The Minneapolis Public Works Department is working on a restriping project (not a reconstruction project) to add bike lanes on 1st and Blaisdell Avenues between 15th Street and 40th Street.

The City received federal transportation funding through the Non-Motorized Transportation Pilot Program for this restriping.  The project fits into the City’s adopted goal of creating a multi-modal transportation system.

As part of the project, parking changes are being explored on 1st Avenue between 33rd Street and 40th Street.  This will likely include modifications to existing parking restrictions and/or the addition of parking.

Details on a draft proposal will be shared at a public meeting on Wednesday, March 17^th at 6:30 pm at the Lyndale Neighborhood Building (3537 Nicollet Avenue).

More information on the project will be available online at http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/bicycles in early March.  Feedback or questions are welcome, and can be directed to Shaun Murphy at 612.333.2450 or shaun.murphy@ci.minneapolis.mn.us.

Lyndale community members who would like to comment on the proposed project are also encouraged to contact Mark Hinds at mark@lyndale.org or 612.824.9402 ex 16.

The whole neighborhood is coming together for to help make organize another great Lyndale Open House.  We’re hoping that everyone in the neighborhood can come and make this the biggest Open House yet.  Here’s what you need to get the most our of your Open House experience:

• Who should come – everyone, we have food and fun things to do for everyone in the neighborhood.
• When should you come – The Open House is on Thursday, March 25^th from 6:00 to 8:30pm.  We promise you’ll have a lot more fun if you come during the Open House than you will if show up at another time.
• What should you bring – yourself, the Open House itself is a free event, there is a suggested donation to cover food costs and there is the Silent Auction and Great Gatherings to sign up for, but those are optional things.
• Why should I volunteer – besides just getting the karma points and having fun you should volunteer because there’s talk about a special after party that’s just for volunteers.

Get all of the information on the Open House page.

The apartment is a second floor unit at 3537 Nicollet Avenue that was just remodeled to include a second bedroom, new carpet, built in dishwasher and lots of other updates.

Monthly rent is $1,150 with the unit currently available.

Apartment Amenities
1,500 sq ft total living area, including over 1,100 for the living room and kitchen area alone!
2 big bedrooms with lots of natural light and their own closets
12 foot ceilings
In unit laundry room with washer and dryer
Built in dishwasher
Updated kitchen and bathroom
Two off street parking spots
Quiet unit with lots of privacy
Also, includes a back deck area

For more information or to schedule a showing contact Norma at 612.824.9402 ex 15. 3537 Nicollet Upper Unit

The two resignations have created two vacancies on the LNA board.  Both seats were elected in June of this past year and would run from the time of appointment through June 2011.  The process for being appointed to one of these seats is simple; you just have to express your interest; the board will then make an appointment at its regular meeting, which must be confirmed at the next General Membership meeting.

Information about the LNA Board

The LNA Board is legally responsible for the overall governance of the organization, which includes setting the direction of the organization, financial oversight, and priorities.  The Board –as a whole- is ultimately responsible for determining where and how decisions are made.

As an LNA Board Member you get to be at the center of helping to shape policy in the neighborhood and get to work on the key issues facing the neighborhood.  You also have the opportunity to contribute directly to the well being of the neighborhood.  You also get the rewards of knowing that your time and energy are being well spent as part of one of the most vibrant and active neighborhood organizations in Minneapolis.

LNA Board Member Details

• 11 Members elected to two year terms with 6 people being elected this year
• Up to 5 Alternates elected to one year terms
• Any eligible community members can serve on the board

LNA Board Member Responsibility

• Attend board meetings once a month
• Be an active member of at least one committee
• Attend General Membership meetings
• Bring their energy and ideas to help make Lyndale a better neighborhood
• Average time commitment is around 10 hours a month

Eligible community members (both for running and voting in board elections) include:

• All individuals who attain the age of eighteen whose primary residence falls within the Lyndale Neighborhood,
• All property owners who own property within the Lyndale Neighborhood, and
• All business owners who own or operate a business within the Lyndale Neighborhood.  A business owner may appoint a single agent to act on his or her behalf.

Join us at January General Membership meeting for a legislative forum featuring Lyndale’s legislators.  This is the third year that LNA has invited in our legislators to talk with the community before the upcoming session about the issues they are going to be working on and what issues are important to the community.  It’s a great opportunity for everyone to get to know their elected officials and to provide their input on the upcoming legislative session.

Invited Legislators are:

• Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher – Can not attend
• Representative Jeff Hayden
• Representative Frank Hornstein
• Senator Scott Dibble – Confirmed
• Senator Linda Berglin

Newly elected Council Member Meg Tuthill will also be there to introduce her staff and to hear from people in the neighborhood.  Treats for the meeting will be provided by Tricia Silpala and Randy Ferguson

Childcare is available through Leonardo’s at Lyndale for children 4 to 12 years old at Painter Park from 6:30 until 8:00 pm.  For more information check out www.lyndale.org, or contact Mark Hinds at 612.824.9402 ext 16.

