After using “guerilla gardening” tactics to plant fruits and vegetables on a small patch of land at the corner of Como Avenue Southeast and 22nd Avenue Southeast for over 20 years, neighborhood representatives are close to formalizing their ownership of the plot.

The Como Corner community garden will change hands this week when South East Como Improvement Association members sign a lease with the BNSF Railway Company.

SECIA neighborhood coordinator Ricardo McCurley said the organization owes BNSF $1 a year for the land, but the railway company told them not to pay it — it costs more than $1 to process a check.

City puts the brakes on Como speed bump 

The city of Minneapolis denied a request to add a speed bump to Como Avenue Southeast at 12th Avenue Southeast.

Residents called the intersection a safety hazard, especially when children cross the street to get to the Project for Pride in Living apartments near Van Cleve Park.

McCurley said SECIA is “re-evaluating Como as a pedestrian street” and has been in talks with City Council about making it safer.

SECIA seeks PPL appointee

SECIA is looking for a PPL resident to serve a one-year term on its Executive Board, McCurley said.

The neighborhood organization has been attempting to strengthen its relationship with PPL’s largely Somali population since the apartment complex was first built, he said in an earlier interview.

The next PPL Resident Council meeting is Friday, June 21 at 6:45 p.m. at 919 12th Avenue Southeast. Meetings are open to the public.