PROSPECT PARK nrp phase I ACTION PLAN JUNE, 1995

Download a PDF version of the complete Prospect Park NRP Action Plan.

From Ideas to Final Action Plan: The PPERRIA NRP Process           [back to top]

Prospect Park: defining our neighborhood

Prospect Park is one of the oldest residential communities in Minneapolis, settled in the late 1800's . It was one of the stops along the Great Northern and Milwaukee railroad line between Minneapolis and St. Paul.

Located in southeast Minneapolis, adjacent to the St. Paul border and about a half a mile east of the University of Minnesota's Minneapolis campus, its jagged geographical boundaries are: Oak Street on the west, the Burlington Northern main line on the north, the city limits on the east, and the Mississippi River on the south. Those from outside the neighborhood recognize Prospect Park as the community that surrounds the "Witch's Hat" water tower.

Since 1901, when an early version of the Prospect Park-East River Road Improvement Association (today known as PPERRIA) was organized, community residents have been actively involved in their community -- working with (and sometimes fighting against) city and state departments, monitoring zoning compliance and rallying public support to protect our homes and parks from divisive highway construction, and working to ensure industrial and commercial development that is compatible with the primarily residential character of our neighborhood.

The neighborhood's participation in the NRP process is in many ways a grand continuation of what we have been doing all along, with the added boost of sparking even greater public involvement in planning for the neighborhood's future and promising that many dreams for our community may now become tangible realities.

Initiating the Process: The Participation Agreement

The neighborhood formally began participating in the NRP process in 1993, when PPERRIA entered into a Participation Agreement with the city. The Participation Agreement defined the process which the neighborhood would follow in determining how NRP funds would be allocated. The agreement also defined the membership of the neighborhood Steering Committee, the group of volunteers elected to oversee development of an action plan, a blueprint for spending priorities and projects.

In order to assure representation from a diverse group of neighborhood interests, the neighborhood was divided into eight geographic areas, with two Steering Committee members from each area, along with one member each from the two major public facilities in our neighborhood: Pratt and Luxton Park. Steering Committee members were elected at the first neighborhood-wide NRP meeting in September, 1993. The Steering Committee has met at least once a month since that time.

The Work of the Steering Committee Begins: Early Access Projects

In addition to electing Steering Committee members, people who attended the September, 1993 meeting also registered their opinions on which issues ought to be addressed by the neighborhood through funding Early Access projects. Early Access funding allows high-priority projects to begin while the action plan is developed. On November 17, 1993, a second community-wide meeting took place at which the community again voted its preferences on Early Access projects.

Over the next several months, eight early access projects were approved by the Steering Committee, all of which are now underway: tree planting, Glendale job readiness program, Pratt accessibility improvements, Pratt playground-village green, Southeast industrial area planning, Southeast seniors/block nurse program, Neighbors Educating Themselves, and Luxton Park programming. These Early Access projects form a part of the overall action plan for the neighborhood, and several of them have continued or additional funding earmarked in the plan.

Developing the Action Plan

At the same time the Steering Committee was considering projects for Early Access funding, the Committee also began to gather input from the community about ideas for the action plan. Monthly articles in the Southeast newspaper kept the community informed of the process, and identified Steering Committee members who could be contacted.

Community input suggestion sheets were developed and circulated throughout the neighborhood. Suggestion boxes were placed in neighborhood stores, banks, and public buildings. A survey was developed and mailed to residents, businesses and community organizations.

A major portion of the community input process took place in block club meetings, which were held throughout the neighborhood beginning in May, 1994. Block club leaders -- community volunteers -- hosted informal get-togethers and invited their neighbors to come and socialize, learn about the NRP, and discuss their priorities for NRP action. Steering Committee members also invited input from neighborhood churches, community organizations, educational and social service programs, and business associations. Over 1,000 suggestions were received from the community from January to August, 1994.

To help synthesize and develop the many suggestions into a workable action plan, the Steering Committee channeled ideas into topic areas, such as neighborhood livability, the environment, and business & retail. All of the ideas were published in Southwest, and two commnity-wide meetings were held in October 1994 to form focus groups for each topic area. The task of each focus group was to draft a vision, goals, objectives and strategies for each of the identified topic areas.

Since October, 1994, focus groups and the Steering Committee have worked on an ongoing basis to develop and refine the community's action plan. City staff have provided input and information on feasibility, costs, and available resources. A portion of the draft plan -- listing goals and objectives -- was presented to the community in January, 1995. Another community-wide meeting was held January 16, at which meeting attendees ranked their priorities for objectives within each topic area presented and indicated overall which of the topic areas were most important to them.

The draft action plan presented to the community in April, 1995, is based upon the collective input of residents, businesspeople and organizations active within our community. Integrating the plans developed by each focus group into one action plan that fits within the NRP budget for our neighborhood has been a complex and time-consuming task.

The plan is a blueprint for proposed NRP projects in the following areas: housing, transportation, environment, education & human services, safety & security, livability, business, jobs & employment, parks, art & culture. The plan proposes projects which require both money (from NRP and other partners) and commitment from the neighborhood -- volunteers to continue to work to oversee implementation of the ideas; to form and participate in block clubs and on committees for housing, transportation and community events.

What is the New Urbanism and how does it apply to us? Prospect Park, like many other communities, has simply grown up over time with no specified goals for integrating residences, transportation, businesses and services into a planned community that would best serve the interests of the community members.

In thinking about the future of our cities, some architects and city planners have introduced the idea of "the New Urbanism" or the Urban Village, based on a concept of redesigning our neighborhoods so that your entire life, from work to school to shopping and recreation, is within a ten-minute walk from your home. In addition, neighborhoods would not be segregated by economic status. Homes of all values and styles would be intermixed. These city planners want to see suburbs and urban areas recreated to fit the needs of people, not the demands of cars.

You will see, as you read through our Prospect Park NRP action plan, that the neighborhood has focused on many areas which are reflected in the principles of the new urbanism. These principles, listed below, have been identified by many of you as important for developing the kind of community you would like Prospect Park to be in the years ahead.

Principles of New Urbanism

1. All planning should be in the form of complete and integrated communities containing housing, shops, work places, schools, parks and civic facilities.

2. Community size should be designed so that housing, jobs, daily needs and other activities are within easy walking distance of each other.

3. As many activities as possible should be located within easy walking distance of transit stops.

4. A community should contain a diversity of housing types to enable citizens from a wide range of economic levels and age groups to live within its boundaries.

5. Businesses within the community should provide a range of job types for the community's residents.

6. The location and character of the community should be consistent with a larger transit network.

7. The community should have a center focus that combines commercial, civic, cultural and recreational uses.

8. The community should contain an ample supply of specialized open space in the form of squares, parks and greens.

9. Each community or cluster of communities should have a well-defined edge, such as wildlife corridors, that are permanently protected from development.

10. Streets, pedestrian paths and bike paths should contribute to a system of fully-connected and interesting routes to all destinations.

Vision: Preserve, improve and expand housing in the Prospect Park Neighborhood.

A. Strengthen the Prospect Park East River Road Community by maintaining and creating a variety of housing options.

1. Develop additional housing on one or more of three locations in the neighborhood.

PPERRIA will create a Housing Redevelopment Committee to lead in the investigation and planning for a wide variety of housing options on sites as they become available. Potential sites, each a large tract of land suitable for residential use, may include:
* Unocal Oil site: 5 acres at Franklin and Thornton Streets (variously called Gopher Oil and Barber Oil).
* Watkins Trucking site: 5 acres north of 4th Street and Bedford Street.
* The Kampa Tire corner, at 4th and Bedford Streets

The Housing Redevelopment Committee's responsibilities will include:
1) Work with current property owners and existing businesses to develop and refine mutually beneficial strategies.
2) Selection of a developer for each possible site.
3) Participation in the planning phases of the project, with special emphasis on providing housing for senior citizens and also young (first time) home buyers.
4) Interface between the developer and the neighborhood organization.
5) Presentation to the project approvers. The project approvers are the MCDA, the NRP, our City Council Member and PPERRIA.

