Printed in the September/October Longfellow Nokomis Messenger
NENA Strategic Plan, Community Input Session and Gardening
NENA Neighborhood Asset Survey
Over the past months, NENA was out and about door-knocking, popping up with our Pop Up Engagement Kiosk, hosting listening sessions and conducting interviews to help the Board of Directors prepare for the upcoming Strategic Planning sessions this fall. There is still time for you to share your ideas, frustrations and hopes!
Take a moment to visit www.nokomiseast.org and complete the NENA Neighborhood Asset Survey. Share your opinions and let us learn from you.
NENA will be sharing the Strategic Plan in early 2016 – don’t be surprised if your ideas pop up in the plan!
Thank You Pollinator Pals!
Just a note to send our special thanks to the dozens and dozens of volunteers who helped make the 2015 Minneapolis Monarch Festival a huge success. Visit www.monarchfestival.org to view photos from the event.
Community Meeting – 54th Street & Riverview Road Development (9/30)
Council Member Andrew Johnson (Ward 12) and NENA’s Housing, Commercial and Streetscape Committee are co-hosting a community meeting on September 30th to gather neighborhood input on a proposed housing development at 54th Street & Riverview Road. Join the conversation as the City prepares plans to develop the site for a new multi-family construction project. The community meeting will be held at Morris Park Recreation Center from 6:30 – 8:00 pm.
Milkweed for Monarchs Workshop (10/10)
Learn how to collect and plant milkweed seeds. Provide monarch habitat and plant this fall. The beloved monarch has suffered a steep decline, in only a few years, largely due to milkweed habitat losses. The milkweed family is the only monarch caterpillar host plant (their specific diet). No milkweeds = no monarchs. Learn the secrets to successfully planting milkweed from an experienced nursery grower. To get you started, a variety of milkweed seeds will be provided. Kid friendly! $5 donation per person or family. Preregister and reserve space by contacting Vicki at 612-232-8196 or vbonk@usiwireless.com. The workshop will be held at Lake Nokomis Recreation Center from 1:00 – 2:00 pm.
NENA Housing, Commercial and Streetscape Committee Seeking New Members
HCS Committee Mission Statement – The HCS Committee provides services to NENA members and NENA Board of Directors and staff to ensure the furtherance of Nokomis East allocated to NENA for the purpose of maintaining or enhancing our housing and commercial stock.
HCS Committee Meetings; First Wednesday of the Month; 6:30 – 8:30 pm; NENA Office – 3000 E. 50th Street
All are welcome to the HCS Committee meetings! Interested? Contact the HCS Committee Chair at housing@nokomiseast.org or visit the committee web page.
Home Improvement Loan Programs Available
This summer, NENA launched a new housing rehabilitation loan program. Owners of 1 to 4 unit residences can apply for up to $15,000 to make improvements to their properties. Owner-occupants and investors may apply. Interest rate is either 2% or 3% depending on income. No income restriction applies. For more information or to request an application, call the Greater Metropolitan Housing Corporation’s Housing Resource Center (612) 722-7141. Or visit www.gmhchousing.org. Loan applications are processed on a first-come first served basis.
A limited amount of funds are available for emergency repairs. Only owner-occupied households are eligible. Income restrictions apply. The maximum loan amount is $7,500. The loan is 0% interest and there are no monthly payments. The loan is due in total on sale of the property or transfer of title. If you have an emergency, contact the Housing Resource Center at (612) 722-7141.
Nokomis Naturescape
Join volunteers at the Nokomis Naturescape most Tuesdays throughout the summer for group gardening activities. Volunteers meet from 6:00 – 8:00 pm at the garden near 50th Street and Lake Nokomis Parkway. All are welcome! More Naturescape Garden info.
Nokomis East Gateway Gardens
Native plant demonstration garden, 50th St. & Hiawatha Ave., NW corner. Enjoy a visit here to imagine how native plants can find a place in your yard! Five years ago a beautiful native perennial garden of native flowers, prairie grasses and trees emerged from an unused barren half-acre lot. The Gardens are a community collaborative effort between NENA, residents, Metro Transit and the City of Minneapolis. The architects at colbert/tews created a garden design of a Monarch wing when seen from an aerial view. Volunteers are the backbone of Gateway Gardens and it can use your time and talent – beginners welcomed!
Upcoming Meetings and Events:
9/30/15: Community Meeting – 54th Street & Riverview Road Housing Development, Morris Park, 6:30 – 8:00 pm
10/07/15: NENA Housing, Commercial and Streetscape Committee, NENA Office, 6:30 pm
10/08/15: NENA Executive Committee, NENA Office, 7:00 pm
10/20/15: Milkweed for Monarchs Workshop, Lake Nokomis Community Center, 1:00 – 2:00 pm
10/22/15: NENA Board Meeting, Crosstown Covenant Church, 7:00 pm
