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Announcing Programs for East Isles Residents Improvements in housing, the environment, crime prevention and safety are now possible thanks to Phase II of the East Isles Neighborhood Revitalizltion Program (NRP). In 2011, members of the East Isles Residents’ Association (EIRA) and its Board of Directors approved the neighborhood’s plan for $255,000 of NRP funding. Read on to learn more about how our NRP plan will help individual residents, as well as the larger community. Neighborhood Loans to Improve Your Home Obtain a low, fixed interest rate loan of $3,500 to $7,000 for energy efficiency upgrades (3.75 % interest rate) or exterior repairs and improvements (4 %). This program is made possible by a partnership with the Center for Energy and Environment (CEE). To apply and learn more, visit http://mncee.org/Find-Programs-Financing/East-Isles--Revolving-Loan-Program/ Contact CEE at loaninfo@mncee.org or 612-335-5884 Loans are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. NOTE: DO NOT begin your projects until after you have applied, been approved and have closed on your loan with CEE. No projects will be awarded funding through this program if they have already been started or completed prior to loan/grant closing. Home Security Grants East Isles NRP funds will reimburse homeowners up to $250 for home security upgrades. One grant per household. The grant does not cover monthly services fee for security systems. This program is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. The grant must be approved before purchasing equipment or beginning project work. To apply and learn more, download this pdf: or contact Monica Smith at 612-821-0131 or nrp@eastisles.org.
Calhoun-Isles Sewer Improvements The project encompasses the area between Dean Parkway and East Calhoun Parkway, generally following the Midtown Greenway. Map of work area for 2012:
Lake of the Isles Renovation Project Citizens’ Joint Review Committee Recognizing that the neighborhoods around Lake of the Isles Regional Park played an active role in the development and implementation of the Concept Plan for the Renovation Project and have a special stake in its eventual success, residents from the four neighborhoods surrounding the Lake: East Isles/Lowry Hill/Kenwood-Isles/Cedar-Isles Dean volunteered to serve on this Citizen’s Joint Review Committee. Mission Statement Our objective is to ensure that the nine year, $9 million dollar Lake of the Isles Renovation Project will live up to and honor the vision of its original founders, H.W.S. Cleveland, William Barry, Theodore Wirth, and the Minneapolis Park Board. Thanks to the investment of local, state and regional funds, the Minnesota Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) has accomplished vast improvements to Lake of the Isles Regional Park and this Committee appreciates the efforts and resources put forward to date. This report is intended to identify unresolved issues and provide support for corrections and enhancements needed to fully complete the renovation as originally envisioned. In our role as Advocates, we hope that the MPRB will work with us as a partner to ensure that this long-awaited Renovation is successfully completed and meets the highest possible quality of standards for a Regional Park consistent with their Mission Statement: “to permanently preserve, protect, maintain, improve, and enhance its natural resources, parkland, and recreational opportunities for current and future generations.” This report was submitted to District 4 Park Board Commissioner, Anita Tabb, on April 18, 2011. Committee Members East Isles - Harvey Ettinger Lowry Hill - Marty Broan Kenwood-Isles - Kathy Low, Pat Scott Cedar-Isles-Dean - Art Higinbotham (click here to read the full report) For more information, please contact Harvey Ettinger, Founder: Citizens Joint Review Committee at 612-374-4939 or hgetting@aol.com Free Home Energy Workshop for East Isles Residents Attend a free energy workshop and learn about easy ways to save energy and money in your home. Click here for a complete list of workshop dates and times: http://www.mnenergychallenge.org/Community-Energy-Services/Sign-Up-for-CES.aspx Community Energy Services, CES, is a one-stop residential energy program designed to help homeowners save energy and money in their homes. CES is now available for homeowners in East Isles. CES begins with FREE educational workshops where homeowners can schedule a customized home energy visit. The visit includes a blower door test which measures for air leaks in the home, as well as the installation of energy and money saving materials. These materials may include compact fluorescent light bulbs, low-flow showerheads, faucet aerators, pipe wrap, a programmable thermostat and more! Participants are also provided with energy tracking and feedback, information on innovative financing and access to specialized rebates available to only program participants. Up to $400 in services and materials for a co-pay of only $40!
