Smoke Testing Starts May 1

The Surface Water and Sewers Division of Public Works is preparing to smoke test a portion of the sanitary sewers in Ward 10 including within South Uptown.  Since 2007 the City has been smoke testing to identify and eliminate connections of “clear” stormwater from the sanitary sewer.  During smoke testing non-toxic smoke is used to identify leaks or faulty connections that may allow rainwater into the sanitary sewer system, which can overflow in a significant storm.  This work minimizes risks to human and environmental health posed by overflows and reduces costs to the City to treat water at the wastewater treatment plant.

 

This map shows where Public Works is planning to smoke test starting the week of May 1.  Testing on each block only takes a few days and city-wide smoke testing will be complete by early July. Written notice and a fact sheet about smoke testing will be sent to all impacted properties and will provide door hangers prior to testing with information on where to call with questions/ concerns.

 

Here is a link to the web page: Smoke Testing - City of Minneapolis (minneapolismn.gov 

Swap Your Stuff with Neighbors May 16

South Uptown Stop & Swap

Thursday, May 16, 6- 8PM

Bryant Square Park Recreation Center (3101 Bryant Ave S.)

In the spirit of "buy nothing", we are pleased to host the first-ever South Uptown Stop & Swap! This free event is an opportunity to declutter and clean out your home by offering your stuff to your neighbors, while taking a few items for yourself. this free reuse swap is a sustainable way to dispose of unwanted stuff and share with the community. 

Swapable Items: Clean, reusable and portable items such as clothes, housewares, electronics, books and toys.

unacceptable Items: Furniture, large items, expired or opened food, dirty or damaged clothes, unsealed personal care items, medicine, child car seats, strollers, broken electronics and sharp items.  

Online Registration Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1pDGtuWZOG4hRs5ZYO6JEYVRPN6L6qruxnw5_rMer2sE/edit#responses 

Reserve table space for the event- either a half (4') or full (8') banquet table. * Space is limited and will be reserved on a first come, first served basis. Setup can start as early as 5PM with a 6PM event start. Registration deadline is Tuesday, May 14.

Uptown Farmers’ Market Seeks Vendors for 2024 Season

After a hiatus for visioning, East Isles Neighborhood Association is announcing a call for vendors for the rebranded Uptown Farmers Market! 2024 will be a season of pop-up markets across participating neighborhoods in the Uptown area held during existing community events. The pop-ups will build momentum and recognition for a stationary, weekly market season in 2025. 

New vendors and talent are welcome alongside the vendors, musicians, and food trucks who previously made the East Isles Farmers Market great. Click here to become a vendor and for more info.

Welcome Flip Side Dispensary & Music Lounge!

The South Uptown Neighborhood Association welcomes the Flipside Dispensary and Music Lounge to the neighborhood (www.Flipsidemn.com & @FlipsideMN on socials -- at 901 W 36th St)!  While open since late December, many neighbors joined Flipside for the true, “soft opening” on March 23rd as product samples, plenty of music and local arts (and even, tattoo’s) filled the store.  Flipside will continue to celebrate their ongoing launch as South Uptown and East Harriet neighbors ease into Spring: the festivities of April 20th (420); combining a celebration of Earth Day, Record Store Day & for some, Cannabis.  Husband and wife (owners) Josh and Tess Fellman took a moment to reflect on the positive, successful start for the new business. 

As one of the first dispensaries to open a store front in Uptown, Flipside has made a great impression.  Josh and Tess completely repurposed the corner location (formerly, a somewhat tired and dilapidated, Calhoun Pet Store) with a complete build-out and attractive, new (black) façade.  Inside, Flipside is a bright, open, and contemporary venue with beautifully displayed THC + CBD beverages, gummies, creams and other merch.  The moniker of “Flipside” is apropos, as the store boasts a cozy listening center for any music enthusiast complete with 1500+ records (all $5 except for a select few), deep set listening lounges and a private record player with noise cancelling headphones. Flipside is open daily and encourages neighbors to stop in and enjoy music (with or without any other purchase...) and immerse themselves in the comfortable vibe, massive music library and maybe a refreshment or complimentary coffee. 

The Minneapolis couple commented on the new approach and commitment to our community, “We love this space and the Uptown neighborhood!  We felt our vision could enhance this commercial corner, while bringing a unique retail approach to this space.”  Flipside has quickly developed a consistent group of “regulars” along with a growing base of uptown residents walking to the popular corner.  “There’s so much to offer with Our Kitchen, GiGi’s and Bogart’s so close – many of the neighbors have been so kind to support our growing lines,” Josh stated.  

