Category Archives: Neighborhood Atmosphere

Outlaws Gather in Downtown

…no, not the guys in the white dusters, but the most recent scourge of decent folks in Northfield…the Joy Ride Gang.

I was in Goodbye Blue Monday this morning and noticed a birthday celebration for NDDC Community Advisor Eric Johnson. As I stood in line waiting for my order, some guys in front of me, who looked vaguely familiar, were discussing giving Eric a little birthday thrill by taking his bike for a joy ride.

I suppose in some twisted way, it’s part of making Northfield more “bike friendly“…

Happy Birthday Eric! …and thanks to Margit Johnson for the picture…

Code of Conduct for Downtown?

In Friday’s StarTribune, there was an editorial that caught my attention. It was called “Downtown code sets higher expectations”.

The editorial references a series that the paper had published on downtown “liveability” crimes. Apparently, downtown Minneapolis has a far lower number of serious crimes than elsewhere in the city but the area doesn’t feel safe because of the incidence of behaviors like loitering, panhandling, cursing, littering and graffiti.

I referenced an article in the Strib series in my blog entry on westside vadalism. A highlight of the piece, at least in my opinion, was the call to “demand higher standards of public behavior”.

That’s exactly what the Downtown Minneapolis Neighborhood Association has done. The group has issued a code of “expectations”. The list includes such radical ideas as “obey the law; be respectful of others; keep storefronts and sidewalks clean; report offensive behavior; and help build a “pedestrian friendly” atmosphere”.

Northfield is following Minneapolis’ example of encouraging people to live downtown, closer to a variety of jobs, cultural amenities and recreational opportunities. Perhaps we should also follow the example of the neighborhood association and demand a higher standard of public behavior in Downtown Northfield.

…and maybe the next expert with whom we should consult is the woman pictured above…

What, I have some kind of Reputation?

I was visiting Quality Bakery the other day…er, just doing some, uh, research…and as I walked in, a voice from the back called out, “It’s Ross!”.

Next thing I know, Sue and Doug were handing me this tray of Alaskan Doughnuts (they were for the window, I didn’t eat them) and taking my picture. Well, I was, of course, happy to participate in any effort to promote Crazy Daze.

…and on my way out, they said to me, “See you Thursday”. Hmmm…

Hot Times, Cool Nights, in Downtown Northfield

Last night Griff Wigley and I met at the Cow to discuss high-speed internet and economic development but the place was a rockin’ so there was no talkin’…

(…except during the breaks.)

Jellystone Yogi (Peter Diggins on guitar, Joel Cooper on bass and George Marich on drums) was laying down the grooves and about twenty spanish teachers at a program at Carleton College were putting up the moves.

The 40-something musicians and dancers were creating such energy that they attracted the attention of some Northfield High School students, who watched in amazement from the pedestrian bridge.

There’s more excitement tonight, when Peter and Joel return to the Cow with the Prairie Creek Group, one of the most buzzed about groups on the local scene.

Come on down(town) and check them out.

Late morning update: Prairie Creek Group’s “Celebrate the Summer” gig–“full sound” 5 member band playing an eclectic mix of styles, from country to rock (Alisa Leonard lead vocals and keys, Tom Leonard drums, Peter Diggins guitar and vocals, Bo Aylin guitar and vocals, Joel Cooper bass and backup vocals).

Timely Advice from New York City, via Minneapolis

Many of you may have heard. Last week there was vandalism on the west side of downtown. There has been an unfortunate recent history of minor vandalism in that area but these recent acts were particularly vile.

Dean Kjerland, developer and occupant of neo-traditional building that until recently house Art-on-Water Gallery, has often seemed to be the focus of this vandalism, or at the one to speak up about it most often. Although some people in the community have been quick to blame the kids from The Key for any such activities, Dean believes that the source of much of his suffering has been older “kids” associated with another institution in town, who were letting off a little too much steam at bar closing time.

Perhaps the silver lining in this most recent cloud is that it has gotten the attention of the wider community. Downtown businesses, the Colleges and even the Chamber are aware of this most recent example of behavior that is completely unacceptable in our community.

And, according to the front page story in the Strib’s Opinion Section, that’s the key to stopping this type of behavior, making it clear to everyone that this type of behavior is completely unacceptable in our community. In the list of “12 Ways to Make our City Feel Safer”, number one on the list is “Demand higher standards in public behavior”.

I would encourage you to read the article in today’s Strib and think about what we might do to nip this problem in the bud. More importantly, I would urge you to join me in saying that this type of behavior is completely unacceptable in our community. We set the bar for public behavior pretty high in Northfield and demand respectful behavior from all.