3501- 3525 Hennepin Project Update

Representatives from the Lander Group presented revised plans for the proposed 3501- 3525 Hennepin project to more than 60 neighbors on January 15. They plan to submit a land use application to the city within 45 days, which will include a rear setback variance and conditional use permit to exceed the 56-foot height requirement. Watch the South Uptown website and social media for updates. In the meantime, Lander Group shared their presentation as follows: https://esgarchitects.sharefile.com/d-s5f8a17441be465a8

Click here to read the meeting minutes.

January Neighborhood Meeting

Tuesday, January 21, 7PM

Bryant Square Park Rec Center (3101 Bryant Avenue S.

Featured Agenda Item: Calhoun Square Redevelopment 

The new owners of the Calhoun Square shopping center and surrounding properties, Northpond Partners, will present ideas for redevelopment of the site. Come out to hear the latest and provide input about the types of businesses and uses you want to see there. Northpond representatives will use this input as they determine next steps for the project.

South Uptown Land Use and Transportation Committee Meeting on Jan. 15

Wednesday, January 15, 7PM

Bryant Square Park Rec Center (3101 Bryant Avenue S.) 

Featured Agenda Item: Proposed 3501- 3525 Hennepin Apartment Project

Join your neighbors for a presentation and discussion about a proposed 3-5 story, 74-unit apartment building over 92 underground parking stalls. The structure would replace 4 homes and businesses while preserving the 1-story, corner commercial structure. The developer, Lander Group, will present updated plans and answer questions.

City planning guidance allows for up to 4-stories along Hennepin Ave with more height if other city goals are met. However, the project requires land use approvals from the City to proceed, and public comments will be considered.

South Uptown Holiday Happy Hour

What? South Uptown Holiday Happy Hour

When? Tuesday, December 17, 5-6PM

Where? Mucci’s- 901 W. Lake St.

Join your neighbors for a fun, informal holiday gathering at Mucci’s. South Uptown will provide free appetizers with attendees responsible for their own beverages. Wear your ugliest holiday sweater for a chance to win a prize. This is a good chance to meet some new people and learn about the neighborhood.

Dolphin returns to Bryant Square Park

The concrete dolphin formerly located in the old Bryant Square wading pool has returned to the park's picnic area to become a sculpture. South Uptown and Minneapolis Parks made sure it was preserved when the pool was reconstructed last year. Next year, South Uptown intends to work with an artist to cover the dolphin in mosaic tile tying in with the mosaic panels on the recreation center. Swing by the park to say hi to our dolphin friend!

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Redevelopment proposed for 3501 block of Hennepin Avenue

The Lander Group, with assistance from ESG Architectss, has preliminary plans to redevelop properties located between 3501 and 3525 Hennepin. The concept would rehabilitate the one-story commercial building on the corner and replace the surface parking lot, commercial buildings, and homes. The new structure would have 75 apartment units and range in size between 3 to 5 stories over a level of underground parking with about 90 stalls. The project team plans to come out to a future, to-be-determined South Uptown meeting to present more firmed-up plans in the coming months.

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South Uptown elects 2019 Board of Directors

At the Annual Meeting on Tuesday, September 17, the South Uptown Neighborhood Association elected nine new board members to represent the neighborhood.

  • Blue Delliquanti, 34XX Emerson Ave. S.*

  • Brad Klein, 9XX West 32nd St.*

  • Cameron Delaney, 30XX Bryant Ave. S.

  • Jerome Chateau, 33XX Dupont Ave. S.*

  • John Kostouros, 33XX Emerson Ave. S.*

  • Jordan Gaal, 34XX Colfax Ave. S.*

  • Justin Gardiner, 31XX Aldrich Ave. S.

  • Max Ellis, 34XX Emerson Ave. S.*

  • Sophia Snow, 32XX Lyndale Ave. S.

On Tuesday, October 8th, the new board met for a brief orientation. At this meeting, Max Ellis was re-elected as board president, John Kostouros was elected as vice president, Brad Klein was re-elected as treasurer, and Cameron Delaney was elected as secretary. Congratulations to new and returning board members!

*Incumbent

Left to right: Brad Klein, John Kostouros, Jerome Chateau, Cameron Delaney, Max Ellis, Justin Gardiner, Sophia Snow, Scott Engel (executive coordinator), Jordan Gaal.

Left to right: Brad Klein, John Kostouros, Jerome Chateau, Cameron Delaney, Max Ellis, Justin Gardiner, Sophia Snow, Scott Engel (executive coordinator), Jordan Gaal.

