North briefs

Housing study group deadline is Friday The deadline for applying for Brooklyn Park's housing study group is Friday. The city is looking for interested residents and community leaders to apply for the group, which will study affordable housing, housing density and desired locations for these types of housing.

The group will meet six to eight times between March and August. Brooklyn Park residents will be given preference, but the Economic Development Authority, which will appoint 18 people to the group, wants to hear from local organizations and business and faith officials.

The City Council halted all high-density residential development for a year after residents expressed concern about a proposed apartment complex at Hwy. 610 and Noble Parkway. For more information or to get an application, contact Kim Berggren at kimberly.berggren@brooklynpark.org or 763-493-8050.

Information meeting on affordable homes Through a program sponsored by New Hope, Brooklyn Park, Maple Grove and Robbinsdale, the Northwest Community Revitalization Corp. (NCRC) is holding a class for moderate-income families to learn more about affordable homes for sale in those communities.

NCRC helps families that are below a specified income level find affordable homes and the money to purchase them. The organization also has programs for families who cannot meet their mortgage payment.

The meeting will be held on Jan. 17 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Brooklyn Park City Hall, 5200 85th Ave. N. For more information, call 763-533-5114 or visit www.northwestcrc.org.

Bus routes added after bridge collapse Route 118 begins on Jan. 22 and will provide service between the Columbia Heights Transit Center and the University of Minnesota. There will be five morning and six afternoon weekday trips.

Route 241 runs between the 250-space Park & Ride at Interstate 35W and Industrial Boulevard and downtown Minneapolis. There are nine morning and nine afternoon limited-stop weekday trips.

For more information, go to metrotransit.org or call the 24-hour TransitLine at 612-341-4287.

Rugby Club beings ninth season Thursday The North Suburban Rugby Club will kick off its ninth season with its Back to Rugby meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday.

High school boys of all sizes and abilities between the ages of 13 and 18 are invited to attend the meeting at Mounds View High School, 1900 Valentine Lake Road in Arden Hills. No experience is necessary, and players from any high school are welcome.

For more information, e-mail mvrccoach@hotmail.com.

Trees, shrubs and leaves that are free of ornaments, wires and other decorations will be accepted. Proof of residency in Ramsey County is required.

The compost sites that will be open are Frank and Sims, 1150 Sims Av. in St. Paul; Midway, 2013 Pierce Butler Route in St. Paul, and White Bear Township, 5800 Sherwood Road. Hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Call 651-266-1155 for more information.