Crown Hydro

Updated on 10/09/2013

The latest news on the Crown Hydro project proposed for Mill Ruins Park on the Downtown Minneapolis Riverfront (documents in reverse chronological order):

Click to read more ...

Mill City Update for the Week of August 26, 2013

"While the spirit of neighborliness was important on the frontier because neighbors were so few, it is even more important now because our neighbors are so many."
-- Lady Bird Johnson

LETTER TO THE EDITOR - PRESERVE GOLD MEDAL PARK
As the only park and significant greenspace in the Downtown East/Mill District Neighborhood, finding a permanent solution to preserve Gold Medal Park is a key issue.  The DFL endorsed candidate for the 3rd Ward City Council seat weighs in.
http://millcitytimes.com/news/letter-to-the-editor-gold-medal-park-should-be-preserved.html

DOWNTOWN SCHOOL SURVEY
Efforts are underway to to build a public school in Downtown Minneapolis. With a goal of doubling the number of people living Downtown, combined with the surge of young families moving in, the time for Minneapolis to act might be near. 
http://millcitytimes.com/news/a-school-downtown-the-time-is-right.html

RUNNIN' WITH THE LAW AT FATHER HENNEPIN PARK [Video]
Kids, dogs, horses and McGruff the Crime Dog.  Does it get any better? Not for the kids attending the event on the East Bank of the Central Minneapolis Riverfront.
http://millcitytimes.com/news/runnin-with-the-law-5k-2013-at-father-hennepin-bluffs-park.html

A STROLL THROUGH GOLD MEDAL PARK [Video]
A trip to Izzy's Ice Cream and a stroll through the park last Wednesday.
http://millcitytimes.com/news/a-stroll-through-gold-medal-park.html

STONEBRIDGE TOPS OUT A 12 STORIES
The only condo building under construction topped out, and held a celebration last week.  The Star Trib initially reported, incorrectly, StoneBridge having 264 units (they've since updated the article). Per the developers website, the correct figure is 164.
http://www.startribune.com/blogs/220802481.html

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

CROWN HYDRO DEALT KNOCKOUT PUNCH BY MPRB?
Only FERC can stop the project, but John Erwin, Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board President, made the case in a letter sent to FERC outlining why they feel they should terminate the Crown Hydro license, rather than amend it as requested.  It's hard to find fault with the MPRB argument.

My interpretation of the letter:  Everything has changed from the original license.  Every.  Single.  Thing.  Well, except for the fact that it would still be located somewhere on the Mississippi River.  The existing Crown Hydro license should be terminated and they should go through the process to apply for a new one.  Starting over would kill the project.

Read the letter, decide for yourself:
https://app.box.com/shared/static/iwoxfixd9vjzx1wlq3os.pdf

View recent project history here:
http://millcitytimes.com/community/crown-hydro.html

THE WEEK AHEAD
Get the highlights for the week of August 26, 2013:
http://millcitytimes.com/news/the-week-ahead-in-mill-city.html

STAY UP TO DATE
News from the Central Riverfront Neighborhoods of Minneapolis:
http://Facebook.com/MillCityTimes

*Note: The next meeting of the Mill District Neighborhood Association is Monday, September 16 at the Mill City Museum.

Mill District Neighborhood Association Meeting - Agenda April 15, 2013

MILL DISTRICT NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION APRIL MEETING

WHEN - Monday, April 15, 2013 / 6:30 – 8:00 PM

WHERE - Mill City Museum
6th Floor ADM Conference Room

Enter at 710 2nd Street South - Arrive early to assure a seat

AGENDA

6:30 / Introductions

6:35 / StoneBridge Lofts Introduction - Luke Kleckner, Builder Representative

6:50 / Izzy's Ice Cream Update - Jeff Sommers, Owner

7:10 / Anita Tabb, MPRB Commissioner

7:25 / "East Side/West Side" Chelle Stoner, Central Riverfront Resident

A Social event for Central Riverfront residents from both sides of the river to connect, get to know each other, and informally celebrate the environment we share.

