[Mpls] Dunbar-Ortiz speaks on Nicaragua
Internationally recognized author, activist, and scholar Roxanne Dunbar-Oritiz will visit the Twin Cities on Tuesday, Nov. 29 and Wednesday, Nov. 30 as part of a speaking/promotional tour for her new book, _Blood on the Border: A Memoir of the Contra War_. _Blood on the Border_ is the third in a series of memoirs that Dunbar-Ortiz began in 1997 with the publication of _Red Dirt: Growing up Okie_ and continued in 2002 with _Outlaw Woman : A Memoir of the War Years 1960-1975_. _Blood on the Border_ covers the Nicaragua years; Dunbar-Ortiz was asked in 1981 to visit Sandinista Nicaragua to appraise the land tenure situation of the Miskitu Indians in the northeastern region of the country. Her subsequent trips put her in the middle of the United States' proxy war against the Sandinistas, the Contra War, which she monitored from 1981 to 1989. Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz has led her life in pursuit of social justice as a radical feminist, an anti-war activist, a revolutionary, and a scholar focusing on indigenous rights and ethnic studies. She'll speak at the following Twin Cities locations: Macalester College on Tuesday, November 29 at noon on the 4th. Floor Lounge of the Old Main Building; Borders in Calhoun Square at 7:00pm on Tuesday, November 29; Minneapolis Community and Technical College (MCTC) on Wednesday, November 30 at noon in the Hennepin Dining Room (1st floor of T- Building). Each event is free and open to the public. **Please put these events on your schedule and let students, friends, family, and fellow travelers know about this rare opportunity.** For more information contact Liz McLemore or Russell Raczkowski at 612.823.3979. Liz McLemore Bancroft REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
RE: [Mpls] Flyer at Schiff/Bicking Forum
Lenief, I can't even begin to tell you how much your letter means to me! I honestly don't know for sure, but my guess is that Ken Avidor is still friends with Mark Knapp (although Ken and I are friends, we don't discuss Mark). But I've never associated with Mark, so it's a bit of a mystery to me. I don't think you'll regret your vote for Robert, if you decide to go that way. But do send him e-mails or call him when you've got a position on a City Council issue that you want him to consider: he's still learning about environmental issues, and he welcomes the input. Best, Liz On 31 Oct 2005 at 8:07, Lenief Heimstead wrote: Liz, First, I agree with your thinking here. I was one of three Greens who voted at the 5CDGP endorsing convention against endorsing Dean this time. He is my own city council rep now, and I do not like many of his positions, nor do I think they typically are Green. I also am voting for Lilligren this time. But more than that, I was appalled at the earlier e-mail putting you in a group with Mark Knapp - I can't imagine where that could have come from. Your response here is clear and strong. In support, Lenief Heimstead From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: mpls@mnforum.org CC: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [Mpls] Flyer at Schiff/Bicking Forum Date: Sat, 29 Oct 2005 14:53:00 -0500 (CDT) Perhaps I'm wrong, but I was under the impression that personal attacks were off limits on this list. Jenny Heiser's comments put me in the rather awkward position of publicly defending myself. Rather than engaging in a personal counterattack, I'd prefer to explain why--as a Green--I'm not supporting the Green-endorsed candidate in the 6th. Ward Council race. First of all, I do indeed consider myself a Green, albeit one who decided not to support Dean Zimmermann in this election. As a Green, I felt honored to serve on the state Green Party Coordinating Committee several years ago (with none other than Cam Gordon and Jenny Heiser). I have voted for Greens consistently over the last few years, as well as working for and donating to their campaigns. So why am I not supporting Dean Zimmermann in his bid for reelection? I simply do not agree with his position on several issues that are important to me. Two years ago at a Fifth District meeting, I asked Dean publicly why he was supporting the Access Project. (Along with several other Greens, I consider Dean's support for the project to be a violation of Green principles.) Fortunately, public discussion ensued, and Dean was persuaded to change his mind. Shortly thereafer, he voted against the Access Project. He has since decided to remain neutral on the Access project. I was also disappointed to learn that Dean may be open to reconsidering his support for the smoking ban. Since I share the Green Party's commitment to making decisions with the seventh generation in mind, I find Dean's inattentiveness to clean air issues disturbing. I'm also concerned about his acceptance of campaign donations from contractors and developers. Although he is not running as a Green, Kevin McDonald has decided to eschew donations from these groups. I sincerely wish all Green Party candidates would do the same. So am I a Green? Aside from some phone banking I did for Paul Wellstone, I have been consistently supportive of Green candidates for almost 10 years now. Whether the Greens accept me as a Green is their choice (I do not equate the Zimmermann campaign with all Greens). I will continue to support the Green candidates I believe have remained faithful to a Green vision I cherish. I did not challenge Dean Zimmermann's endorsement by the 5th. District Greens because I feared that doing so would be far more injurious to the Party than simply making my own choices. And I have made my choice. I am supporting Council Member Robert Lilligren in this election, and I'm proud to say that I have volunteered to work for his campaign. I believe his position on the issues is far closer to my own than is Dean Zimmerman's. As far as the The Gang of Five goes, that's truly the first I've heard of this. Most Greens who know me know that I do not care for Mark Knapp; in fact, I've had absolutely nothing to do with him. Bone-headed/careless mistakes notwithstanding, Russell Raczkowski is my spouse of almost 23 years, and I love him deeply. Ken Avidor is my friend. As a feminist, I take pride in the fact that I think for myself: I do not let my male friends or my spouse speak for me, and I do not speak for them. They are responsible for their own actions and opinions, just as I am responsible for mine. Liz McLemore Bancroft REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed
[Mpls] Flyer at Schiff/Bicking Forum
OK, speaking of bone-headed moves...my sincere apologies to Lenief and to the list for accidentally posting this private e-mail. I simply hit reply and did not check for other addresses. Again, mea culpa. I'm terribly sorry, everyone. Liz McLemore Bancroft REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Flyer at Schiff/Bicking Forum
Recently I posted the text of a flyer distributed at the Schiff/Bicking campaign forum on October 26 and speculated that it was authored by David Tilsen and possibly distributed by Barb Tilsen. http://www.mnforum.org/pipermail/mpls/2005-October/046153.html David Tilsen responded to my post: Well I did not see the original post, but I did not write anything that mentions Annie Mae. whom I did know and whom I mourn. Barb certainly did not hand out any materials at any forum, as she is eschewing electoral politics this year and has not attended anything. I accept this statement and apologize to David and Barb Tilsen. I found some similarity between the logic I heard David use on his Northern Sun Radio appearance on behalf of Zimmerman for Justice recently, went too far based on innuendo, and jumped to conclusions. I am sorry for going out on that limb, but I remain angry about this offensive flyer which is no less real. It remains unattributed; that was the intention of whomever produced it. Silly me. On primary day, Brandon Lacy Campos posted a report from Farheen Hakeem that a McLaughlin campaign worker was campaigning in the Somali community of Cedar-Riverside by telling voters not to vote for Farheen Hakeem because she is a lesbian and therefore not a true Muslim. The McLaughlin campaign said that the individual was not affiliated with the campaign, despite the public protestations of Brandon and/or Hakeem, but Peter himself responded, clarifying that the individual was not one of his campaign workers and condemning the tactic of using a homophobic appeal in campaigning. End of story. So why not ask the Zimmermann and Bicking campaigns to say that they had nothing to do with his flyer? Why not ask that the Zimmermann and Bicking campaigns say that they don't approve of this tactic of laying prejudicial, unattributed, and (what I consider) offensive information in the form of suggested questions on the chairs prior to a public candidate forum? (The act is akin to push polling, which the American Association of Political Consultants condems.) Why not ask that they publicly condemn the use of Stonewall as a slur against an openly gay council person? I challenge the Zimmermann and Bicking campaigns to be address each of these issues. Russell Raczkowski Bancroft REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Flyer at Schiff/Bicking Forum
Perhaps I'm wrong, but I was under the impression that personal attacks were off limits on this list. Jenny Heiser's comments put me in the rather awkward position of publicly defending myself. Rather than engaging in a personal counterattack, I'd prefer to explain why--as a Green--I'm not supporting the Green-endorsed candidate in the 6th. Ward Council race. First of all, I do indeed consider myself a Green, albeit one who decided not to support Dean Zimmermann in this election. As a Green, I felt honored to serve on the state Green Party Coordinating Committee several years ago (with none other than Cam Gordon and Jenny Heiser). I have voted for Greens consistently over the last few years, as well as working for and donating to their campaigns. So why am I not supporting Dean Zimmermann in his bid for reelection? I simply do not agree with his position on several issues that are important to me. Two years ago at a Fifth District meeting, I asked Dean publicly why he was supporting the Access Project. (Along with several other Greens, I consider Dean's support for the project to be a violation of Green principles.) Fortunately, public discussion ensued, and Dean was persuaded to change his mind. Shortly thereafer, he voted against the Access Project. He has since decided to remain neutral on the Access project. I was also disappointed to learn that Dean may be open to reconsidering his support for the smoking ban. Since I share the Green Party's commitment to making decisions with the seventh generation in mind, I find Dean's inattentiveness to clean air issues disturbing. I'm also concerned about his acceptance of campaign donations from contractors and developers. Although he is not running as a Green, Kevin McDonald has decided to eschew donations from these groups. I sincerely wish all Green Party candidates would do the same. So am I a Green? Aside from some phone banking I did for Paul Wellstone, I have been consistently supportive of Green candidates for almost 10 years now. Whether the Greens accept me as a Green is their choice (I do not equate the Zimmermann campaign with all Greens). I will continue to support the Green candidates I believe have remained faithful to a Green vision I cherish. I did not challenge Dean Zimmermann's endorsement by the 5th. District Greens because I feared that doing so would be far more injurious to the Party than simply making my own choices. And I have made my choice. I am supporting Council Member Robert Lilligren in this election, and I'm proud to say that I have volunteered to work for his campaign. I believe his position on the issues is far closer to my own than is Dean Zimmerman's. As far as the The Gang of Five goes, that's truly the first I've heard of this. Most Greens who know me know that I do not care for Mark Knapp; in fact, I've had absolutely nothing to do with him. Bone-headed/careless mistakes notwithstanding, Russell Raczkowski is my spouse of almost 23 years, and I love him deeply. Ken Avidor is my friend. As a feminist, I take pride in the fact that I think for myself: I do not let my male friends or my spouse speak for me, and I do not speak for them. They are responsible for their own actions and opinions, just as I am responsible for mine. Liz McLemore Bancroft REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Zimmermann Bribery Allegations
