Date: February 2,2021
Property ID: 02-028-24-12-0110 Address: 3027 14th avenue south, Minneapolis, MN 55407 Owner name & Taxpayer of above address: Brenda Short
Dear Mayor Frey, Transportation and Public Works committee, and Minneapolis City Council:
I am writing to you to object to the above resurfacing project. By allowing this project during a time of morning of four men and one 18-year-old woman who lost their live on these same streets you are trying to cover. As a Mother of four children, I am very disappointed on how the city of Minneapolis, has handled a lot of issues in the Year 2020. This being said ,I do not believe that this is not the correct time morally or financially for this work to be done. Many homeowners like myself had to take fewer hours at work or was asked to take furloughs, or just lost their job. On top of the financial stress due to cov-19. Homeowners is still dealing with the emotional stress that the city of Minneapolis and city council has forced upon them. Shortly after the George Floyd riot many homeowners like myself found out about families in need at our local parks. Is stead of getting help for these people from the city or mayor or Hennepin county. Homeowners and volunteers were force into unpaid roles as, social workers, and financial assistant workers. we tried to help the people unfortunate during a time of need. The city and law enforcement abused them and destroyed the little property and dignity these people have. A few weeks after the city clear out the local parks, I was thinking we could have a little peace and quiet. But the city approved contracts for a non-necessity gas meter replacement to be completed on the same 17 streets you list in this resurfacing project. This gas project lasted three and a half months began 8/1/2020 to the 2nd week in November of 2020. For the first 4 weeks of this project. The gas company dig 6 feet wide holes in our streets and rip up our sidewalks, and our yards, and destroy our property. This gas meter project cause almost $60,000 worth of damage to my home, on top of this damage to my home. This project left 2 six feet wide holes opened in front of my home for days at a time, causing rainwater to run under my home and making my foundation move. And because these two 6 feet wide holes left open for days at a time made it unsafe, for my 75-year-old mother who is disable and in a wheelchair. Because she could not have access to the handicapped ramp in front of our home, she was denied medical treatment, and could not go to her planned infusion treatments appointments. Missing these appointments cause us to be forced to find another Doctor, because if you miss 3 appointment with the doctor. The doctor can refuse to take you as a patient. The gas company did not give proper notice to the property owners, we just received a random knock at our front doors telling us they needed to get in our home. None of the workers were wearing masked while in my neighbor’s homes. When we complained to the city or the gas company about the way we were treated in our own homes. They did nothing but took down a complaint that went nowhere. I refused the gas company to come in my home during this time. This was because of cov-19 and because my mother has an infectious disease. the gas company refused my mother to have access to use her handicap ramp. there were a 6 feet wide hole at the bottom of it. The gas company called the police department on me requesting for the Minneapolis police officer to remove me and my mother out our home with out a warrant. Making me more unhappy with the Minneapolis police department on how they handle black people in the community.
I was informed on February 1,2021 that the gas company is coming back to try to finish the gas meter project, because one of the main gas lines runs under my home, they will be reopening the same two holes in front of my house for three to four months in the spring of 2021. Your project will be done during mid-summer of 2021. In between these two projects our neighborhood will have to deal with unrest because of the two George Floyd trials. This will rob us of another year of piece and normality in are neighborhood. I would like some kind of break. I do understand this work need to be done, but this is not the right time for this work to be done. Please reconsider to push this project back another year.
Thank you for your time. Brenda Short
(612) 384-5483
[email protected] B.Short
From: Brenda Short To: City Clerk Subject: [EXTERNAL] 2nd objection to the resurfacing project in south minneapolis Date: Monday, February 15, 2021 11:28:16 AM Attachments: Minneapolis - Gas Meter - FAQ (1).pdf
Date: February 13,2021
Property ID: 02-028-24-12-0110
Address: 3027 14th avenue south, Minneapolis, MN 55407
Owner name & Taxpayer of above address: Brenda Short
Dear Mayor Frey, Transportation and Public Works committee, and Minneapolis City Council:
After attending the virtual meeting on February 10,2021, I felt the need to send a 2nd written objection. I am one of the few people of color who own their home in the south Minneapolis area. I attended this meeting because I had major concerns about this project, because this project is attached to the center point energy project. In the letter addressed to the homeowner, it stated that this informal meeting is to address any questions that I may have about this project and related assessment.