Each of these projects is planned in accordance with the concept of the Urban Village--efficient and accessible housing in close proximity to employment, public transportation and community services. Proposed specifications and goals of each project are as follows:

Kampa Corner: By acquiring the two residential properties and 10 and 14 Bedford, the Kampa Tire property and the two Gopher Engineering parking lots at 3212 and 3218 4th Street, a unified urban village-style development can be created with these features:
* Immediate availability for purchase (1995) provided that relocation regulations are followed.
* One proposal includes 5,000 square feet of first-floor commercial space; potential uses include day care with drop-off parking, laundromat, and bakery/deli/coffeehouse.
* One proposal envisions 31 apartment units with sufficient parking, including some underground parking.
* Townhouse development is also feasible.
* A private developer would own and manage the building after completion, handling any rentals and maintenance.

The project would meet the following neighborhood goals:
* Strengthen the connection between the housing enclave on 4th Street (23 residences) through the remaining residences on University Avenue, to the "body" of the Prospect Park neighborhood.
* Create a variety of affordable housing choices, as requested in focus groups and surveys, for retired people, graduate/undergraduate students, owner-occupied and rental.
* Create an attractive gateway to the neighborhood at its northeast corner.
* Eliminate a community eyesore and create a distinct boundary between residential and commercial/industrial land use.

Watkins Trucking site: By acquiring the 5-acre site that Watkins Freight is currently leasing from Space Center, Inc., a large medium-density development of 2 1/2 story townhouses and a small community park can be developed, with these features:
* 39-47 units incorporating garages and workrooms
* Use of neighborhood services proposed at Kampa Corner
* Housing near employment opportunities at Westgate (St. Paul), the Southeast Industrial Area and the University.

The project would meet the following neighborhood goals:
* PPERRIA designated the site for housing in 1972, when the existing housing (in place for some 60 years) was demolished.
* Providing infill housing between existing homes on 4th Street and the natural boundary of the U of M Transitway and the proposed LRT line.
* Elimination of 24-hour noise pollution from Watkins Freight trucks, most recently measured by Burlington Northern in 1993 as exceeding all environmental noise standards at all hours.
* Creation of a distinct boundary between residential and industrial land use.
* Elimination of future threats of incompatible use.

Unocal Oil site: One of the neighborhood's longest-running battles has been the effort to develop this site, now undergoing cleanup. The proposed development has received strong support from MCDA and attracted interest from more than one developer. Once the cleanup is completed in 1998-99, the site can be developed in the following manner:
* A minimum of 50 townhouses with a base price starting at $150,000 and perhaps a small low-rise apartment building with rental units (owned and managed by the developer).
* A possible skyway connection with the health facility across Thornton.
* The potential for small-scale neighborhood commercial services at ground level, according to the urban village model.

The project would meet the following neighborhood goals:
* Housing development on a site that PPERRIA and the neighborhood identified for that purpose as early as 1910.
* Converting an industrial enclave deep inside a residential area to housing, thus reinforcing the neighborhood's southern area and vastly improving its appearance.
* Another expression of the community's desire to provide housing for people of all ages and lifestyles.

To facilitate each project, a special Housing Redevelopment Fund will be established. The intent of this fund will be to assist in developing each site (ideally, one site at a time) and then having as much as possible of the money returned to the Housing Redevelopment Fund to be used for the next housing project. Since the land acquisition costs for the three sites are estimated at $400,000 to over $1 million, we will need an initial Housing Redevelopment Fund of $1.24 million.

After work has been completed on each of the three sites, any monies remaining in the Housing Redevelopment Fund will be used to provide future loans to redevelop and improve existing housing.

Participants: MCDA, NRP, PPERRIA Housing Redevelopment Committee
Resources: NRP funds: $1,242,000, Community volunteer hours: 500/year

B. Preserve and improve residential properties.

1. Inventory and assess the condition of all residential properties within the neighborhood's boundaries.

Using city property maps, we will survey the neighborhood's boundaries, identifying all residential properties on those boundaries and noting the condition of each property. This will produce an annotated map (to be periodically updated) that will define the neighborhood's boundaries and its various districts (4th Street, East River Road/Terrace, Prospect Park proper, Motley, Glendale, and Stadium Village), and can also be used in development of neighborhood gateways (see Livability, C.1). The map will also be used in all housing improvement efforts and in targeting housing programs where they are most needed.

Participants: PPERRIA Housing Improvement Committee, Planning Department assistance.
Resources: Volunteer hours: 40 hours to start; 20/year to maintain.

2. Facilitate improvement and rehabilitation of existing housing.

We will create a Housing Improvement Committee to assist property owners in improving their properties. This Committee will initially be responsible for:
* Researching sources of property improvement loans and grants.
* Publicizing these funding sources in our neighborhood Directory of Services and in the South East Newspaper. Refer to the Livability section for information on the neighborhood Directory of Services.
* Monitoring problems relating to property in the neighborhood and when necessary, ensuring that local housing ordinances are enforced.
* Publicly recognizing owners for improving their property.

Participants: MCDA, PPERRIA Housing Improvement Committee
Resources: MCDA, NRP funds: none, Community volunteer hours: 300/year

3. Facilitate improvement and rehabilitation of rental property.

The Housing Improvement Committee will also be responsible to assist rental property owners in improving their properties by:
* Creating and maintaining a list of rental property owners' names, phone numbers and property addresses.
* Informing rental property owners on how to utilize the U of M Housing Office.
* Notifying owners of the existence of the Southeast Rental Property Owners Assoc.
* Contacting owners if problems arise.
* Proposing improvements to specific rental properties.
* Promoting available rental properties.

Participants: PPERRIA Housing Improvement Committee
Resources: NRP funds: none, Community volunteer hours: 100/year

4. Encourage block clubs to provide community service.

After Block Clubs are well established throughout our neighborhood, we will promote community service projects for each block club, such as painting houses in the neighborhood and adopt-a-street programs (see Safety and Security section, A1).
Participants: CCP/SAFE, PPERRIA Housing Improvement and Block Club Leader Committees
Resources: NRP funds: none, Community volunteer hours: 500/year

5. Ensure compatibility between commercial/industrial and residential property.

We will expand the current neighborhood Zoning Committee into a Zoning and Project Review Committee. This committee will be responsible for ensuring compatibility between commercial/industrial development and residential property by:
* Participating in the development of the new city Zoning Code.
* Participating on the City Zoning Advisory Committee.
* Participating on the SE Industrial Area Economic Study Committee.
* Reviewing the plans for new development projects within the neighborhood.
* Presenting the impact of both zoning changes and proposed project developments to
PPERRIA.

This committee will consist of both business owners and residents.

Participants: Mpls Planning Commission, Planning Department, PPERRIA Zoning and Project Review Committee
Resources: Mpls Planning Commission, NRP funds: none, Community volunteer hours: 200/year

Vision: Provide efficient, practical and environmentally appropriate means of transportation within our neighborhood and between Southeast communities.

A. Reduce the negative impact of motor vehicles on the neighborhood.

1. Develop community transportation plan.

PPERRIA will create a Transportation Committee and will initiate a neighborhood-based planning process, to include research, analysis and incorporation of the following issues, and implementation of the solutions identified.
* traffic calming measures to reduce traffic speeds and volume
* redirecting commuter and business traffic so it stays off residential streets
* redesign of at least five specific intersections, including timing and location of signals and signs
* transit routes, ridership, needs
* pedestrian and bicycle connections and infrastructure
* Grand Rounds and East River Gorge Park plans
Participants: PPERRIA Transportation Committee, Public Works Department, University's Design Center for American Urban Landscape
Resources: NRP: $35,000 for Transportation Plan (including $16,000 for redesign of 5 intersections) and $153,250 for implementation of as many as possible of the lower-cost measures identified in the Transportation Plan. Public Works Department will seek additional city, state and federal funds to implement the more costly strategies.
TOTAL: $188,250

2. Reduce the impact of truck and business traffic on the community, with special attention to the boundaries of the neighborhood.

