Bold riverfront development plan rises in St. Paul
In the past, development proposals for the former county jail site in downtown St. Paul have fallen through. It's a challenging area: a bluff, railroad tracks and Shepard Road separate the river's edge from the city. But AECOM's proposed Riversedge project thinks big about how to overcome these challenges — and might ultimately deliver. >>
Northern Metals granted extension to continue polluting
Following a settlement nearly two and a half years ago, Northern Metals Recycling agreed to stop its polluting operations on the North Minneapolis riverfront by August 1, 2019. That deadline has come and gone, yet Northern Metals is still operating. >>
FMR supports protection of sacred sites at Indian Mounds Park
The discovery of additional potential burial sites at Indian Mounds Park will require rerouting trails. FMR supports the city's decision to protect sacred land while also calling for improved parks and trails elsewhere in the neighborhood. >>
My reflections on the Upper Harbor Terminal community learning table
FMR River Corridor Director Colleen O'Connor Toberman recently attended the first Upper Harbor Terminal community learning table. Community members brought many concerns and ideas about this important and large-scale riverfront development in north Minneapolis (shown filling in with plant-life above). Now the question is how city leaders will respond. >>
Public meetings scheduled for lock and dam disposition study
The Army Corps has scheduled public meetings for August 13 and 19 to discuss the upcoming disposition study for the Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam. Should it continue to operate? Who should own it? >>
FMR opposes proposed riverfront parking ramp
FMR has submitted a letter of opposition to the 800-stall parking ramp the Federal Reserve Bank has proposed along West River Parkway in the North Loop neighborhood of Minneapolis. >>
Proposed Lilydale bluff development raises concerns
Lilydale is considering a plan that would turn the site of the old Moose Country bar and River Bluffs Center into senior housing. But the new development would be too close to the river bluff's edge and too tall to maintain a scenic river view. >>
Update: Lilydale River Bluffs plan to go before council soon
We're happy to report that the concept plans for a senior development in Lilydale (original article) have been revised to better protect the river bluff as well as scenic views. As the city council moves to vote June 25, we're advocating for several conditions to address stormwater management and more. >>
How does FMR evaluate development plans?
Behind the scenes, FMR often meets with developers, stakeholders and government officials to shape development proposals like this one at Water Street next to Harriet Island in St. Paul's West Side neighborhood. (Image by DJR Architecture and Reuter Walton Development)
How does FMR evaluate and advocate for sensitive riverfront development, and what's our take on specific proposals being considered right now? This article gives you a glimpse behind the scenes of our River Corridor program's work. >>
Riverfront regional park plan roundup
FMR has been participating in the master planning processes for Above the Falls, Mississippi Gorge and Hidden Falls Crosby Farm regional parks in Minneapolis and St. Paul. Here's a roundup of the draft plans, FMR's comments on these plans and opportunities for future public participation. >>