I came to this meeting with only four questions. I was only allowed to ask two questions before CenterPoint Energy representative Al, silenced me at the meeting ,like I was some small child who had concerns that did not need to be heard. I felt disrespected as a taxpayer and a homeowner. Why I felt more disrespected because shortly after they silenced me at this meeting another homeowner had similar concerns. They did not silent or asked this homeowner to take these issues offline.
My concerns are valid concerns and should have been heard during this meeting. I have attached my four questions below. My major concerns are about center point energy third party company Michal’s. Michal’s who is doing the work for this project. No one from this company attended this meeting ,but if they are doing the work, why were they asked not to attend this important meeting?
My concerns had to deal with how Michal ‘s handled homeowner safety in their home while doing this same project from the summer of 2020. Even though I am a homeowner I am also a project manager of a rental property in south Minneapolis, two of my renters was sexual harassed in their home. Renters complained about how they asked Michal ‘s staff to wear a masked in their home, they refused the renters request. In my previous objection letter, I stated how the safety of my elderly mother was jeopardize and my home was damage during this work. Center point energy or Michal ‘s has not addressed my concerns or issue for this same project that was done in 2020. So how can the say they can handle this same project if they have not deal with the current concerns from the summer of 2020.
when asked about these concerns all Center point energy did was send a link to a letter that say they will handle it. They still have not handle these concerns from 2020 , how can they say they will handle our issues in 2021.
In a letter center point energy sent me . it states the street repair cost would not go to the homeowners. If this is true, why are the homeowner receiving a bill from the city? Per the meeting the street repairs are due to Center point energy removing meters and drilling 6 feet holes in our street. I am refusing to pay this cost of this restore. Because I have a letter from center point energy, I have attached this letter below as well.
I believe this work is unnecessary. In the 28 years I lived in my home, the gas company has never done any maintenance/ or repair in my home. I have never had a gas company employee in my home for any kind of work. When they started this project in 2013, they did not speak to the homeowners. They just started to do this work, they did not think about the people who lives in these homes and how this project would affect them and their home. This project only helps the gas company , this does not help the homeowner , and because the gas company want to do some unnecessary upgrade, that will cause damage to my home, yard, and street, you want me to pay for something that was not necessary when they clearly said the cost of this work would not go to the homeowner. But now the city sent a bill that say I must pay for the damage the gas company did to my property and street. This street repair does nothing to the value of my home. The street is not part of my property, why are you making homeowners pay for street repair that was damage by the gas company ?
I do not believe this work will increase the value of my home.
Thank you for your time. B. Short
My four question:
1.What is CenterPoint energy / Michael in going to do about the safety precautions due to coronavirus? I am asking this question due to several of my renters’ complaint to me that your staff had come into their house with no facial cover and they requested your staff to put on facial covers why in their home. Your staff refused. I contacted your company, and nothing was done? now that we have not one virus but three different kinds of virus, I would hope that you guys correct your issue!
2. What is Center Point energy / Michaels are going to doing about their staff coming into people's homes and sexually harassing them. One of my ex-renters moved out of her apartment after one of your staff members made her feel uncomfortable in her apartment. She had video camera in her apartment and sent this information to center point and we still had not heard anything back about this issue?
3.when does CenterPoint energy / Michaels plan to cover the damage or repair the damage that happened in 2020 to people's property?
4.Is CenterPoint energy / Michaels going to give property owners proper time to figure out when this work will be done on their Street. Because previously we received letters stating this project was going to be done in 2017 not 2020. We did not receive a second letter we received strange people coming to our door without mask asking for our personal information and setting up an appointment to come into our homes?
[EXTERNAL] This email originated from outside of the City of Minneapolis. Please exercise caution when opening links or attachments.
