MPD Issues Crime Alert Due to 5th Precinct Robberies

Since February 9th, the 5th Police precinct, which includes the southwest quadrant of Minneapolis, had 17 reported robberies. Incidents have mainly occurred in the evenings. In two of these incidents the victim’s car was also taken. The suspects in all but 3 of the incidents also showed or implied a handgun when confronting the victims. The loss was cell phones, purses, and money. A recent update from 7th Ward City Council Member Cashman reports some suspects in these crimes were apprehended.

 https://content.govdelivery.com/bulletins/gd/MPLS-38a6db1?wgt_ref=WARD_7 
Reported incidents:

February 9: Robbery of Person- 35XX Blaisdell Av S; Aggravated Robbery- 26XX Hennepin AV S; Carjacking- 25XX Hennepin Av S; Aggravated Robbery- East Lake of the Isles Pkwy/22nd; Robbery of Person- 1st St. W/Penn Av S; Aggravated Robbery- 32XX Colfax AV S; Robbery of Person- 34th /Nicollet AV S

February 10: Aggravated Robbery- 37XX Lyndale AV S; Aggravated Robbery- 26th/Grand AV S; Carjacking- 30XX/Humboldt AV S; Aggravated Robbery- 18XX Lasalle AV S; Aggravated Robbery- 19XX 2nd AV S; Aggravated Robbery- 24XX Dupont AV S; Aggravated Robbery- 23XX Colfax Av S

February 11: Aggravated Robbery- 24XX Hennepin AV S; Aggravated Robbery- 22XX Harriet AV S

What you can do to keep safe! 

Stay alert and aware of your surroundings – no distractions like phones/headphones or earbuds. Carry only what you need, on your body, not in-hand.  If you are carrying items, zip inside of a cross-body or backpack type bag instead of loose pockets.  Walk in well-lit open areas that are clean/clear of debris & over-growth, ideally in pairs or more.  Lock your doors as soon as you enter/exit your vehicle. Open windows create access for someone to reach into your vehicle.  Don’t sit in your car with the windows rolled down are unlocked, be alert of people around you. Be mindful when getting gas – try to fuel up in the daytime hours when more people are around and keep doors locked and keys in hand not the ignition. Take a self-defense class - it can increase confidence and decrease fear.  Go to a safe place and call 911 immediately if you are the victim or witness a robbery.   

South Uptown Proposes Neighborhood Revitalization Program (NRP) Plan Change

The South Uptown Board of Directors is keen to engage with and involve more renters in the neighborhood association’s activities. So, the organization will consider a proposal to reallocate Neighborhood Revitalization Program (NRP) funds during the next meeting on February 20. The scheme would move $10,000 from repaid home improvement loans to a program dedicated to renter engagement and involvement, and it requires notice to the community prior to the vote at the community meeting. The Plan Modification reallocates the funding from NRP Phase 2 Action Plan Strategy 3.1.1 1-10 Unit Home Loan Program to Strategy 8.1.1 Livability Committee/ Events.  

1st Thursday Happy Hour is Feb 1

South Uptown Happy Hour
Thursday, February 1, 5:30- 7:30PM
Fool Me Once- 3006 Lyndale Avenue S.

Join us for an evening of camaraderie, community-spirit and connection at Fool Me Once, sponsored by the South Uptown Neighborhood Association. This first Thursday gathering promises an informal yet engaging setting for South Uptown residents to come together, unwind and learn more about the vital work of the neighborhood association. Whether you’re a longtime resident or a newcomer to South Uptown, this happy hour is a great opportunity to forge new friendships while getting to know more about the community. South Uptown will provide light appetizers while attendees pick up their own drinks. Please bring your friends, family and neighbors! The more, the merrier…

Luminary Skating Party moved to Jan. 27 due to Weather

Luminary Skating Party
Saturday, Jan. 27, 5:30- 7:30PM
Bryant Square Park- 3101 Bryant Avenue S.

Join us for this 3rd annual community event where Bryant Square will once again sparkle with hundreds of luminary lanterns in a winter wonderland of snow, ice and lights. Bring your skates to experience the magic of skating under the stars and surrounded by glowing luminaries. Participants can then warm up at a bonfire and with free hot chocolate. . It’s a perfect winter activity for people of all ages, so bring your friends, family and neighbors! 

