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Door-To-Door Sales
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT...
Door-to-door sales IN MINNEAPOLIS
Minneapolis has some brand new rules around door-to-door sales that make it easier to know who you’re dealing with when you open your door. The new rules also make it harder for out-of-state companies to exploit youth workers.
If a salesperson knocks on your door:
- They are required to wear a City-issued photo identification card so you know they’re properly licensed or registered.
- If a salesperson doesn’t have a City-issued photo ID card, do not buy from them.
- If you believe a company is exploiting youth workers, call 911 so the City can take action. (See more details below).
- Door-to-door salespeople cannot knock on doors before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m.
(or sunset, whichever is later), and they must leave your property if you ask them to leave. - You can also post a sign indicating “no solicitors.”
WHAT ABOUT CANVASSERS?
While all salespeople are required to register and get an ID card in Minneapolis, because of federal law, people who are canvassing are NOT required to get identification cards. That includes people who advocate for religious, social, or political causes.
WHAT IF MY CHILD’S SCHOOL OR YOUTH GROUP PLANS TO DO DOOR-TO-DOOR SALES?
The City wants to make it easy for schools and youth groups to do their regular door-to-door fundraising sales, so the City will approve group identification cards to those groups at no cost. Just call 673-2080 to learn more, or visit www.minneapolismn.gov and search for “solicitor” in the search box.
WHAT SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT TRAVELING MAGAZINE SALES CREWS?
Some companies create dangerous situations for young people by taking youth across state lines to sell magazines door to door. This can often be unsafe. In fact, traveling magazine crews are one of the top five most dangerous jobs for teens. If a youth comes to your door to sell magazines and does not have a City ID card, offer them the 24-hour phone number for Parent Watch at 917-579-4641 or the National Runaway Switchboard at 1-800-786-2929.
Sample ID card
Think about Summer Safety
Recent activity in the neighborhoods, such as robberies and burglaries, are reminding us that although summer is here, we still need to practice good safety procedures in order to stay safe. We want everyone to have a fun, safe summer so if you haven’t already started making crime prevention an important part of your routine, now is a good time to review some basic crime prevention techniques that should be a part of everyone’s lifestyle when you’re out and about.
By taking a few simple precautions, you can avoid or considerably reduce your chances of becoming a victim.
Personal Safety is Robbery Prevention
- Be aware of strangers loitering in the area when coming home or when you leave your house. If you see someone loitering near your home, stay in your vehicle or your home and call 911. Be extra alert after dark.
- Avoid distractions. Cell phone, iPhones and other electronics can be a distraction to you and can draw the attention of someone who may want to take it from you.
- Carry just what you need and know what you have in your wallet or purse. Make a copy of any credit cards or personal information that you are carring. If it is lost or stolen, it will make it easier to replace.
- Don't show your cash. There have been a few cases that victims were targeted due to others being aware of the amount of money they were possessing.
- When driving, keep your care doors locked at all times.
- Be on the lookout. The police want you to call 9-1-1 for any suspicious activity such as strangers walking in yards or between houses, the sound of glass breaking or loud banging, and unfamiliar truck or vans lingering in your alley.
Home Security is Burglary Prevention
- Keep your doors locked at all times.
- Make your home look occupied.
- Install deadbolt locks (with a 1" throw) and a high-security strike plate (with 3" screws) on home and garage doors. If you have glass within 42" of the door lock, consider:
1) a double-cylinder deadbolt lock;
2) tempered glass; or
3) a decorative grille over the glass. - Use window pins, track fillers, or additional locks to prevent windows from being opened more than 6".
- Don't leave your garage door opener in your car if you are parking outside.
- Keep your block club active. Neighbors looking out for each other is the #1 crime prevention tool. If you don't have a block club, contact your crime prevention specialist listed below for information on how to get started.
Protect young people
- Have your children observe the Hennepin County curfew hours
Under 12 years old: Weekday, home by 9 pm; Fri & Sat, home by 10 pm
12 - 14 years old: Weekdays, home by 10 pm; Fri & Sat, home by 11 pm
15 - 17 years old: Weekdays, home by 11 pm, Fri & Sat, home by midnight - Call 911 to report any curfew violations.
For more suggestions or help on getting your block club organized, contact Crime Prevention Specialist Karen Notsch.
(612 / 673-2856 or karen.notsch@minneapolismn.gov)
Pensar en la seguridad de verano
Actividad reciente en los barrios, como asaltos y robos, nos recuerda que aunque el verano está aquí, todavía necesitamos para practicar procedimientos de seguridad con el fin de mantener la seguridad. Queremos que todos tengan una diversión, verano seguro así que si ya no has empezado haciendo prevención del delito, una parte importante de su rutina, ahora es un buen momento para revisar algunas técnicas de prevención de crimen básico que deben formar parte del estilo de vida de todos cuando estás afuera.
Por tomar algunas sencillas precauciones, puede evitar o reducir considerablemente sus posibilidades de hacerse una víctima.
Seguridad personal es la prevención de robo
- Éste consciente de extraños vagancia en el área cuando viene a casa o cuando salga de su casa. Si ves a alguien vagancia cerca de su casa, permanecer en su vehículo o de su casa y llame al 911. Esté alerta adicional después del anochecer.
- Evite las distracciones. Celular, iPhones y otros aparatos electrónicos pueden ser una distracción para usted y pueden llamar la atención de alguien que quiera tomarla de usted.
