The Neighborhood Advocate Jan 15, 2008

Residents File Petition Seeking Information on Biomass Project

This week, Corcoran resident Jullonne Glad filed a citizen’s petition asking the state Environmental Quality Board (EQB) to compel the developer of the proposed "Midtown" biomass energy plant to provide residents with more information about the potential environmental, social and health impacts of the facility. Glad says she led efforts to collect over 300 signatures on the petition because Kandiyohi Development Partners refused to voluntarily submit an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) when asked by concerned residents appearing at a Dec. 13 public meeting hosted by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA).

“The MPCA provided us with the only information we have about this burner so far and that is that it will release about one million pounds of potentially health-damaging pollutants into our air each year,” Glad said. “Residents in my neighborhood are absolutely stunned that someone would even think of adding such quantities of harmful pollutants to a federally designated Superfund site that is already in the midst of a massive arsenic cleanup crisis thanks to pollution from a site near the proposed burner.”

Glad also expressed disappointment that the City of Minneapolis did not adequately inform residents about the project.

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Land Use / Housing Committees to Reconvene

The next meeting of the Corcoran Housing / Land Use & Transportation Committees will occur on Monday, January 21 at 6:00 pm. The agenda will include a review of foreclosed and distressed housing in the neighborhood, an update on the Metropolitan Council's auction of the vacant "31st St Triangle" parcel, and an update on the Metropolitan Design Center's efforts to help us attract prospective homebuyers to our area via a compelling new brochure. Everyone's welcome.

Last Chance: Nominate an Outstanding Corcoran Neighbor

Through this Friday, January 18, Dayna at CNO is collecting community nominations for "Volunteer of the Year" for Corcoran. These and other neighborhood volunteers will be celebrated at the annual Volunteer Recognition Dinner on February 4 (dinner begins at 6:30 pm) at Corcoran Park. Please submit your nomination today via e-mail or by calling 612-724-7457. Please include a brief statement about your nominee's accomplishments along with your name. And mark your calendar (Feb. 4)!

Events Committee to Continue Planning for Volunteer Dinner

On Wednesday, January 16 at 6:00 pm, the Corcoran Events Committee will meet at CNO to continue preparations for the upcoming Volunteer Recognition Dinner. Everyone is invited to be part of creating this fun annual event.

Celebrate Martin Luther King Day at Powderhorn Park

On Monday, January 21 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, PPNA and Powderhorn Park will host "Strength in Numbers," a celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. that will include entertainment, speakers, games, and a light snack. 3400 15th Ave S.

Nominations needed for the 2008 Ninth Ward Awards

The State of the Ward Address and 2008 Ninth Ward Awards will take place Friday, January 25 from 7:30 to 8:45 am at Mercado Central, 1515 East Lake Street. Awards will be given for the Leader of the Year; Block Club of the Year; Neighborhood Project of the Year; and Youth Leader of the Year. To make a nomination for the Ninth Ward Awards, write a brief description of the accomplishments that you think deserve recognition. Submit your nomination by Friday, January 18, and reserve your seat at the event via e-mail or at 612-673-2209. Food is $7.

Electronics: What happened to “Out with the Old”?

Got old electronics in your basement or garage? Recycle them for free! Most electronics contain toxic metals such as lead, mercury and cadmium. If any of these contaminants get into our rivers, streams or lakes, they can harm our health and damage the environment. Minneapolis residents can recycle electronics through the city’s curbside recycling program. Place up to 2 items marked "Please Take" next to the garbage cart on the recycling day. Items will be picked up on next business day after recycling day. For more information visit www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/solid-waste. For more information on Hennepin County’s free Drop-off Facilities call 612-348-3777.