This enchanting community event is Brought to you by Bryant Square Park and the South Uptown Neighborhood Association. The event was postponed from January 20 because warm weather conditions made it impossible to prepare the skating

Sponsored by Morrissey’s Irish Pub, and hot chocolate donated by Lake & Bryant Cafe.

South Uptown Bike Racks Deployed on Bryant Ave

Have you noticed all the new, “South Uptown” branded bike racks between Lake and 36th Streets along Bryant Avenue? They were deployed in November following the major reconstruction of the corridor. The South Uptown Neighborhood Association partnered with Minneapolis Public Works to upgrade the type of racks installed, and the organization will use Neighborhood Revitalization Program (NRP) funds to cover the cost. The project springs from South Uptown’s objective of making the neighborhood a more convenient and safe place to bike.

Luminary Skating Party is Coming

Luminary Skating Party

Saturday, January 20, 5:00- 7:00PM

Bryant Square Park - 3101 Bryant Avenue S.

Join us for this 3rd annual community event where Bryant Square will once again sparkle with hundreds of luminary lanterns in a winter wonderland of snow, ice and lights. Bring your skates to experience the magic of skating under the stars and surrounded by luminaries. Participants can then warm up at a bonfire and with free hot chocolate. . It’s a perfect winter activity for people of all ages, so bring your friends, family and neighbors! 

This enchanting community event is Brought to you by Bryant Square Park and the South Uptown Neighborhood Association.

1st Thursday Happy Hour at Fool Me Once

South Uptown Happy Hour

Thursday, January 4, 5:30- 7:30PM

Fool Me Once - 3006 Lyndale Avenue S.

Join us for an evening of camaraderie, community-spirit and connection at Fool Me Once, sponsored by the South Uptown Neighborhood Association. This gathering promises an informal yet engaging setting for South Uptown residents to come together, unwind and learn more about the vital work of the neighborhood association. Whether you’re a longtime resident or a newcomer to South Uptown, this happy hour is a great opportunity to forge new friendships while getting to know more about the community. South Uptown will provide light appetizers while attendees pick up their own drinks.

New Webpage Features Winter Sidewalk Salt Use Guidance

Did you know that one teaspoon of salt can permanently pollute five gallons of water, and that salt applied to prevent slippery sidewalks in the winter runs into our lakes and rivers? The Chain of Lakes, Minnehaha Creek and Mississippi River are in danger of losing plant and aquatic wildlife due to the overuse of salt. 

There are simple alternatives like shoveling more often, paired with traction grit, that are similarly  effective at making winter sidewalks safe. If you must use salt, apply it more sparingly as a little goes a long way. Check out this handy page on the South Uptown website to learn about smart salting and winter sidewalk care… https://southuptown.org/wintersidewalks

South Uptown Happy Hour at Fool Me Once

South Uptown Happy Hour at Fool Me Once

Thursday, December 7, 5:30- 7:30PM

Fool Me Once- 3006 Lyndale Avenue S.

Join us for an evening of camaraderie, community-spirit and connection at Fool Me Once, sponsored by the South Uptown Neighborhood Association. This gathering promises an informal yet engaging setting for South Uptown residents to come together, unwind and learn more about the vital work of the neighborhood association. Whether you’re a longtime resident or a newcomer to South Uptown, this happy hour is a great opportunity to forge new friendships while getting to know more about the community. South Uptown will provide light appetizers while attendees pick up their own drinks.

Support South Uptown for Give to the Max Day!

Please consider a contribution to South Uptown of $10, $25, $50 or more  on or before November 16. Your support sets a powerful example to others in the community. Donate here: https://www.givemn.org/organization/South-Uptown-Neighborhood-Association 

Funds raised during Give to the Max Day enable us to organize community building activities, enhance public spaces and implement important projects that benefit everyone in South Uptown. From neighborhood clean ups to community events and safety initiatives, every dollar goes directly towards making our community a better place to live, work and visit.