The allegations against Council Member Zimmermann are just that: allegations. The FBI felt it had a case sufficiently strong enough to pursue an investigation; that investigation will continue. The affidavit presented evidence that was compelling enough to grant a search warrant. If evidence is found that supports wrong-doing, CM Zimmermann will be indicted. However, I have yet to hear ANY evidence to demonstrate that this investigation is politically motivated. Undoubtedly the FBI has infiltrated and surveilled a number of leftist groups over the years, but I've seen no evidence of that here. Crying foul and claiming the investigation is politically motivated is a great way to simply dodge the question: DID CM Zimmermann solicit bribes from a local developer? If he did, there's a major disconnect between CM Zimmermann's actions and his progressive rhetoric. We'll know the truth soon enough: the investigation may take a little time, but if there's sufficient evidence, an indictment will be issued. If there isn't, the FBI is at fault--not CM Zimmermann's political opponent in this race. In the meantime, I hate to see folks on this list drag others through the muck. There are fine candidates out there--Democratic and Green-- who deserve our support. Liz McLemore Bancroft REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Reminder: Midtown Greenway Land Use and Development Community Workshops 8/24 8/25
Meg Forney posted this announcement a few days ago, but I thought I'd remind folks that the Midtown Greenway Planning workshops are TONIGHT and TOMORROW night. I know there are other events scheduled for this evening, but the input you provide at these workshops will be crucial in shaping the city's vision for the Greenway corridor. I hope to see y'all there! Liz McLemore Bancroft (announcement follows) The City of Minneapolis is working with your community and a consultant team led by Short Elliott Hendrickson, Inc. to prepare a plan to guide future land uses and development in the Midtown Greenway corridor. In July you may have participated in an open house where you learned about the planning process and provided your input. Here's your next opportunity: Community Workshops August 24, 6:30-8:30pm (west of 35W) Salem Lutheran Church, Lounge area 28th Lyndale Ave South Spanish interpreter available August 25, 6:30-8:30pm (east of 35W) Midtown YWCA, Community Room 2121 East Lake Street Somali interpreter available If you have any questions, please contact Minneapolis Senior City Planner Beth Elliott at 612-673-2442 or beth.elliott at ci.minneapolis.mn.us REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] A trip down procedure lane, and a Thank you to Robert Lilligren
In an earlier posting, Mr. Dombouy stated to Jim Graham: Odd you didn't contact Councilmember Shiff [sic] and Councilmember Zimmermann to solve this 6th Ward constituency problem--and leave Councilmember Lilligren out of it. Me: Please re-read the original posting. Mr. Graham clearly says he attempted to contact both Council Member Zimmermann and Council Member Lilligren (though I see no mention of Council Member Schiff). Liz McLemore Bancroft REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Strib editorial: The toll lane is a joke
According to at least one motorist, the new toll lane on I-394 isn't relieving congestion. I like David Paulson's idea, though: ...the toll receipts should be deposited in a light-rail account. If ever there was a perfect venue for light rail, it's down the center of the toll lane on 394. http://www.startribune.com/stories/1519/5427609.html Liz McLemore Bancroft REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] I-35W/I-94/Bridge/Tunnel Expansion
Laurie Blake reports in today's Strib article, Looking to Improve Traffic Funnel, Lowry Tunnel (http://www.startribune.com/stories/462/5421514.html), that The Minnesota Department of Transportation said Tuesday that it will spend up to $700,000 over the next 1½ years to study short-term safety and congestion improvements and long-term lane additions in the busy common section. First of all, how much of this $700,000 is coming from the feds and how much from the state of Minnesota? And second, what consultant got the bid to conduct the study? Liz McLemore Bancroft REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] MnDOT's planned expansion of I-94 Commons
I went back this morning and re-read CM Lilligren's editorial in the Southwest Journal from a month or so ago. It's called Connect the (Mn)DOTS, and it does just that. I know absolutely nothing about the 10-year transportation action plan he mentions (Mobility Minneapolis), but I'm hoping the city puts itself in the driver's seat ASAP. Lilligren had it right all along. I had hoped it was a worst case scenario... Here's the link, if anyone is interested: http://www.swjournal.com/articles/2005/04/04/opinion/opinion03.txt REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] MnDot's plans for Downtown Commons
Yesterday morning I attended City Council's Transportation and Public Works (TPW) Committee meeting, only to discover that MnDot is planning an expansion of the Downtown Commons Area (I-35W, I-94, and I-394). The presentation by MnDot's Metro Division Area Manager, Tom O'Keefe, made one thing very clear: MnDot still intends to build us out of traffic congestion without explicitly planning for BRT or LRT. Toll roads and HOV lanes will be considered. So much for our state's attempt to address global warming and peak oil. According to O'Keefe, a panel of experts will decide whether we'll get accommodation, reconstruction, or expansion of the currently existing freeway system, tunnels, and bridges. But the devil's in the details, and the details sounded like expansion to me. MnDot wants to add traffic lanes to I-394, I-94, and I-35W. In addition, O'Keefe mentioned that they'll add MnPass lanes to the Lowry Hill tunnel, expand the connection between I-35W and westbound I-94, and re-do the I-35W Mississippi River bridge--oh, and while they're at it, they might widen it or add a bridge segment. Will Minneapolis residents get any