NENA News

Town hall meeting on housing

Over the past several months NENA, as well as other organizations in the City, has been contacted by several concerned residents over the housing issues in our neighborhood. The issues are very diverse, but there are a few commonalities. Some of these shared concerns are city regulations around home construction by either the homeowner or a landlord, rental licensing, and home inspections. In response to these concerns, NENA host a town hall meeting on housing issues for residents to learn about, and get a better understanding of, homeowners, renters, and landlord responsibilities. This meeting is also an opportunity to ask questions of city officials at the event on these or other housing matters. Both Councilmember Quincy and Councilmember Johnson will be on hand to answer questions as well.

The event will be taking place on Feb. 16 from 6-8pm at the Keewaydin School Media Center, 5209 30th Ave. S. NENA will be providing light food, beverages, and childcare will be available.

Vacant board seat from Minnehaha neighborhood

NENA is seeking applicants for the vacant board seat from the Minnehaha neighborhood. That neighborhood is bordered by Minnehaha Pkwy. on the north, Hwy 55 on the east, 54th Ave. on the south, and 34th Ave. on the west.

The NENA Board of Directors will review all applications and appoint a new Board member at its Mar. 24 meeting. This is a replacement appointment serving from Apr. 2016 through Apr. 2017. The appointed Board member can run to be elected to the seat at the 2017 Annual Meeting and serve a full two-year term.

Interested individuals are encouraged to attend at least one NENA Board meeting and schedule a time to meet with Becky Timm, NENA’s Executive Director to learn more about serving on the Board.

If you live, work or own property in the Minnehaha neighborhood, you can nominate yourself. Visit www.nokomiseast.org to find more information and the Board Nomination Form. Completed Nomination Forms are due on Mar. 8.

Thank you

On Dec. 30, NENA hosted our 16th annual Night Before New Year’s Eve celebration at Lake Nokomis Recreation Center. As in past years, the event was filled with games, including the familiar and always fun “pond fishing,” food, dance, and neighborhood fellowship.

Over 500 people were in attendance, and we had very little food leftover, but what was left we were able to donate to Catholic Charities St. Joseph’s Home for Children, as we have in past years. We expect even bigger crowds for the upcoming celebration this December with the date falling on a weekend.

We wanted to give a big thank you to all those that attended, volunteered, and donated this year. Without you this event would not be possible. Its people like you that make Nokomis East such a great place to live.

Proposed changes to parks

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board is making a new plan for all the parks south of downtown and east of I-35W.

A community open house for the Service Area Master Plan that includes Nokomis East is scheduled Feb. 1, 6-8pm at the Brian Coyle Center, 420 15th Ave. S. At this open house, the public can view initial concepts for south Minneapolis parks and provide input before the next stage of design. There are no formal presentations, making it easier for community members to attend at their own preferred time. Children are also encouraged to participate; activities will be available. Somali and Oromo translation will be provided.

2015 Tour of Homes

The 2016 Minneapolis & Saint Paul Home Tour is accepting applications/nominations now for homes to be open on this two-city tour of remodeled, occupied homes. See their website for nomination forms and applications, msphometour.com. Organizers want to have visited nominated homes by early February, so inquire ASAP. The tour will be held from Apr. 30-May 1.

NENA Home Improvement Loan Program

Whether by choice or necessity, start planning your next home project now with the help of a home improvement loan from NENA. 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. Interest rates are either 2% or 3%, depend on income, and there no income restrictions.

NENA also has available a limited amount of funds for our emergency repair loan program. Only owner-occupied households are eligible, and income restrictions do apply. There is a maximum loan amount of $7,500 at 0% interest. The loan is due in full upon sale of the property or title transfer.

For more information or to request an application for the NENA loan program, call our partner, the Greater Metropolitan Housing Corporation’s Housing Resource Center 612-722-7141, or visit www.gmhchousing.org. Loan applications are processed on a first-come, first served basis.

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