“The entire neighborhood(s) have been so welcoming and supportive!”, Josh emphasized, referring to their strategic location, not only on the border of Uptown and East Harriet but also on the wonderful Bryant Ave pathway (Flipside will be part of Our Streets Bicycle Benefits Program). “We’re really excited to be part of the community and see how the space grows over time.” Tess commented.  

The Fellman’s are dedicated to focus on Minnesota-based products with over 90% of the items stemming from Minnesota companies.  Whether CBD, THC or even, the focus on local musicians – Minnesota products are beautifully merchandised in the wonderful, clean lines of the black/white tile and slatted wood surroundings. Flipside’s mission of being “your friendly neighborhood advocates for sparking more of those little moments of joy & vibin’ to the music while you do it” is evident by the friendly atmosphere when you enter the store. 

Again, patrons have been incredibly supportive of Flipside, especially with such a light winter – the foot traffic has been a tremendous kickstart.  The couple is confident that the Spring will continue to be positive as Flipside completes their first “4/20” – many plans are in place for any Flipside guests on that special day, with the combination of “Record Store Day” and “4/20” all-in-one!  There truly is no better place to celebrate (however you wish) – as The Fellman’s and a growing group of neighbor’s like to say, “See you on the Flipside!” 

Little Libraries Move to New Locations

Little Libraries Move to New Locations

South Uptown’s two little libraries moved to new locations earlier this week. One library sits at 3400 Emerson while the other is located at 3208 Colfax Avenue S. Stop by to leave a book and then take a book.

We’re looking for neighbors to host the libraries starting in July, so get in touch if you’re interested in getting one deployed to your yard or boulevard. Library hosts simply monitor it to ensure the library remains in good condition and full of books. South Uptown volunteers will install the library in a spot that works best. It is a fun way to connect with neighbors and share a love of reading. 

Help Your Neighbors Pick Up Trash during 4-20 Earth Day Clean Up

Earth Day Clean Up

Saturday, April 20, 9:30AM - 12:00PM

Meet at Bryant Square Park (3101 Bryant Ave S.)

We invite you to join us for the annual Minneapolis Earth Day Clean Up on April 20th sponsored by Minneapolis Parks and the South Uptown Neighborhood Association! This is a wonderful opportunity for us to come together as a community and make a positive impact on our neighborhood and environment. We will provide all the necessary supplies such as bags and gloves for trash collection. Additionally, there will be snacks available to keep us energized during the clean-up efforts. 

Before starting out, we’ll provide a brief orientation to identify areas of focus and ensure everyone is ready to contribute effectively. By working together, we can make a significant difference in keeping our streets, parks, and waterways clean. Let's show our commitment to sustainability and preserving the natural beauty of our neighborhood. Your participation, no matter how big or small, will contribute to a cleaner and healthier environment for everyone. Feel free to invite friends and family members who would like to join this important community event.

Together, we can make Earth Day not just a day of awareness but also a day of action and positive change. Thank you for your support, and we look forward to seeing you there!

B-Line Construction Starts along Lake St. Corridor

Metro Transit, the City of Minneapolis, Hennepin County and utility companies will start work soon to prepare the Lake St. corridor for the upcoming B-Line Rapid Bus route. 2024 construction work includes 15 B Line station platforms at eight intersections west of Hiawatha Avenue. Most construction in 2024 is related to Lake Street improvements funded by project partners at the City of Minneapolis and Hennepin County including: 

  • Pedestrian and signal improvements at approximately 40 additional intersections. 

  • Resurfacing and restriping of Lake Street and Lagoon Avenue, which includes 5.4 additional miles of bus-only lanes.   

To see where work will be happening, and what is being built, please view the interactive project map: https://app.publiccoordinate.com/#/projects/METROBline/map 

So far, crews have placed temporary signal poles and completed necessary tree removals, and they continue to work to install underground fiber optic cable along the corridor. CenterPoint Energy will begin updating their infrastructure and gas meters before major construction starts. CenterPoint Energy staff may be contacting residents and businesses about potential short-term gas outages as they upgrade equipment. 

Intersection & Lane Closures Planned

  • Starting the first week of April, the intersection of Lake & Dupont north of Lake Street will be closed for up to 8-10 weeks. 

  • Starting the first week of April, the intersection of Emerson & Lagoon avenues north of Lake Street will be closed for 2-3 weeks. East-west traffic on Lagoon will remain open, but reduced to one lane. 

  • Later in April, closures will occur at Fremont  & Lagoon avenue and Knox Ave. & Lake Street/ Lagoon Ave. for approximately 2-3 weeks each East-west traffic on Lake St. will still be open, but reduced to one lane. 