Through the Transportation Plan, PPERRIA will work to implement the following strategies:
* Reduce impact of trucks on Emerald Street through collaboration with Saint Paul. Emerald Street is the eastern boundary of the Prospect Park neighborhood and the Minneapolis/St. Paul boundary, connecting University Avenue to Franklin and Wabash Avenues. PPERRIA will work with the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul to work out long-term solutions to the abatement of increasing truck traffic.
* Relocate truck restriction signs on Bedford closer to University Avenue and enlarge them for increased visibility. Cost of $250 (2 signs) is included in Transportation Plan implementation.
* Explore potential for speed humps on Bedford.
Participants: Mpls. and St. Paul Public Works Departments, PPERRIA Transportation Commitee, traffic design consultants.
Resources: Transportation Plan implementation funds. Volunteer hours: 600.

3. Minimize the negative impact of I-94 and Highway 280 on our neighborhood.

PPERRIA will petition the Department of Transportation (MnDOT) to install signs on I-94 to prohibit downshifting by trucks, and to install sound walls on the south side of I-94 between Yale Avenue/River Road and the Franklin Avenue bridge. Ideally, these projects could be timed to coincide with 1995 bridge construction work at 27th Street.
Participants: MnDOT, PPERRIA Transportation Committee
Resources: MnDOT: $75,000 for sound wall (costs of $165/linear foot; length of wall is approximately 150 yards)

4. Eliminate and reduce traffic noise in our neighborhood.

Provide better directions through the neighborhood by adding signage at Franklin and 27th to direct traffic toward the University, I-94, etc., and providing signage on westbound I-94 directing drivers to northbound I-35W via Highway 280.
Participants: MnDOT, PPERRIA Transportation Commitee
Resources: NRP: $500 for signs, MnDOT resources

B. Improve pedestrian, bicycle and vehicle safety throughout the community.

1. Reduce the speed and volume of automobile traffic in the community.

a. Implement the following traffic calming program (as recommended by the Public Works Department):
1) Test the effectiveness of 32 inch diameter barrels creating mid-block throats in slowing down speeders (on Franklin Ave SE).
2) If the barrels are effective in slowing down speeders, we will test the effectiveness of "four-foot painted" mid-block throats.
3) If the four foot painted throats are effective in slowing down speeders, we will implement four-foot thermo-plastic mid-block throats. We will also use the durable thermo-plastic for the center line and to narrow the Franklin bridge by creating lines on the outside lanes.
4) If one of the above tests are NOT effective, we will continue working until we find a successful method to calm traffic. The thermo-plastic should cost no more than $20,000. In case another more structural method is needed, we are reserving an additional $40,000.
5) For traffic calming on East River Road, refer to Park Board Master Plan.
Participants: Mpls Public Works, PPERRIA Transportation and Executive Committees
Resources: Mpls Public Works, NRP funds: $60,000, Community volunteer hours: 100.

b. Investigate the applicability of various traffic calming techniques at other locations in the neighborhood through the proposed Transportation Plan.

c. Contribute to the costs of a S.M.A.R.T. Cart: a trailer-mounted device which uses radar, a computer and a variable-speed display to inform drivers and observers of their speed and records traffic volumes and speeds. The cart would be operated by Public Works or Police Department.
Participants: Mpls Public Works and Police Departments, PPERRIA Transportation Commitee
Resources: NRP: $11,000; Police Department: $4,500; Public Works Department: $4,500. Volunteer hours: 10.

d. Implement speed watch program for neighborhood block clubs in cooperation with Police Traffic Enforcement section. This program involves loaning radar monitoring devices to residents and sending letters to observed speeders.
Participants: Block clubs, Police Department.
Resources: Volunteer hours: 100/year.

e. Encourage creation of traffic calming section within Public Works Department to develop and implement neighborhood-based transportation plans.

2. Improve "pedestrian-friendliness" within the community.

Both the traffic calming measures described above and improved night-time lighting (described in Safety and Security A.4) will improve pedestrian-friendliness within our community. Three additional actions are needed to make the community pedestrian-friendly:

a. Adjust timing of walk lights at intersections where the time allocated for pedestrian crossing is too short to allow safely crossing the street.
Participants: Mpls Public Works, PPERRIA Transportation Commitee
Resources: Mpls Public Works, Community volunteer hours: 20 per year

b. Repair broken and uneven sidewalks on community streets and along the Parkway.
Participants: Mpls Public Works, Mpls Park Board, PPERRIA
Resources: Mpls Public Works, Mpls Park Board, Community volunteer hours: 20/ year

c. Replace deteriorated wooden steps in Tower Hill Park with concrete steps. Any funds not needed for step replacement will be used to repair concrete at the base of the tower.
Participants: Mpls Park Board, Mpls Public Works, PPERRIA
Resources: Mpls Park Board, NRP funds: $15,000

C. Reduce the dependence on automobiles in the neighborhood.

1. Improve and promote intra-community and inter-community access.

PPERRIA will continue to support the Southeast Industrial Area Study goal of creating a sustainable community based on multi-modal transportation use. PPERRIA will also continue to review and promote possible LRT options along the University Avenue corridor. These issues will be studied through the proposed Transportation Plan.

2. Increase the number of non-motorized linkages, pathways and bikelanes through the neighborhood.

a. Through the Transportation Plan, the following issues will be evaluated:

* Development/improvement of bike lanes, bikeways, pedestrian paths and sidewalks in the neighborhood.
* Installation of bike racks and/or lockers at parks, churches, businesses etc.

b. PPERRIA will also work to educate the community about motorists'/bicyclists'/pedestrians' rights and responsibilities.

c. PPERRIA will form a neighborhood walking group and will organize walking groups to and from PPERRIA meetings.

3. Encourage and facilitate the use of public transportation.

The following issues will be evaluated through the Transportation Plan:
* Expansion of the service area of the proposed Dinkytown circulator to include Prospect Park.
* Additional inter- and intra-neighborhood transit needs and solutions.
* Installation of additional bus shelters through a collaboration between area businesses and the Metropolitan Council Transit Oganization (MCTO).
* Collaboration with businesses on promotional strategies to increase transit ridership.
Participants: PPERRIA Transportation Committee, MCTO, SEBA
Resources: See Transportation Plan (A.1 above)

Vision: Increase the health and safety of humans, animals, birds, fish, insects and plants by improving all aspects of our environment.

A. Protect the health and well-being of the people and animals of our neighborhood from direct environmental danger and risk.

1. Reduce air and chemical pollution.

2. Protect residential, public and commercial sites from contamination and clean up existing problem areas.

PPERRIA will work with Citizens for a Better Environment (CBE) to monitor existing industrial and commercial operations and educate businesses and residents on pollution prevention, through Neighborhood Pollution Profile/Inventory, research into Toxic Release Inventories, Pollution Prevention Plans, and Good Neighbor Agreements with industries and businesses.
Participants: PPERRIA, CBE, Mpls. Environmental Coordinating Team, other SE neighborhoods, MN Office of Environmental Assistance.
Resources: NRP: $13,000 (includes $3,000 for initial Pollution Profile/Inventory and $10,000 as a match for MN Office of Environmental Assistance grant funds of up to $100,000).

3. Resolve pollution cleanup and contamination liability issues which act as a barrier to business and/or residential expansion.

a. Identify polluted sites and develop and implement site-specific plans for cleaning them up. Utilize local polluted site information from the MN Office of Environmental Assistance and the U.S. EPA to identify sites. Lobby the state and federal Superfund programs to establish clean-up projects. This effort will be tied to implementation of the second phase of the Southeast Industrial Area (SEIA) Economic Study (see Business, Jobs and Employment),
Participants: Mpls. Environmental Coordinating Team, CBE, SEIA Study Implementation Committee, MCDA and Hennepin County
Resources: NRP: As part of the implementation of the SEIA Study, a portion of that project's funding ($50,000 in NRP funds) may be used for preliminary design studies, grantwriting and coordination. MCDA and Hennepin County: Phase II Environmental Site Studies and site design. Federal and state funds for site clean-up (to be sought). Volunteer hours: 25 for start-up; 120 per year to maintain.

b. Encourage the use of toxin-absorbing plant species in neighborhood landscaping projects.
Participants: Mpls. Environmental Coordinating Team, CBE, Sustainable Resource Center, MN Green, PPERRIA Landscape Committee
Resources: NRP: $500 for research and education on this topic.