planning input into these major changes in our city--that is, aside from the usual workshops or PACs that function as managed consent? Since MnDot is footing the bill for the project, MnDot hopes to call the shots. In response to O'Keefe's presentation, TPW Chair Colvin Roy underscored the need for city, county, and state cooperation, adding the not-so-subtle threat that hopefully, we won't need to resort to Municipal Consent. CM Zimmermann, our Green City Council member on TPW, managed to murmur something about the need for additional sound barriers, especially near Ventura Village. Only CM Lilligren appeared to have done his homework. Lilligren asked all the hard questions, pointing out that our regional plan should include a transit advantage, since research shows that building more roads just doesn't eliminate congestion. (If you build 'em, MORE will come.) He also asked O'Keefe for comparison data to freeways carrying the same number of vehicles per day (half a million, according to O'Keefe)--something O'Keefe should have provided to begin with. Maybe MnDot hopes to get some of that $295 billion in federal highway money just passed by the Senate (http://www.startribune.com/stories/587/5408662.html). If these projects go through, however, it'll be city residents who pay the environmental and health costs. Liz McLemore Bancroft REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] 8th Ward transportation forum
David Brauer was kind enough to post the following notice: Speaking of the 8th Ward Council Candidates forum, the Minneapolis Spokesman-Recorder reported on a transportation forum held last month: http://www.spokesman- recorder.com/news/Article/Article.asp?NewsID=54297sID= 13 Although the reporter from the Spokesman-Recorder neglected to mention it, the 8th Ward Council Candidates forum on transportation was a STRIDE-sponsored event. Prior to the forum itself, civil engineer and urban planner Antonio Rosell treated us to an informational presentation on Bus Rapid Transit, or BRT, one of the mass-transit solutions proposed for I- 35W. Information on BRT may be found on the STRIDE site at http://www.stride-mn.org/BRT/main.htm. Liz McLemore STRIDE member Bancroft neighborhood REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] More cops?
Jim Graham says: And Margaret, more and better policing should not equal more harassment of the homeless. Just the opposite. Being homeless is not a crime and the homeless should not be treated as criminals. We do not have a shortage of real criminals to take up the time of police officers. Minneapolis needs a lot more beef and a whole lot less bull. My response: Although I don't presume to speak for Margaret, I believe that Jim has a point; however, his conclusion doesn't necessarily follow from that point. Better policing doesn't necessarily mean more police. The city of Minneapolis has spent a great deal of money on lawsuits resulting from police misconduct. Perhaps if the police spent their time focusing their efforts differently (and NOT directing those efforts at, say, the homeless), we wouldn't need more police. Jim, you might also want to check out Jeanne Massey's posting. Jeanne quotes several studies worthy of attention in this regard. One example is the PERF study that identifies several myths commonly held concerning what makes a good police department. These myths include, for example, 'A higher ratio of police officers to citizens means higher quality police service.' PERF states succinctly, 'Nothing could be farther from the truth.' The number of police officers per 1,000 population 'ignores the diversity among communities' socio-economic structures, their use of public services, the nature of their crime problems and the expectations that a community has of its police agency.' These are complex issues, and we need to sort them out as a community. North Minneapolis deserves a well thought-out solution-- not a hasty conclusion--to an escalating and complex problem. Liz McLemore REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Air pollution advisory
Courtesy of Becky Helgesen ([EMAIL PROTECTED]). 1:45 p.m., Friday, August 6, 2004 A weekend Air Pollution Advisory has been issued for the Twin Cities metropolitan area and Rochester, forecast to run through Sunday afternoon. A large mass of fine particles is moving north from Iowa and picking up more pollution from Minnesota as it goes. Currently, only Rochester and the Twin Cities are under advisory, but the pollution is moving northeast, which means that Duluth may be affected later in the holiday weekend. The Air Quality Index (AQI) has been rising steadily and is expected to reach 100 or more, meaning Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups, by late Friday or Saturday. Sensitive groups include people with heart or lung disease, as well as children and athletes. Major pollutant: fine particles (soot) Health precautions: Take it easy, especially if you have heart or lung disease, including asthma. Children and athletes are also vulnerable because they breathe deeply when exercising. Even if you are not in the sensitive category, moderate vigorous activities that lead to deep breathing. -Postpone or reduce vigorous activity (e.g., walk instead of run, postpone yardwork) -Rotate players more frequently in games to allow players more rest -Reduce activity if you become more tired than usual Reduce sources of fine particles: -Limit driving -Postpone using yard and other small gasoline and diesel engines -Postpone recreational fires -Turn off as many electric devices as possible to reduce demand on power plants The AQI is updated hourly. You can check it on the MPCA's web page at: http://aqi.pca.state.mn.us/hourly/ For more information on how individuals can reduce air pollution, go to Clean Air Minnesota at: http://www.mn-ei.org Liz McLemore Bancroft neighborhood REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Air pollution advisory is current
My apologies: Becky Helgeson (who sends out these advisories) inadvertently posted an incorrect date, and I'm afraid I neglected to correct it before I sent out the missive. Mea culpa. But the information is indeed current, not a month old. Liz McLemore Bancroft REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Lake Street Public Meeting