  • Starting in early April, the north (right-hand) lane of Lagoon Avenue between Dupont Avenue and East Bde Maka Ska Parkway will be closed. This closure is projected to last until mid-to-late May. 

  • Starting in early April, the south (right-hand) lane of Lake Street between Pillsbury Avenue and East Bde Maka Ska Parkway will be closed. This closure is projected to last until mid-to-late May. 

  • Crews will begin construction work at 17 intersections to upgrade pedestrian corners, and begin construction on B Line stations at Lake & Lyndale, Lake & Hennepin, and Lake & East Bde Maka Ska. 

General construction information

Construction along the corridor will be phased, with work beginning between East Bde Maka Ska Parkway and Blaisdell Avenue starting this spring. The section between Blaisdell and Hiawatha Avenues will start later this year. 

Work in the corridor will include station construction, utility work, pavement and intersection improvements, traffic signal changes, and resurfacing of the pavement on Lake Street and Lagoon Avenue. When an area is under construction, the street will be partially closed to vehicle traffic in stages, with one side of the street being worked on at a time. At least one driving lane in each direction will be open throughout construction. Sidewalks will remain open on at least one side of the street, and access will be maintained to homes and businesses. Parking on Lake Street and Lagoon Avenue. will be restricted in some areas. More detailed information, including maps of planned closures, is available on the B Line Construction webpage. https://www.metrotransit.org/b-line-project-construction  

Any questions about B Line or Lake Street improvements construction can be directed to the construction hotline at 651-356-6995 or to BLine@metrotransit.org. 

South Uptown Happy Hour - April 4th @Fool Me Once

South Uptown Happy Hour
Thursday, April 4, 5:30 - 7:30 PM
Fool Me Once- 3006 Lyndale Avenue S.

Join us for an evening of camaraderie, community-spirit and connection at Fool Me Once, sponsored by the South Uptown Neighborhood Association. This first Thursday gathering promises an informal yet engaging setting for South Uptown residents to come together, unwind and learn more about the vital work of the neighborhood association. Whether you’re a longtime resident or a newcomer to South Uptown, this happy hour is a great opportunity to forge new friendships while getting to know more about the community. South Uptown will provide light appetizers while attendees pick up their own drinks. Please bring your friends, family and neighbors! The more, the merrier…

2024 South Uptown Chili Fest - Recap and photos

Thank you to everyone who made the 25th annual Chili Fest a huge success on February 25! Special thanks go out to event sponsors who donated chili including Bryant Lake Bowl, Gigi’s Cafe, the New Uptown Cafe and the New Uptown Diner. It was so fun to see so many South Uptown neighbors come out to share a meal and to help make the event hppen. We raised funds for the South Uptown Neighborhood Association to support community and park events, as well as collected 175 pounds of food and supplies for the Joyce Uptown Food Shelf.

1st Thursday Happy Hour is March 7

South Uptown Happy Hour

Thursday, March 7, 5:30- 7:30PM

Fool Me Once - 3006 Lyndale Avenue S.

Join us for an evening of camaraderie, community-spirit and connection at Fool Me Once, sponsored by the South Uptown Neighborhood Association. This first Thursday gathering promises an informal yet engaging setting for South Uptown residents to come together, unwind and learn more about the vital work of the neighborhood association. Whether you’re a longtime resident or a newcomer to South Uptown, this happy hour is a great opportunity to forge new friendships while getting to know more about the community. South Uptown will provide light appetizers while attendees pick up their own drinks. Please bring your friends, family and neighbors! The more, the merrier… 

MPD Issues Crime Alert Due to 5th Precinct Robberies

Since February 9th, the 5th Police precinct, which includes the southwest quadrant of Minneapolis, had 17 reported robberies. Incidents have mainly occurred in the evenings. In two of these incidents the victim’s car was also taken. The suspects in all but 3 of the incidents also showed or implied a handgun when confronting the victims. The loss was cell phones, purses, and money. A recent update from 7th Ward City Council Member Cashman reports some suspects in these crimes were apprehended.

 https://content.govdelivery.com/bulletins/gd/MPLS-38a6db1?wgt_ref=WARD_7 
Reported incidents:

February 9: Robbery of Person- 35XX Blaisdell Av S; Aggravated Robbery- 26XX Hennepin AV S; Carjacking- 25XX Hennepin Av S; Aggravated Robbery- East Lake of the Isles Pkwy/22nd; Robbery of Person- 1st St. W/Penn Av S; Aggravated Robbery- 32XX Colfax AV S; Robbery of Person- 34th /Nicollet AV S

February 10: Aggravated Robbery- 37XX Lyndale AV S; Aggravated Robbery- 26th/Grand AV S; Carjacking- 30XX/Humboldt AV S; Aggravated Robbery- 18XX Lasalle AV S; Aggravated Robbery- 19XX 2nd AV S; Aggravated Robbery- 24XX Dupont AV S; Aggravated Robbery- 23XX Colfax Av S

February 11: Aggravated Robbery- 24XX Hennepin AV S; Aggravated Robbery- 22XX Harriet AV S

What you can do to keep safe! 

