greatbut if residents are still worried about the safety of families going to the clinic and schoolwe need to ask them and see if that need is still there. Is it safe for parents to cross 35th St. to go to the School, clinic, pre-school? Is is safe for folks to park their cars on 36th and get out and go to Hosmer Library. Jana L. Metge Phillips Resident Staff/CLPC ___ 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] Rybak names Fey deputy mayor
I need to say a few words. R.T. has made excellent choices with these first appointments. I worked with David Fey for six years at Seward Redesign first while he served as a Redesign Board member, then as his employee. David is an incredibly effective decision maker, a collaborator, a consensus builder and mentor. He is true leader who has an uncanny ability move his agenda while showing respect and caring for all the people he deals with. While Seward must now find another leader the caliber of Caren Dewar and David Fey to fill their position at Redesign the City and the Metro area now have the benefit of David's skills when they are needed most. Laura Sether and Peter Wagenius ran a great campaign humble, thoughtful, boisterous, swarthy and inclusive. I would frequently see Peter and Laura gathering with R.T. for their regular Friday meetings during the campaign and there was always a quiet air of confidence and a pinpoint focus to their work. Congratulations to Laura, Peter and David. And, kudos to R.T. for bringing great new leaders into the Mayor's office with you! -- In cooperation, Erik Riese Decisive Moment Decision making services for business and nonprofits. Seward, USA: a great place to live, work, learn, and play! (some pretty good restaurants too) (612) 242-8528 (612) 724-3217 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 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
Re: [Mpls] 35 W ramps
My understanding is that Central and a little strip of Lyndale (between Stevens and Nicollet) want 35th/36th St. ramps closed for the reasons cited. Opening ramps at 38th St. was introduced because it was more logical since 38th is a through street from the river to Kings Hwy. and has a lot of small business node activity along its length. It would also mean that Central could drop from five one way streets to three which would help to solidify the neighborhood. However, in terms of remediation, Central wanted to be accomodated along the strip from Lake to 38th with amenity improvements. One big one was Sabathani's parking squeeze which would happen if ramps were opened on 38th. The HOV lanes now proposed by MNDOT are still a bait and switch. WizardMarks, Central Citizens for a Loring Park Community wrote: Date: Mon, 17 Dec 2001 19:36:29 -0600 From: wizardmarks [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: David Brauer [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [Mpls] Strib edit: build the exta/transit lane on 35W David Brauer wrote: One thing I have heard (and would like list comment on) is that the transit lane pitch of the lane expansion is, in essence, a sham. Wizard Marks wrote: IMHO, it's a bait-and-switch routine. We asked for a remediation of mistakes made in the building of 35W at Lake Street. Before Freeway (b.f.), both Nicollet Av. and Lake St. were major commercial arteries. Part of the reason for decline, if not most of the reason, is attributed to the lack of access at 35W and Lake. The remediation we asked for was a Northbound entrance and a Southbound exit at Lake St., new bicycle/pedestrian bridges at 40th and 26th Sts., better looking bridge at 31st and Lake Sts. (under 35W). MNDOT came back with, 'we have to move the 35th/36th St. exits to 38th St so as not to worsen a bad design flaw and create more traffic hazards.' This latest from MNDOT is a whole 'nuther ballgame and a nose thumbing to us if ever there was one. People have worked hard on 35W for over two years only to be told it's all for nought. Had I sat through those numerous and perhaps endless meetings, I'd be royally honked off at MNDOT. Not having sat through that, I'm still royally honked. For everyone's sake, we have to get trains bringing people from the far burbs or exurbs and the mid-burbs and the near-burbs. Jana Metge writes: With regard to the the above statement, and having sat in on 35W meetings for 2 years during my 8 years at CNIA, people living around 35th and 36th street asked for the freeway ramps to be shut down. There was a survey done during 1997 through the Weed and Seed initiative and many, many residents felt that with the new Library expansion, as well as the New School, Early Learning Center, and Clinic...it was now too dangerous to cross those streets. There had been many a time when cars racing to get onto 35W crashed into the fence and yard on the corner of 35th and 3rd Ave. So. Of residents in that area surveyed, at that time, the majority wanted the freeway ramps now closed on those intersections. Those survey results were given to the 35W committee at the beginning of the 35W discussions. Additionally, at a 35W meeting, where I was present, it was Councilmember Herron that suggested a ramp at 38th St. He felt that it would enhance the commercial potential of that corridor. He was the one who requested that staff research this. Additionally, a community involvement committee was put together. I served on it, as did Robert Lilligren, David Sabaka from Whittier, and Sarah Hernandez from Honeywell..several Community meetings were held at that time. This would have been in 1999-2000. Again, residents surveyed and the majority of those who attended (meetings at Hosmer, as well as at the Zurah Shrine building) again asked that closing 35th and 36th St. be researched due to safety reasons. The fast traffic was hazardous and the environment had changed due to the school development, as well as the expanded use of the Hosmer Library. If now the climate has changed again and residents are not wanting 35th and 36th to be closed, greatbut if residents are still worried about the safety of families going to the clinic and schoolwe need to ask them and see if that need is still there. Is it safe for parents to cross 35th St. to go to the School, clinic, pre-school? Is is safe for folks to park their cars on 36th and get out and go to Hosmer Library. Jana L. Metge Phillips Resident Staff/CLPC ___ 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:
