Longfellow Community

Longfellow Community

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Longfellow Is . . .

Green Space
Our neighborhoods offer parks and green space unique in Minneapolis. The Mississippi River Gorge and its Winchell Trail offer miles of hiking and wildlife habitat right in the city. Minnehaha Falls and Park is a well-known and much-loved neighborhood destination. Several smaller parks provide recreational programs and playgrounds for the neighborhoods' youngest residents.

A Pleasant Ride
Thanks to the efforts of neighborhood residents decades ago, there is not a six-lane trenched freeway in our neighborhoods. Instead, Hiawatha Avenue is slated to hold the area's first light rail transit (LRT) line. For those who enjoy biking, the Midtown Greenway bike trail will pass through northern Longfellow, providing a link between West River Parkway bike paths, downtown routes, and Uptown. Another cross-city bike trail near 40th Street is currently in the planning stages, and Minnehaha Park renovations will improve access to Minnehaha Creek bike paths.

A "Traditional Bungalow Community"
While our neighborhoods hold a variety of affordable home types, most Longfellow houses are bungalows. Bungalows were a popular choice in the Arts and Crafts era, 1910 through 1930. Bungalows feature open porches, hardwood floors, warm oak woodwork and built-in buffets and bookcases, brick fireplaces, and birch or maple kitchen cabinets. These charming homes have been rediscovered and are newly appreciated for their thoughtful design, cozy but open interiors, and high-quality materials.

An Ideal Location
Nestled between the Mississippi River and Hiawatha Avenue in south Minneapolis, city living doesn't get more pleasant and convenient. Hiawatha Avenue connects residents to downtown, the University, and the airport, and St. Paul is just over the Lake Street or Ford Parkway bridges. West River Parkway offers a slower, nicer, alternate route with a view.

A Destination
In addition to natural destinations including Minnehaha Falls and the Mississippi River Gorge parks, Longfellow neighborhoods offer commercial amenities unique in the city. The Riverview Theater offers early 1960s style and bargain prices in a classic big-screen cinema (one of few remaining). Mother Earth Garden Center, Minnehaha Falls Nursery & Garden Store, and 38th Street Flowers supply all that's green. Patrick's Cabaret is a venue for innovative, cutting-edge theater. The Resource Center of the Americas, with their unique bookstore and café, is a new addition to the Longfellow neighborhood. El Norteño Market & Deli offers tasty, authentic Mexican fare, and the Dairy Queen just north of Minnehaha Park is always a favorite spot for a treat.

A Friendly, Active Community
Many Longfellow residents have lived in their homes for decades; others have only recently discovered the area. Longfellow residents are active in block clubs and in the Longfellow Community Council, the neighborhoods' resident-run neighborhood organization. In addition, neighborhood volunteers have cleaned up the Mississippi River Gorge park each spring and fall, and have built new playground equipment for neighborhood parks.

The Longfellow Community Council
The Longfellow Community Council involves and empowers the members of the community to take action on issues that affect them. A board of residents governs the organization, and a staff of five provide support for implementing projects.
LCC committees provide the ideas and strategies that the LCC addresses. Committees meet monthly (check www.longfellow.org or the Longfellow-Nokomis Messenger for meeting dates) and new members or visitors are always welcome!

Longfellow Community Council Committees

Environment and Transportation: E & T Committee works on traffic calming, LRT planning, and bike path strategies; subcommittees work on Mississippi River Gorge and Community Gardens initiatives.

Housing: The Housing Committee plans and implements grant and loan programs for home fix-ups and additions to stabilize housing stock and promote home ownership.

Community Development: The Community Development Committee works to advance and guide economic development and redevelopment in the greater Longfellow community.

Crime and Safety: The Crime and Safety Committee works with CCP/SAFE and other city entities, and develops programs, to improve safety in the Longfellow neighborhoods.

Zoning and Planning: The Zoning and Planning Committee assists businesses and homeowners with the zoning and planning requirements of the city of Minneapolis and our neighborhood.

Membership and Participation: The M & P Committee encourages participation in LCC planning and events.

To get involved or to find out more, call the LCC at 612-722-4529; visit the LCC office at 4151 Minnehaha Avenue South; send an e-mail to info@longfellow.org; or visit www.longfellow.org.

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About our association

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Longfellow Community Council is the citizen participation group for the Longfellow, Cooper, Howe and Hiawatha neighborhoods. It is the LCC's job to get citizens' input on city proposals, and to make recommendations based on that input.

The LCC also develops initiatives that address housing, crime, youth and families, the environment, jobs and economic development, and a multitude of other topics that people in the community believe to be important.

Mission

The mission of the Longfellow Community Council is:
to improve the quality of life and develop a sense of community among the Longfellow, Cooper, Howe, and Hiawatha neighborhoods and promote their well being. The Longfellow Community Council will involve and empower the members of the community in all its diversity to take action on issues affecting their lives.

How Can I Get Involved?

The best way to get involved is to attend LCC meetings. General membership meetings are held regularly. The LCC's goal is to have as many residents present as possible. This ensures fair representation at our elections and provides a good opportunity for neighbors to get to know one another.

Committees meet about a number of community concerns. Check the LCC Committees and LCC Meetings and Events pages for further information.

Contact the LCC staff (612-722-4529 or info@longfellow.org) for the date of the next general membership meeting or for further information about LCC committees.

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