- Llevar sólo lo que necesita y sabe lo que tiene en su cartera o bolso. Hacer una copia de tarjetas de crédito o información personal que está llevando a cabo. Si es robado o perdido, le resultará más fácil de reemplazar.
- No mostrar su dinero. Ha habido algunos casos que las víctimas fueron dirigidas debido a otros siendo conscientes de la cantidad de dinero que eran posesión.
- Cuando conduzca, mantenga sus puertas cerradas en todo momento.
- Sea alerto. La policía quiere que llame al 9-1-1 para cualquier actividad sospechosa como extraños caminando en yardas o entre casas, el sonido de cristal rompiendo o golpeando fuerte y desconocidos camiones o camionetas persistentes en su callejón.
Seguridad para el hogar es la prevención de robos
· Mantenga las puertas cerradas en todo momento.
· Hacer su casa parece ocupada.
· Instale cerraduras de pestillo (con un tiro de 1 ") y una alta seguridad cerradero (con tornillos de 3") en las puertas de la casa y garaje. Si tienes el vidrio dentro de 42 "de la cerradura de la puerta, considere: 1) un bloqueo de cerrojo doble cilindro; 2) templado; o 3) una rejilla decorativa sobre el vidrio.
· Utilizar pasadores de ventana, pista rellenos o cerraduras adicionales para impedir que ventanas se abre más de 6 ".
· No deje su abridor de puerta de garaje en su coche si son de estacionamiento exterior.
· Mantener tu club de cuadra activo. Vecinos de buscando mutuamente es la herramienta de
prevención del crimen # 1.
Proteger a los jóvenes
- Haga que sus hijos a observar las horas de toque de queda del Condado de Hennepin
En 12 años : Lunes a viernes, hogar por 21; El viernes y el sábado, inicio por 22
12-14 años: De semana, casa por 22; El viernes y el sábado, inicio por 23
15-17 años: De semana, casa por 23; El viernes y el sábado, inicio antes de la medianoche
- Llame al 911 para reportar cualquier violación del toque de queda.
Para más sugerencias o ayuda sobre cómo obtener su club de bloque organizado, póngase en contacto con el especialista John Reed de prevención de la delincuencia.
(612/673 5579 o john.reed@minneapolismn.gov)
Two Scams that are Currently Circulating in the Twin Cities Area
First, I received the following press release from the Better Business Bureau office in Burnsville and wanted to pass it along to you. (Flyer is attached.)
Please be wary of anyone asking you for your personal information, especially if it's connected to an offer that seems too good to be true.
BBB Seeks to Veto Utility Bill Scam
Latest Bogus Offer Claims President Obama Will Pay Your Power Bills
Burnsville, Minnesota – July 9, 2012 – The Better Business Bureau of Minnesota and North Dakota (BBB) is issuing an urgent warning to businesses and consumers about a scam claiming that President Obama will pay their utility bills through a new federal program. This bogus offer has been popping up nationwide and is now making its way into Minnesota and North Dakota.
“We’ve been watching this scam closely as it emerged sporadically around the country,” said Dana Badgerow, President and CEO of the BBB of Minnesota and North Dakota. “Recent reports we’ve received indicate that it’s now here and people need to be aware of the risks.”
How the scam works:
Consumers have been contacted through telephone calls, fliers, social media and text messages with claims that President Obama is providing credits or applying payments to utility bills.
To receive the money, scammers claim they need the consumer's Social Security and bank routing numbers.
In return, customers are given a fraudulent bank routing number to pay their utility bills through the automated telephone payment service. The payment service initially ‘accepts’ the payment but then declines it within a few days when the bank account number is discovered to be fake.
The BBB offers these tips to avoid becoming a victim of this scam:
- Be sure to investigate any offer that sounds too good to be true by contacting the BBB at 800-646-6222 or bbb.org.
- Never provide your Social Security number, credit card number or banking information to anyone who calls you, regardless of whom they claim to be representing.
- If you receive a call claiming to be your utility company and feel pressured for immediate payment or personal information, hang up the phone and call the customer service number on your utility bill.
- Always think safety first. Remember, once your personal information is out there, you don’t know who will be using it or how it will be used.
People who have provided sensitive personal information in situations like this should be aware of the heightened risks of identity theft and take steps to protect themselves by visiting http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/.
For more consumer tips you can trust, visit www.bbb.org/us/Consumer-Tips/.
Contact: Dan Hendrickson, Communications Coordinator
651-695-2463 or dhendrickson@thefirstbbb.org
invites you to the
Grand Opening of Gateway Lofts
2601-23 West Broadway Avenue, Minneapolis
Thursday, July 26, 2012
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Speakers, Tours, and Refreshments
Water boulevard trees to help them grow faster and remain healthy.
Water trees weekly.
- Place a hose beneath the branches of the tree and run water at a gentle trickle for about two hours, or
- Slowly pour 20 gallons of water around the tree each week, or
- Request a watering bag for trees four inches or less in diameter and fill it with water once a week (bag requests accepted until Aug. 31 while supplies last).
Water weekly during spring, summer and fall until the ground freezes. Make sure water is absorbed by the soil and does not run off onto the street or sidewalk.
The best time to water is early morning or late evening. Trees refill their water needs at night and there is less loss from evaporation.
It costs less that $3 to water a boulevard tree for the growing season.