“Moving Gas Meters Outside” FAQs
Q. Why is CenterPoint Energy moving my natural gas meter outside? A. At CenterPoint Energy, we have been committed to providing safe, clean, reliable and efficient natural gas service to Minnesota communities for more than 145 years. As part of our system and technological advancements, CenterPoint Energy will be systematically moving residential natural gas meters from inside to outside of your home.
Q. What benefits are there to moving my natural gas meter outside of my home? A. Less inconvenience to our customers when routine maintenance and inspections are required per federal and state regulations We will typically no longer need to come into your home to perform routine tasks In the event of an emergency, outside natural gas meter location provides emergency responders easier access to the natural gas valve that serves as the main shut-off to the natural gas feed into the home
Q. Will my yard or the road near my house be affected by moving my meter outside? A. Possibly. The areas affected by our construction activity, whether it is your road or yard, will be restored safely, quickly and in compliance with all federal, state and local regulations.
Q. Who is responsible for the restoration of my street, yard, sidewalk or grassy boulevard after my meter is moved outside? A. CenterPoint Energy uses professional landscape and street restoration contractors rather than our natural gas pipeline construction crews to complete the final property restoration.
Q. How long will it take for my street, yard, sidewalk or grassy boulevard to be restored after my meter is moved outside? A. During the heavy construction seasons of spring, summer and early fall, CenterPoint Energy’s goal is to begin restoration work approximately two weeks after the natural gas meter movement work is completed. For projects completed in late fall when weather and frozen conditions exist, temporary restoration will be completed to make the area safe, with full restoration back to original condition the following spring.
Q. Will customers be charged for the movement of the meter from inside to outside or any work associated with it? A. No. There is no charge for the movement or any work associated with it.
Q. What is a service line and why would I have to have it replaced? CenterPoint Energy
A. A service line is a natural gas line connecting your house to the main gas pipe located along the boulevards and under streets. As CenterPoint Energy moves residential natural gas meters from inside to outside of homes in the project areas, some houses may require replacement of the natural gas service line. Homes that require this will not be charged extra for this service.
Q. How many homes or businesses are having their meters moved? A. CenterPoint Energy has approximately 4,000 customers per year who will be having their natural gas meters moved from inside of their homes to outside of their homes over the next several years depending on the weather.
Q. Who will be moving my natural gas meter outside and how do I schedule the movement? A. A Michels Corporation construction foreman, an authorized CenterPoint Energy contractor, will work with you directly to schedule and perform this necessary work.
Q. Will I need to allow the Michels Corporation construction foreman access to my home? A. The Michels Corporation construction foreman will need access to CenterPoint Energy’s natural gas meter inside your house to move the meter outside and relight your natural gas appliance pilot lights after the meter is relocated.
Q. How will customers identify a contract employee? A. Every contractor performing the inspections is required to carry a CenterPoint Energy contractor identification card that includes the employee’s picture. If the person visiting a home or business has no CenterPoint Energy identification, customers SHOULD NOT allow him or her into their home or business.
Q. How can I learn more about this project and how it will affect me? A. To learn more about this project or to sign up for periodic construction updates via email, please visit our Construction Zone website at CenterPointEnergy.com/Construction. To subscribe to updates regarding this construction project via text message, text CNP GASMETER to 468311.
Q. Who can I contact if I have further questions? A. If you have further questions, please contact us by calling CenterPoint Energy’s Information Hotline at 612-321-5369 or our Communications Specialist, Hannah Gullickson, at 612-321-5546. Please reference the “Moving Gas Meters Outside” construction project when calling the Information Hotline.
Q. How can I learn more about natural gas safety and its benefits? A. We are committed to educating the public about the benefits of natural gas and how to use it safely and efficiently. CenterPoint Energy provides information for you at CenterPointEnergy.com/BeSafe.
CenterPoint Energy
From: Jessica Hall To: Council Comment Cc: Cano, Alondra (External); Salah, Abdi Subject: [EXTERNAL] Project No 2337C Date: Wednesday, February 3, 2021 10:28:32 AM
Proposed Phillips South, Powderhorn and 35th street resurfacing project.
I strongly object to the proposed special assessment on my property.
