MnDOT historian shares Third Avenue Bridge history

Join MnDOT historian Katie Haun Schuring and our project team for a conversation spanning the history of the Third Ave. Bridge. Learn about early 20th century Minneapolis, the bridge design, interesting features and construction methods used during this time.

This free virtual presentation will be on Mon, Dec. 7 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. An interactive question-and-answer session will take place after the presentation. For those of you who joined the first presentation in September, we will be covering the same content.

Register for the virtual presentation.

  Showing form work for Pier #5. Falsework was built from timber as the mold for pouring concrete. The first upstream rib was poured on July 8, 1915.
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New Small Business Relief Grants Available

FOR RESTAURANTS, BARS, FITNESS CENTERS, EVENT AND ENTERTAINMENT VENUES

Starting Monday, November 23, business can apply for new grant funding to mitigate the economic impacts of COVID-19. 

  • Businesses that have not received Hennepin County Small Business Relief funds can apply for grants up to $15,000.
  • Businesses that have received Hennepin County Small Business Relief funds can apply for additional grant funds up to $10,000.

APPLICATION

  • Application opens on hennepin.us Monday, November 23 
  • Apply by Tuesday, December 1, at noon

ELIGIBLE BUSINESSES

  • Restaurants/food service establishments
  • Bars/drinking places
  • Fitness centers/gyms
  • Event/entertainment venues
  • View additional criteria

Special note for Minneapolis bar and restaurant owners: this grant application requires that you have a copy of your restaurant and/or liquor license. If you do not have a copy of your license readily available, you can:

license certificate from the City of Minneapolis may show a status of “delinquent” due to the suspension of liquor license renewal fees. Provided that you submitted your renewal paperwork and are in good standing with the state, this will not disqualify you. 

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New COVID-19 Restrictions

Today, Governor Walz announced new state restrictions to control the explosive spread of COVID 19. The following restrictions take effect on Friday, November 20 at 11:59 p.m.  

  • Bars and restaurants must close in-person food and drink service, both indoor and outdoor. Take-out, curbside, and delivery may continue. 
    • Minneapolis businesses with curbside pickup zone can continue using those spaces. Businesses who do not have a curbside pickup zone can request one.
  • The following facility types must be closed.
    • Gyms and other fitness facilities, public pools, including facilities within housing complexes.
    • Recreation and entertainment facilities, such as bowling alleys, theaters, movie theaters, museums, arcades, etc.
    • Other venues providing indoor or outdoor events, such as festivals or fairs. Drive-in events may continue. 
  • No wedding receptions or gatherings after funerals will be allowed. Weddings, funerals and church services will be able to continue.
  • No changes are being made to retail, personal services (e.g. salons and barbershops), schools, or places of worship.

These closures will be in effect from Friday, November 20 through Friday, December 18.    

See staysafemn.gov for more details

Minneapolis businesses can contact the Small Business Team at [email protected] or 612-673-2499 with questions. 

 

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City of Minneapolis Budget Hearings

The City Council needs to hear your feedback. When they hear directly from impacted communities to prioritize the Mayor’s investments in community safety, we can fully resource our police department and invest in safety beyond policing. Your voice is valuable, and we need you to contribute it to this important conversation.

There are three upcoming online public hearings for people to share thoughts on the Mayor’s recommended 2021 City Budget. Comments can also be submitted online at the City’s website. Comments submitted online will be entered into the public record and shared with the Mayor and Council Members.

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Share feedback on proposed 2021 City budget, including Neighborhoods 2020

Total program funding and base level funding for each neighborhood organization will be discussed through the City's regular budget process

There are three upcoming online public hearings for people to share thoughts on Mayor Jacob Frey’s recommended 2021 City Budget. The Neighborhood and Community Relations Department (NCR) also presented to the City Council Budget Committee on Nov. 12, but this was not a public hearing.

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Share your opinions on transforming community safety by Nov. 20

Minneapolis community, please provide your input on what community safety looks like and tell us your ideas about a new model of community safety for the City. You can take the survey in English, Spanish, Somali, Hmong or Oromo.

Complete the survey by Nov. 20 for the first phase of survey results. Input provided after Nov. 20 may continue to be used for future engagement phases.

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Full Third Avenue bridge closure begins January 2021

The Third Avenue Bridge will fully close to traffic in January 2021 through November 2022. Motorists, transit riders, and people walking and bicycling will need to use alternate routes across the river during this time.


Curious about the work that’s being done and the detour routes to get you around construction? Visit the project webpage to learn more about the schedule, impacts to your commute, rehabilitation and preservation efforts, and what the bridge will look like when the work is done.

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