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

Bold riverfront development plan rises in St. Paul

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

August 12, 2019

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

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

August 6, 2019

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. >>

Landslides are on the rise in Minnesota

by Irene Jones

August 6, 2019

Wetter weather has increased landslides that slough slopes into our roads and rivers, sometimes with dangerous consequences for water and life. A mapping project aims to identify risk areas so we can safeguard our slopes. >>

FMR supports protection of sacred sites at Indian Mounds Park

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

July 23, 2019

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

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

July 18, 2019

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

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

July 11, 2019

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

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

July 1, 2019

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

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

June 26, 2019

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

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

June 20, 2019

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. >>