Whittier Alliance Board Meeting
Thursday, August 23, 2012 6:00 – 8:30pm
Whittier Rec Center - 26th Street & Grand Avenue
Present: Erica Christ; Daphna Stromberg; Erin Sjoquist; Ben Ptacek; Christina Lee; Felino de la Pena; Laura Jean;
Natascha Shawver; David Bagley; Matt Brillhart; Jesse Oyervides; Rob Davis Staff: Marian Biehn; Lisa Garty
Guests: none Absent: Tom Bissen; Michael O’Dell; Osla Thomason; Darrell Washington
Call to Order
Call to order by Erica Christ at 6:15pm. The standard of conduct was noted. The August agenda was presented and a Motion
to approve with the addition of a St Stephen’s update, 2013 calendar and Fair Oaks Park meeting to Old/New Business
carried.
Secretary’s Report –Natascha Shawver, Secretary
Natascha presented the July Board Minutes and asked if there were any changes or additions. Hearing none a Motion to
approve as written carried
Board Attendance: The board attendance was read. If you want to know how many meetings you have missed, please
contact the office.
Ben will be moving out of the neighborhood in September so he won’t be eligible to be on the board any longer. He was
thanked for his service and invited to return to the board if he moves back into the neighborhood
Executive Committee: Erica Christ, Chair
35W Access PAC report – the report from Kurt Nelson the Whittier PAC representative is included in the Bd Meeting
packet. Rob reported that they looked at the design again. It is clear that Metro Transit was involved in the new design
changes which now include an enclosure near the street to keep pedestrians warm, protected and allows them to see
their bus coming from a distance. There is no plan to incorporate commercial business areas within the transit space.
History show’s there hasn’t been success for businesses in a transit station environment. Food trucks may do well or a
bike quick fix station, but overall businesses in transit stations don’t do well. Matt interns at Metro Transit, and
reported that when Metro Transit has sent out RFP’s for commercial vending they have not received any interest, even
in high traffic. The sentiment is that the station support surrounding business and is not an investment commercial
space. Metro Transit will not build out commercial areas because it’s proven not to be practical for a commercial venue.
The pedestrian traffic in Mpls has high peaks and is not very steady for dependable revenue, which is contrary to other
cities. It was asked at the PAC meeting if the community would like a change in roof design (i.e.: solar or green panel, or
a sparkle roof- a multi-color panel roof), or to have easy access doors for bikes to go through. It was questioned why the
design and planning got this far without including commercial opportunities. No one is sure who will have oversight of
the area: MetTrasit, MNDot, or the County. It was recommended that the WA take a position on the inclusion of
commercial build out. Rob said they supported smaller food carts but not interested in retail spaces. It is felt that we
could get more for the money if other station designs were considered. It seems we are putting ideas ahead of what will
be reality in the future. Creating community vitality means creating places for people to come and sit; at best this will be
a nice place for people to travel through. For safety reasons it needs to be open and have spaces with high visibility. The
idea is that this is a transit station and the businesses surrounding it provide the services and amenities. To make the
station more beautiful – a conversation will be held to include public art; the Twins stadium art was given as an example.
The reality is that the 35W station will always be under a bridge and pedestrians will be in a hurry to catch an express;
getting people to where they want to go- fast.
The plan is to construct the bridge using poured concrete. A poured in place concrete bridge is the favored construction
type. This will allow the highway to be completed in 2 yrs vs. a 4 yrs project. Q: Reading from the enclosed report from
Kurt - Does the statement ‘use it or lose it by Dec 31’ refer to the money being held? No one knows what that refers to.
The off ramp from north 35W will be a separate project. The southbound exit & entrance ramps are included. An exit
north onto Lake Street will be included, but not an entrance to go northbound. At the BA meeting, Jim Grube gave the
proposed width. The width is currently at 168 ft.; it will be widened by 73 ft. basically taking the berm on each side, this
inserts the BRT station lanes and leaves the car lanes. That intersection is not attractive now. They are proposing what
they think is an upgrade, but it’s going to be huge, not pedestrian friendly, very car-centric, and the greenway access
from the Lake St BRT is under the south bound exit from 35W. Practically speaking, it seems as if there isn’t enough
space for the green crescent and the freeway exit without taking NIco Plating and the other businesses. Q: What were
the objectives for increasing ridership? How are they going to measure success? Why isn’t Metro Transit or the city
asking this question before they start? Why are they waiting until it’s completed? A: The why that is being addressed is
the pain of the busses starting at 46th and having to go through to a bus stop at the freeway edge at Lake St. Q: Why are
they fixing the bridge? A: Due to federal law the bridge has to be fixed which in turn gives MetroTransit the reason to
put the bus station in the middle of the freeway. Once again – how are they going to measure success if ridership is not
the catalyst for the project? Success will not be measured in ridership; it will be measured in completing it overall. Matt
recommended looking up the ridership of the Orange line, the 35W bus transit line. The 35W corridor goes all the way
down to Lakeville; essentially a light rail with busses. The Orange Line consists of all day trips between Mpls and
Lakeville. Light Rail is a brilliant idea with a more diverse group of riders. Metro Transit wants the public to think of
bussing. Q: Still – doesn’t it justify a citizen’s right to ask for positive results instead of hemming around the process?
