Midtown Farmers Market, transit-oriented development dominate discussion of site redevelopment at Corcoran Land Use and Housing meeting

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The future of the 6.5 acre parcel of land at the corner of Lake Street and 22nd Avenue was once again up for discussion at the Corcoran Neighborhood Organization’s Land Use and Housing meeting on April 3.  Despite the snowstorm, community members and county representatives filled the room and voiced their visions and concerns for the land. A  private development company, L&H Station Development, hopes to purchase the land, which is currently owned by Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS.)  The future of the Midtown Farmer’s Market was a big concern for many of the community members in attendance.  The rendering that L&H developer Jack Boarman presented showed a new permanent location for the market on the east side of the property, but a little further back from Lake Street than it is now.  Miguel Goebel, the manager of the market, voiced his concern that this would create reduced visibility and attract fewer customers.The planned housing developments were another topic of discussion among community members.  Many people wanted to ensure that there would be affordable housing available to people in the community, so that the spaces would not invite gentrification.  Boarman explained that of the roughly 450 housing units the new property would include, many would be specifically designed affordable family or senior housing.  He also plans to keep rent low by offering many one-bedroom apartments that are under 700 square feet, with the rest being leased at market price.Attendees also heard from MPS Chief Operating Officer Robert Doty, who made clear that the successful relocation of the services housed in the school building on the site is the top priority for MPS when considering the sale. These include Adult Basic Education and Transition Plus programs, He said that MPS is considering different options, including relocation or staying on the property in a new building, but it is certain that those services will continue to exist for the community.Newly elected Ninth Ward City Councilmember Alondra Cano spoke briefly at the meeting.  “I wanted to talk about this project as an issue of equity,” Cano said.  She emphasized the importance of input from citizens when considering the future of their community, because, “If we don’t do it, someone else will do it for us.”Boarman spoke for a good portion of the meeting about what the L&H developers envision the site becoming. Continue Reading

Video: ‘Board up banks, not our home’

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Occupy Homes along with members of the community placed large wooden boards over the doors at the Minneapolis Police Department and the City Attorneys office, giving them a taste of what’s been happening to folks going through foreclosure. Over the past two weeks the Minneapolis Police Department has come down hard on people who are reclaiming vacant homes. Those arrested weren’t given a chance to depart the premises, as has been the case for others in this situation. Protestors want to know what’s behind the more aggressive law enforcement stance recently and how come no bankers have been arrested or prosecuted for leaving communities in shambles. Continue Reading

Transit-oriented development at Lake and Hiawatha on the table at April 3 meeting

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Can Minneapolis finally pull off a high-quality transit-oriented development (TOD) project? Yes, with a little luck, a lot of disparate interests coming to a common agreement, and likely some creative financing. Development plans at the Midtown Farmers Market site in Minneapolis appear to be revived. Included in the multi-phase plan are housing, offices, retail, and perhaps most importantly, a public square that will serve as home for the Midtown Farmers Market. However, the plan is more complicated than ever, so getting this built won’t be easy. This Thursday, April 3 at 6PM the Corcoran Neighborhood Organization will host a meeting so the public can find out more about the plan. It is important to show your support for good urban design and transit oriented development. Check out the plan below. Continue Reading

Tax bill 2014: Part two

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Ten days ago, Governor Dayton signed into law the first tax act of 2014, which focused largely—but not exclusively—on time-sensitive items which needed to be enacted quickly. That act disposed of about half of the projected FY 2014-15 budget reserve through tax reductions and budget reserve increases. Now a second tax bill is working its way through the legislature. Last week the House Tax Committee passed its second tax bill of the 2014 session, which now awaits action by another committee before going to the House floor for passage. Some of the provisions of the second House tax bill (as of March 31) are outlined below. Continue Reading

Will luxury work on West Broadway? Developer Tim Baylor thinks so

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It impressed even the people who opposed tearing down the last remaining concentrated blocks of old buildings on West Broadway to make it happen—though they said, “pick different blocks.” Tim Baylor’s proposed “Satori” project would bring 234 luxury apartments, office space, and retail that would serve the new residents and the community, to the 800, 900, and 1000 blocks of West Broadway’s south side. That’s from Cub, to Emerson Avenue.

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In favor of the Southwest moratorium

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Call me inconsistent, but I’m conflicted regarding the Southwest Moratorium. Considering my previous positions and ideology, it seems hypocritical to support a freeze on all new construction permits in the five neighborhoods that Linea Palmisano represents. I had an uneasiness with my immediate supportive reaction after news of the moratorium broke, especially since so many of my density-minded peers quickly denounced it. In the recent past I have written to representatives and officials to voice support for the demolition of a historic home and to grant variances and special permits in order to build an over-sized structure in a congested corridor. Why, then, does a building boom in a largely single-family part of the city make me so agitated? Continue Reading