Bruce Gaarder wrote: > There was an article about the possibility of Allina relocating to the Midway area of Saint Paul in the Pioneer Press this week. > > From the comments, I gather that it was as an alternative to the Sears site. > > Should fuel those opposed to the I-35 project.
David Piehl adds: Here is the link to the pipress article: http://www.twincities.com/mld/twincities/news/6893128.htm David Brauer added: Strib's Neal St. Anthony indicates the decision is between 3 sites,including Sears, and that no decision has been made. http://www.startribune.com/stories/535/4130938.html David Piehl comments: While I find this to be a very suspiciously timed issue, I think it demonstrates the importance of neighborhoods not paying "a pound of flesh" just because some corporate concern claims they need it. Clearly, Allina is not committed to keep their corporate offices in the neighborhood, so why should the neighborhood spend nearly $200 million to add ramps, widen Lake St to 8 lanes, tear out housing, displace businesses, etc. I'm glad that the Excess Project is still reversable, but it's too bad that the public has already spent well beyond $2 million studying it. The circumstances of this story are striking: Allina was critisized by the Attorney General for paying too much to consultants - yet partially due to Allina's request, Hennepin county has spent well over $2 million (largely federal money, I believe) on consultants. Interestingly, many of the folks involved have worked for met transit (including a former Allina employee and a Smith Parker consultant), and the St Paul scenario involves obtaining met transit land, and met transit buying land somewhere else. It smells like.... On the other hand, Tim Pawlenty supported the Access Project in part because "Allina needed it". If the Republicans get Allina in St Paul, will Pawlenty's support for the Access Project evaporate? David Piehl Central __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? The New Yahoo! Shopping - with improved product search http://shopping.yahoo.com REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