MINNEAPOLIS Disaster Recovery
Northside Business and Property Owner Tornado Recovery Assistance Center: Assisting Commercial Property owners and businesses
NEON, Catalyst Development, MEDA, West Broadway Coalition, Twin Cities Land Bank, Franklin National Bank, CPED, and North News will host the Northside Business and Property Owners Tornado Recovery Assistance Center at 1011 West Broadway (NEON Headquarters). The Center will open 1 p.m. - 3 p.m., Friday, May, 27, and 1 p.m. - 4 p.m., Tuesday, May 31. After Tuesday assistance will be available by appointment. Please call Erin Jerabek, West Broadway Business and Area Coalition at (612) 353-5178 or Sue Wollan Fan, Catalyst Community Partners at (612) 877-4000 for more immediate questions or concerns. All Northside businesses and property owners including home-based businesses affected by Sunday's storm are invited to attend. Attendees will be connected with services and resources needed for recovery.
North Side Volunteer Clean-Up Day June 4:
2,000 volunteers needed, call 311 to register
May 27, 2011 (MINNEAPOLIS) The City of Minneapolis today announced that Saturday, June 4 will be the official North Side Volunteer Clean-Up Day in north Minneapolis. The announcement was made at an event where Mayor R.T. Rybak, Council President Barb Johnson, Council Members Don Samuels and Diane Hofstede, and Senator Al Franken thanked many of the agencies and volunteers who have already given their time to help the residents and businesses of north Minneapolis following the May 22 tornado.
Since the tornado, thousands of people from Minneapolis and beyond have asked how they can volunteer on the North Side to help residents clean up their properties and get folks back on their feet to make it through this difficult time. Urban Homework’s, a local housing organization, has helped coordinate the initial debris cleanup volunteer efforts on behalf of the City of Minneapolis. Since Sunday, 3,000 volunteers have conducted initial debris assessments and cleanup, and professionals are now handling the removal of heavier debris in the affected area. Due to this huge response, additional volunteers are not needed for debris cleanup until Saturday, June 4.
The City of Minneapolis is hoping to mobilize 2,000 volunteers to help in light debris cleanup in the affected area. Those who would like to volunteer on Saturday, June 4 must call 311 (612-673-3000) to register. Only people who have registered will be able to take part in the effort that day.
Urban Homeworks estimates that its volunteers have helped remove debris from more than 3,500 homes since Sunday. The Minneapolis Red Cross operated the shelter for those affected by the tornado at the Northeast Armory and estimates that it has served more than 1,000 meals and 6,000 snacks, distributed 196 comfort kits, made 180 medical service contacts, hosted 396 overnight shelter stays, and deployed three mobile feeding and bulk distribution trucks.
For more information about how the City of Minneapolis is helping north Minneapolis recover from the tornado visit the Minneapolis Recovers website
Red Cross shelter for families displaced by tornado moves to North Commons Recreation Ctr
May 27, 2011 (MINNEAPOLIS) The temporary shelter set up for individuals and families who were displaced from their homes after the May 22 tornado is being moved today to the North Commons Recreation Center in Minneapolis. The new shelter location is closer to the areas hardest-hit by the tornado, so families will be closer to home as they continue the recovery process following this devastating storm.
The City of Minneapolis and the American Red Cross opened a jointly operated shelter immediately following the tornado at the Northeast Armory on Sunday night to provide temporary shelter for people displaced from their homes. Beginning today at 10 a.m., the shelter is moving to the North Commons Recreation Center at 1801 James Ave. N. in Minneapolis.
The Red Cross will provide shelter residents with a safe place to sleep, food and beverages, health services, mental health services, resource referrals, and long-term recovery planning. Red Cross workers will also be supporting additional feeding in the affected neighborhoods.
People at the shelter will have access to the computer lab, shower and locker room facilities at North Commons Recreation Center. The recreation center will be closed to the general public while being used as a temporary Red Cross shelter; however, outdoor amenities including playgrounds, outdoor basketball and tennis courts, and baseball and soccer fields will be available to both the general public and people staying overnight at the shelter.
The American Red Cross will operate the facility with the support of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board and the City of Minneapolis.
Individuals and families who were displaced from their homes after the tornado may call the Red Cross at (612) 871-7676 for details about the temporary shelter at North Commons Recreation Center which is served directly by bus route 14G, and routes 5M and 5F stop within a few blocks. For bus information, visit www.metrotransit.org or call (612) 373-3333.
To support Red Cross disaster relief, visit redcrossmn.org or call (612) 460-3700. Please note, the Red Cross cannot accept donations of goods.
Existing, trained Red Cross volunteers are working to shelter, feed, and support residents affected by the storm. As of now, it’s unlikely the Red Cross will be requesting spontaneous volunteers for this disaster response.
Absentee voting for the Primary
People interested in voting absentee can vote in person at the Elections counter in Room 1B or apply for a mailed absentee ballot.
Request an absentee ballot (pdf).
Requests are taken year-around.
Absentee ballots are available 46 days prior to each regularly scheduled election.
Eligible Minneapolis voters may vote by absentee ballot for any of the following reasons:
Absent from the precinct on election day
Illness or disability
Religious discipline or observance of religious holiday
Service as an election judge in another precinct
Eligible emergency declared by governor or quarantine declared by federal or state government
More information on absentee voting.
For Immediate Release
May 26, 2010
Contacts
Dawn Sommers, Public Information & Marketing Mgr | Jennifer Ringold, Manager Public Engagement and Citywide Planning |
Public hearing June 16 for Wirth Beach Phase III improvements
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) will hold a public hearing on plans for Phase III improvements to the Wirth Lake beach area in Theodore Wirth Park on June 16 at 6:30 p.m. in the MPRB board room, 2117 W River Road.
The Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC), after six formal meetings and multiple onsite tours of the project area, has completed its advisory process and is now prepared to recommend a final concept plan to the board. The public will have an opportunity to speak to commissioners about the plan at the hearing.
The Plan
Final concept plans include a trail loop around the lake, vegetation management along the lakeshore and Bassett’s Creek, picnic shelters and family picnic areas, as well as, ski, snowshoe, and mountain bike trails. A promenade along the east side of the lake will feature a performance area, restrooms and concessions, plus eco-friendly parking lots to accommodate visitors to the park. With a majority of the improvements concentrated around the beach area, much of the east and northwest lakeshore will be left undeveloped to support wildlife habitat and natural areas.
The final concept will be posted on the MPRB website by June 1.
The CAC also passed two resolutions related to future development of the Wirth park area. One resolution recommends the establishment of a dog park at an appropriate site outside of the Phase III project area, but within or near Theodore Wirth Regional Park. The second resolution recommends that current tennis courts be replaced with a tennis training facility of four to seven tennis courts in a neighborhood park near Theodore Wirth Regional Park.
CAC Background and Process
The 19-member CAC was charged with advising staff and consultants on "park visitor interests in the development of schematic designs that update the 1980 Existing Conditions and Long Range Improvement Plan for Theodore Wirth Regional Park for the section of the park bound by Theodore Wirth Parkway (west), Highway 55 (north), rail line (east) and Glenwood Avenue (south), and the portion south of Glenwood Avenue designated as "Picnic Area" in the 1980 plan." The specified section of the park had been designated as "recreational open space" or "land presently committed to, or suitable for recreational facilities" in the 1980 plan.
CAC members were appointed by Park Board commissioners, other government agencies, and community groups. Members represented the gamut of park user groups and included three appointments by the Youth Coordinating Board.
The final concept design evolved through a process that considered the many relevant factors including
- 1980 plan objectives
- Sustainability planning and design principles
- Park visitor data
- CAC member preferences and feedback from the various groups represented by CAC members
- Staff advisory and technical advisory committee feedback
Project History and Funding
Phase I Wirth improvements were completed in 2005 and included a beach house and utility replacement. Phase II, currently underway, includes a new playground, four-court sand volleyball, a half basketball court, new trails, sidewalks, site furniture, shade structures, plantings, and themed play areas.
In its commitment to the 2007-2020 Comprehensive Plan goal to focus on northside parks, the MPRB has continued to seek funding for Theodore Wirth Park improvements. In 2009, funding in the amount of $2.19 million was awarded for the continued development of Theodore Wirth Park. This funding was made possible through bond funding from the Metropolitan Council as well as through the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment passed by Minnesota voters in 2008. The MPRB will continue to seek additional funding for Wirth beach improvements from the Parks and Trails Fund, as well as bond funding from the Metropolitan Council this year and in 2012.
For further information about Wirth Park planning, check out the park project page at http://www.minneapolisparks.org/default.asp?PageID=1150 .
Bottineau Transitway
Segment D1 (BNSF Railroad Corridor),
Segment D2 (West Broadway/ Penn Avenue)
Investigation Information Available for Public Input
MINNEAPOLS, Minnesota (May 5, 2010) Area residents, businesses, and institutions are encouraged to attend three meetings to obtain information and provide input related to the investigation of Segment D1 (BNSF Railroad Corridor) and Segment D2 (West Broadway/Penn Avenue) Light Rail Transit (LRT) alignment concepts through the communities of Golden Valley, Robbinsdale, and Minneapolis. The intent of the first Transit Oriented Development Meeting is to provide information on the relationships between economic development potential in relation to transitways. The intent of the two open house meetings is to provide information and obtain public input on the investigation of the Segment D1 and Segment D2 alignments.
People may also sign up for future Bottineau Transitway study updates at these meetings.
Transit Oriented Development Presentation, Tuesday May 18, 2010, 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM, UROC Facility, 2100 Plymouth Avenue North, Minneapolis.
Open House I: Segment D1/D2 Investigation, Wednesday May 26, 2010, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM*, Robbinsdale City Hall, 4100 Lakeview Avenue North, Robbinsdale. (One block northeast of County Road 81 and 41st Avenue N. intersection).
Open House II: Segment D1/D2 Investigation, Thursday June 3, 2010, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM*, UROC Facility, 2001 Plymouth Avenue North, Minneapolis.
* The open meetings will be hosted by staff from Hennepin County and the SRF Consulting Team to provide information and gather public input.
Exhibits will be on display for public review beginning at 6:00 PM and a slide presentation is planned for 6:30 PM at each open house.
The Segment D1 and D2 investigation addresses many of the questions raised regarding the need for more information relative to these two alignment options. The public input provided through these meetings will provide valuable information for consideration as part of future Bottineau Transitway development activities.
The attached maps provide an indication of the location of the Segment D1 and D2 alignment concepts included in the investigation. For more information on the project, please visit www.bottransit.org or email comments to Bottineau@co.hennepin.mn.us. The open house materials and public input summary will be posted on the website as this information is available.
"Bearden Place" Housing Design Competition Winners Announced
Design competition supports rebuilding in North Minneapolis’ Willard Homewood neighborhood
April 29, 2010 (MINNEAPOLIS)—The City of Minneapolis and the Builders Outreach Foundation (BOF), the charitable arm of the Builders Association of the Twin Cities (BATC), announce the winners of the housing design competition, "Bearden Place: A Housing Competition in the Artists’ Core," part of the strategy and commitment to rebuilding communities affected by foreclosure. The competition called for the design of four to seven, live/work units for the site, located at the northwest corner of Plymouth and Sheridan avenues North.
