[Mpls] Roosevelt library

[John Rocker]

Steve Brandt has a good article in today’s paper about whether or not the new Roosevelt library should be part of a mixed-use development.   http://www.startribune.com/stories/462/3324554.html     The city needs to increase its density along transit routes, but what both sides of the argument appear to be missing is that the site is almost one-half mile from the light rail stop at 38th and Hiawatha -- and that is twice as far as what is considered standard “walking distance” from the station. To take advantage of light-rail, the library board and the MCDA should be looking for a mixed-use site as close as possible to 38th & Hiawatha, preferably within view of the station.  One of the justifications for the cost of light-rail is that it spurs mixed-used, transit-oriented development. A mixed-use library project is ideal within walking distance of the station, but the proposed site is too far away to take advantage of that.   John Rocker Calhoun