Neighbors for Safety January Update
Since our large public information meeting in December, the Neighbors for Safety group continues to work in the background collecting information and building a strategic plan that we will bring to the City Council in March.
The ongoing goal of this group of neighborhood leaders and business people is to strengthen neighborhood safety through improved neighborhood, city, and police relationships. Our focus is not to delve into the social aspects that we realize also play into this topic, as there are other efforts in Rochester focusing on these.
The four focus areas for Neighbors for Safety continue to be:
Neighborhood Policing
Gang Issues
Police Force
Improved
Salt Your Meals, Not Your Rivers and Lakes
As winter continues, do you need to to restock your supply of snow and ice control products? Before you do, think about this: even one teaspoon of deicing salt in 5 gallons of water is toxic to aquatic life. It takes 5,000 gallons of water to dilute a 25 lb bag of salt to levels that are safe for our aquatic neighbors. There are three categories of products designed to keep us safe while traveling on foot or in a vehicle. 1. Anti-icers are liquid and solid products applied to pavements before a storm event to prevent ice crystals from
2nd Annual Rochester Heritage Preservation Awards
The Rochester Heritage Preservation Committee is seeking nominations for Heritage Preservation Awards to be presented during National Heritage Preservation Month in May of 2010. The National Trust created Preservation Week in 1971 to spotlight grassroots preservation efforts in America, and it has grown into an annual celebration observed by small towns and big cities with events ranging from architectural and historic tours and award ceremonies, to fundraising events, educational programs and heritage travel opportunities.
The Rochester Heritage Preservation Committee is seeking nominees that fall into one of the following six categories: Historic Restoration or Rehabilitation Project, Adaptive Reuse Project, Community Education
Realize Raingardens: Grants Available!
Got a low spot in your yard that stays wet? Have a desire to invite butterflies and songbirds to your yard? Want to help fight storm water pollution and beautify your neighborhood? These are all great reasons to install a raingarden, and the City of Rochester will help you do it! Cost-share grants are available for residential storm water customers to install a raingarden at their residences. Register to attend a free Grant Writing Workshop on March 3rd, 7-8pm by emailing aplute@rochestermn.gov and visit www.rochesterstormwater.com for details, resources, pictures and more.
A New Focus for A Litter Bit Better!
A Litter Bit Better! is entering its 4th year, providing an opportunity for citizens to take an active role in pollution prevention via the week-long, city-wide trash cleanup effort. A new subcommittee has formed this year to increase awareness about cigarette butt litter, aptly named A Litter Butt Better! This group has compiled research on butt litter and plans to perform scans of butt-laden areas in Rochester as well as educate the public on this topic. Business owners and others can take advantage of a limited-time sale through Arnold’s Supply for cigarette butt receptacles from March 1-April 30. See www.arnolds-supply.com
Missouri Gravel Bed Project
A Plan to Reforest Our City
This article was taken from the “MN Shade Tree Advocate Newsletter” and written by Derik Olson, MN GreenCorps Member and Urban Forestry Specialist for the City of Rochester.
In Rochester, we have over 30,000 vacant tree planting spaces. Last year we planted 500 trees, and those were just to replace the 1000 that were removed because of poor condition, damage or disease. I think most cities would like to do more, but with one tree costing between $200-300 and more, it is a challenge. This coming spring, we’ll be installing a Missouri Gravel Bed to store bare root trees.
300 New Volunteers Needed in Rochester
United Way of Olmsted County is recruiting 300 new volunteers in 2010 in three impact areas. There are long-term, short-term, and one-time opportunities available. Everyone is welcome: seniors, families, groups, high school students…there is something for everyone!
Youth: It’s not all that surprising that students do better when someone cares about them. Academic coaches help students overcome challenges in reading and math. Mentors are friends and role models who listen and care. Been awhile since you cracked a book? No worries, training is provided for both coaches and mentors. Be the difference in young lives.
Seniors: With help, seniors can stay safely
Think Green Fair 2010
You’re invited to be a part of the 2010 Think Green Fair. Applications are currently being accepted for new and returning exhibitors and sponsors for this unique, community oriented event.
The fair is entering its second year and is committed to showcasing green businesses and organizations dedicated to bringing sustainable services, products and visions to southeastern Minnesota.
The Think Green Fair will include:
Food and catering from local restaurants, growers & producers.
Community action groups
Workshops
Guest speakers
Children’s activities
Local artisans
Entertainment
Door prizes
Exhibitor application packet and Sponsor information is now available at www.RNeighbors.org/thinkgreen. Volunteers are also needed to assist us
ACT NOW Support the Southern Rail Corridor
The Eastside Pioneers Neighborhood Association (ESPNA) is very concerned, like most of Rochester, about the Dakota, Minnesota and Eastern (DME) and Canadian Pacific (CP) railroad’s ever increasing profile within our community. We are alarmed by the speed of these huge trains in such a densely populated area. We need to act now, before November 1, in order to have any impact at all on the transportation issue that is now before us.
Since the Canadian Pacific (CP) railroad acquired the DME, in 2008, there has been a noticeable increase in activity on the railroad corridor. The lengths of the trains have
City Council Hearing
NOTICE OF COUNCIL HEARING
Notice is hereby given by the Common Council of the City of Rochester, Minnesota, that all persons interested in the following public hearings:Final Plat R2009-009PLAT by Michael Younge Development, Inc. to be known as Orchard Hills South third Subdivision. The Plat proposes to create one lot from two parcels of unplatted land east of Orchard Hills South First Subdivision that is located along the north side of 9th St., SW. The subdivision will allow for the development of one residential lot.Zoning District Amendment #R2009-007ZC by Meadow Lakes Builders of Rochester, LLC to re-zone approximately 1.27 acres from