The design of MSD/WhatWorx Collaboration (Ira A. Keer, Sandra Gay, Tim Heitman, Gary Lampman, Robert Fischer, Donovan Hart, and Spencer Finseth) was selected as the first-place winner in the housing design competition that attracted 47 submissions from across the United States.
The jury also recognized second-place winner Trace Jacques of ESG Architects and third-place winner 4RM+ULA (Nathan Johnson, James Garrett, Derek Williamson, Joseph Hang, and Kwadwo Boadi).
The judges also acknowledged three honorable mentions: Shelter Architecture (John Dwyer, Jackie Millea, Kurt Gough, and Colin Oglesby); Cuningham Group (John Cuningham, Shawn Olson, Joel Brygger, and Melissa Lockhart); UrbanWorks Architecture (Jeff Schoeneck, David Miller, and Christopher Wingate).
"Romare Bearden, famed African American artist for whom the development is named, left a legacy of individual expression that reflects community by imbedding diverse times, images and themes with distinctive character and a physical presence using collage as his primary medium," said Roxanne Givens, juror and community member, entrepreneur and philanthropist. "Bearden Place reflects Romare Bearden’s artistic sensibility and MSD/WhatWorx Collaboration captured his essence without fault," she added.
"There were many projects with exceptional ideas that merited discussion by the jury, but the winning schemes covered the greatest number of issues most completely," said Tom Fisher, juror and Dean of the College of Design, University of Minnesota. "We looked for projects that were buildable within the budget, appropriate to the user group and location, and capable of advancing new ideas about affordable housing," he added.
First place winner MSD/WhatWorx Collaboration will receive $10,000 in prize money and will have the first opportunity to negotiate a contract for project development services. Winning the competition does not necessarily mean the team will be awarded the commission and contract for development.
Second place winner Trace Jacques will receive a $5,000 prize.
Third place winner 4RM+ULA will receive a $2,500 prize.
The development site is in the Willard Homewood neighborhood, rich in architectural tradition, but heavily impacted by foreclosure. In the past two years, significant resident commitment has focused efforts on revitalizing this neighborhood with a marketing campaign targeted to bringing artists into the community. The City of Minneapolis designed the competition and called upon its design community to assist in continued rebuilding of neighborhoods.
The sponsors called for innovative and creative ideas that address issues and challenges of designing high quality, affordable/entry-level home ownership; spatial flexibility and live/work space; sustainable building practices and materials; design for a range of lifestyle choices and family configurations. Market rate units could not exceed $175,000, and the development must meet MN GreenStar Bronze Certification for new construction.
"Collaborating with the Minneapolis arts and design communities is a great opportunity for the Northside," said Council Member Don Samuels (Ward 5). "The partnership with the Builders Outreach Foundation, architects, and designers is yet another example of how the City is working with others to recover from the impacts of foreclosure in our communities," he added.
"As a national leader in foreclosure recovery strategies Minneapolis continues rebuilding our housing market by introducing high quality sustainable housing designs," said Tom Streitz, Housing Policy and Development Director, City of Minneapolis. "The partnership and innovation embodied in the design competition will set a high bar to insure that our housing stock is energy efficient, well designed and meets the needs of our current and future residents."
"The Builders Outreach Foundation is pleased to be involved in such a worthwhile endeavor," said Steve Williams, Vice-Chair of BOF. "The Bearden Place project helps BOF achieve its goal of providing additional affordable housing units within the Twin Cities metro region. We at BOF view this opportunity as a win-win situation for us and the City of Minneapolis, as BOF and the City work together to build sustainable, energy efficient, and affordable housing. We look forward to a lasting relationship with the City of Minneapolis and are very excited to be a part of the Bearden Place team," he added.
A public exhibition of the submissions will be scheduled this summer.
Jurors included Brian Bushay, chair of the Housing and Commercial taskforce of the Northside Neighborhood Residents Council; Tom Fisher, Dean, College of Design, University of Minnesota; Roxanne Givens, lifelong community leader, award winning entrepreneur, philanthropist, and third generation Minneapolitan; Garth Rockcastle, Dean, School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation, University of Maryland and co-founder, Meyer, Scherer and Rockcastle, LTD; Tom Streitz, Housing Policy and Development Director, City of Minneapolis; Steve Williams, vice-chair, Builders Outreach Foundation of the Builders Association of the Twin Cities.
The Naming of Bearden Place
The development will be named, Bearden Place, after Romare Howard Bearden (1911-1988) whose life and art are marked by exceptional talent, encompassing a broad range of intellectual and scholarly interests, including music, performing arts, history, literature, and world art.
About the Artists’ Core
The Artists’ Core, a community response to the housing/foreclosure crisis, grew out of the Willard Homewood Residents Economic Development Committee meetings begun in the mid-1990’s. In April 2008, there were 65 foreclosed homes in the 16-square block area now designated as the Artists’ Core. Today, there are fewer than five of the original 65 homes on the market. The community continues work to ensure new families are invited to purchase homes.
For information
Read more information on the design competition.
About the Builders Outreach Foundation (BOF)
The Builders Outreach Foundation, a non profit organization, was created in 1992 by a group of volunteers as the charitable arm of BATC. Their mission is to promote home ownership through affordable housing and to contribute to the revitalization of our communities. BOF is in a unique position to access the talents of over 1,200 professional BATC member firms in the home building community. The Builders Outreach Foundation is a non profit organization that does tremendous good in our community. To support them, or for more information, contact them at Builders Outreach Foundation, 2960 Centre Pointe Drive, Roseville, MN 55113-1182, or call 651-697-1954.