4. Protect ground water, rivers and streams.

a. Educate residents as to how to limit toxic chemical use in landscaping through alternative methods and methods that minimize the time and frequency of such applications. Research and publish a resource manual for residents, and coordinate with neighborhood-wide landscaping educational programs (see Livability, B2).
Participants: Mpls. Environmental Coordinating Team, PPERRIA, CBE, MN Green, Sustainable Resources Center
Resources: See Landscaping Project, Livability Section.

b. Educate residents and review development plans in order to reduce surface water runoff through landscape and building design (providing for stormwater detention on lawns, roofs, etc.).
Participants: Mpls. Environmental Coordinating Team, PPERRIA, SEBA, CBE, MCDA, Mpls. Planning Department
Resources: MCDA, Hennepin County, federal sources. Volunteer hours: 10 for start-up; 10/year.

c. Support city efforts to restore natural drainage systems, retain stormwater and create wetland buffers against groundwater contamination around industrial areas. This effort is being conducted in connection with the Southeast Industrial Area Study and with MCDA's plans to redesign the road system in the industrial area.
Participants: PPERRIA, SEBA, CBE, MCDA, Mpls. Planning Department
Resources: NRP: $25,000 as seed money for initial assessment studies. Additional funding will be sought from MCDA, DNR, private foundations.

d. Undertake storm drain stencilling. This program has already been implemented in the lakes area of Minneapolis; it involves stencilling "Do Not Dump; Drains to [Name of River or Lake]" on storm drains, largely as a volunteer effort.
Participants: PPERRIA, Mpls. Public Works Department, MPCA, other community and youth organizations.
Resources: Public Works: supplies. Volunteer hours: 40 for start-up; 10/year to maintain.

5. Develop a shared environmental vision for the three Southeast neighborhoods and their industrial and commercial areas.

PPERRIA will work with Citizens for a Better Environment in its efforts to organize the three Southeast neighborhoods (including Marcy-Holmes and Como) to address common environmental issues and problems.
Participants: Mpls. Environmental Coordinating Team, CBE, PPERRIA, Marcy-Holmes, Como, SEBA, DBA, other community organizations.
Resources: CBE is seeking private funds for this effort.

6. Improve animal management and control.

Initiate a habitat restoration program for river-based wildlife habitats and animal populations. Develop natural balance and diversity of wildlife (by introducing natural predators, etc.). The Department of Natural Resources' habitat restoration program will be pursued as a means to this end. Educate residents regarding domestic animal welfare and nuisance control.
Participants: DNR, Animal Control, PPERRIA volunteers, U. of MN (Raptor Center), other wildlife preservation groups.
Resources: NRP: $500 over three years for educational efforts, resource materials. DNR funds will be sought. Volunteer hours: 20 for start-up; 15/year to maintain.

7. Maintain/improve recycling and solid waste services.

As part of the community landscaping project (discussed under Livability,) feasibility of establishing community compost sites will be evaluated. PPERRIA will work with the Minneapolis Solid Waste and Recycling Division to organize hazardous waste collection and promote regular curbside pickup of recycling and household items.
Participants: Mpls. Solid Waste and Recycling, PPERRIA Landscape Committee, Block Clubs, MN Green,
Resources: NRP: $1,500 ($500/year for 3 years) for education and outreach efforts. Community compost sites will be pursued under MN Green project (see Livability)

8. Eliminate litter and solid waste related visual eyesores, including litter and animal waste on roads and in parks, etc.

Block clubs will organize a community cleanup day, and PPERRIA will organize volunteer block inspectors to identify and report problem areas and assist residents with cleanup.
Participants: Block clubs, PPERRIA Block Club Committee, Solid Waste and Recycling
Resources: NRP: $600 ($200/year for 3 years) to assist in publicity and educational efforts.

Vision: Create a neighborhood devoted to community learning and individual development that will enhance the lives of people through art, recreation, celebration, education, human services and other activities.

A. Advocate for and offer services for children and youth.

1. Develop the neighborhood as a learning center and expand opportunities for community-based learning.

a. Develop a school for experiential community-based education, reestablishing the family and community at the heart of successful education and growth. Possible configurations would include K-12 or 7-12, and neighborhood students would have priority. With an approximate size of 200 students, the school would be based at Pratt and would utilize the resources of the University of Minnesota.
Participants: Co-sponsors may include Minneapolis Public Schools, the University's College of Education, the Luxton and Pratt Park Councils, and the Humphrey Institute. Another possible linkage is with the Consortium of Colleges--Hamline and Augsburg. Other partners: Library Board, Park Board, area businesses.
Resources: NRP: $200,000 (for site renovation)

b. Bring back a neighborhood school. The Minneapolis School District is considering developing a new K-12 school in a downtown location. The Education and Human Services Committee has met with School District representatives and suggested that the Southeast industrial area should be considered as a potential location for the proposed new K-12 public school. This long-term strategy will continue to be pursued by the Committee.

c. Provide mentors, tutoring, apprenticeships and community service.
* NET (Neighbors Educating Themselves) is a community-based education program, cosponsored by the Humphrey Institute, designed to enable and fulfill the educational aspirations of neighborhood residents with ultimate educational benefit to children in participant families.
* Creation of weekend enrichment programming at Pratt and Luxton (see PARC section, A.1).
Participants: Humphrey Institute, Community Education, Pratt Council, Luxton Park Council. Resources: NRP Early Access Funds: $20,000
Current NRP request: $20,000

d. Bring library services for people of all ages into the neighborhood through computers, bookmobile, paperback exchange and a sublibrary.
* We recognize that the Minneapolis Library is the unacknowledged partner in the educational infrastructure. The Library's support to schools and community is expected, taken for granted and underfunded. We support the Library Board in their endeavors to build a new Southeast Library and suggest a site in our NRP area be considered, possibly in partnership with the School District in their plans to develop a K-12 facility.
* A new bookmobile is part of the Whittier neighborhood's NRP plan. The neighborhood has paid for the chassis with NRP funds, but the library is still short of funding to staff and fill the bookmobile with books and materials. To enable the city's only bookmobile to be placed in service, we recommend an allocation of PPERRIA NRP funds to build the collection so that the bookmobile may begin operating as soon as possible. We will indicate a focus for our collection funding based on neighborhood demographics and needs. PPERRIA will be scheduled to receive bookmobile visits at least weekly.
* PPERRIA will be part of the FreeNet program, designed to provide neighborhoods with free Internet access. This system is currently under development and focus groups designed to repond to specific neighborhood interests are being formed.
* A book exchange will be set up at Pratt, like the existing magazine exchange and free clothing table, implemented through the Pratt Council. The exchange can also utilize the existing public library "deposit" program which brings a selection of books and other materials to the neighborhood.
* ESL and GED classes will be expanded to Glendale, using the new Head Start facility.
Participants: Minneapolis Public Library, School District, Pratt Council
Resources: NRP: $20,000 for bookmobile start-up

e. Seek assurances from the Minneapolis Public Schools that neighborhood parents will be guaranteed enrollment for their children in one of their top three choices. The Committe has met with school representatives, who will convey our concerns about school choice. Several families in this area have received none of their three choices. The perception is that because we have no neighborhood school, we have no avenue for communication. The District Options Plan excludes this quadrant of the city from future planning. We have expressed our displeasure with the Options plan and provided our recommendations, which have been presented to the School District's NRP Subcommittee. The Committee will continue to monitor the Options plan and advocate for neighborhood schools.

2. Develop quality, affordable, accessible childcare for children from infancy through school age.

Participate, along with parents and other interested parties, in providing start-up funding to make quality child care available at a reasonable price to residents of the neighborhood.
* Seek information from GMDCA (Greater Minneapolis Daycare Association) and Southside Childcare.
* Contract with DCC (Development Corporation for Children) to identify location and put together a package of funding and carry through development of project, seeking partnerships with area residents and businesses.
* Include child care as a component to be considered as part of the proposed housing development projects (see Housing, A.1).
Participants: GMDCA, DCC, Southside Childcare, MCDA
Resources: NRP: $6,500 for start-up costs of DCC study.