You are placing too heavy a burden on individual property owners (with this special assessment and already too high regular property taxes). There is no benefit to my property from this project.
We are already living in a declared public health emergency. Lost income due to COVID 19. Our neighborhood has been through the civil unrest due to the George Floyd murder. Our community has been burnt to the ground as we were left to fend for ourselves. The value of our homes greatly reduced due to this civil unrest and increased crime in the city. An encampment that the city and county allowed to happen at Powderhorn Park that the city found funding to support while our property’s were being vandalized and personal property stolen. The hardships we faced in 2020 have devalued our homes and our lives. There is no extra money in our personal budget to pay a special assessment. Our property taxes should be being lowered due to all the damaged property in our neighborhood. If there is not enough funds in the city budget for your project then I suggest you wait until you have it and not burden us.
Jessica Kane (Hall) 3205 Elliot Ave Minneapolis, Mn 55407 [EXTERNAL] This email originated from outside of the City of Minneapolis. Please exercise caution when opening links or attachments. From: lisa skelton To: Council Comment Subject: [EXTERNAL] Resurfacing feedback Date: Friday, February 5, 2021 8:08:05 AM
Hello. I am writing in response to the street resurfacing project that I got a letter on. I am reluctant to support this project. I absolutely do not have an extra 1, 091.64 as is mentioned on the letter. I am also dubious that my street needs repairs. This letter says that this work will prevent longer term work that would be more difficult and costly. I would like to see and hear an explanation as to this fact. My street doesn't even have any potholes that I have noticed and find driving in my neighborhood to be smooth sailing. Last fall 13th and 14th ave near Powderhorn park had some resurfacing work and it made the air quality unbearable for a 6-block radius. As a person with Asthma I dread a summer full of toxic fumes that make life difficult if there is truly no need. Powderhorn and Phillips have the highest rates of childhood asthma according to Childrens hospital and any work like this adds to their burden. If anything, I would rather have repairs than full blown resurfacing. Thanks for your time, Lisa Skelton 612 229 4682 3232 Elliot ave so Mpls, Mn 55407 [EXTERNAL] This email originated from outside of the City of Minneapolis. Please exercise caution when opening links or attachments. From: Marjorie S Debelak To: Council Comment Subject: [EXTERNAL] Street Resurfacing Project Special Assessment and Public Hearing Date: Wednesday, February 3, 2021 8:22:06 PM
February 3, 2021
Dear Transportation and Public Works Committee,
As per the notice I received today regarding the street resurfacing project for Phillips South, Powderhorn, and 35th St E Area, I am writing to object to the assessment of the portion of cost to my property parcel: PID 02 028 24 42 0037 located at 1511 E 35th St, Minneapolis.
1. As per the Hennepin County tax information webpage, a portion of personal property taxes is already allotted toward streets at both the county and city levels. For several reasons, I object to paying any more.
2. For the past several years, my property taxes have increased at rates that outpace the rates of my neighbors based on county tax records. The nearest/adjacent properties have almost the exact same structures and similar lot sizes (although my lot is the smallest). Furthermore, the property right next door has 3 times the amount of land, essentially the same house, plus a 2 stall garage, and is valued just slightly higher than my property, but as of last year, my property taxes were assessed at a rate almost 3 times what theirs was in relation to property valuation. Between 2013 and 2020, my property taxes have more than doubled (that’s over 125% increase in 7 years). I believe my dues for my bit of this street should have been paid already.
3. There is a parking problem on 35th St E between 15th Ave S and Bloomington Ave S due to the businesses on the corner and the rental property next door. There is never an available parking space on the block in front of my house due to the business owners and patrons going to 35th and Bloomington and because several separate renters have individual cars parked in the street since there is no space for parking on the rental property proper. I cannot use the share of the street I am being asked to pay for.
4. There is a street plowing problem on 35th St E between 15th Ave S and Bloomington Ave S due to the parking problem. During all the years I have lived at this address, the street (a snow emergency route) has never been plowed properly in the winter because cars are not moved or cleared according to the designated plowing schedules. The space to park is significantly cut down and hard to navigate for the entire season.