Ward 8 Council Member Robert Lilligren invites you to a public meeting to review the current design proposals for Lake Street between 5th Avenue and 21st Avenue. The meeting will take place Monday, July 26 at 6:30pm at Urban Ventures (3041 4th. Avenue South). Illustrations will be provided to show parking, transit stops, through and turn lanes, and sidewalks. In addition, drawings of new streetscaping amenities such as transit shelters, pedestrian lighting, and street furniture will be available. The Minneapolis City Council is scheduled to vote on the layout on August 6, 2004. Construction on this project is scheduled to begin in 2005. Please plan to attend. We welcome your input in determining the future and vision of our city. Liz McLemore [EMAIL PROTECTED]/[EMAIL PROTECTED] Bancroft neighborhood Temporary Aide to Council Member Robert Lilligren Main (612) 673-2208 REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] TPW special session canceled for tomorrow
The special session of the City Council's Transportation and Public Works Committee scheduled for tomorrow at 1:00pm has been canceled. Hennepin County will schedule a public meeting to discuss designs for the middle segment of Lake Street (from 5th. Avenue to 21st. Avenue). A posting will be sent to the Mpls Issues list as soon as details are announced. Thanks! Liz McLemore Bancroft neighborhood Temporary aide to Council Member Robert Lilligren Ward 8 REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Lake Street/I-35W Access area
According to SEH's illustration dated 2/10/04 and titled I-35W Access Project - Lake Street - Lane Comparison, the area on Lake from Blaisdell to 4th Avenue will carry from 4-8 lanes of traffic, depending on the intersection. Some of those lanes are through lanes; others are dedicated turn lanes and auxiliary lanes (although the diagram doesn't specify, my guess is they're restricted parking areas). The diagram also shows landscaped center medians in several locations. Perhaps a member of the I-35W PAC can verify whether this design remains current. [The section of Lake from Blaisdell to 4th. or 5th. Avenue has been designated as part of the I-35W Access Project, so Lake Street PAC members are not included in the decision-making process on this portion of Lake.] Liz McLemore Bancroft neighborhood Lake Street PAC member REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Air pollution advisory
The MPCA has issued an Air Pollution Advisory for Thursday and Friday, March 25 and 26, for the southern half of Minnesota. Residents of the Duluth area, although not included in this advisory, are advised to watch the AQI also. Conditions are expected to improve as rain moves in this weekend. Air Quality Index (AQI): the AQI forecast for Thursday and Friday is expected to be in the upper 90s, possibly reaching 100. The pollutant of concern is FINE PARTICLES (soot). An AQI near or over 100 indicates air quality that is unhealthy for sensitive groups (see below). Health precautions: Sensitive groups include those with heart or lung disease (including asthma), adults over 50, and healthy adults and children engaged in figorous exercise where they breathe deeply. These individuals should reduce or postpone heavy exertion (play shorter games, walk instead of run, rotate players more frequently, etc.) People with heart conditions are especially vulnerable to fine particle pollution. What you can do during this advisory: * reduce driving where possible and don't idle your vehicle engine (vehicle exhaust adds fine particles to the air) * postpone activities with small gasoline or diesel engines, which also contain particles * postpone fires in your fireplace and outdoors, which add soot particles to the air To learn more to to check hourly updates of the AQI, visit: http://aqi.pca.state.mn.us/hourly For additional information on reducing air pollution, visit Clean Air Minnesota (CAM) at: http://www.mn-ei.org/air/resources.html#FactSheets REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] McManus
Lisa McDonald: The Chief obviously has a problem with women. If indeed he said the things to Carlson and Martin about Gerald they claim, it is deplorable. My comments: I have no idea what McManus actually said to Carlson and Martin, but I wonder if it's a little premature to claim that he obviously has a problem with women. If McManus indeed made such comments, then Rybak needs to publicly censure McManus for them (public confidence requires it). If there's a pattern of such behavior, then Rybak needs to take swift and more decisive action. The culture of the Minneapolis police department was one reason that Rybak hired someone from outside that culture. I'm hoping that we haven't traded a chief who tolerates thumpers for a chief who's a misogynist. McManus's reported comments certainly give me pause, but let's give him some time. If indeed a pattern of sexist comments/behavior begins to emerge, then I hope Rybak has the strength of character to get him out quickly. Liz McLemore Bancroft REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Air quality alert
Friday, February 27, 2004 The MPCA has issued an Air Quality Alert for late today and the rest of the weekend. Air monitors in the Twin Cities, Duluth, Rochester and St. Cloud indicate a rising concentration of fine particles or soot in the air. Air Quality Index (AQI): the AQI has been hovering around 90 for the past day or two, but is forecast to rise above 100 by Saturday, and not drop until late Sunday. An AQI of 100 or above indicates air quality that is unhealthy for sensitive groups, which include athletes, children, older adults and those with heart and respiratory conditions. People with heart conditions are especially vulnerable to fine particle pollution. Health precautions: Sensitive groups include those with heart or lung disease (including asthma), adults over 50, and healthy adults and children engaged in vigorous exercise where they breathe deeply. These individuals should postpone or reduce heavy exertion (play shorter games, walk instead of run, rotate players more frequently, etc.) What you can do: * reduce driving where possible and don't idle your engine in parking lots and drive-throughs this weekend; vehicle exhaust contains fine particles * postpone activities with small gasoline or diesel engines * postpone fires in your fireplace, which add soot particles to the air To learn more or check hourly updates of the AQI, visit: http://aqi.pca.state.mn.us/hourly For additiional information on reducing air pollution, visit Clean Air Minnesota at: http://www.mn-ei.org/air/resources.html#FactSheets Liz McLemore Bancroft REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Benefits of Indian gaming