3. Encourage youth to participate in the community through year-round learning, athletic, arts and recreation opportunities.

a. Provide various levels of youth activities, both structured and drop-in.
* Strengthen and stabilize funding sources for staff and program at Luxton and at Pratt (see PARC section A.1.a).
* Extend the Summer Splash program as a winter activity (see PARC section, A.1.e).
* Create cooperative Saturday educational programs.
* Integrate youth activities with community-based learning activities
* Develop a coffee "shop" at Pratt. In a partial response to community wishes for a "coffee shop," we propose designing, building and staffing one or more coffee carts, housed at Pratt, which could be used both inside and outside the building, for special events and on a regularly scheduled basis. Neighborhood youth would be the primary entrepreneurial staff.
Participants: Pratt and Luxton Park Councils, Family and Children Education Services (FACES), NET, CACA, Junior Achievement, YWCA and other youth programs
Resources: NRP: $10,000 to develop entrepreneurial program and purchase/outfit the cart(s).

b. Establish a neighborhood-based youth council advocating for youth, coordinating with the Pratt and Luxton Park staff and Councils. Preliminary meetings have been held to discuss establishing a council.
Participants: Pratt and Luxton Park Councils, park staff
Resources: Part of responsibilities of Luxton Park staffperson (see PARC section, A.1.a)

B. Advocate for and offer services for families and individuals.

1. Develop inter-generational activities and celebrations of community.

a. Continue to support and to expand the NET (Neighbors Educating Themselves) program, through the development of neighborhood celebrations of learning and an intergenerational Learning/Teaching Registry.

b. Provide parenting education and support groups; encourage parent-child interaction and preventative family health care.
* See childcare initiative above.
* Explore health care accessibility through a possible joint venture with University of Minnesota Family Practice, Public Health, Metro Visiting Nurse Association. This program could include drug intervention, primary care accessibility, follow-up care, well-baby checks, parenting education etc.
* Expand the neighborhood needs assessment survey currently being undertaken by the University's Department of Family Practice, in conjunction with Southeast Seniors. Make study more broad-based to include all residents.
Participants: May include the abovementioned agencies and institutions
Resources: To be determined through further consultation

c. Provide start-up funding for the Care and Share Food Shelf in its new facility. The food shelf's Advisory Council, composed of area churches, Eastside Neighborhood Services and Glendale Residents Action Council, proposes transitional funding to establish consistent staffing and initiate new programs that the Advisory Council has identified, including a free furniture exchange and a free clothing exchange.
Participants: Care and Share Food Shelf Advisory Council, Eastside Neighborhood Services
Resources: NRP: $42,000

2. Address domestic violence: provide shelters, information and referral, advocacy.

This objective needs further research on potential strategies, for example, as part of the family health care accessibility strategy mentioned above.

3. Renovate the Pratt Community Resource Center to improve access and prepare the building for expanded community services. Design and develop the Village Green park and playground to serve neighborhood residents and users of the Pratt Center.

Participate, along with the Minneapolis Public Schools, in funding the installation of an elevator and other accessibility improvements in the Pratt Community Resource Center, and development of a park and playground (the "Village Green" park) adjacent to the center. This project received Early Access funding in 1994, and has also received matching funds of more than $1 million from the School District and private foundations. Projects which will be funded may include:
* Extension of the fire stair into the building's attic space, opening approximately 11,000 square feet for development.
* Completion of the playground portion of the Village Green park
* Construction of a hard surface court for informal basketball and tennis practice
* Construction of an outdoor performance amphitheatre.
* Landscaping of park with trees and shrubs
Participants: Pratt Council, Minneapolis Public Schools, Gamble/Skogmo Foundation, Unitree, other private funding sources
Resources: Received:
NRP Early Access: $103,000 for Pratt Accessibility, $45,000 for Village Green Park
Minneapolis Public Schools: $1,300,000
Gamble/Skogmo Foundation: $37,000
Pratt Council, PPERRIA, CACA: $2,500
Unitree grant for landscaping: $1,700

Current NRP request:
Pratt fire stair extension: $32,000
Village Green playground: $46,000
Basketball court: $25,000
Amphitheatre construction: $50,000
Landscaping: $3,225
TOTAL: $156,225

Additional funding will be sought from Weyerhauser Corporation for playground wood materials. NRP funding requests may be reduced as additional funds are obtained from private foundations and other sources.

C. Advocate for and offer services for seniors.

1. Continue to support SE Seniors, Living at Home/Block Nurse program.

a. Provide transitional funding for the Southeast Seniors/Block Nurse Program. Early Access funds were used for the first year of this program. An additional request is included for a second and third year of support (if a source of stable funding is not found by fiscal year 1996-97). Funding is also requested for purchase of computer, monitor, printer and software, and for development of a volunteer phone visiting program.
Participants: Southeast Seniors/Block Nurse Program, Eastside Neighborhood Services, Marcy-Holmes Neighborhood Association, Como Neighborhood Association, Hennepin County
Resources: NRP Early Access funds: $10,000
Current NRP request: $25,000: includes $20,000 for second and third years of funding; $4,000 for computer equipment; $1,000 for phone volunteer program
Marcy-Holmes NRP: $10,000; Como NRP funds to be requested
Other funding sources are being explored with the City and Hennepin County

b. Support the services to seniors by S.E. Seniors--Living at Home/Block Nurse Program and other service organizations. This includes subsidized nursing and home health aide care, volunteer transportation, limited volunteer chore services and publication of a chore-provider list. S.E. Seniors will endeavor to add volunteer phone visiting by 6/96.

S.E. Seniors and the Implementation Committee will continue to support Meals on Wheels and other services to seniors and will continue to advocate as possible for congregate dining and expanded chore services for seniors in Southeast. Although these programs would be desirable, no staffing currently exists to implement them. Without people to implement, additional money at this time would not be effective. Southeast Seniors will continue to monitor the situation.

Vision: Begin the process of revitalizing our community by reducing the potential for crime, increasing citizen confidence in safety and security and thus enhancing our sense of community and vitality.

A. Reduce potential for crime and increase citizen confidence in safety and security.

1. Revitalize existing block clubs and create enough new block clubs to cover all citizens.

Work with our CCP/SAFE Team to maximize creation of and participation in community block clubs. Block Club Leaders' responsibilities include:
* Planning and leading Block Club meetings.
* Maintaining a list of names, addresses and phone numbers of the Block Club members
* Welcoming any new people moving into their block and asking them to join the club.
* Working with the Block Club Leader Committee (strategy 1.1.2) to plan and coordinate at least two Block Club events (social as well as safety) each year to maintain participation, e.g., National Night Out.
Hire a part time community organizer to assist in developing block clubs in the community. This community organizer will work to:
* Create and maintain a data base listing every head-of-household and business owner in the neighborhood.
* Contact every head-of-household (2,000) & business owner (200) about how they can participate in a block club.
* Identify potential new Block Club Leaders. (CCP/SAFE will assist in training the organizer in how to recruit Block Club Leaders)
* Schedule, coordinate and support Block Club Leader training sessions. (CCP/SAFE will conduct all Block Club Leader training sessions)
* Create and send follow-up materials (meeting flyers, letters, etc.).
* Schedule, coordinate and support the first meeting on each new Block Club.
* Coordinate selection and distribution of Block Club incentives, Watch Force signs or motion-sensing lights.
* Contact citizens about signing the petition on their block to obtain improved street lighting.
* Inform citizens about upcoming community activities.
This community organizer will be supervised by the chair of the PPERRIA Block Club Leader Committee. There are approximately 2,000 household (5,000 residents) and 200 businesses in our neighborhood. 80 Watch Force signs (one for every 25 households) will cost $4,000. An additional 100 motion-sensing lights will cost $1,000. Therefore Block Club incentives will cost a total of $5,000.