[Mpls] Fun with lists
Happy holidays all- January fast approaches, and 2001 nears its end. So, as we reflect on the past year's highs and [incredible] lows, how about a thoroughly unscientific poll: What were the top 5 Minneapolis stories of 2001 [remember Minneapolis-centric only]? richard carney st. paul minneapolis born and still quite attached to the old dear ___ 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 Kudos for Mpls: US Census Statistics
Ann Freeman writes: Based on the recently published 2000 Census Supplemental Survey, Minneapolis is ranked #1 in the country for bicycle commuting with an estimated average of 5,366 people riding to work each day on a bike. That is a 2.63% mode share. Steve Brandt: Not to rain on anyone's parade but C2SS census data ought to be treated with extreme caution. It's basically a sample that was done as a reality check for the actual census. It has a very small sample and an extremely wide margin of error. In fact, the margin of error dwarfs the hundredths of a percentage point differences among the cities. The actual range covered by the margin of error is between 2,330 and 8,402 bikers. I'd like to believe that Minneapolis is a bike-friendly city, although the climate dampens use seasonally, but more accurate numbers should be coming with next summer's release of long form data. It covered every seventh household. At the Star Tribune, we're waiting for those numbers before drawing conclusions. Steve Brandt Kingfield Home of the Killer Greenway Steve Brandt ___ 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] Fun with lists
5) Continuing Saga of Potential Loss of Twins 4) Breaking Ground On Hohlman Opening of Target 3) Loss of AAA Bond Rating 2) Rising of the Greens 1) SSB, CM Cherryhomes, CM Campbell going down in flames. Craig Miller Former Fultonite [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
Re:[Mpls] Vacancy rates, rents, economic indicators......
Ther is a substantial shortfall of affordable rental housing that will not be turned around by short-term vacancies in existing structures. The shortfall figure of 14,776 units for individuals and households at or below 30% Metro Median Income (MMI) arrived at by the City's Affordable Housing Task Force 7/15/99 is widely understood as emblematic of a growing region- and state-wide shortfall well beyond the capacities of local resources. 500 concerned advocates for affordable housing attended a recent HousingMinnesota convention and heard Commissioner David Stanley of the Millenial Housing Commission of the U. S. Congress warn about the need for billions of dollars of new investment nationally. R.T. and the new council will peck away at this crisis with local tools and seek alliances with larger bodies for larger-scale efforts. Wish them well and lend a hand! We'll all have affordable housing on the brain because events will force our collective address to this issue. It bodes ill in the short run that there is a substantial shortfall in the state's budget - and a substantial increase in un- and under-employment. There is a larger structural challenge coming in the approaching withdrawal of thousands of baby boomers from the working population. These are suburban and Greater Minnesota realities as well, not just action agenda concerns for the inner city crowd. We have an opportunity to work with our situation with strong housing advocates in our city hall. We need to lend our considerable energies to problem-solving about municipal agency restructuring, to pressing for appropriate levels of concern in the State Legislature and the Governor's Mansion, to understanding that when we find something that really works in our neighborhoods we are doing a good thing - setting an example for our suburban and out-state neighbors and embracing, not hiding, from civic responsibility. Fred Markus Horn Terrace Ward Ten __ Do You Yahoo!? Check out Yahoo! Shopping and Yahoo! Auctions for all of your unique holiday gifts! Buy at http://shopping.yahoo.com or bid at http://auctions.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
Re: [Mpls] Fun with lists
Here are three nominations: 1) Where's winter? 2) Rybak wins! 3) Herrongate Ann Berget Kingfield
[Mpls] Exchange of materials: a good idea
I am so excited about a web site that I just found. Its the Minnesota Materials Exchange. It links businesses with free or low cost reusable goods to other organizations who can use them. I hope that everyone on the list will check the site out and use it to increase its value as a resource. Check it out!!! www.mnexchange.org Sheila Delaney Ward 10 Lyndale ___ 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] Neighborhood Environmental Sustainability- Conf. Sat. Am Jan 26th 2002