5. There is a street sweeping problem on 35th St E between 15th Ave S and Bloomington Ave S due to the parking problem. During both spring and fall, the streets and gutters are not cleaned appropriately because cars are not moved or cleared according to the posted sweeping schedules.
6. There is a stormwater drainage problem on 35th St E between 15th Ave S and Bloomington Ave S due to the sweeping and plowing problems. All the water in the alley between 15th Ave S and Bloomington Ave S south of 35th St E drains toward 35th St E and flows West to the corner of 15th Ave S. When the snow is not plowed, it freezes to ice which dams drainage for months as winter thaws and pools of water breach the curb, extend into the street, and back up into the alley. The leaves and debris left in the gutters when streets compound the problem. This fall, the street was swept before most of the leaves fell, and I personally removed over 5 lawn bags from the gutter near the stormwater grate alone. Several other years, I have repeatedly cleared the grate and worked hard to clear ice from the blocked drain and along the drainage route to prevent the flooding. I have reported this problem to 311 this winter and at least one other year, but nothing has been done to fix it. I assume that adding another layer of asphalt has the potential to add to this problem if the other issues never get addressed.
7. There is a terrible speeding problem on 35th St E. I realize that there are traffic speed and safety problems all over the city and having traffic redirected from 38th St E to 35th St E magnifies the problem here. Our residential streets and neighborhoods have been unreasonably dangerous. I have seen the evidence of many accidents and have experienced nearly being hit as both a pedestrian and biker. Every day I witness cars traveling over 30, 40, and likely over 50mph down streets marked 20 or 25mph; streets near schools, streets around parks, and streets where we live. Smooth new pavement is further invitation to speed and I sincerely hope that real traffic control and enforcement is included in ally plans regarding street projects.
8. This year has been really hard and it has highlighted the fact that some people take advantage of, abuse, disregard, and break individual and community property and individual and community rules and some people accept responsibility and pay for all of it. I am really frustrated as a taxpayer and good-faith citizen that I am continually receiving a higher bill without receiving the services my money is supposed to pay for.
I appreciate the opportunity to add my voice to this hearing in writing (as I will not be able to attend in person during the middle of a workday on February 17, especially on such short notice). I hope that the points listed above will merit consideration in regard to assessments for this specific project and for other projects around the city, now and into the future.
Sincerely, Marjorie Debelak
[EXTERNAL] This email originated from outside of the City of Minneapolis. Please exercise caution when opening links or attachments. From: Leah Hiniker To: Council Comment Subject: [EXTERNAL] South Philips Resurfacing Project Date: Tuesday, February 16, 2021 2:44:33 PM
City Council, I am writing in regards to the street resurfacing in the South Philips area. While I support infrastructure improvements, the timing of this project is really hard for many in the neighborhood. I live in a Green Zone which is already identified as "low-income communities, Indigenous communities and communities of color in Minneapolis experience unequal health, wealth, employment, and education outcomes, and also are overburdened by environmental conditions such as traffic and stationary pollution sources, brownfield sites, blight and substandard housing" according to the city.
With the recent civil unrest and destruction to the neighborhood along with COVID, health issues and high unemployment rates, the timing of this additional cost is just something most people in the neighborhood can not take on. Taking out loans and pushing the burden down the road does not address the problem that many are encountering today and into the future.
Is there any funding from the city that can be used to help offset the cost to the residents in the area? We have been identified as a Green Zone for sustainability projects and for the 4D program recognizing the need for improvement and support in the area. This is an opportunity for this funding or similar to apply to the families that truly need it. I know Philips West Neighborhood Organization has had funding for home improvements, but maybe some of this could be used for resurfacing? Or are there other funding sources that go to those directly affected by COVID, the civil unrest (which is not over yet) and general demographic inequalities?
I am asking for the city not to just kick the burden down the road, but step up and help those that are considered already impacted by the inequalities that the city is trying help.
Thank you, Leah Hiniker 2712 Oakland Ave 612.202.3121
[EXTERNAL] This email originated from outside of the City of Minneapolis. Please exercise caution when opening links or attachments. From: Jenny Jenkins To: Council Comment Subject: [EXTERNAL] Objection to special assessment for street resurfacing Date: Sunday, February 14, 2021 1:07:54 PM
Hello. I am writing to officially express my objection to the special assessment for road resurfacing at my property at 3215-17 15th Ave S, 55407.