Meet your 2019 neighborhood board candidates

Review the candidates for the 2019-2020 South Uptown Neighborhood Association Board below. Neighborhood residents can vote at the South Uptown Annual meeting this Tuesday, September 17 from 6-8:30pm. Click here for more information about the neighborhood meeting.

Blue Delliquanti

Describe your background, including any skills or experience that will benefit the organization.

One year of experience in SUNA, including LU&T board

Describe your interests and how they align with service on the South Uptown Neighborhood Association Board.

Interested in improving community engagement with renters and lower-income residents and improving transit and mobility options.

Brad Klein

Describe your background, including any skills or experience that will benefit the organization.

I have been a member of the South Uptown (formerly CARAG) neighborhood association for five years & Treasurer for the last two years. I love our neighborhood & advocate for South Uptown every chance I get. It has been an honor to serve our community.

Describe your interests and how they align with service on the South Uptown Neighborhood Association Board.

As a believer in the "Think globally, act locally" movement, I strive to keep our neighborhood progressive, smart & clean. I strongly feel that South Uptown is a special place & have worked diligently for many years to make it stay that way.

Cameron Delaney

Describe your background, including any skills or experience that will benefit the organization.

I have worked as a makeup artist and assistant manager for the last 4 years. I have recently decided to move down to a freelance position so I can focus on going back to school part time at MCTC. I have wonderful public speaking skills and love exploring my community that I just moved to this past spring!

Describe your interests and how they align with service on the South Uptown Neighborhood Association Board.

I love exploring my neighborhood and supporting local businesses. I want other people in the community to know about where they live and make them feel safe and happy. I want to be engaged with community activities and programs and get to know some of my neighbors better!

Jerome Chateau

Describe your background, including any skills or experience that will benefit the organization.

I was born and raised in Paris and originally came to Minneapolis to study at the University of Minnesota’s School of Public Health, where I earned a graduate degree. I liked the city so much that I decided to stay. It’s been more than 30 years now! South Uptown has been my home since 2005, and I have gravitated to this neighborhood and lived in surrounding neighborhoods, including Central and Whittier, since I first arrived. My experience visiting many cities across the United States and around the world, in addition to growing up in a global city, has given me a deep appreciation for what Minneapolis has to offer. I also own and manage a small, independent agribusiness, providing products to farmers and dairies, mostly organic, in Outstate Minnesota and across the U.S.. This perspective gives me insight into urban/rural relations that is somewhat atypical of South Uptown and strengthens my sensitivity to environmental impact.

Describe your interests and how they align with service on the South Uptown Neighborhood Association Board.

I have always been extremely interested in how cities evolve and consider myself observant and informed about changes that perform well over time for people, given different contexts. I strongly believe that our city can support greater density and that the ripest areas for increasing density and making planned improvements are the urban corridors such as Lake Street, Lyndale and Hennepin Avenues. Simultaneously, while there are many advantages to upzoning, it is crucial to conserve the balance of green space and urban development, encouraging pollinators and protecting aesthetics. I believe balance is key-between young and old, renters and homeowners, density and greenspace, to maintaining South Uptown as an exceptional neighborhood to live, work and play.

John Kostouros

Describe your background, including any skills or experience that will benefit the organization.

Former public affairs journalist; long time area resident; served on the SUNO/CARAG board past two years

Describe your interests and how they align with service on the South Uptown Neighborhood Association Board.

Managing the rapid development of new housing and business so as not to diminish the livability of our neighborhood

Jordan Gaal

Describe your background, including any skills or experience that will benefit the organization.

I have served several months on the South Uptown Neighborhood Association Board. I also have several years of community organizing experience. In addition, I bring community relations, digital media, and communications skills to the organization from my professional and academic background.

Describe your interests and how they align with service on the South Uptown Neighborhood Association Board.

I am interested in fostering a thriving and inclusive environment that embodies community values while providing the services and programs expected form a modern urban neighborhood.

Justin Gardiner

Describe your background, including any skills or experience that will benefit the organization.

I have degrees in economics and mathematics. I work as a data scientist doing mathematical modeling and statistics.

Describe your interests and how they align with service on the South Uptown Neighborhood Association Board.

As a member of the neighborhood, I am interested in serving the community.

Max Ellis

Describe your background, including any skills or experience that will benefit the organization.