St. Paul and Minneapolis neighborhood volunteers are invited to attend the Neighborhood Environmental Sustainability Conference Saturday, January, 26, 2002, 8am to 1pm, at the First Unitarian Society, 900 Mount Curve Boulevard, Minneapolis MN Registration The event is free and open to the public. Register to attend the workshop on line at www.center4neighborhoods.org or by calling the Center for Neighborhoods at 612-339-3480 Agenda 8:00am registration and refreshments 8:30am Welcome and Overview by Mayors R.T. Rybak and Randy Kelly and a local sustainability expert. 9:00am Concurrent Topic Sessions Safe, healthy and efficient buildings- Transportation Alternatives Watershed Protection 10:45 am Concurrent Topic Sessions Working for Win/Wins with Industries Gardening/ Urban Forestry/ Urban Agriculture/ Open Space Solid Waste Reduction/ Recylcing 12:15- Lunch - Volunteers will be encouraged to sit in tables in clusters of adjacent neighborhoods to talk about the projects they would like to pursue together. Over the past few years there has been a dramatic increase in activity to address environmental quality at the neighborhood scale. This conference will highlight creative efforts and partnerships in St. Paul and Minneapolis that have proven effective. Each case study will show how neighborhood leaders are creating win/win outcomes for neighborhood health, livability, economic vitality and affordability. Purpose- To link neighborhoods with environmental funders and resource organizations that can support neighborhood volunteers and staff to plan and implement projects to improve neighborhood environmental sustainability. Topics- The Saturday morning conference will offer six workshop topics: Watershed Protection- watershed education and clean ups, non-point source prevention, rainwater gardens, vegetative buffers, stream monitoring, creek day-lighting, creative storm water management, open space acquisition and reclaiming the Mississippi riverfront. Community Gardening, Urban Agriculture and Forestry - Community gardening, garden permanence, composting and youth entrepreneurship. Urban forestry, native landscaping, boulevard planting and habitat restoration. Preservation of open space and development of green corridors. Farmer's markets and community-supported agriculture. Solid Waste Reduction/ Recycling- education efforts to reduce solid and toxic waste production from homes, yards and businesses, materials re-use and recycling, composting, toxic waste reduction education, toxic and hazardous waste collection, junk-mail abatement, clean sweeps and working toward zero waste. Transportation Alternatives - increasing options and access, traffic calming, pedestrian and transit-oriented development, bikeway development, safe routes to school, encouragement of public transit, location-specific mortgages, integrated parking demand management, monitoring urban air quality. Safe, healthy and efficient buildings- integrating energy efficient design into new construction and rehab of residential, commercial and public buildings. Materials reuse, expanding the scope of home-owner education and rehab loan programs. Reduction of household environmental hazards including lead, mold radon. Use of geothermal, solar and other locally-produced energy. Working for Win/Wins with Industries- Eco-industrial development and shrinking industrial footprints. Developing good neighbor agreements to reduce air, noise and visual pollution. Supporting local businesses to save money by reducing energy and material costs. Monitoring urban air quality. Each workshop will feature neighborhood case studies that depict successful project ideas, and information by environmental resource groups and funders that are available to support neighborhood efforts. Participants will also receive resource binders containing information, contacts and guidelines for how to move forward with their own projects. Resource Groups that will be participating in the workshop as co-sponsors include the Alliance for Sustainability, Capitol City Traffic Calming Alliance, Center for Energy the Environment, Community Design Center of Minnesota, Design Center for American Urban Landscape (CALA, U of M), Green Institute, First Unitarian Society Environment Committee, Farm in the City, Friends of the Mississippi River, Great River Earth Institute, Greater Metropolitan Housing Corporation, Minneapolis Committee on the Urban Environment, Minneapolis and St. Paul Park and Recreation Boards, MN Pedestrian and Bike Alliance, MN Environmental Partnership, Saint Paul Neighborhood Energy Consortium, Sierra Club, MN Chapter, Sustainable Resources Center, Transit for Livable Communities, Trust for Public Land, and the Youth Farm and Market Project. Neighborhoods that will be making presentations during workshops- Macalester-Groveland, St. Anthony Park, Greening the Great River, Mississippi Corridor Neighborhood Coalition, Harrison, Holland, Longfellow, Nokomis East,
[Mpls] Re: Fun with lists
From: Craig Miller [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Tue, 18 Dec 2001 14:34:51 -0600 2) Rising of the Greens 1) SSB, CM Cherryhomes, CM Campbell going down in flames. Aren't these two practically one and the same thing? ;o) L. Hogan Marcy-Holmes You have the right to free speech-- As long as you're not dumb enough to actually try it! --- The Clash, Know Your Rights, 1983 ___ 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] Herron
Whatever happened to Herrongate? Clark Griffith, 7th Ward ___ 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] Housing Question at 55th and Lyndale
One rainy Saturday afternoon earlier this year, I happened to run into a protest in the business district around 55th and Lyndale. (Old Boulevard Theatre area). Apparently, the businesses were voicing their concern about a proposal to build affordable housing in the area. Does anyone know about this proposed project and if it is still planned? If so, will it affect the existing businesses in that area of town? -Original Message- Subject: [whittier] Mayoral Housing Summit Mayor Elect R.T. Rybak announced today that he will host a Housing Summit: WHEN: January 5th, 2002 TIME: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. PLACE: Christ the King Catholic Church WHERE: 50TH St. and Zenith Av. So. It will be a daylong community meeting on affordable housing options. R.T. wishes to invite community groups, foundations, faith based communities, the private sector and the many others in our region who can help attack this crisis. ___ 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] Whatever happene
