The future of Dinkytown will be the subject of a public forum on September 9, a meeting convened by those creating a small-area plan for the unique four-block business district adjacent to the University of Minnesota.
Minneapolis city planner Haila R. Maze announced the meeting in an email to the community just days after a developer proposed a new mixed-use building on Fourth Street Southeast, Dinkytown’s main street.
The meeting will begin with a 6 p.m. reception followed by a 6:30 p.m. presentation and open house in the Varsity Theater. The Dinkytown Business Association will host the meeting featuring Maze and City Council Member Diane Hofstede.
Doran Companies has proposed a six-story, 70-unit apartment building with ground-level retail on Fourth Street between 13th and 14th Avenues, the Star Tribune reports.
This project would fit on the south half of the block on which Opus Development has begun construction of a larger six-story mixed-use development along Fifth Street, taking land that housed the House of Hanson, Duffy’s Pizza, and parking lots.
Some community and business leaders have proposed a moratorium on development in Dinkytown at least until the plan is completed.
“The Dinkytown area has been experiencing a great deal of change and transition,” Maze said. “This has raised a number of important questions regarding the future of the area, and how important issues are being handled—including everything from community character to parking availability.”
The meeting will provide an update on the planning process and seek public input on land use and development; parking and transportation; market conditions and trends; and preservation, design, and community character, Maze said.
Hofstede, who is in a close re-election race, had proposed a delay of the Opus Development until the small-area plan is completed.
Read our complete coverage of development in Dinkytown.
Coverage of issues and events affecting Central Corridor communities is funded in part by a grant from the Central Corridor Funders Collaborative.
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