Land Use & Planning

As more cities move to embrace the river and capitalize on its exceptional value, FMR works within metro river communities to advocate for public access, equity, environmental sustainability, and community enjoyment of the river.

Here are the park plans and developments that our river corridor team has its eye on. Learn more about the program, how we evaluate development plans and all the places we work.

Development and land use updates are also shared on social (Facebook and Twitter) and in FMR's Mississippi Messages newsletter.

Join us! Sign up to be a River Guardian to receive email action alerts when we need your help the most, plus invitations to educational happy hours and other events.

POSTS

Why Upper Harbor Terminal matters

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

October 21, 2019

FMR continues to work with neighbors, community partners, and Minneapolis leaders around the redevelopment of Upper Harbor Terminal (UHT), and we continue to raise concerns with the city's concept plan. This is a natural outgrowth of our history in the area and our vision for a river for all. But we're often asked why we're so committed to and involved in the future of this particular site. Here's why UHT matters and what you can do. >>

St. Paul solicits new development for RiverCentre Ramp site

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

October 8, 2019

The city of St. Paul is struggling to repair or replace its crumbling riverfront parking ramp. The city's new approach seeks a private development partner to add buildings alongside or on top of the ramp. >>

Why Minnehaha Academy's new building blends in with the Mississippi Gorge

by Irene Jones

October 2, 2019

It's not often that a heated community debate about development along the Mississippi River Gorge leads to a building that fits well into this picturesque landscape, but the new addition to Minnehaha Academy does just that. It fits in so well that it's actually hard to see the new building from the parkway! This success story shows how river development can blend in with its surroundings, why it should, and why your voice is crucial in the process. >>

Northern Metals shuts down ... finally

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

October 2, 2019

It may have taken years, but Northern Metals has finally shut down its polluting riverfront metal shredder. Even so, North and Northeast Minneapolis residents aren't seeing any reparations for the continued environmental and health damage. >>

Spring Lake regional park master plan open house Oct. 14

by Irene Jones

October 1, 2019

What's next for this special place on our great river? You can help decide. >>

Good news, bad news in the fight to stop invasive carp (2019)

by Irene Jones

September 26, 2019

A new deterrent system installed 50 miles north of our border with Iowa is a promising effort to stop invasive carp in Minnesota. But a dozen invasive carp were found in the Mississippi and St. Croix rivers this year, further evidence that these destructive fish are growing in numbers in our state. Can we stop them before it's too late? >>

'Once key to industry and transportation, Mississippi River poised for makeover in Minneapolis'

September 16, 2019

The riverfront north of St. Anthony Falls in Minneapolis is changing rapidly. In this Star Tribune feature, Janet Moore quickly covers this transformation through a transportation lens. It’s an excellent overview, and curious readers can learn more about this story here. >>

Locks and dam meetings draw a crowd

by Irene Jones

September 14, 2019

The Army Corps of Engineers is currently considering options to repurpose or maintain the Upper St. Anthony lock. A second part of this same study, beginning next year, will look at removing Lower St. Anthony Falls and the Ford dam. Over 100 people went to the first public input meetings about this study, including us. Missed them? Learn what we learned and weigh in with written comments by October 20. >>

What's it like to walk to the river in North Minneapolis?

by Alicia Uzarek

September 14, 2019

What's it like to walk to the river in Minneapolis? "Inspiring," "harsh" and "beautiful" were all words that neighbors used as we laced up our walking shoes and headed to the river on a warm fall evening. Check out the photos and step-by-step videos to experience what it's like to walk from the North Minneapolis residential area over Dowling and the interstate to Upper Harbor Terminal and the river! >>