Make a Plan to Vote in the 2023 Municipal Elections

Elections of Minneapolis City Council Members are on the ballot this fall, so make a plan to vote. Early voting is available now, or you can vote in-person at your local polling location. Check out the Minneapolis City Elections Resource Page for details. https://vote.minneapolismn.gov
The site includes specifics on how to register, Early Voting Center hours, your local polling location, how to Rank Choice Vote and more background on the candidates.

1st Thursday Happy Hour at Fool Me Once

South Uptown Happy Hour at Fool Me Once
Thursday, November 2, 5:30- 7:30PM
Fool Me Once- 3006 Lyndale Avenue S

Join us for an evening of camaraderie, community-spirit and connection at Fool Me Once, sponsored by the South Uptown Neighborhood Association. This gathering promises an informal yet engaging setting for South Uptown residents to come together, unwind and learn more about the vital work of the neighborhood association. Whether you’re a longtime resident or a newcomer to South Uptown, this happy hour is a great opportunity to forge new friendships while getting to know more about the community. South Uptown will provide light appetizers while attendees pick up their own drinks.

Fool Me Once, described as Lyn-Lake’s cosmic cantina, is a fun and welcoming place and they are graciously hosting us. Invite your friends, family and fellow neighbors! The more, the merrier...

* Photo courtesy of Lindsay Ruston (@lindsay_ruston). 

Consider Hosting a Little Library in Your Yar

South Uptown is seeking neighbors to host one of our two “Little Free Libraries” in their yard starting in November. Library hosts simply monitor them to ensure they stay in good condition and full of books. It is fun and a great way to share the love of reading with your neighbors. South Uptown volunteers will work with you to deploy the library to your boulevard or yard. Get in touch at info@southuptown.org if interested.

By the way one library now sits at 3115 Dupont and the other is located at 3549 Dupont. Stop by to leave a book and then take a book!

Welcome 2023/ 2024 Board of Director

On September 19, the South Uptown Neighborhood Association hosted their Annual Meeting which featured Board elections. Four candidates came forward to fill the four vacant Board seats. So, an election was deemed unnecessary and the slate was approved by acclimation. The newly-elected Board Members include: Alex Bissen, Joel Chechik, Brian Dvorak and Alexandra “Alec” Shannon.

These neighbors will serve two-year terms and join continuing Board Members Jerome Chateau, Jenna Egan, Phil Qualy, Gretchen Sieger and Rachel Starcher. Thank you for serving the community!

Vote for the South Uptown Board starting September 19, 7PM

As part of the South Uptown Annual Meeting, the neighborhood association is conducting an online election for the Board of Directors. All South Uptown renters, homeowners, business owners and property owners (18+) are considered members and eligible to vote in the election. This link to the online ballot will become active around 7PM on September 19 following a call for additional nominations during the South Uptown Annual Meeting: 

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1utE_XxMl2fufrX7XUCs_udnwUzh9EGl451Nq5ExYagg/edit#responses

Currently, there are four candidates for the four open Board seats. If additional candidates come forward during the Annual Meeting, those names will be added to the ballot and the link will become active. The online election will start around 7PM on September 19 and extend until 12PM (Noon) on September 20. However, no election will take place if additional candidates do not come forward.

Check out the Candidate Profiles to learn about the neighbors running for the Board here: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/59e133d3f7e0ab03b64d8616/t/65036fc999e6124d8bb1b9a8/1694724042807/BoardCandidateProfiles+2023.pdf

Meet the Candidates for the 2023/ 2024 South Uptown Board

The South Uptown Neighborhood Association is overseen by a 9-member Board of Directors and half the Board is elected each year in September during the Annual Meeting. This year, there are four open Board seats. So far, four candidates have come forward to run to fill these seats including:

  • Alex Bissen

  • Joel Chechik

  • Brian Dvorak

  • Alexandra “Alex” Shannon

You can learn more about these neighbors in this Candidate Profile document.

South Uptown will also accept additional nominations for the Board during the Annual Meeting on September 19 prior to the online election.

Alex Bissen
Joel Chechik
Brian Dvorak
Alexandra Shannon
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A lovely place to live and work.

Our Mission
Improve the well-being of the South Uptown neighborhood by fostering a safe, equitable and connected community.