2007 Accomplishments

Third Ward Summit

I hosted the 2nd Third Ward Summit, which included presentations on accomplishments in our Ward, the status of the I-35W Bridge, public safety improvements, and an update on problem properties and how they were being addressed. Neighborhood residents also had an opportunity to attend workshops on topics such as Environment and Sustainability, Economic and Neighborhood Development, Public Safety and Regulatory Services and Technology and the Arts.

A major focus of my Third Ward Council office in 2007 was public safety. I created monthly CARE committee meetings to address problem properties, crime, and livability issues that negatively impacted Third Ward neighborhoods. By promoting better partnerships and more data exchange between city agencies, police and neighborhoods, and through the use of advanced technologies, we achieved positive results. More than 125 problem properties were examined and solutions found, including:
- More than 300 violations were resolved in the Marcy Holmes/NE area with 83 properties owned by three owners.
- A 20-year multi-unit building at 901 2nd Street N.E. with drug and crime problems was condemned and boarded.
I instituted the Liquor in Neighborhoods Committee (LINC), with support from the 2nd Precinct and Minneapolis Regulatory Services, to help liquor-serving businesses become better neighbors. This initiative brings together bar owners and city staff to discuss concerns related to crowd control, underage drinking, over service, clean-up outside of bars and neighborhood relations.

While serving on the U of M Stadium Advisory Committee we developed strategies to mitigate the impact of the Gopher Stadium on the surrounding communities. I then was instrumental in getting the Minnesota legislature to approve $1.5 million for a historic new relationship with the University, neighborhoods, city council, other city departments, and businesses.

I became co-chair of the Mississippi Riverfront Blue Ribbon Task Force, an organization charged with creating recommendations for the City Council regarding a financing and organizational model to accomplish future development of along the riverfront.

After a long struggle and a lot of hard work by my office and Third Ward residents, the Super America on West Broadway made two important changes: they closed the driveway onto 9th Avenue NE, reducing traffic into the neighborhood; and completed the installation of a $70,000 rain garden that they had promised to the neighborhood several years ago.