NENA home loan program returns

NENA is pleased to announce the relaunch of its very popular home loan programs through its new partner, the Center for Energy and Environment (CEE). NENA is now offering two home improvement loan programs. Homes in the Keewaydin, Minnehaha, Morris Park and Wenonah neighborhoods are eligible. Loan applications are processed on a first-come-first-served basis.

Home improvement loans

Owners of one to four unit residences can apply for up to $15,000 to make improvements to their properties. Owner-occupants and investors may apply. The interest rate is either 3.5% or 4.5% depending on income. No income restriction applies.

Emergency repair loans

A limited amount of funds are available for emergency repairs. Only owner-occupied households are eligible. Income restrictions apply. The maximum loan amount is $7,500. The loan is 0% interest, and there are no monthly payments. The loan is due in total on the sale of the property or transfer of title.

More info and how to apply

For more information, or to request an application, call the Center for Energy and Environment at 612-335-5884, or visit the CEE website.

Business grants

Starting in November, NENA will be offering two new grants for Nokomis area businesses: the Marketing Matching Grant and the Business Partnerships Grant. The goals of these grant projects are to provide support for Nokomis East business districts, encourage business partnerships, and increase local customer traffic to our businesses.

Marketing matching grant

Businesses seeking to update their branding, website, marketing, or looking to attract more customers can apply for up to $2,000 for their project. This grant matches $1 for every $2 spent by the participant.

Business partnership grant

Two or more Nokomis East businesses that seek to engage in a short or long-term marketing or public engagement partnership can apply for up to $5,000 in matching funds.

Contact Program and Communication Manager Lauren Hazenson at lauren.hazenson@nokomiseast.org for more information.

Community snapshot

Beginning this fall, NENA will be reaching out to residents and gathering their ideas to create a Community Snapshot. NENA will capture needs, interests, and assets in our neighborhoods through this process.

Our staff and volunteers will reach out to all Nokomis East residents through door knocking, events, and online surveys. We hope to finish surveying the neighborhoods by the spring and finish the community snapshot by May. The community input we gathered will shape how we layout our work and projects for the next three years and the future of NENA.

If you have any ideas that you would like to share with NENA of what you would like to see, or if you have any questions about the community snapshot process, reach out to Tyra Payer at tyra.payer@nokomiseast.org.

Summer project recap

Summer was a busy season in Nokomis East, with several new NENA events, programs, and projects taking shape.

The Curb Appeal Matching Grant was launched in late spring, which awarded up to $500 to residents looking to make home improvements visible from the street. Sixteen residents had their homes painted, put in erosion prevention hardscaping, repaired walkways, and otherwise beautified their properties with the funds they received.

The Monarch Mile project installed 17 pollinator-friendly boulevard gardens in late July to form a pathway between the Nokomis Naturescape and the Gateway Garden on E. 50th St. boulevards.

The Bossen area in Wenonah neighborhood was also a flurry of activity, with over 200 residents attending the Bossen Renter’s Party in July. Thanks to funding from the Blue Cross Blue Shield Center of Prevention, NENA, and Minneapolis Parks, we were also able to host Bossen Summer Fun, a series of summer activities and workshops for kids at Bossen Field.

One of our most visible projects was the Bossen Mural on 58th St. Nokomis East artist Victor Yepez worked with neighborhood volunteers and mosaic artist Dani Bianchini to complete an artwork representing the entire area with a progression of day to night.

We look forward to continuing these successful events and programs next summer.

NENA At-Large Board seat

NENA is seeking applicants for a vacant At-Large Board seat. Applications are due by Nov. 8.

NENA is a growing community-based nonprofit organization serving four unique, welcoming neighborhoods with over 14,600 residents and dozens of businesses in the southeast corner of Minneapolis. NENA is dedicated to bettering the quality of life and building a sense of community pride by sponsoring actions which help our environment, businesses, and homes. We look for Board of Director members who are energetic, strategically-minded leaders to help NENA and our neighborhoods thrive.

If you live (homeowner or tenant), own property or a business, or work in Nokomis East, and are over the age of 18, you are eligible to apply. Completed Nomination Forms are due by Nov. 8.

The NENA Board of Directors will review all applications and appoint a new Board member at its Nov. 16 meeting. This is a replacement appointment serving from November 2017 to April 2019. The appointed Board member can run to be elected to the seat at the April Annual Meeting and serve a full two-year term.

Sign up for NENA News

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Upcoming meetings and events:

11/1/17: NENA Housing, Commercial, and Streetscape Committee, NENA Office, 4313 E. 54th St., 6:30pm

11/8/17: NENA Green Initiatives Committee, NENA Office, 6:30pm

11/16/17: NENA Board Meeting, NENA Office, 7pm

11/30/17: City of Minneapolis Comprehensive Plan Input Session, Morris Park Recreation Center, 5531 39th Ave. S., 6:30pm

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• Phone: 612-724-5652