For many Native American tribes gambling has produced clear benefits, including a decline in poverty and mortality rates. Since tribes are sovereign nations, they are not taxed by the U.S. government (to do so would be like taxing Canada). The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988 legalized gaming operations on a national level; in addition, some states gave tribes exclusive rights to gaming operations. Please correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought Minnesota was one such state; if so, then any attempt on Minnesota's part to establish gaming operations is tantamount to yet another broken treaty. The website of the National Bureau of Economic Research cites a recent study on Indian gambling. Here's what it says about the social and economic impacts: Examining the effects of casinos after at least four years of operation, the authors find that positive changes include: young adults moving back to reservations, fueling an 11.5 percent population increase; adult employment increasing by 26 percent; and a 14 percent decline in the number of working poor. In counties with or near a casino, the employment- to- population ratio has increased and mortality has declined. If I remember correctly, the report mentions that the beneficiaries of jobs created through Indian gambling are often non-Native. The report details negative impacts as well, borne largely by communities adjacent to gaming operations (increases in bankruptcy rates, crime, etc.). My guess is that the costs to communities are the same, whether the gambling is state-sponsored or Native-American. Here's the link to the 2002 report: http://www- 1.gsb.columbia.edu/divisions/finance/seminars/micro/Fall_03/evans.pdf Liz McLemore Bancroft REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Council votes 9-3 to endorse Access concept
Lisa McDonald is right to point out that the businesses along 38th. Street will likely lose their on-street parking once the ramps from 35th and 36th. are relocated to 38th. I suspect that even the additional lane space accorded by removing that on-street parking may not be sufficient to accommodate all the traffic from 35th. and 36th. Streets. Although I have not heard whether there are plans to widen 38th., my guess is that the city will eventually have to do so. Despite what many City Council Members claim, 38th. Street is not strictly a commercial corridor: it also contains 3 schools, a handful of churches, several community and nonprofit organizations (including Sabathani), and thousands of residential housing units. The decision many years ago to locate the ramps on 35th. and 36th. Streets resulted in a real tragedy: the city not only destroyed homes, but it decimated neighborhoods and communities. But let's not pretend that moving the ramps to 38th. is going to have minimal impact. The relocation of those ramps to 38th. will also destroy neighborhoods and communities and carve up yet one more segment of south Minneapolis. Liz McLemore Bancroft neighborhood REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] I-35W, Dean Zimmerman's vote
Dean Zimmerman announced yesterday at the Fifth District Green Party meeting that he is indeed planning to vote FOR the I-35W Access Project. (I was there.) This project does NOT include PRT: in fact, it may take us far afield of transportation alternatives like PRT, since it calls for a $152-175 million public investment in our current car-dominated infrastructure. If I remember correctly, over $3 million dollars of that money will come from the taxpayers of Minneapolis. That money could be used to build homeless shelters, reduce classroom size--or even explore transportation alternatives like bus rapid transit (BRT). Liz McLemore Bancroft neighborhood REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] I-35W, Dean Zimmerman's position
Jenny Heiser: Unfortunately, Liz McLemore left the discussion early before Zimmermann's renewed commitment to oppose this auto-centric project. Her post this afternoon was made with old information. Liz McLemore: I'd like to see Dean Zimmerman post those words himself on this list, if you don't mind. I've spoken today with Dean's aide and the head of the Fifth District Steering Committee; both stayed until the very end of yesterday's meeting (I sincerely thought Dean was finished speaking), but neither one seems to have heard that Dean plans to vote against the I-35 Access Project. Dean, please tell me it's trueyou'd make at least one Green very happy tonight. Liz McLemore Bancroft REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Public Meeting for Lake Street
Below is the schedule for public meetings to discuss the design plans for Lake Street. Although the PAC voted in December to narrow the options for east Lake to two 3-lane solutions, the PAC voted on Tuesday to revisit that decision. [I did not attend Tuesday's meeting, but I'm told that the vote was a 10-10 tie; chair Paula Gilbertson's vote was the decisive tie-breaking vote in favor of reconsidering the decisions on east Lake.] Since the next meeting of the Lake Street PAC will be February 17th, it's possible that the design alternatives presented at the public meetings in late February could differ from the options chosen by the PAC in late 2003. [The PAC voted in November and December to narrow the choices for Lake Street to two 3-lane options for east Lake and two 4-lane options for west Lake. Since the east Lake vote is now back on the table, it's entirely possible that the decisions for west Lake will also be revisited.] In any case, the February meetings are open to the public. You'll undoubtedly be treated to canned presentations, but the purpose is still public