I have several issues with this assessment. First of all, I support the assertion by many scholars that this type of assessment is illegal in terms of Minnesota law. Accordingly, I specifically wish to ask for evidence about how The City of Minneapolis can prove that street resurfacing will increase the value of my home, apart from normal market increases, at or above the $1653.74 assessment.
I am very well aware that it is extremely difficult, and very expensive, for an individual homeowner or even a group of homeowners to prove/fight these assessments and for that reason most just pay the assessment.
Secondly, the pavement in front of my home was just replaced in the fall of 2019 after Centerpoint Energy tore up the pavement for the installation of a new gas main. When their installation was complete, the torn-up half of the street was repaved, while the other half was left as it was, full of cracks and potholes. This seemed fairly ridiculous to me at the time, but not as absurd as the idea that The City will dig up two year-old asphalt that is still in perfect condition!
Who paid for the repaving of that half of my block and all the others that were dug up to install the new gas main (the "Belt Line" project)? Surely the City does not pay for repaving every time a utility does work beneath its streets, correct? Please inform me if I am incorrect and the City of Minneapolis paid to repave the areas that Centerpoint dug up for the gas main project in 2019.
Thank you, Jennifer Jenkins 612-730-5355
[EXTERNAL] This email originated from outside of the City of Minneapolis. Please exercise caution when opening links or attachments. From: Hanan, Matt To: Council Comment Cc: Matsumoto, Larry G.; Kennedy, Mike D.; Handeland, Jeff S.; Hoium, Steve T.; Keating, Paul J Subject: FW: Appealing Project - Additional data Date: Thursday, February 4, 2021 12:11:39 PM
From: MJM PROPERTIES MN
For the parcel # PID 34 029 24 44 0018 ($1111.00), I ment the PID 34 029 24 44 0049 ($4057.68). Instead of $6704.16 being the total, the actual total is $9651.84. This is almost close to the amount we have paid in property taxes, not to mention on some of the parcel the taxes have increased for 2021. On top of that we have to pay mortgage. Do please send me the correct path to appeal this charge.
Sincerely, Manuel Jara MJF Properties MN LLC 651-214-8648
On Wed, Feb 3, 2021, 9:56 PM MJM PROPERTIES MN
I wont be able to attend the meeting that will be held on Feb 17, 2021 at 1:30pm as during that time we are working.
The parcel that are being impacted with such a high cost is: PID # 34 029 24 44 0048 ($2600.40) 34 029 24 44 0047 ($1453.32) 34 029 24 44 0045 ($1540.44) 34 029 24 44 0018 ($1110.00)
The total you guys are looking to charge us is $6704.16.
We definitely want to appeal as this is such a high cost on us, not to mention we have paid $13k in property taxes in 2020(all 4 parcels combined) and you guys are looking to charge more, that is absolutely ridiculous. Not to mention with the whole pandemic, we already had to keep the rents low to keep maintaining. Where can I apply for an appeal as this project is ridiculous, not to mention the highest charge is the parcel with the lowest parcel value. I hope to hear from you soon. If you wish to contact me, call me after 4:30pm from Monday to Friday.
Sincerely, Manuel Jara MJF Properties MN LLP 651-214-8648
[EXTERNAL] This email originated from outside of the City of Minneapolis. Please exercise caution when opening links or attachments.