Rob recommended we embrace the madness. Yes, it is crazy to take up 220 ft in the densest part of the city, even
though it doesn’t make sense. In 75 yrs it will all be good (If we’re still around to enjoy it). Q: Do we know what the
position is of the Stephens neighborhood? The Central and Lyndale neighborhoods have both voiced a question about
the amount of space that is being asked for. Stephen’s neighborhood is quiet because they are waiting to hear about all
the bridge construction that will impact them. We can continue to be frustrated or take a lesson from it - learning how
make a vision come to pass. Q: The impacts of both 35W and Nicollet being under construction simultaneously were
discussed as far as there is nowhere for the cars to go if Nicollet is not open during the 35W project The neighborhood
position is that we want the 35W project to be tied into the Nicollet project. Q: What is the point of our discussion if we
don’t convince our policy makers of how we feel? The bottom line is - If we want to make changes to the body of this
station, we’d have to go through the policy makers. We might have a bargaining point if we go to them knowing exactly
what we what to ask for. We should have our vision prepared to show them we’re serious. The current proposal does
nothing for any of the communities involved by dividing the city further. Q: Is anyone’s argument that this is better than
what is there now? Because no matter what the bridge has to be rebuilt. We’re not saying we don’t want the new
bridge or station – we’re saying we don’t like the plan/design that’s being given to us from Texas. Q: Once again - isn’t it
reasonable for us to ask what they are going to do to mitigate the negative consequences? Unless we’re ready to bullet
point what we want, we should table the discussion. Q: Is this design plan going to happen so that all we can suggest
are small changes? A: We can give suggestions on what we want & talk to our government representatives. Rob
proposed a motion that we would like to see space within the 35W station for coffee & juice stands, food trucks and
outdoor performance artists. This is a motion about settling for what is being given to us and enhancing the end result.
There’s momentum to the PAC to keep moving forward with this design; we are just a mouse jumping on their leg. Q:
How do we get something that fits into the space that’s appropriate for all the neighborhoods? Rob said it’s settled with
PAC, Erica doesn’t think the design prohibits what Rob is suggesting in his motion, but she would like to start a new
conversation with the policy makers at a new level stating we have XYZ concerns and where do we go from here. A
question to the policy makers could be - Do we settle with the plan or what can we do as a neighborhood alliance, to
reframe the discussion. We need to have the conversation with the policy makers if only to satisfy ourselves. It is
brought up again - How do we find out when the money expires? Each policy maker seems to have a different answer
about the money. The money date is just a deadline that’s been floating around for a couple of years. This is old
money, were not sure if its $7.5m or not. The motion Rob put forth was retracted. Thanks were given for the thoughtful
discussion. Q: Will we contact the policy makers soon to discuss our options? Let’s talk to Ellison to discuss it. Matt
commented that Ellison hasn’t been strong concerning his position about transit but does want to get stronger on those
issues. Okay, then let’s try to engage him if we can.
Executive Director Review: The Executive Director review data from Erin was completed but not able to be downloaded
and printed on time for this meeting.
Finance Committee-Erica Christ in lieu of Tom Bissen
Erica reviewed the July financial statements. There is no negative money. We have been reimbursed for what was spent
up to July. The Façade improvement grant activity will be reimbursed as soon as the final grant is paid out. The City
owes the WA the amount shown for administrating the program. There is one more payment to be made. Artists in
Storefronts expenses have been paid. There are a few more bills that have not been submitted. There might be a bit
more income as well. The Balance sheet is good and the nest egg in the saving acct would cover 1 year operating
expenses. We have nothing of value, it’s been depreciated. Profit & Loss: WA had a spendy month for various reasons.