7:35 / Neighborhood Safety & Prevention Committee Update - Ken Searl

7:40 / HOA Board Best Practices Committee - Laurie Jones

8:00 / Adjournment

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COMMITTEE MEETING

8:05 / Ken Searl, Neighborhood Safety & Prevention Committee

1) Initial concept: communication tool, goal: preventative actions to promote safety in neighborhood

2) Current concept: potential 3 tiered approach, structure (today, future)

3) MPD involvement, resources

4) DID involvement, resources

5) Questions, comments

6) Next steps (walk before we run), Objectives, Timelines

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Follow-Up / Mill District Neighborhood Association Meeting - Agenda March 18, 2013

Video of, and documents related to the March MDNA meeting (DEEP stands for Downtown East/Elliot Park):

VIDEO - "After the Vikings Stadium - Opportunity Sites for Development in Downtown East and Elliot Park" (best viewed in full screen mode):

DEEP 2100

DEEP: The Imperative

DEEP: The Opportunity Part One

DEEP: The Opportunity Part Two

POSITION STATEMENT (2011)

The Medtrodome and the Future Development of Elliot Park and Downtown East

HISTORIC MILLS DISTRICT MASTER PLAN (1998/2001)

Historic Mills District Master Plan (update 2001)

Historic Mills District Master Plan (original 1998)

DOWNTOWN EAST / NORTH LOOP MASTER PLAN (2003)

Cover and Table of Contents

Executive Summary

Chapter 1 – Introduction and Background

Chapter 2 – Planning Complete Communities

Chapter 3 – Market Analysis

Chapter 4 – Land Use Plan

Chapter 5 – Urban Design Plan

Chapter 6 – Local Regulatory Framework

Chapter 7 – Phasing and Implementation Plan

Mill District Neighborhood Association Meeting - Agenda March 18, 2013

MILL DISTRICT NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION MARCH MEETING

After the Vikings Stadium - Opportunity Sites for Development in Downtown East and Elliot Park

Monday, March 18, 2013

6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

Mill City Museum (1st Floor Commons)

It's been 30 years since the Metrodome was built, yet the surrounding remains a vast wasteland of mostly empty surface parking lots.  With the looming construction of the new Vikings Stadium Minneapolis, and our neighborhood, has a once in a generation chance to get it right and transform this dead-zone into a vibrant asset to our community.

Join David Fields, urban planning and community development expert, for an audio/visual presentation and discussion including:

- A look at specific underutilized (surface parking lots) properties in the district and what might be their prospects for development.  Includes a unique view of the area using Google Earth visuals.

- “Downtown East/Elliot Park 2100: Building the 21st Century Urban Community” vision report that EPNI worked on with various urban design consultants to provide a framework for new development in the neighborhoods.

- An extended Q&A and discussion session with Mr. Fields.

Hosted by Judy Borger, Mill District resident and member of the Vikings Stadium Implementation Committee.

About David Fields

- Community Development Coordinator, Elliot Park Neighborhood Inc.

- Doctor of Philosophy, American Studies, University of Minnesota

- M.A. in American Studies, University of Minnesota

- B.A. Journalism & Mass Communications, University of Washington

Mr. Fields is the staff coordinator of the Building, Land Use & Housing citizen participation committee (BLUH), which deals with land use, zoning, and development issues in Elliot Park Neighborhood. He served as project manager for the Elliot Park Neighborhood Master Plan and has administered the business of the many citizen design and development review task forces that have been engaged with a variety of development proposals in Elliot Park. Mr. Fields has served in several commission and advisory capacities: a seven-year member of the Minneapolis Zoning Board of Adjustment; an Officer of the Central Community Housing Trust Board of Directors; a member of the Technical Advisory Committee for the City’s Downtown East/North Loop Master Plan. He teaches Urban Studies colloquia at the University of Minnesota.

Mill District Neighborhood Association Meeting - Agenda February 18, 2013

MILL DISTRICT NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION FEBRUARY MEETING

WHEN - Monday, February 18, 2013 / 6:30PM – 8:00 PM

WHERE - Mill City Museum
6th Floor ADM Conference Room

Enter at 710 2nd Street South - Arrive early to assure a seat

AGENDA

6:30 / Introductions

6:40 / Michelle Kelm-Helgen, Chair of the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority
 - Audio visual presentation on the Vikings Stadium project
 - Updated project timeline
 - Neighborhood feedback, Q&A

7:15 / Ken Searl, Neighborhood Safety & Prevention Committee
 - Progress report
 - Recruitment of building representatives

7:20 / Steve Minn, Principal with Lupe Development and Gretchen Camp, Partner at BKV Group
 - Audio visual presentation on the Mill City Quarter Project
 - Residential/Commercial project located on 2nd St. S. between 3rd & 5th Ave. S.
 - Updated plans & design
 - Q&A, Neighborhood feedback

8:00 / Adjournment

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COMMITTEE MEETING

8:05 / Ken Searl, Neighborhood Safety & Prevention Committee
 - Renee M. Allen, Crime Prevention Specialist, Minneapolis Police Dept.
 - Status update & planning

