Lake Street News Brief

www.lakestreetcouncil.org
April 3, 2007

The Lake Street Council's mission is to build a cohesive strategy to ensure the ongoing vitality of the Lake Street Corridor business community.

9 weeks to go until the Global Market's 1st anniversary! To get involved, call Angie Scott at 612-872-4041 x13.

Taking on graffiti

Graffiti is a widely discussed issue in the Lake Street corridor, and many groups and individuals are responding to the challenge. Below is a sample of actions being taken to respond to it.

The City of Minneapolis now has a Community Impact Statement available for graffiti. It is available on our website. These statements are used to communicate to the court system the seriousness of the impact caused by graffiti.
Through September, Central Weed and Seed has a program for Central property and business owners to allow for graffiti removal from their property without having to return for a new permission signature each time it happens. The form to allow you to take part in this program is also on our site.
Corcoran Neighborhood Organization is seeking muralists for community-building projects that take back alleys from gang vandalism. You provide the artistic expertise; they provide the paint, identify mural sites and organize youth painters to help you. CNO is also seeking property owners interested in hosting a mural on their Corcoran business, garage, or home. CNO continues to provide free paint and labor for residential properties vandalized by graffiti in Corcoran. Contact Eric Gustafson at CNO: 612-724-7457 or eric@corcoranneighborhood.org.
A Powderhorn Park Neighborhood Association group is identifying businesses that may be interested in a "green wall" concept (plantings that discourage graffiti). Discussion of cost, how to, timeline and mapping out logistics will follow with BKV Group Landscape Architecture. This group (tentatively called Art for All) is also identifying and qualifying potential mural sites. Resources are being identified. Energies are currently being focused on securing funding, identifying artists and locations, outreach to youth and other groups. Then will come the match up.
Another neighborhood is proposing a "Wall Dogs" project. See photos on website: http://seelodi.groupee.net/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/3201003731/m/3481083741
This projects brings artists who potentially complete 6 murals in 4 days. The project on the website was in Lodi, CA.
A new ordinance amendment authored by Council Member Gary Schiff requires spray paint to be in an area of the store continuously observable by staff or in a locked cabinet. Retailers must display a sign which reads "We ID - No Spray Paint Sales To Minors." The city will also begin a new compliance check.
Minneapolis Dept of Health & Family Support awarded grants to Minneapolis Parks Youthline, Bolder Options and Yo the Movement who connect with high risk youth 10-15 to help prevent delinquency, crime and violence.
The City of Minneapolis will provide volunteers with paint to cover graffiti on yellow traffic poles, brown signal control boxes, green signal pole bases and red fire hydrants.

This is almost certainly not an exhaustive list, and more ideas are welcome. Contact Lake Street Council or your local business or neighborhood group to get more involved. And remember to call 311 to report any graffiti you encounter.

Other Announcements:

Tomorrow (Wednesday) only, the Produce Exchange will have over 50 bouquets of tulips. Brighten up a dismal day, buy some tulips. They're sure to make you smile.
Lake Street Council would like to wish Tiffany Green well as she leaves Council Member Lilligren's office to take on new projects. Wednesday of this week from 5:00 - 7:00 PM, the Midtown Safety Center (corner of Chicago & Lake) is hosting a farewell that includes coffee and treats from the Midtown Global Market.

Upcoming Events:

April 6th - May 20th: K2, at Jungle Theater

Various times, 2951 Lyndale Ave. S.

Two mountain climbers are trapped on the ledge of a threatening glacial wall 27,000 feet above sea level. It looks as if they will perish before the sun sets. What will they do?

April 7th: Family Easter Egg Party & Hunt

3:00 - 5:00 PM, 920 East Lake Street (Midtown Global Market)

Come learn about Easter traditions from around the world, make seasonal crafts, have your photo taken with the Easter Bunny, and hunt for Easter eggs from Global Market vendors. Free and open to the public.

April 12th - 29th: From the Ashes, at Pangea World Theater

7:30 PM Thursday - Sunday, 711 West Lake Street Suite 101

Exploring the global question of migration and movement in a multi-lingual, physically charged performance with live music.

April 17th: Community Open House

6:30 - 7:30 PM, 2121 East Lake Street (Midtown YWCA)

To discuss ideas for Public Art and Bike Path Connections for the Hi-Lake District.

Also included: An update on the Under Bridges Improvements.

April 19th: Lake Street Council Board Meeting
7:30 - 9:00 AM, Sheraton Midtown Hotel (Chicago & Lake)
Joint meeting with Midtown Greenway Coalition

April 24th & 26th: Free Self-Defense / Personal Safety Workshops

2:00 - 3:00 PM on the 24th, 6:30 - 8:00 PM on the 26th

920 East Lake Street (920 East Lake Street, Suite 107 -- northeast corner)

Come and learn how to reduce your chance of becoming a victim. Featuring black belt instructor Mary Brandl, a self-defense expert. RSVP to Renee Allen (612-825-6138)

as space availability is limited.

April 28th: Help Put The "Green" In Midtown Greenway
Kickoff - 9:00 AM, 3120 East 28th Street (Anne Sullivan School)
9:30 AM - Planting begins at four sites: 26th Avenue South, Anne Sullivan School entrance ramp, 30th Avenue South, Brackett Park entrance ramp.
Contact Theresa Nelson at 612-879-0103 or Hillary Oppmann at 612-722-4529 for more information or to volunteer.

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Lake Street Council, 919 East Lake Street, Minneapolis MN 55407