City Continues Homebuyer-Assistance Program, Offering New Round of $5,000 Loans at 0% Interest
50 forgivable loans available through Minneapolis Advantage
March 22, 2010 (MINNEAPOLIS, MN) – Applications are now available for the latest round of home-mortgage loans through Minneapolis Advantage. Minneapolis Advantage is a City-funded program that will provide 50 $5,000 loans at 0% interest, forgivable after five years, to help qualified low- and middle-income buyers purchase homes in eligible neighborhoods in Minneapolis.
Launched in 2008, the program has already helped 241 homebuyers purchase homes in the city.
Mayor R.T. Rybak said, "Minneapolis Advantage is a terrific tool that helps turn around previously foreclosed homes and put them in the hands of qualified, responsible homeowners. And when we do that, we start turning around neighborhoods — home by home, block by block. There’s no better time than today, with homes at very affordable prices, to take advantage of this opportunity."
"My community has been heavily impacted by foreclosures and this program has helped greatly," said Council President Barbara Johnson (Ward 4). "The tide of foreclosures is turning, and this program, together with our other city efforts and with the help of the Minnesota Home Ownership Center, we are winning the foreclosure battle. I’m excited for the future of our communities," she added.
The program, now in its third year, helps rebuild neighborhoods impacted by foreclosures and promotes sustainable home ownership and stabilized communities. Every potential homeowner must complete a counseling workshop sponsored by the Minnesota Home Ownership Center (651-659-9336 or http://www.hocmn.org) that prepares buyers for the important choices related to home ownership.
This year’s program offers $5,000 loans instead of $10,000 in assistance offered in 2008 and 2009.
"The size of the loan was initially set at $10,000 to provide an incentive for homebuyers to purchase in foreclosure-stressed neighborhoods," said Tom Streitz, Director of Housing Policy and Development, City of Minneapolis. "Since housing is slowly moving in the direction of stabilization and recovery, there is less need to provide as much of an incentive to encourage homebuyers to participate. Instead we are returning to an environment where we can simply help good, qualified homebuyers meet their need for the money to close on their new home," he added.
2010 Minneapolis Advantage program details
- Purchasers must have an income of less than 120% of the area median income ($100,680) and the property must be the purchaser’s primary place of residence.
- Purchasers must receive a traditional (prime or A-rated), fixed-rate first mortgage loan or purchase with cash.
- A loan of $5,000, at zero percent interest; If the purchaser continues to occupy the home as a primary place of residence 1/60 of the loan is forgiven each month so that at the end of five years the loan is completely forgiven.
- The loan can be used to assist with the payment of downpayment and closing costs.
- The property can be a single family dwelling or duplex within an eligible neighborhood. The property must be either in a foreclosed status, or was a foreclosed property that has been purchased by a non-profit for the purpose of selling it to an owner-occupant.
- Or, the property must be on the Minneapolis 249 vacant and boarded buildings list.
- New construction properties are not eligible.
Eligible neighborhoods
Jordan, Folwell, McKinley, Webber-Camden, Hawthorne, Sumner-Glenwood, Shingle Creek, Near North, Willard-Hay, Harrison, Cleveland, Beltrami, Holland, Lind-Bohanon, Bottineau, Central, East Phillips, Phillips West, Midtown Phillips, Bryant, Powderhorn Park, Ventura Village, and Corcoran.
Unless the buyers are purchasing with cash, homebuyers must apply for a Minneapolis Advantage loan through their first mortgage lender. Loans will be given on a first come, first served basis. For more information about the loan program, lenders and homebuyers, call greater Metropolitan Housing Corporation at 612-378-7985. Information can also be found online at Minneapolis Advantage.
2009 Minneapolis Advantage program performance
The Minneapolis Advantage program has effectively encouraged people to buy homes in communities stressed by foreclosure. In 2008, 50 loans closed under the demonstration phase. In 2009, $2 million was available. Due to the success of the pilot, the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines awarded $1.5 million to Minneapolis coupled with the City’s assistance of $500,000.
- Over 35% of the buyers moved into Minneapolis from outside the city.
- 32% are households of color.
- The average household size is 3.3, indicating larger families have been able to benefit.
In addition, $90,000 remain, or roughly nine loans, under the 2009 program guidelines for purchasing in the Willard-Hay, Near North, Harrison, or Hawthorne neighborhoods .
Free Tax Preparation 2010
Free Tax Preparation by IRS certified tax preparers and free e-filing is available for:
- Individuals whose income is below $30,000 or
- Families whose income is below $49,000.
Please encourage clients to call 2-1-1 or take the "Free Tax Prep - Get Your Tax Credits" flyer, if available.
More information: In Hennepin County, there are 25+ free tax preparation locations, including some bilingual sites.
Other resources:
- United Way 2-1-1 (or from a cell phone dial 651-291-0211 or 1-800-543-7709)
- MN Department of Revenue: 651-297-3724 or 1-800-657-3989
- MN relay for the hearing impaired: 7-1-1 (TTY)
- http://www.taxes.state.mn.us/
Things people must bring to the tax preparation site:
- Photo ID
- Social Security Card or Individual ID number
- Birth dates for all persons listed on return
- Income statements or W2s for each job
- All 1099 forms received
- Year end income for MFIP, SSI, MSA, GA, Veterans' benefits, Workers Compensation
Other items to bring that may increase tax returns:
- Last year's tax return
- Direct deposit information, bank account numbers
- Education expenses for children in K-12
- Tuition expenses for university, college or technical school
- Interest statement for student loans
- Child care expenses: provider name and tax ID or Social Security Number
- Charitable donations
- Homeowner statements: mortgage interest, real estate taxes, Statement of Property
- Tax Payable for 2008,
- Renter Statements: Certificate of rent paid.