Participants: CCP/SAFE, PPERRIA Block Club Leader Committee
Resources: NRP: $20,000 (includes $15,000 for community organizer and $5,000 for block club support and incentives). CCP/SAFE assistance. Volunteer hours: 1,000/year

2. Repair physical damage and graffiti quickly to discourage re-occurrence.

Block Clubs will monitor graffiti-prone areas near their blocks and initiate graffiti removal and vandalism repair as soon as either occurs.
Participants: CCP/SAFE, Inspections, PPERRIA Executive Committee
Resources: NRP: $200, CCP/SAFE assistance. Community volunteer hours: 120/year

3. Increase the effectiveness of police presence in the community.

Block Clubs will monitor crime-prone areas and request Police and "Cops on Bikes" to patrol through crime-prone areas. Also Block Club Leaders will distribute Parking Stickers to residents to indicate which cars belong in the neighborhood. Residents can record licence plate numbers of cars without our sticker and relay these numbers to police if a crime occurs during the same time period.
Participants: Mpls Police 2nd Precinct, PPERRIA Block Club Leader Committee
Resources: NRP: $250 for parking stickers; Mpls Police 2nd Precinct, Community volunteer hours: 60/year

4. Improve lighting levels on neighborhood streets.

PPERRIA will work with our Public Works Department and Park Board to increase lighting on streets by the following actions:

a. Remove overhanging tree limbs blocking street lighting
Participants: Park Board
Resources: Park Board

b. Increase lighting on streets: Offer two improved street lighting options to property owners. Option one is to add higher wattage lights to existing and additional 25' wooden poles. Option one could be paid for entirely with NRP funds. Option two is to replace the existing lights with ornamental lights on 15' posts spaced about 120 feet apart. This option would provide the most effective street lighting, but would require property owners to pay for 75 percent of the cost of the ornamental lighting. City requirements are that residents along a minimum of 8 contiguous block faces must agree to be assessed for the new lights. The assessment is approximately $ .30 per square foot of property (i.e. $1,500 for a 5000 square foot lot) and can be paid up front or assessed over a 20 year period. Operation and maintenance costs are paid by the city. A maximum of 25 percent of the assessment costs can be underwritten through the NRP.

Residents will be asked to sign a petition to determine their willingness to be assessed for the new lights. The percentage of support that must be received on each block is determined by each neighborhood's City Council representative; generally a range of 65-75 percent. Exact costs will be presented to each property owner before asking for their individual approval.
Participants: Mpls Public Works, Neighborhood property owners
Resources: NRP: $372,500; Mpls Public Works; Community volunteer hours: 100.

c. Increase lighting and visibility along bikeways located next to the I-94 wall. Add ornamental lights on 15' posts along the I-94 wall. Also the Parks Department will trim overgrown trees and brush along these bikeways.
Participants: Mpls Public Works, Park Board, PPERRIA Executive Committee
Resources: NRP: $23,000; Park Board.

5. Improve lighting levels within community parks.

Lack of lighting in parks was identified by many residents as an important safety issue. PPERRIA will work with the Park Board to increase lighting in community parks by the following actions:

a. Remove overhanging tree limbs and brush blocking lighting in Tower Hill Park and in Chergosky Park
Participants: Mpls Park Board
Resources: Mpls Park Board

b. Install lighting in Tower Hill Park and in Chergosky Park.
Participants: Mpls Park Board, Public Works
Resources: NRP: $89,300, Mpls Park Board.

Vision: Create an appealing neighborhood with easy access to services and cultural resources.

A. Strengthen characteristics that make the neighborhood attractive and livable.

1. Increase the number and variety of community-wide intergenerational and multicultural social events, building in continuity and regularity.

PPERRIA will create a Community Events Committee which will
* Arrange at least three new multigenerational, multicultural community events in addition to those that normally occur, (primarily in the summer) and publicize these events on a community calendar and in the Southeast newspaper. Events will occur at various sites, i.e. Luxton Park, Minnich Triangle, Tower Hill, Chergosky Park, Village Green, etc.
* Organize and publicize an annual PPERRIA Garden Walk (between mid-July and mid-August).
Participants: Community Events Committee, PPERRIA Implementation Coordinator
Resources: NRP: administration and staff support (see pgs. 36-37 - #s 1 & 2)

2. Continue and empower Block Clubs and other neighbor-to-neighbor activities.

PPERRIA will develop a Welcome Packet to be given to newly-arrived residents through their block club organization. The packet may include promotions and coupons from local retailers.
Participants: Block Club Committee, PPERRIA Implementation Coordinator
Resources: NRP: $300 one-time cost for production/assembly, staff time

3. Educate property owners and residents regarding community and city resources and services.

Provide residents with information specific to Minneapolis and to the Prospect Park-East River Road neighborhood, including:
* Revise and distribute the Prospect Park Directory of Services, both hard copy and on-line, including a map of the neighborhood and its districts, a list of local contractors, and a list of available tool banks & home improvement resources.
* Revise and distribute the Minneapolis Homeowners Manual.
* Include both City-wide and neighborhood-specific information on-line on the proposed Gopher Internet server.
Participants: PPERRIA Executive Committee
Resources: NRP: $4,500 for Prospect Park Directory printing, Community volunteer hours: 280 to revise directory; 80/yr to maintain

B. Improve overall physical appearance of the neighborhood.

1. Develop a landscaping plan for public lands throughout the entire neighborhood, and involve the community in its implementation, with particular emphasis on children and youth.

PPERRIA will contract with Minnesota Green, an outreach program of the state Horticultural Society, to develop a landscape plan for public lands throughout the neighborhood, develop a sustainable community greening project, and provide the leadership training and technical assistance to create and sustain a workable project within the community. The project will focus on participation by children and youth, with training and leadership provided through existing park and community education programs, and by neighborhood "master gardeners."
Participants: PPERRIA Landscape Committee, MN Green, Luxton and Pratt Councils, NET, Community Ed, Garden Club, Mpls. Park Board, Mpls. Public Works
Resources: NRP: $20,000 for two-year organizing effort
Volunteer hours: 60 to develop contract; 720/yr for two years to participate.

2. Expand landscaping of public and private land.

a. PPERRIA will establish a Landscape Committee composed of community volunteers to organize and coordinate landscaping efforts for the entire neighborhood. The committee will be the main coordinating body for the MN Green project mentioned above.
Participants: PPERRIA Landscape Committee, MN Green, Garden Club
Resources: NRP: $50 for start-up postage, etc.

b. The Landscape Committee will coordinate installation and maintenance of plantings on public land, to include 6-10 sites (to be determined), including gateways, triangles, retail corridors and parkways.
Participants: PPERRIA Landscape Committee, Garden Club, MN Green
Resources: NRP: $10,000 for plant materials. Additional donations through MN Green, Mpls Park Board, other organizations.
Volunteer hours: 75 per site for start-up; 75 per year per site to maintain.

c. The Landscape Committee will coordinate installation and maintenance of plantings on Tower Hill. The Committee will hold a community planting event (spring weekend) with organizing assistance from MN Green. Volunteers will maintain plantings throughout season, then do fall cleanup. May involve brush or scrub tree clearing.
Participants: PPERRIA Landscape Committee, MN Green, Mpls Park Board
Resources: NRP: $5,000 for plant materials. Volunteer hours: 225 hours for start-up; 225 per year to maintain.

d. The Landscape Committee will provide training sessions and resource information for residents who wish to plant on private land, using the resources of MN Green and neighborhood gardeners. To include classroom or garden demonstration sites, writing garden columns, providing gardeners with resources.
Participants: PPERRIA Landscape Committee, MN Green, Mpls Park Board
Resources: NRP: part of MN Green project, plus $200 for printing, postage. Volunteer hours: 48 hours/year

e. Through MN Green project analyze neighborhood's interest in establishing community gardens, costs and volunteer commitment.
Participants: PPERRIA Landscape Committee, MN Green
Resources: NRP: part of MN Green project. Volunteer hours: 40 for start-up; 40 per year to maintain.

f. PPERRIA has already initiated a street tree replacement program, using Early Access funds, to replace boulevard trees lost to disease or other causes. PPERRIA has contracted with the Park Board to plant 142 trees in the neighborhood, distribute educational and informational materials to residents, and replace those trees that die during the first five years.
Participants: Mpls Park Board
Resources: NRP Early Access funds: $15,000

C. Strengthen the sense of identity for the Prospect Park East River Road Community.

1. Identify both the geographic boundaries and the districts within the neighborhood, and create identifiable entrances and gathering places.