If your business values building connections with other local businesses and residents we encourage you to become both a 2010 LNA Business Sponsor and to be active in the Lyndale Neighborhood Business Association.  By becoming a sponsor your business will be front and center every month as a supporter of the neighborhood in the Lyndale Neighborhood News, which is mailed to about 4,000 residences each month, and the Lyndale E-News which is regularly emailed to almost 700 people.

LNA’s business sponsorship program is critical to ensure Lyndale has the resources to continue improving the neighborhood’s economic climate, providing free membership for all businesses in the Lyndale Neighborhood Business Association, and building strong connections between Lyndale’s businesses and residents.

In today’s market your business has numerous marketing choices. As a business in the Lyndale Neighborhood, your demonstrated investment in the community is seen by thousands of community members each month as a sign of your commitment to help build a strong connected community.

Interested in finding out more, check out:

2010 LNA Sponsor Cover Letter

LNA 2010 Sponsor Levels

2010 LNA Sponsor Agreement

Please let us know if you would like to schedule a time to sit down and talk about the 2010 LNA Business Sponsorship Program or any other ideas you have about the neighborhood.  Mark can be reached at (612) 824-9402 ext. 16.

Come join your local businesses for the December holiday gathering for the Lyndale Neighborhood Business Association.  This is your chance to have fun and network with other local business leaders.  For more information contact Norma at 612.824.9402 ex 15.

The Lyndale Neighborhood Association (LNA) is committed to being a diverse community driven organization that brings people together to work on common issues to ensure all community members have the opportunity to live, work, and play in a safe, vibrant, and sustainable community.

During this past year LNA was able to achieve some significant accomplishments, including:

• Developing a new strategic plan to guide the organization during the next three years.
• Starting the Lyndale Neighborhood Business Association to help improve the economic climate in the neighborhood and to create better connections between Lyndale’s businesses and residents.
• Continued transforming the gardens and parks around Horn Towers into safe, public green space through the Lyndale Youth and Family Safety initiative 2.0.
• Continued supporting great neighborhood events like the 12^th Annual Fish Fest, La Posada, and the Lyndale Open House.

Your support is critical to Lyndale’s future.  As you consider year end gift requests, we ask that you make the Lyndale Neighborhood Association one of your top three charities.  By making LNA one of your top three charities, whether you can afford a donation of $300, $100, or $50, you will be showing your support and commitment to a better, stronger neighborhood.

As we move towards 2010, we look forward to hearing your ideas and working with you to create a safe, vibrant, sustainable community.  If you have any questions about the Annual Fund Drive or anything else happening in Lyndale please contact us.  You can reach Holly at 612.822.7104,  Mark can be reached at 612.824.9402 ext 16.

Lyndale will celebrate La Posada on Sunday, December 13^th in the Lyndale School from 3:30 to 7:00 pm.  Las Mujeres Latinas en Accion of the Lyndale neighborhood are proud to organize the 12^th Annual la Posada celebration.

Before serving food we’ll sing the traditional La Posada song. We will serve traditional foods such as tamales, rice, beans, buñuelos, and beef franks for kids.   The Hosmer Music Series is partnering with us to present the incredible Mexico Lindo folklorico dancers again this year.  We are also bringing back Santa Claus, who will be there to meet the kids and pose for photos.  There will also be games and art activities for the kids.

Admission to La Posada is free, however, we ask for a suggested donation of $3 for adults to help cover the food expenses.  There are still volunteer opportunities available.  For more information, contact Sarah at 612-824-9402 ext. 12 or sarah@lyndale.org

LNA is currently offering four housing loan programs:

Single Family Revolving Loan Program - Provides loans for improvements to single family, condos, townhomes, and cooperatives in Lyndale.  Loan amounts range from $3,000 to $15,000 and can be used to correct outstanding code violations, improve energy efficiency, and general improvements.

Multi-Family Revolving Loan Program - Provides loans for improvements to multi-family housing units in Lyndale.  Loan amounts range from $3,000 to $30,000 depending on the number of units in the building and can be used to correct outstanding code violations, improve energy efficiency, and general improvements.

Affordable Housing Loan Program – Provide loans to support affordable rental and home ownership opportunities in Lyndale.  Loan amounts range from $3,000 to $30,000 depending on the number of units in the building and can be used to correct outstanding code violations, improve energy efficiency, and general improvements.

Homebuyer Assistance Deferred Loan Program – Provides deferred loans to assist Lyndale renters in purchasing homes in the Lyndale Neighborhood.  The maximum loan amount is $2,500 at zero percent interest.  Applicant(s) must be a first time homebuyer and must have rented in the Lyndale Neighborhood for the prior year.

You can find out all the details by checking out the LNA Home Loan Program Page.  Questions, not sure which program is right for you, contact Norma at 612.824.9402 ex 15 for more information or to schedule a meeting to find out more information about LNA and CEE’s home improvement programs.