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City aims Advantage at foreclosures, community will weigh-in
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The City of Minneapolis plans to launch Advantage, a new $10,000 down payment program aimed at combating the foreclosure crisis. Advantage will create 50 zero-interest, forgivable loans for purchase of any home in 18 targeted Minneapolis neighborhoods. To qualify, a neighborhood must contain at least 12 of the properties on Minneapolis' Vacant Building Registry (also known as "249" properties), whether that neighborhood has 700 total housing units (Page has 704) or over 7,000 (Whittier has 7,270). The program aims to help areas with "higher than normal levels of mortgage foreclosures," and any home in the 18 target neighborhoods is eligible for the down payment assistance, whether blighted or in good condition. Applicants must plan to live in the home. 
City of Minneapolis calls on residents to adopt vacant homes
In an effort to promote safer neighborhoods, the City of Minneapolis is calling on neighbors and block clubs to work together by “adopting” vacant properties on their block. Call 911 if you observe strangers or suspicious vehicles around vacant buildings, or people taking things out of the property. Call 311 to let Housing Inspections know if you see work being done on a property that may not be authorized. Do not climb on or enter a vacant building, or dig on the property, without written consent from the property owner. If your block has a property with an ongoing problem, contact your Crime Prevention Specialist. Also note: Corcoran's Housing Committee has been tracking boarded and distressed properties including ownership and for-sale information--contact Eric at CNO.
Theft reports rise, police call for prevention
In 2008, Corcoran has seen an increase in the number of thefts from cars, lockers, backpacks, and purses. There is no apparent pattern to these crimes, nor is there any suspect information available. Reduce your chances of becoming a victim: * Do not leave anything in plain view in your vehicle. Lock items in the trunk or glove compartment before you get to your destination. * If you have a garage, use it! Make sure that your garage door works properly and that the lock cannot be easily tampered with. * Be alert to your surroundings and your personal property. Do not leave your purse or other personal items unattended. * If you are going to school or the gym, take only what you need. For more suggestions contact Crime Prevention Specialist Karen Notsch at 612-673-2856.
Rescheduled LU&T will focus on parking congestion at light rail
Corcoran's Land Use & Transportation Committee will meet at 6:00 pm on Tuesday, March 25 this month (instead of the usual 3rd Monday, due to a conflict). The meeting will focus on traffic congestion on the 31xx block of 23rd Ave, due in part to light rail commuters who park on this street. The meeting will explore solutions to this issue, including new parking restrictions that would be enforced by the City of Minneapolis. This issue emerged after the February LU&T meeting, where 23rd Ave residents expressed concern about parking, especially in light of the pending development of nearby vacant land.
Free weekly Salsa lessons begin at Corcoran Park
The first in a series of free salsa dancing lessons at Corcoran Park will begin on Tuesday, March 18. The classes will run from 7:00 to 8:30 pm, and some folks will go out to Famous Dave's to practice their moves after the class. The instructors, Shannon and Luis, are experienced dancers who just returned from the 2008 Salsa Congress in Chicago and are eager to share what they learned! No experience or partner necessary; activities for children ages 8+ provided. The next lesson is March 25. Contact Dayna at CNO to learn more. The salsa lessons are being organized by Corcoran's Events Committee.
Corcoran Neighborhood Organization | 3451 Cedar Ave S | Minneapolis MN 55407
Phone 612-724-7457 | Fax 612-721-7588