The Neighborhood Advocate June 24, 2010

Arsenic soil cleanup continues in south Minneapolis

Arsenic Cleanup Federally funded cleanup of contaminated soil is occurring at dozens of residences in the Corcoran neighborhood. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) offers a new update as well as contact information for people who have questions about their own property. Read it here. You can also view a previous round of resident questions gathered by CNO in April 2009, with responses provided by the EPA project manager. Read it here. View the EPA webpage on the soil cleanup here.

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Midtown Farmers Market Helps Grow Buying Power

The Midtown Farmers Market has launched a new incentive program called Market Bucks for customers who use SNAP/EBT food support benefits. The program will continue through the season or until funds run out. Gail Rosenblum writes about the program in a June 24 Star Tribune column. Read Star Tribune story. Read the press release and information on how to use the Market Bucks program.

Last chance: take advantage of Community Energy Services

If you missed the free energy workshops this spring in Corcoran Park, an additional workshop June 24 at 6:30 p.m. offers the chance to participate in Community Energy Services, a comprehensive one-stop residential energy program offered by Center for Energy and Environment in partnership with CNO, CenterPoint, and Xcel Energy. The workshop takes place at McRae Park, 906 E. 47th Street. RSVPs are encouraged to Ashley Robertson by e-mail or phone (612-335-5869). CNO continues to offer $175 mini grants in support of CES participants—view the guidelines and easy application process here.

Burglary advisory issued for Corcoran and Powderhorn area

According to the Minneapolis Police, three burglaries occurred on the 31xx 22nd Ave block since June 15, 2010 in close proximity, both in time and location. Two were in apartments and one was a single family dwelling. In each case, the suspect entered through an unlocked door or window. "Residents need to take a few extra steps to make it as difficult as possible for someone to get inside their home," said Crime Prevention Specialist Karen Notsch. "A (window) screen is not a preventative device," she added. For more information about home security and crime prevention techniques, contact Karen by e-mail or phone (612-673-2856). Read the full advisory here.

Start planning now for National Night Out Aug. 3

National Night Out is a 26-year tradition in Minneapolis. Neighbors come together to meet each other and to build stronger and safer communities. This year National Night Out happens Tuesday, August 3. Now is the time to start making preparations for your block party. You can also apply to close your street for free for your NNO event. Street closure is free if you apply by July 14. You need permission of 75 percent of your neighbors to be approved for street closure. Be sure to register your event even if you aren’t blocking your street. Find details on street closure and registration. Contact Eric at CNO for help with door-knocking, flyers, or bridging language barriers as you plan your block event.

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