Northside Locations:
"MINNEAPOLIS URBAN LEAGUE
2100 PLYMOUTH AVE. N.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55411
County:
Days Open:
Hours Open:
Appt or Walk In:
"NORTH REGIONAL LIBRARY
1315 LOWRY AVE N
MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55411
County:
Days Open:
Hours Open:
Appt or Walk In:
OAK PARK NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER
1701 OAK PARK AVE.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55411
County:
Days Open:
Hours Open:
Appt or Walk In:
Winter Parking Restrictions will improve emergency vehicle access
In order to provide reliable access for emergency vehicles, the City is implementing Winter Parking Restrictions. The restrictions are needed because of the high levels of snow accumulation this winter, resulting in the narrowing of streets. Winter Parking Restrictions will take effect at 8 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 11. This means parking will be banned on the even side of non-Snow-Emergency-routes until April 1, unless conditions allow the City to lift the ban earlier.
People parking in Minneapolis must follow these parking restrictions or they could be ticketed and towed (very costly) :
Wednesday, Feb. 10 – Day 3 of our Snow Emergency
- Parking is prohibited on the ODD side of non-Snow-Emergency-route streets from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Parking is allowed on Snow Emergency routes, parkways, and the EVEN side of non-Snow Emergency-routes.
- Vehicle owners should move vehicles from the EVEN side of non-Snow-Emergency-route to the ODD side after 8 p.m.
Thursday, Feb. 11 – Winter Parking Restrictions begin
- Beginning at 8 a.m., parking is prohibited on the EVEN side of non-Snow-Emergency-routes. Parking is allowed on Snow Emergency routes and the ODD side of non-Snow Emergency-routes.
Mayor Rybak and Coleman Announce $41 Million Now Available for Homebuyers Purchasing in Minneapolis and Saint Paul through CityLiving Program
Latest round of funding offers first-time homebuyers help with mortgages and downpayment assistance
February 9, 2010 (MINNEAPOLIS)— Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak and Saint Paul Mayor Chris Coleman today announced that $41 million in new funding is available for first-time homebuyers to purchase homes in both cities. The Minneapolis–Saint Paul CityLiving program offers below-market interest rates on mortgages as well as downpayment- and closing-cost assistance.
The CityLiving program was not available to homebuyers in 2009 due to the effect of the challenging economic climate on the bond market. In addition to the $41 million available through the loan program, each city has $500,000 available for assistance with downpayments and closing costs.
Mayors Rybak and Coleman made the announcement at a newly built home on Minneapolis’ Northside. The home was built through the Minneapolis Home Ownership Works program and can only be purchased by a first-time homebuyer. They were joined by Minneapolis Council Member Don Samuels (Ward 5); Jerry Boardman, Freddie Mac; and Emily Green, Sandy Green Realty.
"More people owning homes in Minneapolis and Saint Paul means more prosperity, more civic engagement and more vitality in our Minnesotas core cities and thats good for everyone," said Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak. "For nearly 30 years, Minneapolis and Saint Paul have worked together through the CityLiving program to help 30,000 first-time homebuyers enjoy the benefits of city life."
Mayor Rybak added, "I’m so happy that after a tough year last year, this program is up and running again thanks to the partnership with the Obama administration, Freddie Mac, and Fannie Mae."
"Investments in our urban centers, from jobs to housing, will lead our region and nation through this economic recovery," Mayor Chris Coleman said. "With this assistance, first-time homebuyers can realize the American dream to own a home, and our historic neighborhoods will gain a homeowner who can make our communities strong. Good opportunities exist throughout Saint Paul and Minneapolis. CityLiving will help people seize those opportunities."
"A healthy community hinges on a good balance of homeowners and renters," said Minneapolis City Council Member Don Samuels (Ward 5). "The CityLiving program will help to grow home ownership opportunities and bring us closer to that healthy level."
Details of the loan and assistance program
- Applicants must be first-time homebuyers, purchasing in either Minneapolis or Saint Paul.
- Offers below market interest rates.
- Offers closing cost and downpayment assistance of up to 2% of the mortgage amount. This assistance is in the form of an interest-free loan that is forgiven after seven years of living in the home.
- Homebuyers’ household income cap is $92,290; maximum purchase price is $276,870 for a single-family home. Higher limits are available for two, three, and four unit homes. The homebuyer must occupy the home as their main place of residence.
Visit www.livemsp.org where you can: learn about all of the Minneapolis and Saint Paul neighborhoods, read resident testimonials, find other homebuyer incentives, and peruse real estate listings by neighborhood.
The CityLiving program also offers homebuyer education workshops at a low cost through the Home Ownership Center (651-659-9336). The workshops provide first-time homebuyers comprehensive information to prepare them for home ownership.
How the CityLiving program is funded
This program is funded under a program known as the HFA Initiative, under which Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have purchased bonds under an agreement with the Treasury and the Federal Housing Finance Agency. The purchase of the bonds is funded with stimulus money and enables the Cities to provide financing for first-time homebuyers at below-market interest rates.
