Shingle Creek Neighborhood Assn.

SCNA NRP Phase I Review pg2

Humboldt Greenway Senior Housing/Alternative Housing

SCNA allocated $150,000 to the Shingle Commons senior rental housing along the new Humboldt Greenway. It is providing an attractive structure to complement the new housing on the Greenway. It also will offer seniors in the community an opportunity to remain in the area as they select new housing options.

Of the 75 units being built, seven one-bedroom units have been set aside for individuals/couples whose income does not exceed 60% of the Area Median Income. Fifteen one-bedroom units have been set aside at 50% of the Area Median Income. Each apartment will feature individually controlled heating and central air-conditioning; full kitchen with dishwasher, disposal and microwave; walk-in closet and individual storage space. Underground heated parking is available. The building will include a controlled entry system, community room, guest suite for visitors, library with fireplace, game room, exercise room, laundry on every floor, and an Advantage Center™, which offers life long learning programs and services.

New trails, parks, single-family homes and a beautiful landscaped boulevard will make Shingle Creek Commons a highly desired location. To date, the Commons is at 75% capacity with 25 2bedroom apartments still available.

This project is part of the larger Humboldt Greenway Project, which is funded by several entities, including Hennepin Community Works, City of Minneapolis, Common Bond Communities and area neighborhood associations.

The $15,000 affordable housing fund is a contingency fund for housing opportunities that may arise. No funds have been expended to date.

Staff and Newsletter

A staff person was hired to create a newsletter, facilitate implementation of the NRP plan, and provide other support to the neighborhood. The original allotment of $25,000 each for staff and newsletter production was increased to $42,000 each. These funds have been judicially used to cover staffing and a monthly newsletter for nearly seven years (the original allotment was expected to last five years). Staffing and newsletter have accounted for about 10% of the total NRP funding.

A monthly newsletter to about 1100 households has been produced for ten months each year. The monthly newsletter has been a well-received communications tool. Residents have responded to news articles on a range of issues from housing to wetland development. Other community events and projects have been described in the newsletter. MCDA and NRP projects are described and announced. Major capital investment such as the Humboldt Greenway Project and the Shingle Creek Pond were first brought to the attention of residents through the newsletter. Meeting announcements are offered in English, Hmong and Spanish. For those unable to attend monthly meetings, it has served as a means of connecting them to SCNA.

Olson Middle School Project

SCNA advanced $10,000 to Olson Middle School for pool improvements with the understanding that they would be reimbursed by the Metropolitan Sports Commission under a grant program for youth sports facilities. Unfortunately, this aspect of the project got lost in the process. Eventually, the funding source was discontinued before SCNA was reimbursed, with remaining funds going to another youth project instead.

SCNA, with support from Council Member Barb Johnson, submitted a successful grant application to NSP (Xcel Energy) for partial reimbursement. One-half of the costs were recovered through this grant. Funds in the amount of $5,000 were reallocated to Creekview Park Center for various equipment needs.