Minnesota RealEstateRama

Imagine a city street being used not by cars, but rather by people dancing, biking, rock climbing, talking and even bouncing. That’s what will be happening July 19, from 2 to 5 p.m. on Third Street between 24th and 27th Avenues West in Lincoln Park during the second annual Meet on the Street event. The three-block stretch will be closed to motorized traffic to enable people of all ages to join in active play and gather as a community. The event is free and open to the public.

Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN) released the following statement after the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) released its Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing rule. “The final Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing rule moves our nation towards real solutions and creates communities of opportunity for all Americans. HUD’s action today will make it a little easier for families with children

St. Louis County Commissioner Frank Jewell has been reappointed by Governor Mark Dayton to serve on the Minnesota Clean Water Council. Jewell is one of two county commissioners in the state to serve on the Council, and has done so since 2011. His re-appointment is for another four-year term

Today, the first component of one of Governor Mark Dayton’s major legislative priorities will take effect in Minnesota. Beginning Wednesday, July 1, 2015, funding to begin the implementation of the water quality buffer initiative becomes available to local Soil and Water Districts across Minnesota. Local Soil and Water Conservation Districts will begin hiring staff to provide technical assistance for Minnesotans as they implement new buffers, and help eligible landowners enroll in federal funding programs

In this week’s correspondence corner, Adam in Plymouth writes in to Congressman Erik Paulsen (MN-03) with a question about investing in transportation and infrastructure. Paulsen also responds to a call from Lynn in Deephaven who wants to know what Congress is doing to improve our nation’s cybersecurity.

“Our infrastructure is facing a crisis of epic proportion. It is imperative for the security of our nation, the safety of our people and the health of our job-creating economy that Congress move ahead with a long-term bipartisan funding plan for the Highway Trust Fund without further delay,” Nolan told the House Ways & Means Committee.

Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN) released the following statement today after the Supreme Court affirmed the United States Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, ruling that courts can continue to recognize the disparate impact theory of liability in Fair Housing Act cases.

Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc. (NYSE: AHT) (“Ashford Trust” or the “Company”) announced today that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire two Minneapolis hotels, the 229-room W Minneapolis Hotel - The Foshay, and the 60-room Le Meridien Chambers Minneapolis hotel, for total consideration of $101 million in cash ($349,000 per key). As part of the transaction, the Company will assume approximately $56.0 million of mortgage debt on the W Minneapolis Hotel. The assumed debt matures in May 2023 and carries a fixed rate of 5.46%. Post-closing, both properties will continue to be managed by Starwood Hotels.

In an effort to curb alcohol-related boating accidents and deaths, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and other public safety agencies around the state will ramp up patrols for intoxicated boaters June 26-28.

Four artists have been selected to create designs for Nicollet Mall artworks as part of the mall redesign project. The artists will work with the mall’s design team to create and integrate new works of art to complement the mall’s current uses and its future look. Their draft design concepts will be presented to the City this fall

The City Council approved goals calling for Minneapolis to recycle and compost 50 percent of its citywide waste by 2020, and 80 percent by 2030. The adopted resolution will help the City meet new recycling goals set by the State and Hennepin County in 2014

The annual list of potential timber harvest sites on state-administered forest land is now available for public review, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Comments will be accepted until July 17.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is accepting public comment during a public review period, June 22 to July 22, on an environmental assessment worksheet (EAW) for a scour repair project on Lock and Dam 1, located on the Mississippi River between Minneapolis and St. Paul.

U.S. Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) again pressed the Obama Administration to invest in rural water projects like the Lewis and Clark Regional Water System in southwest Minnesota. He said that states and local communities have put in their fair share of funds to complete the project and it's time for the federal government to step up to its commitments

This integration with Nextdoor will enable the City of Minneapolis, including the Minneapolis Police Department, the Minneapolis Fire Department, and other City departments to use Nextdoor to build stronger, safer communities with the help of Minneapolis residents. Specifically, the Minneapolis Police Department and Nextdoor neighborhoods will be able to work together to increase safety and strengthen virtual neighborhood watch