Go to the CALENDAR page for information about upcoming events
SUMMARY OF EIRA ACTIVITIES, MAY 2009 TO APRIL 2010
MAY 2009 Approval of variance application for 1501 W. 28th Street Approval/reconfirmation of original recommendation to oppose the development of properties at Lake St and Knox Ave S. as proposed because it is not in compliance with the Shoreland Overlay District nor the Uptown Small Area Plan. Sponsor of neighborhood meeting on May 19 for presentation and discussion of the Southwest Corridor Light Rail Proposals Appointment of Michael T'Kach as the EIRA representative to the Midtown Greenway Coalition
JUNE 2009 EIRA volunteers participate in the WINE TASTING Fundraiser on June 10, raising $925 for EIRA. Board recommendation to the SW Corridor Light Rail Policy Advisory Committee, the Mayor's Office and Board members for the Kenilworth Trail route.
JULY 2009 EIRA Board members attend the Walker Library Community Advisory Committee meeting regarding plans for a new library. Board recommends approval of the Duplex Restaurant's request for an upgrade to their Class E liquor license from the current wine and strong beer license. (Approved by the city.) Board recommends approval of the New Uptown Diner's application for a Conditional Use Permit to allow 24 operation on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights with the condition that the owner take steps to mitigate safety and noise concerns. (Approved by the city.)
AUGUST 2009 No Board of Directors meeting Volunteers (35) staff soda pop and water booth At the Uptown Art Fair August 7, 8, and 9 and receive 10% of the sales, about $500. EIRA ICE CREAM SOCIAL is held on August 13th, 6-9 PM at Levine Triangle Park, was a big success, with ice cream (donated by Kowalski's), cookies (donated by Isles & Buns Coffee), face painting, a petting zoo, and inflatable jumpers.
SEPTEMBER 2009 Anita Tabb, candidate for the Minneapolis Park Board District IV, speaks at the Board meeting. Public Hearing on the SW Light Rail Transit Corridor is held on September 17th; president of the Board Nancy Johnston and past president Ross D'Emanuele testify in favor of the Kenilworth Corridor route. EIRA and 3 adjacent neighborhood association lose their appeal to the Zoning Committee of the Minneapolis Council regarding height restrictions for the Lake/Knox development. Membership drive by Amy Sanborn, Peter Levine and Micael T'Kach nets more than twice as much in membership dues as the cost of the mailing , which was $860.
OCTOBER 2009 No Board meeting, instead our semiannual neighborhood meeting and social gathering is held on October 6. EIRA donates $500 to PALIO, October 4; Shanti Mittra and Amy Sanborn chair the event. EIRA co-sponsors a multi-neighborhood Crime Prevention meeting on October 20.
NOVEMBER 2009 Board begins discussions of the proposed Midtown Greenway rezoning proposals. EIRA welcomes newly elected City Council Member (Ward 10) Meg Tuthill to our meetings.
DECEMBER 2009 Board approves recommendation for an amendment to the EIRA By-Laws that would extend the term limits of board members from 3 years to 4 years, to be voted on by EIRA members at the annual meeting April 2010. Board authorizes spending up to $200 for the January
JANUARY 2010 Board appoints Ms. Shanti Mittra as EIRA Membership Chairperson. Candidates for MN House of Representatives District 60A, Marion Greene and Katie Hatt, present at the January 5thBoard Meeting. ICE SKATING PARTY is held January 31st and is a great success. Isles & Buns donates cocoa and "puppy dog tails", other neighborhoods donate food. Many people volunteer and Amy Sanborn chairs.
FEBRUARY 2010 Assistant City Attorney for the Fifth Precinct, Christopher Dixon, spoke at the board meeting (February 9) about the services of his office for our neighborhood. Board recommends approval of proposal of Lifetime Fitness for a health club and spa in the old, historic Walker Library building. Board approves EIRA's final Neighborhood Revitalization Program (NRP) Phase 1 Report, the NRP Participation Agreement for EIRA's Phase 2 Plan, and the transfer of remaining Phase 1 funds to the Phase 2 budget. Notice of these recommendations is sent to the neighborhood through publication of the minutes and to everyone on the EIRA email list.
MARCH 2010 EIRA joins with other neighborhoods to apply for a Hazardous Waste Pick-up by the City and located in East Isles or a nearby neighborhood next fall. Anita Tabb, our Park Board Commissioner (District 4), and Meg Tuthill, our City Council Member (Ward 10) speak at the March 2 Board meeting. Board votes to recommend support of the application for a demolition permit for the house at 2841 E Lake of the Isles Parkway. Board members who have been attending the Walker Library Community Advisory Committee (CAC) report on current plans, including building a new library on the current site. A request is made to Hennepin County to have an official representative from East Isles on the CAC.
APRIL 2010 Annual Meeting of EIRA held April 6th. Members elect Board and officers; and vote on a By-Laws amendment to extend the terms of Board Directors from three consecutive years to four consecutive years.
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