3rd Ward News with Council Member Michael Rainville: Week of May 16

Message From Council Member Rainville

Hello to all my 3rd Ward neighbors,

This week I want to update you on the work I did regarding Public Safety, Housing, Road Improvements on University and Central and promoting the city to help bring a future large event to Minneapolis.

• There has been a rash of break ins – by teenagers – in residential buildings on both sides of the river. Unfortunately, they are getting into buildings through doors left open by residents and workers or entering garages by following cars into the garage.  I have worked with MPD to get extra patrols in the affected areas.  Please be mindful of open doors and call 911 if you see anyone lurking around entry doors.  911 operators have been instructed to prioritize these calls.  I am also working to address safety and livability concerns in the North Loop on Friday and Saturday nights.  I have met with and will continue to work with nightclub owners and residents to maintain safety and vibrancy.
• As the State government finalizes its budget, I continue to work with our Intergovernmental Relations staff and state electors to pass a tax credit law that will benefit owners or developers so they can convert empty commercial buildings in Minneapolis into housing. Think of all the affordable housing that can be built along 1^st Avenue North.  There are many buildings in the 3^rd ward that could be converted into housing.
• The Minnesota Highway Department is rebuilding Central Ave (Hwy 65) and University Ave (Hwy 47). I am bringing forward the concerns of the business community and residents about their plan to take parking away and the opportunity to upgrade the fencing and lighting on the bridges over the railroad tracks.  A very large concern by the St. Anthony East Neighbors is the intersection of Van Buren, Spring and Central by the Vegas Lounge.  Both the Minnesota Highway Department and Minneapolis Public Works are committed to help solve these issues.
• This week a site selection committee from the Rugby World Cup was touring Minneapolis to review the U of M football stadium and U.S. Bank Stadium. America will host the 2031 men’s tournament and the 2033 woman’s tournament.  The tournament will hold its first and second rounds in 6 American cities.  I assured the Rugby site selection committee of the cooperation from the City to have their event succeed, pointing out the quality of hotels as well as the LRT connecting the airport and stadiums.  The World Cup Rugby tournament has the 3^rd largest attendance of any sporting event in the world and would be a source of job creation and entertainment taxes.  The cities selected to hold their events will be announce in 18 months.

As always, Henry, Patrick, and I are here to serve you. We can be reached at ward3@minneapolismn.gov. Please report all issues to 311 before contacting us so there is a paper trail and staff are already aware of the issue when we speak with them. You can contact 311 by simply dialing 311, email them at Minneapolis311@minneapolismn.gov or by submitting a 311 Contact Form.

Your neighbor,

Michael