input. Show up and express your opinion! Liz McLemore Eighth Ward Representative to Lake Street PAC Subject: Announcing Public Meetings for Lake Street Reconstruction Streetscaping Contact: Tom Johnson, Project Representative, 612-344-1400, [EMAIL PROTECTED] Public Input Sought on Traffic Lanes, Streetscaping for Lake Street Reconstruction Public meetings for the Lake Street Reconstruction Streetscaping project will be held on February 23, 24 and 26 to discuss design alternatives for major reconstruction beginning in 2005. A Project Advisory Committee (PAC) representing neighborhoods and businesses in the Lake Street corridor has reviewed several design options and narrowed the list to two to the west of Hiawatha Avenue and two to the east. The public meetings will present these options and collect input on such important features as traffic lanes, on- street parking, turn lanes, bus stops, pedestrian crossings and street lighting. This will help the PAC decide on preferred layouts for Lake Street in March. The meetings will also introduce streetscaping concepts, hoping to collect public input on the level of effort and cost that the community prefers. Members of the PAC and project staff will be available to answer questions relating to all aspects of the project. The public meetings for Lake Street Reconstruction Streetscaping will be held: - Monday, February 23, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m., East Lake Library, 2727 East Lake Street; - Tuesday, February 24, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m., 5th Precinct Police Station, 3101 Nicollet Avenue South; - Thursday, February, 26, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m., Urban Ventures, 3041 4th Avenue South. Presentations will be the same at each location. REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
[Mpls] Rocky Road: the 35W Access Project (Pulse article)
Content-type: Multipart/Alternative; boundary=Alt-Boundary-25622.27906607 --Alt-Boundary-25622.27906607 This week's cover story in the Pulse, Rocky Road: The 35W Access Project explains the history and current plans for the 35W Access Project and Lake Street Reconstruction and Repaving Project. The author, Jane Franklin, obviously spent a great deal of the time reviewing website material and technical data, as well as interviewing people involved in both projects. Although I certainly do not wish to detract from her efforts, as the Eighth Ward's representative to the Lake Street PAC, I'd like to correct a few misrepresentations and inaccuracies: 1. As Ms. Franklin reports, at one point the plans for the 35W Access Project included ramps on 26th Street and a flyover ramp on 28th. Street. My understanding is that those plans were changed this year: the 26th. Street ramps are not part of the current 35W Access Project plans, and the flyover design for 28th. Street has been altered to a slip ramp. 2. Ms. Franklin reports that The designs that have been chosen by the Lake Street PAC are both four-lane designs, when in fact these two designs are only for the west side of Lake Street. (The PAC has divided Lake Street into west and east segments, with east Lake beginning at Hiawatha and extending to the river.) So far, the PAC has narrowed the designs for Lake to four options: two options for west Lake and two options for east Lake (the latter were voted on yesterday). The two west Lake options are indeed both 4-lane solutions, but the PAC voted yesterday in favor of two 3-lane solutions for east Lake. At this point, then, it appears that the west side of Lake Street will carry four lanes of traffic and the east side of Lake will carry three. 3. Although he certainly works for Smith Parker (a law firm), Tom Johnson is not a lawyer, as Ms. Franklin states. 4. Finally, the Lake Street PAC does indeed contain neighborhood representatives (elected by their neighborhood associations), not just ward reps and business people. Having said all of this, however, I'd like to point out that Ms. Franklin has done an admirable job overall, sorting through reams of technical data and dealing very diplomatically with the participants involved in these projects. Liz McLemore Eighth Ward Representative to the Lake Street PAC Bancroft neighborhood --Alt-Boundary-25622.27906607 ?xml version=1.0 ?html head title/title /head body div align=leftfont face=Arialspan style=font-size:10ptThis week's cover story in the Pulse, quot;Rocky Road:#160; The 35W Access Projectquot; explains the history and current plans for the 35W Access Project and Lake Street Reconstruction and Repaving Project.#160; The author, Jane Franklin, obviously spent a great deal of the time reviewing website material and technical data, as well as interviewing people involved in both projects.#160; Although I certainly do not wish to detract from her efforts, as the Eighth Ward's representative to the Lake Street PAC, I'd like to correct a few misrepresentations and inaccuracies:#160; /span/font/div div align=leftbr/ /div div align=leftfont face=Arialspan style=font-size:10pt1.#160; As Ms. Franklin reports, at one point the plans for the 35W Access Project included ramps on 26th Street and a quot;flyoverquot; ramp on 28th. Street.#160; My understanding is that those plans were changed this year:#160; the 26th. Street ramps are not part of the current 35W Access Project plans, and the quot;flyoverquot; design for 28th. Street has been altered to a quot;slip ramp.quot; /span/font/div div align=leftbr/ /div div align=leftfont face=Arialspan style=font-size:10pt2.#160; Ms. Franklin reports that quot;The designs that have been chosen by the Lake Street PAC are both four-lane designs,quot; when in fact these two designs are only for the iwest /iside of Lake Street.#160; (The PAC has divided Lake Street into west and east segments, with east Lake beginning at Hiawatha and extending to the river.)#160; So far, the PAC has narrowed the designs for Lake to ifour /ioptions:#160; two options for west Lake and two options for east Lake (the latter were voted on yesterday).#160; The two west Lake options are indeed both 4-lane solutions, but the PAC voted yesterday in favor of two 3-lane solutions for east Lake.#160; At this point, then, it appears that the west side of Lake Street will carry four lanes of traffic and the east side of Lake will carry three. /span/font/div div align=leftbr/ /div div align=leftfont face=Arialspan style=font-size:10pt3.#160; Although he certainly works for Smith Parker (a law firm), Tom Johnson is not a lawyer, as Ms. Franklin states./span/font/div div align=leftbr/ /div div align=leftfont face=Arialspan style=font-size:10pt4.#160; Finally, the Lake Street PAC does indeed contain neighborhood representatives (elected by their neighborhood associations