Whatever happened to Herrongate? Clark Griffith, 7th Ward Look in the morning paper. Sabri's trial starts Jan. 14. Ortega's license hearing starts Feb. 12. Herron is presumably sentenced after the trial. Steve Brandt Newspaper of the Western Hemisphere ___ 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] Fun with Lists
I'd say number one and two (together) would have to be Brian Herron's resignation and Basim Sabri's arrest. Number three would be R. T. Rybak's victory over Sharon Sayles Belton. Don't know about four and five. Valerie Powers Ward 10 ___ 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] Exchange of materials: a good idea
As an Operations Manger working for a private company Iworked with the Material Exchange Program. They will go above and beyond the call of duty to help you find partners for products you may be thinking of disposing.Thanks to the Material Exchange Program the company I worked for saved thousands of dollars each years and kept plastic out of our landfill. SAVE MONEY! PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT! Thank you Sheila for passing this along to the list. Ken Bradley Sheila Delaney [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I am so excited about a web site that I just found. Its the MinnesotaMaterials Exchange. It links businesses with free or low cost reusablegoods to other organizations who can use them. I hope that everyone onthe list will check the site out and use it to increase its value as a resource.Check it out!!!www.mnexchange.orgSheila DelaneyWard 10 Lyndale___Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-DemocracyPost messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED]Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more:http://e-democracy.org/mplsDo You Yahoo!? Check out Yahoo! Shopping and Yahoo! Auctions for all of your holiday gifts!
[Mpls] Deputy Mayor, David Fey
Go ahead and feel hopeful. With world news still suspenseful, it's great to have Minneapolis' city governance taking shape with David Fey's guiding light next to R.T.'s bright beam. If I sound poetic, it's how I feel. I've known David for the past twelve years as a balanced, focused, generous, honest leader -- a quiet yet powerful voice for urban revitalization with a social justice base. He's an individual who's taken as much care in developing his inner as his outer self. David is deep diver, not a surface skimmer, and this depth surely will help our city across whatever rough roads (and light rail tracks) are ahead. While our Seward neighborhood may be losing his direct leadership, we gain, along with the city and region, a stand up individual whose vision transcends geographic boundaries. Join me in welcoming this choice of Deputy Mayor, David Fey, as fine a fellow as this old town has ever seen! Cheers! -- Susan Schaefer, M.A., APR Schaefer Communications, LLC 2221 27th Avenue South Minneapolis, MN 55406 612.276.0301 Fax: 612. 276.0323 http://www.schaefercommunications.com Solving business, organizational, and individual problems through creative and strategic planning, process, partnerships and communications programs. Tell me and I'll forget; show me and I may remember; involve me and I'll understand. ___ 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] Rybak appointment news release
NEWS RELEASE: December 17, 2001 Rybak Announces Mayoral Appointments R.T. Rybak announced today his first three appointments to his Mayoral staff. David Fey, currently Executive Director of Seward Redesign, will be his Deputy Mayor. Laura Sether will be a Senior Policy Aide and Press Secretary. Peter Wagenius will be a Senior Policy Aide and Council Liaison. Sether and Wagenius were co-campaign managers of the Rybak campaign. David Fey has been Executive Director of Seward Redesign, a leading nonprofit community development corporation, since 1995. A registered architect with 20 years of design and planning experience, Fey served on the board of Seward Redesign for nine years before becoming Executive Director. He was Communications Director of architectural firm Ellerbe Beckett prior to that. Rybak said, "I have known of Davids work for many years. Hes known for building strong teams and creating organizations that are responsive to communities. As hes done with our affordable housing work group, Im confident that David will help put our campaign promises into action." Fey is widely recognized as a pragmatic but passionate advocate for affordable housing. He was elected Vice Chair of the Minneapolis Affordable Housing Task Force in 1998 and serves on the Local Advisory Committee of the Twin Cities office of the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC). He is currently leading the affordable housing work group of the Rybak Transition Team, which will announce a set of housing strategies for the first 90 days of the new administration later today. Fey said, "Im honored and excited about this appointment. I think of myself as a pragmatic visionary, which means that I get my energy from imagining what is possible, but I get my satisfaction from actually getting things done." Laura Sether was the Legislative Liaison and Communications Director at Minnesota Planning prior to going to work on the Rybak campaign. She was also a Legislative Assistant for U.S. Congressman Tim Penny. Peter Wagenius has worked for Senate DFL Caucus doing writing, research and media work for the past five years. He served as deputy field director for the Humphrey-Moe gubernatorial campaign in 1998. Mayoral office appointments take effect when the Mayor is sworn in on January 2, 2002. ### Laura Sether, Standish-EricssonDo You Yahoo!? Check out Yahoo! Shopping and Yahoo! Auctions for all of your holiday gifts!
