Think global and shop local! Do you own a business in Camden? Learn more from other business owners at the Northwest Minneapolis Business Association (NWMBA) meetings on the third Tuesday of each month, 6:30 p.m. Next meeting is February 19 at Webber Park. The NWMBA has been serving the community for 80 years! Get info at nwmplsbusiness.com or info@nwmplsbusiness.com. Let’s grow Camden together! The NWMBA held their annual meeting on January 15 for some good food, networking and community building.
Camden Music School Celebrates 8th Anniversary. On January 15, 2005 Camden Music School (CMS) opened its doors to its first 15 students. Eight years later, the school celebrates with hundreds of people who have passed through those doors. Thank you’s would number in the hundreds as well, so suffice it to say that CMS is grateful for the support of all their students and parents, friends, neighbors, volunteers, partners, vendors and advisors; their two location hosts Luther Memorial and Grace Center; their scholarship program sponsor, Our Neighborhood Works; and the list goes on. Janet Zahn, CMS founder and director says, “It’s been an exciting and fun eight years, and there’s much more to come. Thank you, everyone!” CMS offers vocal and instrumental lessons, Musikgarten early childhood music classes (newborn to age 8), ensembles, music theory, songwriting and more. Family discounts available. Winter term is on now through March 16. All ages. Excellent instructors. Joyful spirit. Classes at Luther Memorial Lutheran Church, 3751 Sheridan Ave. N. and Grace Center for Community Life, 1500 6th St. NE. Info: 612-618-0219 or camdenmusicschool.com.
$3.25 million in construction loans and grants available for developers to build “green” homes on the Northside. The City is seeking proposals from developers to construct “green” homes on City-owned vacant lots in North Minneapolis and is offering $3.25 million in construction loans and grants. The Green Homes North program builds sustainable homes to green standards, employs local minority and women contractors and workers, and uses locally-sourced green products. Proposals are due by February 15.
Green Homes North will fund the construction of 100 homes in the next five years in Northside neighborhoods where stabilization is most needed. The program was launched in 2012, and funding was awarded to five developers to build 13 “green” homes. Two homes are under construction, and the others will break ground in the spring. Funding from the City, Minnesota Housing Finance Agency and the Family Housing Fund will provide $1.25 million in grants and up to $2 million in loans to private and non-profit developers with demonstrated new home construction knowledge and experience.
Homes will be built in targeted areas of development where there is existing City and partners’ investment or blocks with several vacant lots to be developed. Existing incentive programs will assist in bringing new homebuyers to this market. Buyer income restrictions will apply. The City Employment and Training Program will provide free training and job placement services through its RENEW Minneapolis- Green Homes North program that focuses on green construction skills. See minneapolismn.gov/ foreclosure/foreclosure_citys_foreclosure_recovery_plan for info.
Know of a new business, or one that’s offering new products or services? The Camden News loves to promote local businesses. Send the ‘scoop’ to editor@camdenews.org.