From: Hanan, Matt To: MJM PROPERTIES MN; Council Comment Cc: Kennedy, Mike D.; Matsumoto, Larry G.; Keating, Paul J; Handeland, Jeff S.; Hoium, Steve T.; PW Special Assessments Subject: RE: [EXTERNAL] Re: Appealing Project - Additional data Date: Tuesday, February 16, 2021 8:21:59 AM
From: MJM PROPERTIES MN
Hey Matt,
Is there a link you can provide to submit the appeal? We want to point out that this project will cause an issue, like said with the whole pandemic it has cost us and everyone else a lost. Furthermore, Autozone is being rebuilt, which will cause street mechanics to leave or spill oil/chemicals all over the asphalt. Thus, result the asphalt to not last as long as before. If you don't believe me, do check the records how much the city how to pass by to pick old parts and trash around (if the city keeps on track) Clinton and lake street (where the autozone is). We do believe that the streets should be maintained to prevent future major damage, which will prevent major costs. The issue is the project is to early with what is all happening and the area of Clinton and Lake st needs to be more watched since police are not doing anything when they see ppl working on cars in the public street seeing oil, brake cleaners (the most common), and other chemicals spilled around. Hope to hear from you soon.
Sincerely, Manuel Jara MJF Properties MN LLP 651-214-8648
On Thu, Feb 4, 2021, 12:31 PM Hanan, Matt
Thank you for the email. I have forwarded it on the City Clerk’s Office to be entered into the public record as an objection to the assessment. This preserves your right to appeal to district court if you choose to do so. Information related to the appeal process is included in the public hearing notice letter you received, but I have also included an the excerpt from city ordinance below.
24.120. - Appeal of assessments. Any person aggrieved, who objected prior to or at the assessment hearing, may appeal by serving a notice upon the mayor or the city clerk within thirty (30) days after the city council has adopted the assessments and by filing the notice with the clerk of the district court within ten (10) days after its service. The court shall either affirm the assessment or set it aside and order a reassessment. If appellant does not prevail upon the appeal, the costs incurred shall be taxed by the court and judgment entered therefor. (2014-Or-100, § 2, 12-5-14, eff. 1-1-15)
City Ordinances and state law enable assessments to pay for capital improvement projects because there is a benefit to each property. Adjacent property owners pay only a portion of the project cost. The remaining cost is paid by selling city-wide property tax supported net debt bonds. Without assessments, the City would either raise other revenue like property taxes, or be unable to fund the amount of capital improvements needed to replace deteriorating infrastructure.
Assessments for capital improvements are not based on the property value, but rather are based on the square footage of your lot within the influence area multiplied by a uniform assessment rate that is set each year for the proposed projects. There is a youtube video on the Special Assessment webpage of the City’s website that explains how assessments are calculated. Here is the link: https://youtu.be/2-KManITmfI
There will be a virtual informational meeting on February 10th at 6:30pm where City staff will provide information about the project and assessments if you wish to attend.
Thanks,
Matt Hanan Supervisor Engineering Technician II
City of Minneapolis - Right of Way / Special Assessments 505 4th Ave S – Room 410B Minneapolis, MN 55415
Office: 612-673-3607 Cell: 612-791-8537 [email protected]
From: MJM PROPERTIES MN
For the parcel # PID 34 029 24 44 0018 ($1111.00), I ment the PID 34 029 24 44 0049 ($4057.68). Instead of $6704.16 being the total, the actual total is $9651.84. This is almost close to the amount we have paid in property taxes, not to mention on some of the parcel the taxes have increased for 2021. On top of that we have to pay mortgage. Do please send me the correct path to appeal this charge.
Sincerely, Manuel Jara MJF Properties MN LLC 651-214-8648
On Wed, Feb 3, 2021, 9:56 PM MJM PROPERTIES MN
I wont be able to attend the meeting that will be held on Feb 17, 2021 at 1:30pm as during that time we are working.
The parcel that are being impacted with such a high cost is: PID # 34 029 24 44 0048 ($2600.40) 34 029 24 44 0047 ($1453.32) 34 029 24 44 0045 ($1540.44) 34 029 24 44 0018 ($1110.00)
The total you guys are looking to charge us is $6704.16.
We definitely want to appeal as this is such a high cost on us, not to mention we have paid $13k in property taxes in 2020(all 4 parcels combined) and you guys are looking to charge more, that is absolutely ridiculous. Not to mention with the whole pandemic, we already had to keep the rents low to keep maintaining. Where can I apply for an appeal as this project is ridiculous, not to mention the highest charge is the parcel with the lowest parcel value. I hope to hear from you soon. If you wish to contact me, call me after 4:30pm from Monday to Friday.
