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

In the news: Upper Harbor Terminal planning committee resignations

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

December 2, 2019

Recent coverage of the seminal Upper Harbor Terminal riverfront project highlights the concerns of community members appointed to advise the large-scale Minneapolis riverfront project. Community newspaper the Northeaster not only covered the resignation of two committee members but published a letter from the committee's chair echoing their concerns: that the city is unnecessarily prioritizing real estate developers over community members. >>

Upper Harbor Terminal featured on Fox 9: 'If you build it, will Beyoncé come?'

November 19, 2019

Who will the Upper Harbor Terminal redevelopment serve? Fox 9 News recently asked that question. FMR's Colleen O'Connor Toberman was interviewed alongside community members, elected officials, and the development team. >>

FMR helps secure new public land in St. Paul

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

November 15, 2019

When development plans for a unique site on the St. Paul riverfront jeopardized public access, FMR advocated for a better plan. The Waterford Bay project at Island Station now includes new public shoreline and trails. >>

Follow Upper Harbor Terminal on Twitter

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

November 14, 2019

If you're interested in following this important mile-long redevelopment of the North Minneapolis riverfront more closely, you're in luck! FMR has a special Twitter account just to share updates about the project. >>

Word about riverfront dumpsite, Area C, starting to spread

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

November 7, 2019

From local news articles to word of mouth, Ford Motor Company's toxic waste dump on the St. Paul river floodplain, known as Area C, is gaining more attention. As community awareness grows, so does pressure on Ford and state agencies to study the dumpsite more closely to consider cleanup options. >>

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. >>