City Briefs - May 4

William Berry Parkway
William Berry Parkway closed to all motorized vehicle traffic on April 24 for road resurfacing and utility work. It is not expected to open again until at least May 26. The bike/walk trail is expected to remain open during construction.

Bryn Mawr Park
Construction resumed at Bryn Mawr Meadows Park in late April, and is expected to be complete by the end of June. The three fields in the southwest area, the exterior perimeter trail and cricket practice area, will remain open for the duration of the project. Some athletic fields and other areas are fenced off so that the grass and plants get a good start and grow through summer. Work will also be done to connect the newly constructed water quality ponds to storm sewer pipes under Laurel Avenue, and put in four new pedestrian ramps for improved access to the park and along Morgan Avenue.

Land Use Plan Amendments
On April 24, the city’s planning commission held a public hearing on the proposed land use plan that will further implement the Mpls 2040 plan. After taking testimony, commissioners approved amendments to allow small scale corner stores and offices into more residential areas of the city provided they are on corner lots in urban neighborhood 2 and 3 (UN2 and UN3) districts. They also voted to allow commercial uses to be 20,000 square feet in more areas to make it more likely grocery stores could locate there. The plan now goes to the council for final approval after additional amendments can be made.

Community Connections Conference and Green Zone Summit
People can sign up now for the 2023 Community Connections Conference that will run concurrently with the Green Zone Summit from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, June 10 at the Minneapolis Convention Center, Hall A, Lower Level. The Community Connections Conference is a free annual event that offers workshops on a variety of subjects including renters’ rights, responsible development, building relationships with youths, recycling and organics, climate action and more, as well as an exhibit hall with more than 100 organizations participating. Pre-registration is available on the city website.

Parklets and Street Cafes
The city is seeking applications for parklets and street cafés for the 2023 season. Neighborhood organizations, businesses, nonprofits, community organizations, and special service districts are invited to apply. Street-level businesses can apply for a street café where you can seat and serve your customers. The deadline to apply to host one of the three city-owned parklets is May 7. All other applications can be applied for any time.

Ward 7 Candidate Forum on Energy
There will be a Ward 7 city council candidate forum on energy and climate justice hosted by the group, Community Power, on Tuesday, May 9, 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Loring Community Arts Center 1382 Willow St. The candidates who are expected to attend include Katie Cashman, Kenneth Foxworth, Mark Globus, and Scott Graham.

DFL Caucuses and Conventions
The upcoming Democratic Farmer Labor (DFL) Ward conventions for May will be held as follows: Ward 7 on May 21, online; Ward 8 on May 20, online; Ward 10 on May 13 in-person, location yet to be determined; and Ward 11 on May 21, online. See https://minneapolisdfl.org for more information.