After defining and mapping the neighborhood's boundaries and districts (see Housing, B1.a) we will create a comprehensive signage and identification system, to include:
* gateway markers
* kiosks with neighborhood information
* signs identifying neighborhood boundaries and districts within the neighborhood
PPERRIA will work with local architects and artists to develop and install a signage and marker system.
Participants: PPERRIA Executive Committee
Resources: NRP: $40,000

2. Promote and implement the urban village design concept.

The term "urban village" refers to a cohesive community within an urban area, with housing in close proximity to employment, public transportation and community services. It is comprised of paths and places, residential and business uses integrated at a pedestrian scale to fulfill many of the essential needs of daily life. The village should meet needs such as shopping, child rearing, education, arts, security, recreation and spiritual well-being. The identity of the village is defined by local landmarks or intersections with a symbolic importance established through neighborhood custom, sometimes termed "sacred places." The concept is similar to that of the "neighborhood unit," originally defined by city planner Clarence Perry in the 1930s.

PPERRIA will work to promote the urban village concept through its housing redevelopment projects (see Housing section) and review of new development proposals, through the design of new gathering places and gateways, and through the University Avenue corridor study (discussed in Business, Jobs and Employment), which will focus on creation of a neighborhood commercial center.

Vision: Sustain and increase the economic viability of businesses and the number of job opportunities for residents.

A: Enhance and maintain relationships between residential neighborhoods and the local business community.

1. Encourage businesses and residents in the neighborhood to identify and use existing and/or new channels to foster and maintain communication and solve mutual problems.

a. Encourage PPERRIA, the Southeast Business Association and the Stadium Village Business Association to participate, along with representatives from similar organizations in the Como and Marcy-Holmes neighborhoods, in the creation of a "Southeast Coordinating Council" to facilitate consultation and joint problem solving. Organization of a council is already underway.
Participants: PPERRIA, SEBA, Stadium Village Business Association, Marcy-Holmes Neighborhood Association, Dinkytown Business Association, Como Neighborhood Improvement Association and the three neighborhood NRP Steering or Implementation Committees.
Resources: Volunteer hours: 50 for start-up; 100 per year to maintain.

b. Increase the visibility of area businesses and industries through improved communication. Actions may include:
* A regular business column in Southeast. Topics could include profiles of area businesses or entrepreneurs, exploration of business-related topics, and updates on current activities of SEBA, Dinkytown Business Association, etc.
* Designation of PPERRIA and SEBA liaisons who would attend each other's meetings and report back to their organizations.
Participants: Southeast to provide coverage of business/industrial activities
Resources: Possible SEBA contribution to Southeast or writer to produce business column. Volunteer hours: 15 for start-up; 60 per year to maintain

2. Reactivate and maintain a liaison with the University of Minnesota, recognizing it as a major employer and influential land user.

Utilize the Southeast Coordinating Council (see 1.a above) as a neighborhood forum for the University of Minnesota to consult with the three Southeast neighborhoods adjacent to the main campus concerning policies, actions or developments that will affect these neighborhoods.
Participants: University of Minnesota and Southeast Coordinating Council
Resources: Volunteer hours: 50 for start-up; 100 per year to maintain

B. Identify employment opportunities in Southeast Minneapolis and assist residents in obtaining such employment.

1. Match area business employment needs with Southeast residents, while matching neighborhood youth with work opportunities in the area.

a. Provide job readiness training to residents of Glendale Public Housing community, and provide them with assistance in obtaining initial employment.
Participants: University of Minnesota and SEBA to provide liaison with major Southeast employers.
Resources: NRP: $64,810 in Early Access Funds for Glendale Job Readiness Project
Minneapolis Public Housing Authority: $10,300 for the Glendale Job Readiness Project.
Hennepin County: unspecified financial commitment

b. Use the Southeast Coordinating Council as a forum to encourage the University of Minnesota and Southeast Industrial Area businesses to:
* Publicize employment opportunities for residents of Southeast;
* Provide employment for graduates of the Glendale Job Readiness Project
Research the feasibility of establishing a jobs clearinghouse for Southeast residents and youth, working through large employers.
Participants: University of Minnesota and SEBA to provide liaison with major Southeast employers.
Resources: NRP: $5,000 to start employment clearinghouse.
Volunteer hours: 30 for start-up, 100/year to maintain

c. Expand the present Como/Marcy-Holmes Youth Employment Project to include all of Southeast.
Participants: Como/Marcy-Holmes Youth Employment Project, University of Minnesota and SEBA to provide liaison with major Southeast employers.
Resources: NRP: $5,000 to expand Youth Employment Project.
Volunteer hours: 50 hours for start-up; 100/year to maintain

C. Encourage the retention and growth of compatible commercial and industrial business in the Southeast industrial area and in existing commercial areas.

1. Attract compatible commercial/industrial developments and/or expansions in the Southeast Industrial Area.

Participate in and help to implement the Southeast Industrial Area Economic Study, along with other SE neighborhoods, businesses and the University of Minnesota.
Participants: Southeast neighborhoods and businesses, MCDA, Mpls. Planning, Mpls. Public Works and the University
Resources: NRP Early Access: $17,500
Current NRP request: $32,500 ($65,000 in Early Access funds was originally allocated for the study, however, the assistance of graduate students from CURA has enabled much of the work to be done at no cost. Therefore, we are requesting a total of $50,000 to assist in completing and implementing the study.)
Como: Unspecified NRP funding
Marcy-Holmes: $5,000 in NRP funds
U of M: Research assistants and other in-kind support
MCDA: Unspecified funding or in-kind support
SEBA: Unspecified funding or in-kind support
Volunteer hours: 200/year until study and implementation are complete

2. Encourage retail and service businesses that will serve the needs of neighborhood residents to locate in the area.

Conduct study of University Avenue corridor from the city limits to Oak Street to identify appropriate locations for neighborhood retail and service businesses, incentives for attracting such businesses, and potential streetscape improvements that will foster new business establishment and advance the urban village concept (see Livability).
Participants: PPERRIA, SEBA, Mpls. Planning, MCDA, Stadium Village Business Association
Resources: NRP: $10,000 for study
Volunteer hours: 100 hours

Vision: Create public parks and civic spaces which serve to bring the community together and which provide meeting places for people in our neighborhood to celebrate and to share experiences in art, recreation, education, and other activities.

A. Provide and support educational and recreational opportunities for neighborhood residents.

1. Expand and support high quality programming and staffing.

a. Hire coordinating staffperson and provide start-up funds for the Luxton Park Council, in conjunction with Pratt Community Ed Center Council, to expand, coordinate and promote existing programs. This expanded programming and participation in park activities, with outreach to all people in our neighborhood, will make the Luxton Park (and Pratt) Council more viable in providing independent support for park activities.
Participants: Luxton Park Council, Pratt Council, Mpls. Park Bd. and Luxton Park Director.
Resources: NRP Early Access: $21,500
Current NRP request: $25,500
TOTAL: $47,000
Minneapolis Park Board to contribute office space, supplies, materials, supervision and benefits. Pratt Council will administer the NRP funds.
Staff will assist in obtaining private donations to augment the program.
Volunteer hours: 150 hours to start, Luxton Park Council to follow up.

b. Support pilot sport camps at Luxton for basketball, baseball, volleyball and soccer by recruiting coaches, parents and kids to build programs and sports camps and expand team sports. This will provide additional educational and recreational opportunities for families, and expand the use of park facilities and the enthusiasm for neighborhood park activities.
Participants: Luxton Park Director, Luxton Park Council, Pratt Council, Mpls Park Board
Resources: NRP Early Access: $5,000
Current NRP request: $11,000
TOTAL: $16,000, covering two years funding (4 camps at $2,000 per camp)
Minneapolis Park Board: Contribution of staff time, space, supplies and equipment. Pratt Council will administer the NRP funds.
Other: Staffperson will assist in coordinating, publicizing and obtaining private donations to augment program funds.

