Update: Future of Bassett Creek Valley Redevelopment At Risk!
The residents of Harrison neighborhood and surrounding communities have been working towards the equitable redevelopment of Bassett Creek Valley for nearly 20 years. The Harrison Neighborhood Association has learned that City Staff is recommending that the City sells Linden Yards East to Hennepin County for a Commuter Train Layover Facility and the impound lot remain in the neighborhood.
A special community meeting is scheduled for 6:30 pm, Thursday, January 7th, 2010 to update the community. Representatives from the City of Minneapolis, and Ryan Companies Inc. will be present to answer resident questions.
Community has been planning the revitalization/redevelopment of Bassett Creek Valley for over a decade. The projected redevelopment of the area will create thousands of jobs, hundreds of units of housing, and bring opportunity to North Minneapolis. These plans are approved by the community, included in the approved City of Minneapolis Comprehensive Plan. Exclusive development rights have even been awarded to a developer.
The opportunity cost to the neighborhood and the City of Minneapolis is enormous. Graduate students from the University of Minnesota assembled a report that shows the opportunity cost to the City and community to be 2,800 jobs, 500 units of housing, 10%-20% increase in land value, and tens of millions is tax revenue to the benefit of the City of Minneapolis. This will also undermine the revitalization of Glenwood Avenue North, Van White Memorial Blvd, and may make Linden Yards West unmarketable resulting in more jobs, housing, and tax base opportunities being lost.
The City Staff recommendations conflict with the City approved Bassett Creek Valley Masterplan, which includes mixed-use development that will provide needed jobs, housing, and community supporting businesses. Last Fall, Ryan Companies Inc. was awarded "Exclusive Development Rights" to Linden Yards East, Linden Yards West and the Impound Lot. At the time the City Council also unanimously approved a resolution setting expectations that the community will benefit from living wage jobs, affordable housing, and business opportunities.
Ripley Gardens Showcased as a National Example of Sustainable Affordable Housing
Left to Right: Gina Ciganik, Aeon VP; Alan Arthur, Aeon President; Kelly Caffarelli, President Home Depot Foundation; Mayor R.T. Rybak
The Ripley Gardens development, located at the corner of Penn and Glenwood Avenues in the Harrison neighborhood, was recently honored by The Home Depot Foundation with the National Award of Excellence for Sustainable Community Development.
Both Aeon, the nonprofit developer of Ripley Gardens, and the City of Minneapolis were showcased in a national competition as an example of how public-private partnerships can successfully create a sustainable community.
“Many cities across the country are finding successful ways of dealing with financial, social and environmental issues through thoughtful design and land use, resulting in the construction of healthy, safe neighborhoods like Ripley Gardens,” said Kelly Caffarelli, president of The Home Depot Foundation.
The development’s 52 apartments offer a range of affordability as well as 8 home ownership opportunities. Aeon worked closely with members of the Harrison neighborhood to develop the site in a way that met the community’s needs.
“Ripley Gardens is a social, economic, and environment oasis,” said Minneapolis Council Member Don Samuels said, “The redevelopment turned a blighted corner into life and is a model for other areas in the city.”
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Parenting Oasis Every Wednesday at Harrison Community Center!
The Parenting Oasis is basically Drop-in Center for Parents with children. Parents socialize, have adult conversation, offer each other support while their children play in a safe environment. Click for more details and directions.
We are on Facebook!
Become a fan of HNA's Facebook Page. There are updates, announcements and photos from past community events. It is another great way to stay informed about your neighborhood and connect with your community.