Link to article in Sun Current
During the March 8 meeting, the Eden Prairie City Council approved Community Development Block Grant funds in the amount of $210,636. Presented to the council on an annual basis, the grant is used to fund local agencies specializing in human services such as housing projects and the PROP shop.
“Over 1,100 families used the food shelf this year, and 70 people used our homeless prevention services, 20 of whom were direct recipients of the CDBG (Community Development Block Grant),” said Jenny Buckland, program director and employment counselor at People Reaching Out to People.
Additionally, Valerie Anderson, household & outside maintenance for elderly program coordinator at Senior Community Services, said that many other senior assistance agencies have closed over the past few years due to lack of funding.
“We’ve expanded four times in the last few years because others are closing,” Anderson told the council. “So, thank you for your support.”
Anderson said the number of seniors in need is growing, so their services are in higher demand.
“According to PEW research polls, 10,000 people are turning 65 every day […] and this trend will continue for next 14 years,” she said.
Based out of Wayzata, Senior Community Services helped 33 seniors this year by providing 600 hours of home maintenance assistance, Anderson said. The work is provided by volunteers, including local groups affiliated with Optum, St. Andrew Lutheran Church and Grace Church.
“Volunteers are the backbone of our services,” Anderson said.
Anderson told the council about a 78-year-old woman named Shirley who retired and moved to Florida. When the woman returned to Minnesota due to health issues, she was concerned about her living situation.
“She said the transition was difficult but that we helped her remain in her home with dignity,” Anderson said.
Starbucks and BP Station
The council discussed initial plans for a Starbucks to be located at 11190 West 62nd Street next to the current BP gas station. The proposed 2,000-square-foot property would include a drive-thru, and renovations would be made to the adjacent BP station, including a car wash.
“You might recall that this area was part of a small annexation the city made this past year,” said City Manager Rick Getschow. Getschow added that the Planning Commission voted 7-0 for the plan at its Feb. 8 meeting.
During the discussion, Mayor Nancy Tyra-Lukens asked Kathy Anderson, president of architectural consortium, if the proposed Starbucks would have bike racks available.
“The racks will get a lot of use when the LRT comes, which is why I’m concerned about [them],” she said.
Anderson said that there will be racks available and that many trails are accessible near the property.
City Councilmember Brad Aho added that he thinks the location is particularly advantageous.
“With Optum being so close, there’s a large population that would potentially want to see Starbucks [nearby],” he said.
“It looks like a great project that’s going to fit in beautifully in that area,” Tyra-Lukens added.
Contact Michelle Doeden at michelle.doeden@ecm-inc.com