[Mpls] Rybak housing press release
NEWS RELEASE (Sorry about the crazy font size below -- this is how it pasted, and I can't figure out how to change it here.) Tuesday, December 18, 2001 Mayor-Elect Rybak Announces 90-Day Housing Strategy Mayor-Elect R.T. Rybak announced today his 90-day plan to address the affordable housing shortage in Minneapolis. "We want to have an immediate impact on this critical problem," Rybak said. "Were recommending regulatory changes that have stimulated development in other cities, like smart codes for renovated buildings and zoning incentives that reduce the costs of development without requiring additional public investment." The Transition Teams Affordable Housing Work Group, chaired by David Fey, has been working with Rybak on this plan. The plan includes regulatory reforms that can be accomplished without a major restructuring of the planning and development departments of the city, and without immediate increases in public funding. It recommends the immediate release of $4 million in Neighborhood Revitalization Program (NRP) funding that was set aside for affordable housing projects in 2001. It recommends a specific allocation of NRP funding for 2002 only after the city council adopts clear, citywide development priorities and begins the process of restructuring the planning and development functions of the City, including the NRP. Rybak said, "Its clear that public support for the HRA property tax levy is tied to significant reform of the citys development agenda and organizational structure. We will not allocate these funds until we achieve reform." To get community input on affordable housing, Rybak will host a Housing Summit on the morning of Saturday, January 5th. "We cant do this important work in a vacuum," says Work Group chair David Fey. "Our success will depend on how effectively we engage the entire community in working together to address the affordable housing crisis. The summit is about opening the door and inviting the community to own and shape it as we move forward." The Affordable Housing Work Group will present the 90-day plan in a community-wide forum for discussion and feedback on the morning of Saturday, January 4. The Summit will be held from 9:00 a.m. to noon at Christ the King Catholic Church, at 5029 Zenith Ave. S. and is free and open to the public The members of Rybaks Affordable Housing Work Group are Russ Adams, Alliance for Metropolitan Stability; Alan Arthur, Central Community Housing Trust; Jerry Boardman, Minneapolis Community Development Agency; Dorothy Bridges, Franklin National Bank; David Fey, Seward Redesign (chair); Tom Fulton, Family Housing Fund of the Twin Cities; Tom Leighton, Minneapolis Planning Department; Gene Martinez, Arc Hennepin County; Anne Mavity, Corporation for Supportive Housing; Gretchen Nicholls, Center for Neighborhoods; Stephen Seidel, Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity; Sam St. Pierre, Minnesota Multi-Housing Association; Tom Streitz, Minneapolis Public Housing Authority; Cathy ten Broeke, Hennepin County; Neva Walker, Minnesota House of Representatives; and Paul Williams, Twin Cities Local Initiatives Support Corporation. A summary of Mayor-Elect Rybaks 90-day strategy for affordable housing is attached for reference. ### 90-Day Affordable Housing Strategies Affordable Housing Work Group of the Rybak Transition Team December 18, 2001 A. Regulatory Reform (in partnership with other jurisdictions) During the first 90-days, the Rybak administration will focus on a set of regulatory reforms that can increase the supply of affordable housing in Minneapolis without major organizational reform or significant new appropriations. The goal will be to bring recommendations on these reforms to the City Council for review by March 31. 1. Get existing affordable units back onto the market. Rezone to permit existing and potential multi-unit occupancies (City). Reduce fees for development of affordable properties (City). Revise building codes to reduce costs of rehabilitation (City/State). Streamline tax forfeiture process to accelerate purchase and rehab (City/County). 2. Monitor and facilitate preservation of vulnerable properties. Develop comprehensive housing preservation program (City). Expand and integrate successful preservation programs: i.e. mortgage foreclosure prevention, early warning, Project 504/tenant remedy act (City). Improve monitoring of affordable housing inventory (Cities/Metropolitan Council/State). 3. Provide incentives and opportunities for housing development. Streamline City development approval and funding processes (City). Rezone to permit multi-unit development where appropriate (City). Reduce land cost to developers through "density bonuses" (City/State). Revise tax code so affordable properties are not overtaxed (City/County/State). 4. Partner with other jurisdictions on joint legislative agenda. Partner with Mayor-elect Kelly of St. Paul on legislative agenda (Cities/State). Collaborate with Minnesota
[Mpls] Business 101 (was:Vacancy rates, rents, economic indicators......)
