2. Free Store: It is difficult to comprehend why anyone would object to >this, given the creation of multiple affordable units and the revitalization >of under-used, low-density land. ><snip> > >Tom Donaldson >Ventura Village
It is not that I object to relocating the free store for revitalization or gentrification of the area. What I object to is the loss of a needed service to many people in the community. Supposedly it closes after business today, with uncertain plans for the future. I am with the American Indian Housing & Community Development Corporation which is developing that area with affordable housing. We offered to build a new building for the Free Store on the same block where they currently are located and a high-powered person in the community agreed to raise the funds for a mortgage-free building. The Free Store board declined the offers and has chosen to go to 24th and Bloomington where they are running into another development group attempting to build housing there. Some of the people are far less accomodating and actually see the Free Store as a threat to their development. This is really sad, because the Free Store is so vital to the growth of a low income community into a more healthy one. They don't have to move their operations until we are actually ready to begin demolition and asbestos removal prior to construction on the site. Robert Albee Special Project Coordinator/Neighborhood Liaison AIHCDC 2020 Bloomington Avenue South Minneapolis, MN 55404 612/813-1610 _______________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
