The Corcoran Neighborhood Organization and the Midtown Farmers Market are thrilled to announce that we will once again participate in Open Streets Minneapolis on Sunday, July 23 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. This year’s route includes both Lake Street and Minnehaha Avenue, which will be blocked-off to be enjoyed by bicyclists and pedestrians for nearly four miles through southeast Minneapolis.
This year for Open Streets Lake Street + Minnehaha Avenue, the Midtown Farmers Market will once again be holding a breakdancing battle right beneath the Hiawatha Avenue bridge. In addition to breakdancing and all styles competitions, the Midtown Farmers Market will also be hosting an Urban Agriculture and Gardening Fair, food trucks and market vendors. Dance competitions will include an $800 prize for the top 4 vs. 4 crew, along with prizes for an all styles competition and farmers market triva. Be sure to check out the action under the Hiawatha Avenue bridge on Lake Street!
Humanize Hi-Lake!
At Open Streets 2015, CNO kicked off a campaign to “humanize” the Hiawatha and Lake Street-intersection area. We partnered with the Sierra Club, Minneapolis Bicycle Coalition, Lake Street Council and Longfellow Community Council to gather signatures on more than 500 petition postcards to raise awareness of the concerns at the intersection. The City and County responded with the Hi-Lake Interchange Study which recommended many specific changes to improve the intersection for pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists.
The CNO Land Use and Housing Committee held two public meetings to determine the most critical improvements. They top picks were: ADA-compliant pedestrian ramps, “smart channels” to calm motor vehicle traffic, additional lighting and trees, and leading pedestrian intervals to give pedestrians a head-start at crosswalks.
At Open Streets 2017, we want to hear directly from neighbors about your top priorities for specific changes to the intersection. We will tally the community’s response and ask our elected leaders at the City and County to fund the improvements.
Volunteers Needed!
Please help inform your neighbors and gather the voices of Open Streets attendees to Humanize Hi-Lake! Sign-up to volunteer here!
About Open Streets, from openstreetsmpls.org: Open Streets Minneapolis brings together community groups and local businesses to temporarily close major thoroughfares to car traffic, and open them up for people walking, biking, skating, and playing. This community event is in its sixth year, and is co-sponsored by the City of Minneapolis.
More than a street festival, Open Streets Minneapolis gives residents an opportunity to explore their neighborhood and local businesses in a safe, fun, and family-friendly way. It encourages the use of active transportation and healthy living, and has a goal of giving residents an opportunity to rethink our streets as public space.
