Contributing Writer
Spring is here and with it comes a new construction season and new year of exciting projects for the community. While many of these projects have been discussed and planned for years, others are more recent. As you drive around town, here are some projects you will see happening this year:
First and Church Street parking lot –This project was slated for 2020, but the August derecho caused a delay to this year. The parking lot will be paved with permeable pavers on less of a grade than it currently is. It will feature multiple public electric car charging stations.
Feb 3, 2021
Minot has been selected to receive $1,500 to support a downtown geocaching and exploring project from the Main Street Initiative Vibrancy Grant Program, the North Dakota Department of Commerce announced Monday.
Minot is one of 12 communities picked in round two of the Main Street Initiative Vibrancy Grant Program, in which $16,500 may be awarded. The Vibrancy Grant Program requires a local match and actual release of any funds would be as reimbursement of community investment.
The Minot Downtown Business and Professionals Association applied for and was awarded the grant to enhance the downtown neighborhood geocaching network by creating 12 new geocaches focused on the history, stories and sites of downtown Minot. According to the DBPA, this small-scale vibrancy project will add a spark of activity to the neighborhood and add to the walkable experience for both residents and visitors. The DBPA is primarily partnering with Visit Minot and SRT Communications and will be
12 cities will receive Main Street Initiative Vibrancy Grant funds. 10:06 am, Feb. 2, 2021 ×
The North Dakota Department of Commerce has announced that 12 communities are recommended to receive funding from round two of the Main Street Initiative Vibrancy Grant with a total of $16,500 to be awarded.
The Main Street Initiative Vibrancy Grant Program seeks to assist in adding a spark of activity and energy to communities across North Dakota. This program helps provide small investments to community projects or events that encourage public art, activate underutilized space or promote walking and biking. This grant is a great opportunity to inspire others to engage and contribute to their community’s quality of life for both visitors and residents,” said Shawn Kessel, interim Commerce commissioner.
Somerville opens new playground near Union Square
Community Content
A new playground is now open for some of Somerville’s youngest residents near Union Square.
The Allen Street Garden and Pocket Park, which officially opened last month with a COVID-compliant ribbon-cutting ceremony, now features imaginative and engaging play structures for children aged 2 through 5, as well as renovated community garden facilities.
Once a vacant lot, the Allen Street gardens were built in 2007 after a community-driven campaign to transform the site into a green space. In 2016, Community Preservation Act funds were awarded to redevelop the site to incorporate a small playground, and construction began in 2019. A welcome oasis in this densely populated neighborhood, the gardens will now provide a safe, dedicated recreation space for children and families, in particular the CAAS Head Start students across the street.
Credit Wikimedia Commons Royalbroil
After the Christmas display on the former Seyfert gas station lot on the corner of Wall and First street acquired by the city generated numerous compliments, the Eagle River City Council decided to place the proposed sale on “pause” and to explore different public uses as a mini-park downtown.
The property was purchased using a $200,000 ten year loan with an additional $35,000 cost to clean up the former gas station. The council then adopted a position to offer the site for private development.
Alderman Jerry Burkett indicated he requested the council agenda include a discussion on the future of the site.