Block Party Press Release

For Immediate Release                                                Contact: Abby Weinandt

August 31, 2005                                                                         University of Minnesota

                                                                                                                                 (612) 237-1453

MEDIA ADVISORY

Second Annual “U Light Up the Night Block Party” Makes Final Push for Lower Level Lighting on 15^th Avenue

City Council Members vote Friday to approve instillation of lower level lighting on the U of M campus

MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL – For the second year in a row, the Greek community has partnered with the University of Minnesota to promote increased lighting and safety initiatives in the Marcy Holmes neighborhood.  This year, the block party happens to fall the day before City Council members will be voting on the lower level lighting initiative for 15^th Avenue, which runs right through campus.  The University community is hopeful that the block party will bring attention to safety issues and increase awareness for students.  Because most students are gone in the summer, during National Night Out, the block party provides student renters the chance to mingle with neighbors and discuss safety. 

            WHO:   Mayor R.T. Rybak

                        Councilmen Paul Zerby

                        Minneapolis/U of M Police Departments

                        Marcy Holmes neighborhood

                        University of Minnesota Greek Community/Panhellenic Council

                        University of Minnesota students and staff/Office of Community Relations

            WHAT: Second Annual “U Light Up the Night Block Party”

            WHEN: Thursday, September 1 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m

            WHERE:Fifth Street S.E. between 10^th Avenue S.E. and 12^th Avenue S.E.

            WHY:    To raise safety awareness in the Marcy Holmes neighborhood and to show support for the 15^th Avenue lower-level lighting initiative.  City Council will be voting on the initiative Friday, September 2. 

"I'm glad to support the 'U Light Up the Night' block party,” Mayor Rybak said.  “Public safety is about more than police, it needs to involve all of us.  By working together and building stronger relationships with our neighbors, we can build a city where every person can feel comfortable walking down every street in Minneapolis."

“I very much appreciate the efforts of the Panhellenic Council and the Marcy Holmes Neighborhood Association in support of better lighting and improved safety in the University neighborhoods,” Councilman Zerby said.  “Because of the support and testimony of these groups and others, I am very optimistic that the entire council will join me on Friday in formally approving the 15^th Avenue lighting project at the City Council meeting.” 

“The block party is a great chance to bring the community together for free food and music, and also spotlight our largest safety concern, lack of lighting in the neighborhood,” Kat Baugher, executive vice president of the Panhellenic Council said.  “We are concerned for the safety of sorority women, and other students, especially when walking home from late night classes,” Baugher said. 

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