Stay alert and aware of your surroundings – no distractions like phones/headphones or earbuds. Carry only what you need, on your body, not in-hand.  If you are carrying items, zip inside of a cross-body or backpack type bag instead of loose pockets.  Walk in well-lit open areas that are clean/clear of debris & over-growth, ideally in pairs or more.  Lock your doors as soon as you enter/exit your vehicle. Open windows create access for someone to reach into your vehicle.  Don’t sit in your car with the windows rolled down are unlocked, be alert of people around you. Be mindful when getting gas – try to fuel up in the daytime hours when more people are around and keep doors locked and keys in hand not the ignition. Take a self-defense class - it can increase confidence and decrease fear.  Go to a safe place and call 911 immediately if you are the victim or witness a robbery.   

South Uptown Proposes Neighborhood Revitalization Program (NRP) Plan Change

The South Uptown Board of Directors is keen to engage with and involve more renters in the neighborhood association’s activities. So, the organization will consider a proposal to reallocate Neighborhood Revitalization Program (NRP) funds during the next meeting on February 20. The scheme would move $10,000 from repaid home improvement loans to a program dedicated to renter engagement and involvement, and it requires notice to the community prior to the vote at the community meeting. The Plan Modification reallocates the funding from NRP Phase 2 Action Plan Strategy 3.1.1 1-10 Unit Home Loan Program to Strategy 8.1.1 Livability Committee/ Events.  

1st Thursday Happy Hour is Feb 1

South Uptown Happy Hour
Thursday, February 1, 5:30- 7:30PM
Fool Me Once- 3006 Lyndale Avenue S.

Join us for an evening of camaraderie, community-spirit and connection at Fool Me Once, sponsored by the South Uptown Neighborhood Association. This first Thursday gathering promises an informal yet engaging setting for South Uptown residents to come together, unwind and learn more about the vital work of the neighborhood association. Whether you’re a longtime resident or a newcomer to South Uptown, this happy hour is a great opportunity to forge new friendships while getting to know more about the community. South Uptown will provide light appetizers while attendees pick up their own drinks. Please bring your friends, family and neighbors! The more, the merrier…

Luminary Skating Party moved to Jan. 27 due to Weather

Luminary Skating Party
Saturday, Jan. 27, 5:30- 7:30PM
Bryant Square Park- 3101 Bryant Avenue S.

Join us for this 3rd annual community event where Bryant Square will once again sparkle with hundreds of luminary lanterns in a winter wonderland of snow, ice and lights. Bring your skates to experience the magic of skating under the stars and surrounded by glowing luminaries. Participants can then warm up at a bonfire and with free hot chocolate. . It’s a perfect winter activity for people of all ages, so bring your friends, family and neighbors! 

This enchanting community event is Brought to you by Bryant Square Park and the South Uptown Neighborhood Association. The event was postponed from January 20 because warm weather conditions made it impossible to prepare the skating

Sponsored by Morrissey’s Irish Pub, and hot chocolate donated by Lake & Bryant Cafe.

South Uptown Bike Racks Deployed on Bryant Ave

Have you noticed all the new, “South Uptown” branded bike racks between Lake and 36th Streets along Bryant Avenue? They were deployed in November following the major reconstruction of the corridor. The South Uptown Neighborhood Association partnered with Minneapolis Public Works to upgrade the type of racks installed, and the organization will use Neighborhood Revitalization Program (NRP) funds to cover the cost. The project springs from South Uptown’s objective of making the neighborhood a more convenient and safe place to bike.

Luminary Skating Party is Coming

Luminary Skating Party

Saturday, January 20, 5:00- 7:00PM

Bryant Square Park - 3101 Bryant Avenue S.

Join us for this 3rd annual community event where Bryant Square will once again sparkle with hundreds of luminary lanterns in a winter wonderland of snow, ice and lights. Bring your skates to experience the magic of skating under the stars and surrounded by luminaries. Participants can then warm up at a bonfire and with free hot chocolate. . It’s a perfect winter activity for people of all ages, so bring your friends, family and neighbors! 

This enchanting community event is Brought to you by Bryant Square Park and the South Uptown Neighborhood Association.

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Our Mission
Improve the well-being of the South Uptown neighborhood by fostering a safe, equitable and connected community.