Volunteer Hours: 40 hours per clinic to start. Ongoing efforts to sustain.

c. Ensure adequate equipment and facilities to maximize participation in basketball, volleyball, gymnastics, t-ball, baseball, softball, soccer , ice skating, tennis and other park activities by developing funding and resources to support these team activities and encouraging residents to participate in the programs.
Participants: Luxton Park Council, Mpls Park Board
Resources: NRP Early Access: $3,180
Current NRP request: $1,045
TOTAL: $4,225
Minneapolis Park Board: To be detailed
Other: staff will solicit private donations to augment program expansion into other sports.

d. Develop computer skills classroom, including hardware, software, staffing and upgrades, to be able to offer educational computer classes to children and adults to learn basic computer skills.
Participants: Youth programming staff, Luxton Park Council, Mpls Park Board
Resources: NRP Early Access funds: $11,500 for computer hardware and software
Minnepolis Park Board: Discount purchasing and support, space, and staff supervision
Other: Y-Map, East Side Neighborhood Services, The Loft, Pratt, and local donations
Volunteer Hours: 160 for 1995, as needed by volunteers to maintain

e. Develop new youth program following the "Summer Splash" model. This strategy will develop and fund a winter after-school activities program for youth, based on the successful Summer Splash program. The program will give neighborhood youth the opportunity to enjoy constructive wintertime activities.
Participants: Pratt Council, Luxton Council, Luxton Park staffperson (see 1.a above)
Resources: NRP: $30,000 ($15,000/ year for for two years) for coordinator in conjunction with Pratt Council programs (see also Education strategy A3.a)
Pratt Council will administer the NRP funds.
Other: Pratt and Luxton Councils, user fees, private donations
Volunteer Hours: 150 for first year, as needed to maintain

2. Create and maintain safe, adequate and viable park spaces and play areas.

a. The proposed improvements to the Pratt Center, the development of the Village Green, the enhancement of programming at Luxton Park, and the lighting of Tower Hill and Chergosky Park will all contribute to the creation and enhancement of park spaces and park facilities.

b. Consider plan for neighborhood indoor swimming pool. Although this has proved to be a very popular strategy among PPERRIA residents, minimum costs of an indoor pool are estimated at $2 million (not including land acquisition costs). Although it is not feasible to pursue this funding through the NRP, we suggest that PPERRIA and other interested parties continue to pursue other funding sources in the future. It may be possible to coordinate this effort with development of a new K-12 school (see Education and Human Services).
Participants: PPERRIA, neighborhood foundation, private contributors
Resources: to be determined

B. Provide and support performing arts and cultural preservation.

1. Increase the number of arts and cultural activities in the neighborhood through performances and instruction. Increase participation in arts and cultural activities.

Artistic and cultural events and programs will be planned and offered through the PPERRIA Community Events Committee (see Livability Section), Neighbors Educating Themselves (NET) and other Community Education programs (discussed in Education Section). Event and program planning will also be one of the responsibilities of the Neighborhood Implementation Coordinator (see Administration Section).

2. Increase appreciation and preservation of neighborhood landmarks.

Support research and publication which would create awareness of historical neighborhood landmarks. Contribute toward an educational effort promoting an appreciation of these landmarks. Products of this strategy might include a historic district feasibility study, a neighborhood walking tour of historic resources, a booklet or poster interpreting the neighborhood's history and identifying important sites, or even fundraising for the acquisition and restoration of landmark sites.
Participants: Minnesota Historical Society, University of Minnesota research assistance, AIA Minnesota, Hennepin History Museum
Resources: NRP: $20,000
Other: Public and private foundations for matching grants

C. Participate in Regional and City Park Development.

1. Continue development of East River Gorge Park and Parkways as initiated by MPRB.

NRP Transition Funds approved in 1993 provided key facilities, and also attracted significant in-kind contibutions for master-plan implementation (Hennepin County Public Works, Mpls. Sewar Dept. MNDoT).

2. Continue participation in the development of of bicycle facilities in and through the neighborhood. Expand and support high quality programming and staffing.
Coordinate project implementation with critical system elements including:
a) the stone-arch bridge connections,
b) the University's plans,
c) the Midtown Greenway (29th/27th Street corridor),
d) completion of MPRB's Grand Rounds Parkways in NE and SE Mpls., and
e) bicycle facilities identified in the East River George Master Plan.

Set up a continuing administrative and financial structure to ensure that this plan and subsequent neighborhood initiatives can be implemented.

1. Provide coordinated staff support for the implementation of all parts of the Action Plan.

a. PPERRIA will hire an implementation coordinator to provide staff support for all aspects of the plan. This staffperson will report to the PPERRIA NRP Implementation Committee and other committees and task forces, but will be an employee (or independent contractor) of PPERRIA. Responsibilities could include the following:

* Act as a liaison between city programs and departments (MCDA, Public Works, Park Board) and neighborhood committees, to ensure that contracts and other agreements generated by the NRP will be carried out.
* Act as a liaison to other Southeast neighborhood associations, business associations, institutions such as the University, and other organizations.
* Provide staff support for various committees, task forces and other groups, as outlined in the plan.
* Coordinate the development of gateways, kiosks and signage identifying the neighborhood and its districts.
* Oversee and coordinate the work of consultants on projects such as a historic resources survey, neighborhood landscaping and gardening, development of a transportation plan.
* Assist with block club organizing and canvassing for improved street lighting.
* Research environmental issues and promote recycling and reduction of solid waste.
* Assist in organizing neighborhood events: clean-ups, planting projects, etc.
* Publicize implementation efforts through press releases to local newspapers, and other announcements and publicity.
* Oversee administration of projects, budgets, record-keeping and reporting to agencies. Report regularly to Implementation Committee regarding ongoing efforts.
* Carry out additional projects and organizing efforts to implement the plan, as directed by Implementation Committee.
* Develop additional non-NRP funding sources to increase the effectiveness of plan implementation and to continue projects as NRP funding is phased out.
Participants: Implementation Coordinator, PPERRIA Executive and other committees
Resources: NRP: $80,000 for 5 years, to be apportioned so that NRP funds are reduced in years 4 and 5, to be supplemented from other sources.
Other: proposed neighborhood foundation, other funding sources to be developed.

b. Pool funds for the staff support needed to implement additional components of the Action Plan and provide this support in a coordinated manner. These costs are already enumerated in the various sections of the plan, and are shown here for reference only:
Safety & Security: Block club organizing: $15,000
"PARC": Luxton Park Council 45,000
Winter Splash program 30,000
Luxton computer services 3,300

2. Provide central administrative services and a neighborhood resource center

PPERRIA will request office space at the Pratt Community Center for central files, copier and computer (for administration and on-line access). This space will enable PPERRIA to centralize the many records and resource materials that will be needed for NRP implementation, and will provide residents with a central location where they can obtain information or assistance. Resources below include $2,500 over 5 years for priting and postage associated with community events (see page 26 - # A1)
Participants: Implementation Coordinator, PPERRIA Executive and other committees
Resources: NRP: $12,500 (over 5 years) for equipment, printing, postage and supplies

3. Provide some ongoing financial support for services and/or programs to improve neighborhoods in Southeast Minneapolis.

PPERRIA proposes to establish a neighborhood foundation which will conduct neighborhood fundraising, develop foundation grant applications,receive donations, administer grants and provide funds for specific projects and programs to improve Southeast neighborhoods.
Participants: PPERRIA, CACA, other neighborhood and community organizations
Resources: NRP: $5,000 for start-up costs

The purpose of this section is to provide a fund that can be used to compensate for unforeseen shortfalls in already budgeted programs, such as street lighting (where neighborhood participation may exceed our assumption), block club organizing and housing improvements and rehabilitation (where funding is dependent on surplus funds from other parts of the Action Plan). Surplus funds that have been allocated to specific projects but are not needed will be rolled back into this fund. Use of contingency funds will be subject to further neighborhood and NRP review to ensure that legal requirements are met.

Resources: NRP: $60,000
Other public and private funding sources to be developed.