CM Herron, I am forwarding a post of mine from the Mpls. Issues forum. In it I outline a feasible alternative to a hotel at this critical gateway to the region and offer an alternative which will truly reflect the surrounding community. I think it's a win/win solution. I discuss it below. 1. Relocate the hotel to the Sears site. Perhaps the Sears site could be developed in pieces. Maybe several developers could own it in Assoc., minimizing their risks and increasing the likelihood of project completion. My guess is that this is possible and now, while the project is being parceled out (ie. Allina's ramp), is the time to determine this. This program could allow entrepreneurs who have reached this level of success an opportunity to grow. Not all the developers would need to be at the table from the start, but could be phased in. I suggest Phase 1 would be DDS/Hotel/Transportation (mass-trans.;cars; bikes; ped; wheelchairs;etc). Maybe this is a way to jump-start development there. 2. Mixed-income Housing/Retail at Lake Street & 2nd Avenue. Nobody knows more than you how important it is for us to build housing at every opportunity. This project would create mixed-income housing and density. More importantly, it is the chance to figure out how to make affordable housing development attractive to a private developer, which is a critical step to solving the housing crisis. This project could pilot others. Please use this important opportunity. At the 8th Ward Convention on Sat., when you asked for my help on finding affordable housing solutions I was honored. I am offering my help. If the 8th Ward office will coordinate and participate, I will sit down at the table with all interested parties to plan and build mixed-income housing with street level retail/commercial on the 3000 block of 2nd Ave. I am already part of this discussion. I attended two Artspace/Artist Housing group meetings in Central in the spring and summer of '99. Congratulations on the 8th Ward Convention, CM. It looks like we are off to the good start of a clean race, and that's what's most important to the Ward. I hope we can work together and help build a beautiful city. Yours, Robert Lilligren 8th Ward Candidate www.VoteRobert.com
