bloomington

Even in January, you can think about gardening

Applications for city community gardens will be available online Jan. 15, with gardens awarded on a first-come, first-served basis with preference to Bloomington residents and people who have rented gardens before.

This year, 98 plots at two locations — Smith Park and Harrison Park — are available, including five raised-bed plots for gardeners with mobility issues. The seasonal rental fee is $37, with a maximum of three plots per rental.

For more information, go to http://www.ci.bloomington.mn.us/cityhall/dept/commserv/parkrec/services/garden/garden.htm.

edina

City seeks opinions on allowing food trucks

The city of Edina is seeking the opinions of residents on whether to change ordinances to allow food trucks in the city on "Speak Up, Edina!," the city's online engagement website.

Food trucks are now prohibited in Edina, but the city has been approached by people who are interested in changing that.

The discussion on food trucks will be monitored online through Jan. 31. Residents, business owners and visitors are encouraged to weigh in on the issue. For more information, visit www.SpeakUpEdina.org .

'A Sea Change' climate film showing tonight

The award-winning film "A Sea Change: Imagine a World Without Fish" will be shown at 7 p.m. tonight at the Southdale Library, 7001 York Av. Admission is free.

Filled with amazing images of ocean creatures, the film explains acidification, which poses a serious threat to sea life. The film, which has won documentary awards, shows the danger that fish and seafood populations could collapse as a side effect of carbon dioxide that is being added to the atmosphere.

The film is part of the Climate SOS Film Series. For more information, contact ClimateSOSFilmSeries@gmail.com, check the Facebook page "Climate Action Needed Now" or call 612-965-8284.

hennepin county

Bottineau transitway health report available

The report documenting the expected health effect of the proposed Bottineau light-rail line is now available online and at local libraries.

The Transitway Health Impact Assessment analyzes how the line and its stations would affect the health of communities by looking at physical activity, access to jobs, housing and transportation costs and other factors.

The rail line would run from Minneapolis through Golden Valley, Robbinsdale and Crystal to Brooklyn Park.

Residents can read the report online at www.hennepin.us/bottineauhia. Copies of the report are available at Hennepin County libraries at Brookdale, Brooklyn Park, Golden Valley, Rockford Road and Sumner.

A report that summarizes and responds to comments collected during the public review period is also available on the project website.

PLYMOUTH

City hosts competition for new street lamp banners

Plymouth is hosting a public art competition for new street lamp banners that will be displayed at Primavera and on lamp posts in the city center.

Entries for the contest, an initative of the Plymouth Arts Council and parks and recreation department, are due by 4 p.m. Feb. 20. Completed banners are due to city hall by 4 p.m. April 2.

The contest has divisions for teens, students in ninth through 12th grades, and adults. First place will be awarded a $75 prize, second place will receive $50 and third place $25. For more information, call 763-509-5200.

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