Prior experience; Volunteer on the Livability and Engagement Committee in 2016, Elected to Board in 2017, held Secretary position, Elected to Board in 2018, holding position as President. Having served on several other Boards, I am skilled in fundraising and community outreach. There is a passion to advocate for the betterment and stability of our neighborhood and fellow neighbors that I carrying daily.

Describe your interests and how they align with service on the South Uptown Neighborhood Association Board.

As stated, in the Mission of South Uptown, I want to assist in strengthening our community and improving the quality of life for those living in our neighborhood. I have the ability to do that through connections and creative thinking and outreach. It is important to stand up and be thankful for changes, while being aware of the needs and concerns of the people who have to experience and are impacted by decisions/proposals on a daily basis. Adaption is acceptable for all parties involved when change is presented.

Sophia Snow

Describe your background, including any skills or experience that will benefit the organization.

Hi!
I have lived in Minneapolis for most of my life as has most of my family. I have been a visual merchandiser for Patina stores for over six years now. Over those six years I have had I much experience in retail, customer service, event planning, and team leading. I volunteer regularly with either people serving people, the birthday project, and other organizations. I live work and play in the community!

Describe your interests and how they align with service on the South Uptown Neighborhood Association Board.

South uptown is a thriving and growing neighborhood. I see so much interest and involvement in my neighbors and want to help grow and improve my community in a new way. I take a little bit of everything uptown has to offer. I feel strongly about keeping uptown uptown but also want this neighborhood to move forward as it needs to. With all that is happening in our city and our country I can’t think of a better time to get involved!
Thank you!

Tickets available for Hennepin and Lake Wine Tasting

Presented by Hennepin Lake Liquors, the 34th annual Hennepin and Lake Community Wine Tasting is scheduled for Thursday, October 10 from 6-9 PM at St. Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church (3450 Irving Ave. South). Support your Uptown community while sampling from more than 400 varieties of wine. Light appetizers will be provided by Uptown-area restaurants.

Tickets are $25 in advance and $35 at the door. Purchase your tickets to support South Uptwon. Contact Scott Engel at scottengel@southuptown.org (612) 823-2420 or click here to purchase online.

Proposed NRP Plan Modification

A Neighborhood Revitalization Program (NRP) Plan Modification would reallocate $30,000 from home loan program income to NRP Phase 2 Strategy 11.1 Office & Staff. The funds will allow South Uptown to continued staff and programs at current levels for the next two years. Plan Modifications require 21-days public notice. A vote will take place at the October 15 South Uptown Meeting.

3224-36 Girard Ave. S. plans and board resolution

On August 12, the South Uptown Neighborhood Board passed a resolution, found below, regarding the proposed apartment building at 3224 Girard Ave. S.

Yellow Tree Development presented plans for a 4-story, 77-unit apartment building at the South Uptown Land Use & Transportation Committee meeting on Aug 7. It would replace three single-family homes and a duplex between 3224 and 3236 Girard Ave S. Almost 40 neighbors attended to hear the presentation and provide feedback. That input was used to develop South Uptown's position on the project, which can be seen here.

The property's R5 zoning allows for up to 4 stories and the combining of lots. City staff is recommending approval of the project including setback, parking and lot coverage variances. See the report here.

The Minneapolis Planning Commission will review the project August 19, 4:30PM in City Hall, #317.

Little Free Libraries move to new locations

South Uptown's little libraries moved to new locations. Stop by 3212 Dupont and 3315 Aldrich to leave a book and then take a book. The libraries will remain in these locations through October when they will be moved to new homes.

By the way library hosts are needed for later this year. Hosts simply monitor the library to ensure it is full of books and remains in good condition over a 3-month period of time. Contact South Uptown at (612) 823-2520 or info@southuptown.org for more information.

Stop by 3212 Dupont and 3315 Aldrich to leave a book and then take a book.

Stop by 3212 Dupont and 3315 Aldrich to leave a book and then take a book.

Bryant Square ash trees treated to prevent Emerald Ash Borer infestation

Last month, eight ash trees at Bryant Square Park were professionally injected in an effort to prevent an Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) infestation. The EAB has been ravaging ash trees across the country, and is expected to wipe out the tree species over the coming years. Minneapolis Parks Forestry Department has been systematically removing ash from boulevards and parks including five infested trees at Bryant Square last spring.

South Uptown, in partnership with Minneapolis Parks, had the ash treated using Neighborhood Revitalization Program (NRP) funds. The objective is to maintain the tree canopy at the park while giving time for replacement species to be planted and grow. EAB treatments last two years, and South Uptown intends to treat the ash again in 2021.