The Neighborhood Advocate Mar. 11, 2008

Neighborhoods get support from state lawmakers, still need residents' support

Polar Bear Legislation is being introduced to extend funding for the Neighborhood Revitalization Program (NRP)--the structural and funding backbone of Minneapolis' neighborhood organizations--through 2019. The House bill (HF 3821) is being sponsored by Rep. Karen Clark, Rep. Joe Mullery, Rep. Jim Davnie, and Rep. Neva Walker. The Senate bill is being sponsored by Senator Patricia Torres Ray.

The proposed legislation would extend Minneapolis' pre-1979 tax increment financing (TIF) districts for 10 years (through 2019) and allocate the tax increments from these districts to the county, city, and school districts in proportion to their tax rates (thus allowing all these entities to continue to receive revenue), with the city's share to be divided between the City and NRP. This legislation supports the continuation of NRP for another 10 years at a dedicated funding amount of $12 million per year and overseen by an independent governing board.

Readers, please do your part! Time is of the essence as the timeline to respond to the City regarding its Framework for the Future proposal is March 17th! Click here to read the Framework for the Future proposal. Click here to read the CNO board's response to the Framework. Finally, help sustain your neighborhood organization by participating in a community response here. Additional information can be found on the NRP website and www.Neighbors4NRP.com. This is your last chance to take action.

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CNO weighs in on proposed Holiday gas station

At its March meeting, the CNO board voted to oppose 24-hour operation and the 36th Street vehicle entrance at the gas station and car wash proposed by Holiday Stationstores for 3550 Cedar Ave S. These resolutions reflect results of a straw poll of the 41 attendees of a Feb. 12 community meeting at CNO, most of whom were residents on adjoining blocks. At a 4:30 pm meeting & public hearing on March 17, the City Planning Commission will rule on Holiday's applications (learn more here). CNO will participate in the hearing, and encourages all interested residents to participate or submit comments in advance to Shanna Sether by e-mail or at 612-673-2307. The hearing will take place in Room 317 of City Hall, 350 S. 5th St.

Please contribute to CNO's fund drive, and thank you

Despite continued cuts to the Neighborhood Revitalization Program, CNO remains strong by making the most of a shoestring budget, and individual donations are a crucial part of this budget. Thanks to the many neighbors who have contributed to our 2007/08 Fund Drive so far. With your help, we’ve raised over $3,000 toward our $5,000 goal. If you haven’t had a chance to contribute, please consider a one-time or monthly donation, accepted by check at CNO, 3451 Cedar Ave S, or by clicking on the "Donate" button to the right. Any amount is helpful, and goes to work right in your own back yard. Remember, CNO is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, so your donation is tax-deductible. Thank you for supporting our work!

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Corcoran Neighborhood Organization | 3451 Cedar Ave S | Minneapolis MN 55407
Phone 612-724-7457 | Fax 612-721-7588