[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: A thought on landlords: Why should a landlord expect that rents will cover the entire cost of their investment? Because there's a little thing called cash flow that you need to run a business, which renting property is. If you can't generate enough revenue to pay your expenses (mortgage, maintenance, insurance, taxes, etc.) you can't run the business. Sure you own a building and land, but that's not liquid and that won't pay the bills. And, you've got cash invested in that property -- cash that might be earning more over the long term if it were invested in say, the stock market (this equation depends on the quality of the property owned). So, you might have to make up for that, too. Here's an analogy. Think of it like a movie theater (another business structured around a huge fixed asset -- the theatre property). If the number of tickets sold don't cover the cost of owning the property plus salaries and expenses, the business can't run. Even if on paper it is still solvent. Just because the fixed asset is worth a lot of money doesn't mean there is wealth creation going on -- the value of the asset could be deteriorating -- the neighborhood could be in decline, the adjacent properties poorly maintained, etc. -- or it could be appreciating. The question is at what rate is it appreciating? And, just because there is money there -- some percentage the landlord's, the rest the bank's -- doesn't mean the owner is getting rich quick or that they will get a huge windfall when they sell the building -- usually landlords are making a reasonable amount of money, but not fabulous windfall profits. As to how much do properties appreciate, and is it comparable to other places you could put your money, I think realtors use a rule of thumb that real estate, on average, increases in value at 1.5 to 2 per cent per year. The last few years of rapidly rising property values in Minneapolis are an abberation, and that's not how it usually is. Depending on the quality of the property, you might be better off in the stock market over the long term. To sum it up: if the intake doesn't exceed the outgo, at least slightly, you can't stay in business. You're right, it does take money to make money. And, life ain't fair. Barbara Nelson Burnsville, formerly Seward ___ 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] Vacancy rates, rents, economic indicators......
Bob Velez writes: A thought on landlords: Why should a landlord expect that rents will cover the entire cost of their investment? Basically, the renters then pay the note and the cost of maintaining a property that they have no interest in and the owner reaps all the wealth created as the property appreciates in value both due to the market/land value and the mortgage gradually being paid off. Response by AE: My husband and I, both in our mid 30's, own and live in a duplex, and recently purchased the next door 4-plex, in the Powderhorn Park neighborhood. We bought these properties because we believe in our neighborhood and want to invest in it. We keep rent reasonable, but make sure it covers the cost of the property (principal, interest, property tax, insurance, heat, electric, H2O and sewer, city licensing fees). We do not pay ourselves and hourly rate for the work done on the building (between maintenance and bookkeeping, this averages 20 hours a week or more), and we pay for repairs and supplies out of our savings. The wealth I will be reaping in 15 or 20 years will have been earned by 2 major commitments... our unpaid and on-call labor, and our willingness to take a financial risk. If something dreadful happens to our neighborhood like the city building a freeway through the park, or building an incinerator across the street, the tenant can move - I just have to watch my property value plummet. I have no problem with the expectation that the monthly rent I charge cover the daily expenses of the property (and, due to yet another *huge* property tax increase - 28% - we will have to raise the rent this year). The trade-off for the tenants we rent to is that they do not have to worry about committing big down-payments toward a mortgage, they retain freedom and flexibility to move, they do not have to shovel or mow or fix toilets ... So, this is my response -- We are working hard now investing in the future. In 20 years we will have a supplemental monthly income and, hopefully, a valuable asset. I think that is all good and fair. I'd be interested in what others have to say. alx powderhorn 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] Steve Brandt dates
Message: 6 Date: Tue, 18 Dec 2001 15:46:07 -0600 From: Steve Brandt [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [Mpls] Whatever happene Whatever happened to Herrongate? Clark Griffith, 7th Ward Look in the morning paper. Sabri's trial starts Jan. 14. Ortega's license hearing starts Feb. 12. Herron is presumably sentenced after the trial. Steve Brandt Newspaper of the Western Hemisphere Response: Should have read the Mpls. Issues further...Steve's correct with these new dates. I was incorrect. Thanks Steve. Jana Metge Phillips Resident CLPC Staff ___ 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:
