Repeatedly, land use issues come to the fore on our West Broadway and throughout Mpls. Repeatedly, City government's proposed disposal of our public land does not have much foresight; nor provide much public good. A proposed development on West Broadway, as reported below, can only proceed if the City provides key parcels of public land to a Church/Developer. Substantial government bucks will also be required.
I attended a meeting today where a City spokeswoman reported current details of a proposed housing development initiative at Logan/West Broadway, in Jordan neighborhood. It was reported that the Thibideaux's and their Church 'Holding Forth the Word' , had further evolved their housing proposal. The proposed site includes a number of Church held lots (private land) interspersed with lots held by the City (public land). As reported, sadly, the proposal is for all rental housing; 59(?) units!! No ownership opportunities will be offered. Apparently the numbers won't work in a scenario where even ONE ownership opportunity is created in this huge development. As reported, It would be a mixed income development with numerous subsidized-rent units built, and much government money received. Jackson-Scott-Jackson is still the architect; I am not sure if they are CO-developer or not, etc. A developer should always be able to build a development when all regulations are met. I wave the "caution" flag here where public land and public money are used at cross purpose to public interest. I have heard clearly at neighborhood meetings in Jordan that ownership/stakeholder opportunities need subsidy and support in that neighborhood. I have also heard, there, that the mix of housing should be weighted toward market rate development as the neighborhood is swamped with low income renters. The neighborhoods goal is not callous or cold hearted; it is in favor of diversity. In this case, the need to raise the income level of housing is an inverse proportion to the need to add low income housing to so-called fortress neighborhoods elsewhere in the City. Neighborhoods like the one the Mayor lives in. Public land is the public wealth and is held for the public good. I agree with the neighborhood stakeholders goals. I suggest to all readers of this message who are of like mind, tell your City government not to dispose of land held for the public good in this way. We need to add housing density to our Mainstreet, West Broadway, but subsidy should go to owner/occupant development, not low income rental. You may call or E-mail Erik Hansen and Mike Christensen of (Mpls)CPED. Please copy your message to our Northside Council Members and the Mayor. Please hurry as the City is ready to roll on this one, NOW. Keith Reitman NearNorth REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
