T H E M I N N E A P O L I S O B S E R V E R A Weekly Digest of All Things Minneapolitan www.mplsobserver.com Vol. 2, No. 10 October 14, 2002
This is a preview issue of The Observer. To see a sample copy of this e-weekly, visit www.mplsobserver.com and consider subscribing ($12/yr.). Thanks. ********************************************************** THIS WEEK IN THE OBSERVER: * Art Institute Expansion Irks Some Neighbors * U.S.A. Still OK, Says Man Wrongly Tied to Terrorists * New U Medical School Dean No Diva * Carlson School Gets High Marks * Cornel West to Speak at Pilot City Conference Plus: Syl Jones, C.J. and the vast African American conspiracy, Paul Wellstone's dwindling political base, a city girl goes country, and Time-Warner's cable grab. ************************************************************ ART INSTITUTE EXPANSION IRKS SOME NEIGHBORS Critics of the proposed Minneapolis Institute of Arts expansion are charging that the city is ignoring its own comprehensive plan in approving the project. The 65-foot-high, 117,000-square-foot addition will cut into on-street parking, block out the morning sun for nearby residents, and lead to increased museum traffic, reports Scott Russell in the Southwest Journal (www.swjournal.com). And though the $50 million project apparently violates no specific zoning codes, some critics believe it flies in the face of the city's long-term vision, which calls for such projects to "occur in a manner most compatible with the surrounding area." "The city has defined clear directives regarding the growth of major institutions, and has established definitive objectives to buffer residential properties," says Paul Smith, a city zoning inspector who lives across the street from the proposed expansion. "[The Institute] has decided to present a plan that is the antithesis of the city's Comprehensive Plan." But Planning Commission Chair Judith Martin argues that the proposed project does not violate the plan, which she says relates more to institutions like the University of Minnesota than the Institute of Arts. "Minneapolis, like any other city, if it is going to succeed, has got to change," she says. "The changes are going to come in many and complex ways. Not everybody is going to be happy with every change they see. That is the reality of life in the city." The Zoning and Planning Committee earlier this month delayed action on an appeal by critics of the project, hoping that the museum and nearby residents could reach a compromise. The committee will take up the matter again on October 29. U.S.A. IS STILL OK, SAYS BUSINESSMAN ERRONEOUSLY TIED TO TERRORISTS The West Bank businessman whose money-transferring company was shut down by the federal government in the wake of 9/11 is just now getting back on his feet--and remains a big fan of America. NO DIVA HERE The University of Minnesota Medical School's new dean, Dr. Deborah Powell, is one of only nine women to hold that position at the nation's 125 medical schools. ********************************************************** The Minneapolis Observer is published 48 times/year by Independent Media, L.L.C. �2002 Independent Media, 4152 Snelling Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55406; www.mplsobserver.com. No part of this publication may be reprinted without the permission of Independent Media. Subscriptions: $12/yr. To unsubscribe, send us an e-mail ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) and we'll get you off the list and refund the unused portion of your subscription. Editor: Craig Cox Deputy Assistant Senior Executive Editor: Sharon Parker Contributing writers: Chris Dodge, Leo Mezzrow Online technical assistance: Christopher Pollard Equine consultant and correspondent: Nora Cox Perspective: Martin Cox Thanks to: Janet Gendler, Erik Nelson, and Biff Robillard ******************************************************* Fight media consolidation! Support the independent press! Pick up your neighborhood newspaper! ******************************************************* _______________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