Sincerely, Manuel Jara MJF Properties MN LLP 651-214-8648
[EXTERNAL] This email originated from outside of the City of Minneapolis. Please exercise caution when opening links or attachments.
[EXTERNAL] This email originated from outside of the City of Minneapolis. Please exercise caution when opening links or attachments.
Minneapolis Department of Public Works 350 S Fifth St – Room 239 Minneapolis, MN 55415 Transportation and Public Works Committee
CC: Ward 9 Alandra Cano Michael Kennedy, Dir. Transportation Maintenance and Repair
Attn. Committee Members,
Thank you for giving the residents of our neighborhood to voice our opinions prior to starting work on our streets later this year. I’ll try to keep this brief:
For several years, the city – in conjunction with Centerpoint Energy – has been replacing major gas lines in our neighborhood. The line under 15th Ave S is probably the largest, most disruptive of these projects, but I can remember other major works projects on 13th Ave S, Lake Street, 31st Street, and – with the replacement of meters in the summer of 2020 – our own street, 14th Ave S. What this adds up to is several summers in a row of noise, trafc, dirt, and confusion – especially as frustrated drivers tear from one street to another looking for a way through.
In addition, I don’t think the city needs any reminder of what transpired in our neighborhood in 2020. After the riots and the fres brought on by the city’s refusal to face racism in its own police department, Powderhorn Park became a “sanctuary” for hundreds of homeless persons – the inevitable result of the city’s refusal to address homelessness, a lack afordable housing, discriminatory screening processes, and so on.
Given the added burden that this happened during a pandemic, when the Park – and being outside generally – was perhaps the only source of relief, joy, and pleasure for many families in this neighborhood, we are now informed that the city not only plans to tear up every street in proximity to that park, once again introducing noise, mess, trafc, confusion, and the industrial smells of construction, but that we will be charged, as residents, for this noise. Inevitably, the summer of 2021 will be another pandemic summer – that is, another summer where being outdoors is our only opportunity for socializing and recreation. What I see is another summer where our Park is being taken away from us through the city’s negligence – in this case, a callous attitude toward city planning.
My question to the city is: why now? After everything we’ve been through as a neighborhood – including job losses from the pandemic – we’re now informed that we’ll be subjected to another summer of noise, another summer without a park, and an additional levy on our property taxes that, even in a good year, low-income residents would hardly have been able to aford. To be candid: Are you serious? Does the city actually think this is a good idea? I thought we might get some answers during the informational meeting last week, but the administrators immediately dismissed our concerns. As a homeowner and resident, I’m asking the city to instead show a little sensitivity, rearrange your plans, and tear into another neighborhood and give us all a much needed break. To do otherwise would be unconscionable – not only indecent, but another negligent misstep in the city’s seemingly clueless pattern of behavior. Even if it’s only for a single summer, please treat your poor and marginalized residents with the respect long given to the rest of the city.
Respectfully, -Patrick Luby 14th Ave S From: gwynne leach To: Council Comment Subject: [EXTERNAL] Project (2021-00203) Date: Wednesday, February 17, 2021 1:39:21 PM
Dear Council Members,
I am a resident of the Powderhorn neighborhood, residing at 3041 Elliot for over 20 years.
I do NOT support the homeowner assessment for this road re-surfacing project of our local streets. The maintenance of our streets is a core infrastructure that should covered under our normal taxation structures. Maintenance of the paved streets is a core responsibility of a modern society and will not improve our property values as argued.
In addition, the timing of this assessment is very insensitive coming after the hardest year this neighborhood has ever faced. Not only did we spend the nights of the riots hosing our hoses down with garden hoses while business and infrastructure burned around us, but we have also faced unprecedented violent crime following the city council imprudent and ill advised declaration to defund the Minneapolis Police department. This has been an unprecedented year with a complete and total lack of support from the services that we pay for with our property and income taxes.
Please do not charge us for infrastructure maintenance after having abandoned us for all of 2020.
Sincerely,
Gwynne Leach, resident and homeowner 3041 Elliot Minneapolis
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