Land Use & Planning

Help shape beloved riverfront parks: Mississippi Gorge and Hidden Falls, Crosby Farm

by Irene Jones

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January 7, 2019

Master plans for three treasured regional parks in the heart of the urban Twin Cities are getting updated this year — the Mississippi Gorge Regional Park in Minneapolis, Hidden Falls Regional Park and Crosby Farm Regional Park in St. Paul. In late January and early February, community members will have an opportunity to see the plans and to weigh in. >>

Lake Street Bridge from the Mississippi Gorge

FMR River Guardians are now 2,000 strong!

by Alicia Uzarek

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November 18, 2018

Through our River Guardians program, over 2,000 people have spoken with one voice to protect, enhance and restore the Mississippi River and its watershed. >>

River Guardians at the 2018 Legislative Session Wrap-up Happy Hour.

There's still time to weigh in on local river planning

by Irene Jones

article

November 13, 2018

Several Twin Cities communities have completed their draft plans for land use and development along their local riverfront, but a number are still seeking public comments in the coming months. Find out where your your community stands. >>

View of the High Bridge from Cherokee Park in St. Paul

Mpls. Park Board & Graco near settlement over East Bank Trail

by Alicia Uzarek

article

October 10, 2018

The Minneapolis Park Board and Graco Inc. are nearing a settlement on a long-time lawsuit over the East Bank Trail between Graco and the Mississippi River near Hall's Island. >>

A map showing the former Scherer Brothers site and the parcel Graco may purchase from the park board.

New development could radically change downtown St. Paul's riverfront

by Whitney Clark

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October 8, 2018

Massive new skyscrapers towering over the St. Paul riverfront are again on the table. The Ramsey County Board is considering three competing redevelopment proposals for the site formerly occupied by the county jail and West Publishing buildings. >>

St. Paul riverfront development proposal rendering

River Heights Park saved, restoration begins!

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September 19, 2018

After hearing from dozens of community members (including many FMR River Guardians), the Inver Grove Heights city council unanimously voted to save River Heights Park on Monday, May 14.

The council had been considering carving up and selling the 7.5-acre undeveloped natural area as three 2.5-acre lots for housing developers. Instead, the city, FMR and neighbors are going to work together to make the park more accessible — adding a park sign and bench, with details to be determined — while keeping it a natural area and restoring important bird habitat. >>

Residents and River Guardians helped save this park!

Several metro cities want to hear from residents about their riverfront

by Irene Jones

article

September 6, 2018

As summer turns to fall, Twin Cities communities throughout the metro are moving fast to wrap up their draft plans for land use and development along their local riverfront.

Hastings and St. Paul Park — two cities with an abundance of high quality riverine habitat — are accepting comments through the end of November and December, respectively. Several other cities want public comments submitted before the end of September. >>