Mr. Valez brings us a teachable moment. A thought on landlords: Why should a landlord expect that rents will cover the entire cost of their investment? Basically, the renters then pay the note and the cost of maintaining a property that they have no interest in and the owner reaps all the wealth created as the property appreciates in value both due to the market/land value and the mortgage gradually being paid off. (CM) I suppose landlords could just lose money, everyday, forever. IMO, landlords don't really have cause to complain that the rents aren't covering their costs. They have acquired an investment and as they say: It takes money to make money, right? They get the cooperation of tenants to pay down the debt they owe on THEIR investment and then reap the benefits of it through income tax write offs, equity, and long term security. The tenants MAYBE get a property tax rebate each year for dumping their money into their landlord's pocket. Oh, they also get a place to live, of course. (CM) I suppose we could make everyone a homeowner. Anybody seen my bottle of homeowner potion #9. Enough is enough with these property owners (no direct offense intended to parties on THIS list). (CM) Let us take the test. In the above sentence take out ' property owners'. Insert lawyers, cabbies, reporters, blacks, Hispanics, lesbians, Germans, Catholics. Anyone offended yet? Silence them if you don't like them. At least that is what Mr. Velez wants. SERIOUS comment for list members. Attitudes such as offered by Mr. Velez are all too common in high office and positions of responsibility. It's kind of like finding a publicly ranting bigot holding office in the year 2000. Just when you think your past some of this stuff, look what crawls out from under a rock. Craig Miller Former Camdenite [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
Re: [Mpls] Deputy Mayor, David Fey
speaking as a seward resident: I DON'T want to give up David Fey. Sort of the opposite of NIMBY--I want to keep David working in my back yard. Oh well, maybe this is just part of the plot for Seward to take over control of the world (or at least Minneapolis ) ;-} sheldon mains, seward neighborhood, [EMAIL PROTECTED] Go ahead and feel hopeful. With world news still suspenseful, it's great to have Minneapolis' city governance taking shape with David Fey's guiding light next to R.T.'s bright beam. If I sound poetic, it's how I feel. I've known David for the past twelve years as a balanced, focused, generous, honest leader -- a quiet yet powerful voice for urban revitalization with a social justice base. He's an individual who's taken as much care in developing his inner as his outer self. David is deep diver, not a surface skimmer, and this depth surely will help our city across whatever rough roads (and light rail tracks) are ahead. While our Seward neighborhood may be losing his direct leadership, we gain, along with the city and region, a stand up individual whose vision transcends geographic boundaries. Join me in welcoming this choice of Deputy Mayor, David Fey, as fine a fellow as this old town has ever seen! Cheers! -- Susan Schaefer, M.A., APR Schaefer Communications, LLC 2221 27th Avenue South Minneapolis, MN 55406 612.276.0301 Fax: 612. 276.0323 http://www.schaefercommunications.com Solving business, organizational, and individual problems through creative and strategic planning, process, partnerships and communications programs. Tell me and I'll forget; show me and I may remember; involve me and I'll understand. ___ 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] Housing projects in the works
A few questions about the 3 projects you mentioned: 100+ units planned for going up at the corner of Franklin and Portland 76 units very likely going up on Franklin and 15th Avenue 900 units going up over at Near North (now called Heritage Park) What is the total amount of the public subsidy (including financing) for each project? Are the taxpayers of Minneapolis on the hook for any debt? Who is the developer for each project? How much cash is each developer contributing from his/her own pocket to each development? How much is each developer paying him/herself in developer fees? How much is the MCDA receiving in administrative and bond related fees? Who will actually end up owning these multi-million dollar properties? Who will manage each project and receive management fees? How much each year? What are the total construction costs per unit? 1BR, 2BR, 3BR, etc.? Was eminent domain used to take private property from others for the benefit of the developers? How much did the developers pay for the land? To whom? How much rent will be charged for each unit? 1BR, 2BR, 3BR, etc? Will the Federal government be paying any of the rent to the developer? What happens if the developer cannot find enough tenants willing or able to pay the rent? Will tax increment financing be used in any of the projects? In what year will any increased property tax receipts be realized? By how much? If you would be kind enough to furnish these answers, our list members would be able to respond to your question about whether or not these projects make sense. Vicky Heller St. Paul ___ 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] Exchange of materials: a good idea
