Minneapolis Planning Commission Faces Community Opposition Over Hennepin Healthcare Parking Garage Proposal

Overview: During the recent Minneapolis Planning Commission meeting, discussions were dominated by a proposal for a new parking garage intended to serve Hennepin Healthcare. The proposed six-story structure, set to replace an existing garage on South 9th Street, faced strong community opposition. Residents expressed concerns about the lack of prior engagement and the potential negative impact on neighborhood character. The meeting also covered various other developments, including a proposed 15-unit condominium building on 44th Street West and its associated variance requests.

Wayzata School Board Discusses Middle School Structure and Approves $5. 5M Bond Proposal

Overview: The Wayzata School Board meeting on March 10, 2025, was marked by discussions on middle school team structures and the approval of a $5.5 million bond proposal for West Middle School renovations. Concerns about the current middle school model and a resolution to issue bonds for classroom expansion dominated the meeting, highlighting ongoing efforts to enhance student engagement and accommodate district growth.

Minneapolis City Council Committee Faces Community Pushback Over Franklin Avenue Reconstruction

Overview: At the recent meeting of the Minneapolis City Council’s Climate and Infrastructure Committee, attention was devoted to the Franklin Avenue Reconstruction Project. The project has sparked considerable debate, particularly concerning the removal of a left-turn lane and the financial assessments levied on local businesses and residents. In addition to Franklin Avenue, the committee approved assessments for the Pennhurst Residential Street Resurfacing Project, and a rejected stormwater charge credit application for Lakewood Cemetery Association was added to the consent agenda.

Minneapolis Zoning Board Faces Criticism Over Uniform Variance Fees and Short Meetings

Overview: During the March 6, 2025, Minneapolis Zoning Board meeting, a point of discussion was the criticism of uniform fees for variance appeals, particularly how they impact property owners with lower-valued homes. One individual highlighted the inequity of charging the same $600 fee for a variance appeal on a house valued at $160,000 as for a property worth several million dollars. They argued that such uniform fees disproportionately burden owners of lower-valued homes and suggested that the system should be more equitable. This concern was recorded for the public record, and the call for a more respectful appeal process resonated throughout the meeting.

Minneapolis Committee Advances Community Safety Initiatives, Integrates Social Workers into Emergency Response

Overview: The Minneapolis City Council’s Public Health and Safety Committee meeting on March 5, 2025, addressed community safety initiatives, including integrating social workers into emergency response systems, enhancing juveniles’ access to diversion programs, and piloting a new approach to handling non-injury traffic collisions. These discussions reflected ongoing efforts to create a more responsive and collaborative safety ecosystem in the city.