One of the goals of the NRP is to strengthen partnerships among neighborhoods and community stakeholders to accomplish shared citywide objectives. In fact, some of the most far-reaching NRP-sponsored projects have resulted when neighborhoods, government, and businesses have joined forces in developing and implementing plans aimed at benefiting entire communities. Nothing exemplifies this better than the work that is now being done along Central Avenue in northeast Minneapolis.

Perhaps the most visible of the new Central Avenue improvements are the 95 low-level pedestrian scale street lights that span from 18th to 27th avenues NE. The lights create a safe, pedestrian friendly environment as they wrap around each block, linking Central Avenue to rear parking areas. In addition, a new Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) program has been launched. The program focuses on reducing crime by designing or redesigning the physical and natural environment along Central Avenue. Work on Central Avenue is far from complete as more projects are in the works including the Central Avenue Mainstreet Program to help fund facade improvements and the formation of a community development corporation to help fund commercial and residential revitalization.

For more information about the Central Avenue Revitalization Project, please contact Catherine Geisen-Kisch at 612-673-2003 or watch Minneapolis Neighborhood News episode #63 originally broadcast in October 2001.