MINNEAPOLIS - The city of Minneapolis is considering the redevelopment of a surface parking lot near 50th and France at the Edina border, in order to potentially convert the site into a housing development with affordable units.
The concept closely follows the ideals outlined in the Minneapolis 2040 plan, which calls for more density and more affordable housing.
This particular idea for the parking lot redevelopment remains in the preliminary stages, though city staff and Council Member Linea Palmisano's office met with the community last week as they eye a request for proposal (RFP) to find a developer. According to city documents, "affordable ownership or rental residential development" is a priority for the site, particularly because it's located in a higher-income section of Minneapolis.
The city appears open to preserving some of the parking, but the overall concept was met with some significant backlash from neighbors and store owners, who say the loss of the free Ewing Municipal Parking Lot a block away from the prime shopping district could have a devastating impact. Parking is already a main concern in the busy 50th and France district.
"We know we would lose business," said Michael Hagie, who owns a gift shop named Gather. "My customers rely on that parking lot and ease of access of that parking lot."
Hagie said another housing development in the area would generally overcrowd both Minneapolis and Edina. At last week's meeting, however, some proponents of the project argued the affordable units included in the development could boost diversity in the area — and lend itself to a strategy of "scattering" affordable housing so it's not all packed into one section of Minneapolis.
"The city of Minneapolis does has a shortage of affordable housing. We know that," Hagie said. "However, I believe the market should take care of that on its own."
Before the city chooses a developer or makes a decision, it plans to hold many more meetings with the community.