[Mpls] Lake Street Reconstruction Repaving
As the 8th. ward's representative to the Lake Street PAC, I'd like to respond to Scott Persons' comments about whether the 4-lane options chosen by the PAC for the west side of Lake Street (from Dupont to Hiawatha) will increase capacity on Lake. Put simply, that's certainly what they're intended to do, despite the fact that Lake currently serves 4 lanes of traffic. How does that work? Largely by eliminating some on-street parking and giving bikes and buses short shrift. Here are the details: The two options chosen by the PAC this morning are 4-lane options that are designed to increase traffic flow and accommodate projections for future traffic growth. All four of the options presented to the PAC members were evaluated by the Technical Advisory Committee to determine which options would increase levels of service (often referred to by acronym (LOS), these are unacceptable delays since they may require cars to stop through one or more cycles of a traffic signal). Current levels of service were generally deemed to be adequate or acceptable; however, LOS projections for SOME intersections on Lake for the year 2025 were considered unacceptable. So what are these future projections based on? From what I can tell, the county is projecting a growth in traffic of between .53-.75% per year. Now to clarify the differences between options W-2 and W-3. Option W-2 includes a left-hand turn lane, with inadequate space for buses loading/unloading (8 ft), inadequate accommodations for a shared bicycle traffic lane (11ft), and inadequate width for parking lanes (8 ft). Option W-2 also calls for the number of parking spaces on Lake to be reduced by half, from 300 to 150. The second option chosen by the PAC, W-3, includes designs for left-hand turn lanes and parking on one side of the street. Sidewalks in the W-3 plan are a little wider (12 feet as opposed to 10 ft), but the space accommodations for buses loading and unloading are still considered to be inadequate (bus stops are in a traffic lane on the side without parking), the shared traffic lane width for bicycles is still inadequate (11 ft), and on- street parking spaces have been reduced to 80. So options W-2 and W-3 do not provide adequate accommodations for buses loading and unloading or for bicycles. (Sidewalk space for both options is considered adequate for pedestrian traffic but is probably not sufficient to accommodate cafe tables and outdoor dining.) So what do these two options do? They keep traffic flowing quickly and they accommodate the increase in traffic that is projected for Lake in the future. Oh, and incidentally, these two options are the only ones that allow Lake Street to remain within the State-Aid Standards for federal funding. Yes folks, that's right: those 3-lane solutions that seemed so attractive to many of us in the community aren't feasible because they fall outside the funding requirements. And after all, securing federal funding seems to be what this project is REALLY about. And lest this information be discounted because I've recently joined STRIDE, let me say that my sources come right from the County and from Smith Parker (see the Transportation Analysis prepared by SRF Consulting dated August 13, 2003 and the memo from the Technical Advisory Committee to the PAC, dated November 12, 2003). Liz McLemore Bancroft Neighborhood
[Mpls] The 35W Access Project
Ed Felien writes, The election [for Hennepin County District 4 Commissioner] was in many ways a referendum on the access project, and Peter [McLaughlin] beat me 4 to 1 in the precincts most affected by the proposed ramp. If it was a referendum, then Peter certainly won it. In spite of his convincing victory the project made concessions to the immediate residents and eliminated the flyover ramp. There are some diehard antagonists who continue to oppose the project and malign anyone who might support it. But, for me, having gone one-on-one on this issue and lost convincingly, the issue seems settled. It cost me a lot of time, money and psychic energy to earn this black eye, and I am content that it is over. There are other battles and worse enemies. As a Green Party member who voted for Mr. Felien, I find myself a little perplexed by his representation of his own candidacy as a referendum on the access project. I remember Mr. Felien's criticisms of the downtown incinerator, traffic on Lake Street, and the proposed stadium (all of which I appreciated); however, I don't recall Mr. Felien making statements about the 35W Access project during his campaign, much less enough public debate with McLaughlin to characterize the issue as a campaign referendum. So I did a quick web check: I re-read the text of Mr. Felien's 5th District Green Party Candidate Questionnaire (it's still on the 5th. district GP yahoo list) and I consulted all three issues of Mr. Felien's campaign newspaper, the Challenger (August, September, October 2002). Nothing. Moreover, Mr. Felien's characterization of those who oppose the Access project as diehard antagonists seems unfair: if he's truly concerned about the rates of asthma in this town (as his comments on the incinerator suggest), perhaps he should consider what happens to the air quality when highway lanes are added and freeway access is increased. The research is clear: if you build them, MORE cars will come, thereby reducing air quality and increasing the rates of asthma. The battle isn't over yet, and I'm truly disappointed that Mr. Felien has conceded. What exactly IS your stance on the Access project, Mr. Felien? I'd like to know, just in case you decide to run for office again. I don't want to make the same mistake twice. Elizabeth McLemore Bancroft neighborhood
