City Briefs

Early Vote Center Extends Hours. 

The Early Vote Center is now open 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays. The center’s last day of service is Monday, Nov. 7, which is the day before Election Day, and hours Nov. 7 are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. At this point, the city recommends returning mail ballots in person to avoid a late delivery. Ballots can be dropped off during regular business hours at Minneapolis Election & Voter Services, 980 E. Hennepin Ave., or at the Hennepin County Government Center, 300 Sixth St. S. Three more drop-off sites will be open Nov. 1-7. On Election Day, Nov. 8, completed mail ballots will only be accepted until 3 p.m.

Park Board Budget

Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) Superintendent Al Bangoura presented his recommended 2023 budget to the Park Board on Oct. 12. The Park Board had requested a tax levy increase of 6.16%, but the Board of Estimate and Taxation only approved a 5.4% increase, setting the maximum at $78,456,285. The increase will be used primarily to support the board’s commitment to increase youth investment and to offset the State of Minnesota Local Government Aid (LGA) funding decrease. You can find the proposed budget and more information at www.minneapolisparks.org/budget. Public comment opportunities are scheduled for Nov. 2, 15, 30 and Dec. 6.

City Budget Hearings 

The city council is holding public hearings at city hall, 350 S. Fifth St., room 317, on Mayor Frey’s recommended budget on Nov. 10, at 10 a.m. and, Nov. 15, at 6:05 p.m.

1st Ave Reconstruction

This month the council will approve the design for the full reconstruction of 1.5 miles of 1st Avenue South from Lake Street to Grant Street, including the bridge over the Midtown Greenway. It is proposed to include a two-way protected bikeway, improve pedestrian facilities, and stormwater management improvements. The block from 31st Street to Lake Street will incorporate striping and other elements to provide a better transition for bicyclists traveling northbound. The recommended project layout primarily has one northbound travel lane (except between Lake Street to 28th Street and I-94 to Grant Street), reduces some on-street parking, expands the boulevard to accommodate trees and green stormwater infrastructure, improves the existing two-way bikeway on the west side of the street, and expands sidewalk space. Public Works will evaluate use of raised crossings on side streets at three intersections (28th Street, 26th Street, and 16th Street) during final design. 

Franklin Reopened

Construction has been finished on the city-owned section of Franklin Avenue between Lyndale and Hennepin that has been re-opened. It includes a separated bike path, boulevard plantings, upgraded hydrants, and more accessible curb features. Hennepin county is responsible for  Franklin from Lyndale to Chicago, which is scheduled to be reconstructed in 2025 or 26.