AiS line item was spent in July. We paid out the 2nd to last façade amount in July but had received the reimbursement in
June. Professional service amount is higher than usual: The expense is the charge against the COIN funds and
accounting services. It was asked again if we could please look into using another bank other than the Franklin Bank. Of
the banks we looked at, none of them added any significant benefit to make it worth the trouble of going through the
pain of making a change. If Jessie wants to look into it and get back to the Board, he is welcome to do so.
FC Motion 1: The Finance Committee accepts the Whittier Alliance July 2012 financial report. Motion carried
MCAD Homes – update Marian and Tom met with Joe Horan –he worked for NRP and moved our $ into the contract
when the City was attempting to take the non-contracted funds late in 2010. He will develop new guidelines within the
single family home improvement contract with CEE, for the purpose of the Whittier Alliance using up to $xxx for the
rehab of the MCAD homes. He sees no problem with creating new guidelines within the existing contract that would
allow us to rehab. He recommends using some of the Single Family Loan program income to purchase the lots for the
estimated $6000. He also recommends getting a performance bond to give more security from the city’s perspective.
The contract and guidelines need to be solid enough to pass the city attorneys review as well. Marian will complete the
changes to the Options and Purchase agreements with the attorney. The goal is to complete the contracts with MCAD
and have the new guidelines in place by the end of October, move forward with the HPC as well, and then meet the
January closing time frame. When the homes sell and WA pays back the money, the funds will become program income.
If WA loses $$ on this project, it will be understood that it fits our mission. If we make money on it, Joe will find out if
the $ will go into our unrestricted bank account or back into the loan fund. The guidelines will outline a forgivable loan
for any losses and be silent on any profits
Acting Committee: Erica in lieu of Darrell Washington
The Gray House Restaurant. Ian and Katie Gray.
CI Motion 1: The Community Issues Committee supports the request by The Gray House at 610 W. Lake St for a Class E
liquor license. Carried 7-0-1.
A second is needed to move this motion forward.. They made a presentation at the CI meeting on their plans, food,
management, hours, etc. They are asking for a Class E wine and beer license. There will be no sidewalk café and no
entertainment. No concerns were raised at the CI meeting.
Motion carried at Board 13-0-0
2727 Nicollet Ave S. Sopheak Pho & Mai Thruong of Quang Family Corporation
CI Motion 2: The Community Issues Committee supports the concept of a proposed change in use to mixed use
retail/housing by the Quang Family Corporation for 2727 Nicollet Ave with the following requests:
 Implement changes to the parking/parking lot that would accommodate more pedestrian friendly access
and visibility to the building
 Collaborate with an architect, design professional and artists to incorporate neighborhood character
and public art in the exterior façade for a less suburban look than presented at the 8-13-12 community
issues meeting
Motion Carried 8-0-0
The building is owned by the Quang Family and sits adjacent to the Quang Restaurant. They are working with an
architect and the city on this project. It does not need any variance or CUP. They want to change the 2nd floor into 3- 2
bedroom apartments. They are asking for a Letter of Support from the Board to take to the City. The Board may choose
to hold on this one – only to support the concept of the use of Quang Family. Was there anything mentioned at the CI
meeting concerning signing of the building? A question was asked how we are going to move forward with this motion.
We could 2nd the motion or offer a substitute motion or other recommendation. We can “receive and file it” and give
them a Letter of Support. Rob would like to add a third bullet to have them agree not to have a sign bigger than what’s
existing. A comment was made about the number of accesses they have to the street. Maybe they could drop a curb
cut and change the access points. It was unanimously agreed that they need to redesign the entire parking lot. Q: What
is the façade made out of? Two buildings are concrete and one is wood. The Board does not have a problem with mixed
use request. A Motion was made to invite them to return with a better façade design that implements their final design
change showing how it is incorporated into the neighborhood and the new signing.
Substitute BD Motion 1: The Whittier Alliance requests that the Quang Family Corporation return with building plans for
2727 Nicollet Ave that improves the pedestrian access and street appeal of the exterior facade with special attention to
incorporating neighborhood character, sensitivity in signage and adjusting the parking and traffic flow. Motion carried 12-0-0
Resource Development
Sustainability – GiveMN – Osla was not present to discuss GiveMN.
Staff Reports
The Staff Reports were emailed and also in the printed board packet. There were no questions about the activity.