This organization has an education program that sends speaker's out to speak. One came to the Hiawatha Lake Business Association as the November speaker. They love to come out and speak to groups so you can have them speak in your neighborhood to. It is especially geared for businesses and organizations that can exchange useful items. Annie Young - Original Message - From: Sheila Delaney [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, December 18, 2001 2:42 PM Subject: [Mpls] Exchange of materials: a good idea I am so excited about a web site that I just found. Its the Minnesota Materials Exchange. It links businesses with free or low cost reusable goods to other organizations who can use them. I hope that everyone on the list will check the site out and use it to increase its value as a resource. Check it out!!! www.mnexchange.org Sheila Delaney Ward 10 Lyndale ___ 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:
Well, it goes both ways. I like my landlady. She's nice to my cat, and she's only raised my rent once in the five years I've been here. Like all homo sapiens, she has her weak points, but I've never known her to be cruel or mean-spirited. If you asked her about me, she would probably say that I'm nice to her cat, and that I pay my rent on time. I hope she wouldn't say I was cruel or mean-spirited. We have a number of friends in common, and the duplex situation combines a lot of the advantages of having a roommate while avoiding most of the disadvantages. My relationship with *my* landlady contrasts sharply with my relationships with some of the landlords and ladies I've tangled with on the list, who I think are all members of the Property Rights organization. Sometimes they seem more concerned with dissing rights than property rights. Sometimes they seem extraordinarily cruel and mean-spirited. OK, a person could point to all the cruel and mean-spirited lawyers, cabbies, reporters, blacks, Hispanics, lesbians, Germans, Catholics and say, We shouldn't generalize about entire groups because of unpleasant individuals. We shouldn't. But like my landlady and all other homo sapiens, I have my weak points, and I would have a better view of the landlord business if I were presented with a kinder, gentler group of spokespeople. Rosalind Nelson Bancroft neighborhood (Queen Anne Victorian house with an eccentric 1920's duplex conversion) (CM) Let us take the test. In the above sentence take out ' property owners'. Insert lawyers, cabbies, reporters, blacks, Hispanics, lesbians, Germans, Catholics. Anyone offended yet? Silence them if you don't like them. At least that is what Mr. Velez wants. SERIOUS comment for list members. Attitudes such as offered by Mr. Velez are all too common in high office and positions of responsibility. It's kind of like finding a publicly ranting bigot holding office in the year 2000. Just when you think your past some of this stuff, look what crawls out from under a rock. Craig Miller Former Camdenite [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
Re: [Mpls] Vacancy ratesSubsidized Monuments/Nonprofiteers
In a message dated 12/18/01 11:42:28 AM Central Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: How would you view the following three examples of planned new housing: 100+ units planned for going up at the corner of Franklin and Portland 76 units very likely going up on Franklin and 15th Avenue 900 units going up over at Near North (now called Heritage Park) Should we stop progress on these projects to avoid overbuilding? Gregory Luce North Phillips (work) Keith says;I would presume that the nonprofit developments proffered as affordable housing for low income people will cost a pasha's ransom to build, say in the 120,000-180,000 range with nonprofiteers taking incredible fees every whichway from our government tax dollars. I hope Victoria Heller will tell us more about how this is done and who really pays and profits! The for-profit action will get huge subsidies, too. Union labor, mainly white guys from the suburbs and beyond, will build these monuments in our depressed neighborhoods. Mostly bypassing the neighborhood employment/income component, that should be requisite to neighborhood development, will mean inner city residents will miss out on the income needed to live in any market rate monuments. Also called urban renewal, these developments have, or will, push people out of there existing homes and property and they most likely won't be around for the ribbon cutting, cake eating and move-in experience. The existing property owners, long or short term will be eminently doomed through taking by eminent domain; they will be paid in old-bad neighborhood dollars right at turnaround time. Great example is MCDA Grain Belt plan, now perhaps quashed, to push out the old timers at government tax-dollar turn around time. After the developers use our public wealth tax dollars to create these monuments, the homes will go on-line into the rental housing market as direct and modern competition to adjacent or nonadjacent existing rental property. Basically, the taxes from property invested in, and held by, small business people called landlord will fund the subsidized competition. As the subsidized competition prevails, attracting the best tenants and longest rent dollars, unsubsidized private investors will be more likely to falter. Some property owners are familiar with your strategies Greg Luce, through Project 504, for separating faltering landlords from their property rights, cash flow and buildings. I suggest we allow a free and open market place to help satisfy our city housing needs and move away from huge socialistic nonprofit and expensive monument building and social engineering. I doubt anyone would disagree with me, right? Keith Reitman, Near North ___ 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
