There are 3 million square feet of under-developed space at the former Sears
site. This seems a good place for a hotel. Plans to build 3000 parking spots
between two ramps in two phases at the site have already been before City
Council. Phase 1 was near groundbreaking when the development stalled. I
believe Allina is seeking a way to develop a similar project on the site,
separate from the building development, to accomodate the increased cars
related to I-35W expansion. With all this parking and its proximity to the
Allina campus, this makes the Sears site ideal for a hotel. It seems
compatible with mixed-use plans. We need to develop here with care. Add this
to the 2000-car ramp currently proposed at Wells Fargoe (Honeywell) and, as I
said in the Green Institute's Jan. 2000 newsletter, "my neighborhood is
developing all the charm of a mall parking lot".
I think Basim Sabri's offer of affordable rental units is right on! WE ARE
IN AN AFFORDABLE HOUSING CRISIS! That site needs to add housing. I suggest a
development with mixed-income housing. Affordable rental; mid-rage rental
(dare I suggest upper-range rental?); and affordable ownership opportunities
need to be part of that development. Add street level commercial with some
self-owned "condo" shops so that owner/proprietors could build wealth as the
area develops. This would support the small business-incubator that Basim S.
owns and developed at 301 E. Lake. Successful entrepreneurs will need larger
spaces and more opportunities.
Basim Sabri, I love what you have done at 301 East Lake! I see it from my
porch. I lived here when it was half a "sauna" and half a porn headquarters.
It sat vacant and boarded, stalled in development for years. I once looked to
develop it myself, but it was out of my league. YOU made it go. Thank you.
Please use your talent, energy and resources to help build a beautiful
city.You can do it, you're a PRO!
Thank you everyone for a terrific 8th Ward Convention. It was a GAS! Special
thanks to Mattea LS; Rep. Walker; David F; and Dennis, you guys rock! I went
from 0 to 4.1% which is a lot harder than going from 50 to 51%.
I am having an Open House/Renovation in Progress at 2916 3rd Ave So. on Wed.
3/21 from 5 to 6:30.
More later!
Robert Lilligren
8th Ward Candidate for City Council
Phillips West
www.VoteRobert.com
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