A list of the participating lenders and program information can be found at Minneapolis CityLiving Program and at www.stpaul.gov/cityliving.
City of Minneapolis Receives National Award of Excellence for Sustainable Community Development for Ripley Gardens
Redevelopment represents historic preservation, affordable housing, and sustainable construction
December 16 (MINNEAPOLIS) The Home Depot ® Foundation, today, recognized the City of Minneapolis and their nonprofit partner Aeon with the Award of Excellence for Sustainable Community Development for Ripley Gardens, located at 301 Penn Avenue N. This national award recognizes the City’s and Aeon’s thoughtful construction of green affordable housing to create a sustainable community.
The site, a former maternity hospital built in the early 1900s in honor of Dr. Martha Ripley, was redeveloped to address the City’s financial, social and environmental community issues through thoughtful design, land use, and building. The development preserved three historic structures and constructed three new buildings, creating 52 rental units with a range of affordability and 8 for-sale townhomes. Ripley Gardens’ green building strategies revitalized a prominent corner that stood vacant and boarded for several years.
"Minneapolis is on the cutting edge of both its commitment to affordable housing and its commitment to building a sustainable world," said Mayor R.T. Rybak. "This National Award of Excellence for Sustainable Community Development recognizes that we are also on the cutting edge when we do both at the same time. Ripley Gardens is a stellar example of how Minneapolis is building a sustainable city."
"Ripley Gardens illustrates that there’s a direct relationship between community/social change and the physical environment around us. Building green affordable homes has a positive impact on our community – both now and for generations to come," said Alan Arthur, president of Aeon. "Ripley Gardens strengthens the lives of its residents, and is an asset to the broader community."
"Ripley Gardens is a social, economic, and environment oasis," said Don Samuels, Council Member (Ward 5). "The redevelopment turned a blighted corner into life and is a model for other areas in the city," Samuels said.
Minneapolis and Aeon’s Ripley Gardens development was selected based on a number of criteria, including resource conservation, resident/pedestrian connectivity, environmental sustainability and green infrastructure, as well as how well the needs of the local community were met while maintaining affordability for the residents.
A video on the development is posted at http://www.homedepotfoundation.org/sus_
"Many cities across the country are finding successful ways of dealing with financial, social and environmental issues through thoughtful design and land use, resulting in the construction of healthy, safe neighborhoods like Ripley Gardens," said Kelly Caffarelli, president of The Home Depot ® Foundation. "We are excited to recognize the city of Minneapolis and Aeon for their outstanding work and hope that their public-private partnership will serve as an example to others working to find long-term solutions to the issues facing our cities."
The Home Depot ® Foundation also recognized the City of Minneapolis’ Comprehensive Plan, "The Minneapolis Plan for Sustainable Growth," which encourages integration of environmental, social and economic goals into decision-making processes at all levels, including sustainable design practices in the preservation, development, and maintenance of its natural and built environments. The Comprehensive Plan incorporates the city’s 25 sustainability indicators which track the City’s progress to minimize its ecological footprint, use of natural resources conservatively, and continue to build a healthy economy. Key elements of the sustainability plan include: reducing the carbon footprint by 12% by 2012; cleaning up 100 brownfield sites from 2004 to 2014; ending homelessness by 2016; and increasing the percentage of people who enter the city via alternative transportation (bus, light rail, bicycle, walking, carpooling) from 55% in 2003 to 67% in 2013.
The Home Depot ® Foundation also presented an award to North Charleston, SC and their nonprofit partner The Sustainability Institute. The nonprofit partners received a total of $150,000 to further the sustainability goals of their communities.
About Aeon
Aeon is a nonprofit developer, owner and manager of high-quality affordable apartment homes in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. Established in 1986, the award-winning nonprofit has built or renovated 1,705 apartments and townhomes, which provide stability to more than 3,000 people each year – including individuals and families with low to moderate incomes and formerly homeless individuals. The organization’s inspiration to create community assets that last for generations is illustrated in its name "Aeon," which means "forever." Its vision is that every person has a home and is interconnected within community. Learn more at www.aeonmn.org.
About The Home Depot Foundation
The Home Depot Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that was established in 2002 to further the community building goals of The Home Depot by providing additional resources to assist nonprofit organizations.
The Foundation is dedicated to building affordable homes for working families that are healthy to live in and affordable to own. To make homes healthy and affordable, the Foundation encourages developers to incorporate responsible design and use durable and quality materials to ensure that homes are more energy and water efficient, have good indoor air quality, and provide a safe and healthy space to live. Since its formation, The Home Depot Foundation has granted $120 million to nonprofit organizations and supported the development of more than 65,000 affordable, healthy homes.
While focused on building affordable homes, The Home Depot Foundation is also committed to improving the overall health of our communities. Taking a long-term, comprehensive approach to building healthy, stable communities where families can thrive, the Foundation invests in the planting and restoration of trees along streets, in parks and in schoolyards; the building and refurbishment of community play spaces; and the revitalization of school facilities.
For more information, please contact:
Krista Bergert Amy Pfarr Walker
City of Minneapolis Aeon
612-673-5015; cell, 612-360-8702 612-341-3148 x206; cell, 952-240-8479
Krista.Bergert@minneapolismn.gov apfarrwalker@aeonmn.org
Paula Drake Catherine H. Woodling
The Home Depot The Home Depot Foundation
770-384-3439 (770) 384-2304
paula_drake@homedepot.com catherine_woodling@homedepot.com
Last updated Sep. 13, 2012