Old & New Business
Reopening Nicollet (FYI-A): Marian went to the city meeting concerning the reopening of Nicollet and what the city sees
as four parcels: Supervalu store, Supervalu land/lease; Kmart store; Kmart land/lease. George Sherman has developer
rights to the SuperValu store but does not have site control on the SuperValue land lease. He is also talking with George
Kadish in NY about the Kmart site and land lease. Kmart, Supervalue and George Sherman are not invited to these
meetings because the City will most likely need to have financial dealings with them and doesn’t want them in on the
discussion since they might receive funds. Marian identified who was at the meeting. It is a 1hr meeting that is
adjourned promptly. The meeting was run by Councilman Robert Lilligren. On a related note, Marian met with the new
S. Mpls Area Planner, Brian Schaffer, who is interested in the reopening of Nicollet, the Nicollet Pedestrian Overlay
(NPO) and the proposed amendment to it and all the potential ramifications for Whittier based on the major transit
changes in the area. He understands the Eat Street branding and success and knows the reopening of Nicollet could
mean significant changes. The proposed changes to the NPO will be presented at the Sept Community Issues Meeting.
Nicollet Central Street Car Line Transit Study: Erica and Jen have been invited to be on the Nicollet Transit Alternative
committee. This is a group of businesses and residents who will weigh in on the alternatives for the streetcar from 46th
St along Nicollet through downtown to Central Ave to the north city limit. Meetings will be held once a month for a
year. It is an alternative transit study the city is doing. This has to do with federal money. Office Painting: Colors are
being chosen to paint the office. The landlord will paint it for no charge if we supply the paint. Marian ran into another
n’hood staff person who has 100 gallons of Valspar paint to give away. We can have whatever we need in whatever
color and finish Valspar offers. Washburn Fair Oaks Park master plan 1st meeting is tentatively set for Wed. Sept 26 at
Waldorf School. (That is the day before the next BD meeting). This is the start of the community discussions. Stay tuned.
CURA Intern Application: Marian submitted an application for a U of M Grad Student team to do some of the Strategic
Planning survey work. They can help establish the baseline data that is needed for the Environmental, Preservation,
Housing components. 2213 Nicollet Ave. The owner’s parents built the house in the early 1900s. It is the only house
remaining on Nicollet Avenue. An estate sale will be held by the owner’s family. It is very desirable property and the
WA will try to talk to the family to find out what their plans are for the property. We would like to persuade the family
to sell it to the WA to use as the office or as a working historic preservation work site. 2812 – 1st Ave South: We
received a letter from some very active Mpls preservationist regarding the possibility of putting some protection around
the houses and apt bldg. on 1st Ave. The original builder was a master builder who constructed the entire block. This
building shows his signature style. They want to preserve his work even though the buildings aren’t overly significant. It
is unusual to have a builder identified with a historical link. The house that burned does not really have any specific
importance. We also talked to MNDot who has done preservation studies in that area in relation to the light rail plans.
They said it did not get tagged as historic. The WA historic context study does not call out the area either. WA will
contact the preservation group and indicate to them that if they are interested in pursuing some protection we will
support them, however, we won’t take an active part. The person who wrote the letter fears the homes and
apartments built by the master builder will be torn down in favor of commercial construction. St Stephens: A follow up
meeting was held concerning the issues around their move to 24th & Nicollet. The neighborhood asked for litter control
and loitering control soon after they moved in. WA started to get calls from the n’hood almost immediately after the
move. The meeting was with St Stephens, the 5th precinct, and CM Lilligren. It was explained that the clusters of people
hanging around the outside of the building are people waiting for a bus. St Stephens will make more of an effort to be
more aware of the pan handling and also figure out what to do about the smoking outside the building. A repeat
offender, who is geo-restricted from the n’hood, can come into the n’hood for St Stephens services. WA would like to
take action by asking that he receive services elsewhere or have St Stevens provide transportation in and out of the
neighborhood, or have the offenders’ provider of services changed. 2013 Calendar: Please submit recommendations for
the 2013 Art & Artist Whittier Calendar. We are looking for a garden or any person with an art form. Need entries soon
in order to take photos and get the design done. MCAD Transportation Report: Rob announced that the MCAD
transportation study showed that student and faculty driving is down to 59% from 92% a year ago. There is a new
sculpture in the MCAD Sculpture Garden. A small event will be held for a new “traffic stopper” sculpture. Reminder
that the Art sale is the weekend before Thanksgiving – in its 15th yr.
Meeting Adjourned:
Minutes Respectfully Submitted: Lisa Garty
Approved Sept. 27, 2012
__________________________________________
Erica Christ, Board Chair
___________________________________________
Natascha Shawver, Board Secretary