Columbia Park Neighborhood Association

From the President

Feb 16, 2004

Hello neighbors,

Warm greetings to you in these frigid winter months. The holidays have passed and with the new year underway, I am eager to continue working with neighbors on matters that will help make Columbia Park one of the best neighborhoods in Minneapolis. As I paused to write this president?’s message, I brainstormed some New Year?’s resolutions that we might work to achieve in 2004.

1. Let us resolve to increase participation within the neighborhood.

The board of directors is currently seeking community input on the neighborhood?’s Phase II action plan for the Neighborhood Revitalization Program (NRP). NRP dollars can be used to help residents make repairs and additions to their homes, as well as go towards community-wide initiatives, such as a piece of new playground equipment. Let us know how you want the monies appropriated.
The board is also seeking input from residents about what the Gateway site at 37th and University Avenues ought to be used as. Do residents want to make that a green space area with a park for all to enjoy? Or would residents rather see affordable housing be erected for seniors or low-income residents? Perhaps you might propose something completely different. Without community input, however, the board is left in the dark as to how the neighborhood truly feels.

2. Let us resolve to greet at least five new people in the neighborhood.

Whether you are walking your pet, mowing the lawn, or sitting outside and reading a book, make an effort to say hello and introduce yourself to your neighbors. If you already know your neighbors next door to you, go one step further and meet the residents a couple of houses down. As neighbors get to know one another, they can join ranks and help look out for suspicious activity or to welcome a new resident to the neighborhood.

3. Let us resolve to make our voice heard at city hall and throughout government.

Third Ward City Council Member Don Samuels visited the Columbia Park board at its September 2003 meeting. Government officials, including Council Member Samuels, Hennepin County Commissioner Mark Stenglein, Park Board Commissioner Walt Dziedzic and others are making decisions on policies that affect residents throughout the city and county.
Let us resolve to attend City Council, County Board, Park Board and other meetings and let our elected leaders know what is important. If you are unable to attend meetings, then write them a letter, call to express your opinion, or even send a letter to the editor of a newspaper, like the Northeaster or Minneapolis Star Tribune. Neighborhood association vice president Liz Wielinski provides an excellent example as she had two letters to the editor of the Minneapolis Star Tribune published recently.

Involvement is vital to the success of a neighborhood. Let us work together to make 2004 the year of participation and by December, we will have much to show for our efforts.

Sincerely,

Matthew Lehman
President, Columbia Park Neighborhood Association
(612)-325-5891 mnmatt01@hotmail.com