Mill District Neighborhood Association Meeting - Agenda January 21, 2013

MILL DISTRICT NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION JANUARY MEETING

WHEN - Monday, January 21, 2013 / 6:30PM – 8:00 PM

WHERE - Mill City Museum
6th Floor ADM Conference Room

Enter at 710 2nd Street South - Arrive early to assure a seat

AGENDA

6:30 / Introductions

6:40 / Steve Minn, Principal with Lupe Development and Gretchen Camp, Partner at BKV Group
 - Audio visual presentation on the Mill City Quarter Project
 - Residential/Commercial project located on 2nd St. S. between 3rd & 5th Ave. S.
 - Update on preliminary plans & design
 - Status update on project

7:30 / Ken Searl, Neighborhood Crime & Safety Committee
 - Progress report
 - Crime report summary
 - Building recruitment

7:45 / David Tinjum, Preview of 2013
 - Commercial & Residential Development
 - Riverfirst
 - Central Riverfront Master Plan
 - Gold Medal Park
 - Vikings Stadium Implementation
 - Waterworks Park/Mill Ruins Park 2.0
 - And much more...

8:00 / Adjournment

Mill District Neighborhood Association Meeting - Agenda November 19, 2012

-----------------Updated Agenda-----------------

MILL DISTRICT NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION NOVEMBER MEETING

WHEN - Monday, November 19, 2012 / 6:30PM – 8:00 PM

WHERE - Mill City Museum
6th Floor ADM Conference Room

Enter at 710 2nd Street South - Arrive early to assure a seat

AGENDA

6:30 / Introductions

6:40 / Steve Minn, Principal, Lupe Development
 - Mill City Quarter Project
 - Residential/Commercial project located on 2nd St. S. between 3rd & 5th Ave. S.
 - Review Preliminary Plans & Design

7:10 / Jennifer Jundt, General Manager, JJ's Coffee Company at Open Book
 - New Company Introduction
 
7:20 / Renee Allen, Crime Prevention Specialist, Minneapolis Police Department:
 - Introduction
 - Partnering with the Mill District Neighborhood

7:40 / John Irwin, President, Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board
 - Formation of a Neighborhood Crime & Safety Committee

8:00 / Adjournment

Mill District Neighborhood Association Meeting - Agenda October 15, 2012

Date & Time for the October Meeting:

Monday, October 15, 2012 / 6:30PM – 8:00 PM

Mill City Museum
6th Floor ADM Conference Room

Enter at 710 2nd Street South

6:30 PM	Call to order, introductions
6:40 PM	Lisa Goodman, Minneapolis City Council Member, Ward 7  - Downtown Update  - Q&A – Bring your “big picture” questions and topics.
7:10 PM	Martha Archer, Executive Director, Mill City Farmers Market  - Expansion plans for the Farmers Market  - Ideas and feedback discussion
7:40 PM	Updates / discussion on priorities & projects (alphabetical order):  - Central Riverfront Master Planning Process  - Crime & Safety  - Gold Medal Park  - Residential Building Liaison Project / Dana Kirkemo  - Second St. Greening & Walkability  - Vikings Stadium Implementation  - Water Works Park (Fuji Ya site)
8:00 PM	Adjournment

Mill District Neighborhood Association Meeting - Agenda September 17, 2012

"Shaping the Future of the Minneapolis Riverfront” - Central Riverfront Master Planning with the MPRB

When: Monday, September 17, 2012 / 6:30PM – 8:00 PM
Where: Mill City Museum (main floor commons)

Join your neighbors and the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board in shaping the future of the Central Riverfront of Minneapolis.  It’s been more than two decades since the last Master Plan for this part of the river was completed.  Learn about potential projects, the planning process, and how local residents can assist in shaping the future:

-- Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board Commissioners Anita Tabb and Liz Wielinski will discuss the past, present, and ideas for the future of the Central Riverfront.

-- Andrew Caddock, MPRB Project Manager, will review the Master Planning Process and highlight opportunities for the future at key parks. The end result of this process will be a new Master Plan for the Central Riverfront.

-- “Open Mic”: Engage the MPRB in a question & answer session.

-- Parks that may be impacted include: Boom Island, Father Hennepin Bluffs - Upper & Lower, Mill Ruins Park, Water Works Park (old Fuji Ya site)

All residents, from both sides of the Central Riverfront, are encouraged to attend.

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Co-Hosted by Mill District Neighborhood Association & Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board
Underwritten by Mill City Times