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This is installament 4 of a 5 part series looking at the proposed Crown Hydro project. The State of Minnesota is attempting to force the Minneapolis Park Board to not only approve this project, but also provide Nationally Historic Parkland to a private developer.
The aftermath of the last ill-conceived effort to harness St. Anthony Falls
The risks to many Nationally Historic Ruins and public assets are real. Crown Hydro has refused to provide assurances that their project will not damage or destroy them. Don’t take my word on it, here’s some opinions from those much more knowledgeable than I:
The U.S. Army Corp of Engineers:
“The St. Anthony Falls District and the individual sites within it are among the primary reasons Congress established the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area. The proposed project would likely have significant adverse impacts on the nationally significant historic resources within the MISS corridor.”
United States Department of the Interior
“. . . is very concerned about potential project impacts on the historical resources of the St. Anthony Falls Historic District and with the flow of water over St Anthony Falls,, the only falls on the entire Mississippi River. . . may seriously impact the recreational use and visual integrity of this area.”
And...
“The proposed project would likely have significant adverse impacts on the nationally significant historic resources. . . “
Minnesota State Archeologist Scott Anfinson
"...the exit tunnel for this facility will adversely impact a significant historic structure, namely the historic tailrace tunnel system. The construction of the turbines could also prevent the restoration of the historic waterpower canal entrance should that be proposed in the future.”
Crown Hydro, LLC
“CHC acknowledges that its project may endanger MPRB owned historic facilities..."
There is nothing inherently bad about building a Hydro Plant in this area. If done after a thorough assessment and mitigation of the risks, and as part of the long term plan for the area, and for the public good, a Hydro facility could add to, rather than subtract from, the huge investment made in revitalizing this part of the Downtown Minneapolis Riverfront.
Bottom line: The Minneapolis Park Board is scheduled to vote on this project on Wednesday, May 18. If it passes, Crown Hydro, and the potential destruction of the Birthplace of Minneapolis, could be just a few steps, and a few days away.
About This Series Kim and I walked down to check out the location of the Crown Hydro project located in Mill Ruins Park at St. Anthony Falls. The proximity to the Stone Arch Bridge and other important historical treasures surprised us, so I thought I'd take a rough measure - I'd "step it off". It was 49 steps from the center of the proposed Hydroelectric facility to the foot of the Stone Arch Bridge. I decided to dig a little deeper. This 5 part series is the result of that effort.
This is final installament of a 5 part series looking at the proposed Crown Hydro project. The State of Minnesota is attempting to force the Minneapolis Park Board to not only approve this project, but also provide Nationally Historic Parkland to a private developer.
"You got ninety percent of the American public out there with little or no net worth. I create nothing. I own. We make the rules, pal. The news, war, peace, famine, upheaval, the price per paper clip. We pick that rabbit out of the hat while everybody sits out there wondering how the hell we did it. Now you're not naive enough to think we're living in a democracy, are you buddy? It's the free market."
"The point is, ladies and gentleman, that greed, for lack of a better word, is good. Greed is right, greed works. Greed clarifies, cuts through, and captures the essence of the evolutionary spirit."
- Gordon Gekko
Given the multitude of unaswered questions, the unanimous opposition of Federal, State and local experts and the obvious unconstitutionality of the State Legislation driving this project, what motive could there be at the State level? Greed, power, trading favors or some other personal gain? Partisian politics? I can only speculate as to the possible motivation of State Legislators supporting HF1440 and SF1191.
More quotes, but from real people...
From Minneapolis City Council Member Lisa Goodman -
“It is simply outrageous that the Legislature would even attempt to override the decisions of local government, in this case the Park Board, and compel both the sale of public land and the planning approvals required for a private developer for their private development”
What’s next, the Legislature passing a bill ordering the city to sell the Minneapolis Farmers Market land for a Vikings Stadium or sell Gold Medal Park for a new high-rise?”
One of four representatives to take his name off the Crown Hydro bill, Rep. Michael Nelson, DFL-Brooklyn Park, said he supports the Crown Hydro project as a clean source of renewable energy but opposes taking away local control.
“The way that this one was written was basically clubbing the city of Minneapolis over the head,” Nelson said.
John S. Gulliver, P.E., Ph. D, Engineering Consultant
How will construction equipment be brought into this crowded area, without disrupting other traffic and activities? What will happen to the public parkways, walkways, etc. during the approximately two years of construction?
Educational value of the Crown Hydroelectric Plant: The Crown Hydroelectric project seems to be developed in isolation from other projects of the district. The interpretive character of the facility is pre-eminent in 2001 support letters from Minneapolis Mayor Sharon Sales Belton, Hennepin County Commissioner Peter McLaughlin, State Senator Lawrence Pogemiller, and State Representative Phyllis Kahn. New letters from representative individuals should be required by MRPB, since the obtained letters of support were based, in part or in whole, on the interpretive character of the Crown Hydroelectric project.
Nobody, But Nobody, Thinks This Is a Good Idea
Don’t take my word on it, here’s some opinions from those much more knowledgeable than I:
Walter F. Mondale
"I write today to urge that you, as a matter of public policy, conclude that the land you own in the most historically sacred area of our great City be simply off-limits to commercial development. Two projects have threatened to desecrate the most sensitive of land you own—namely the condominium project on the old Fuji Ya site, and the again-pending attempt to locate a hydro electric generation plant steps from the Mill Ruins. The latter proposal, no matter what the view of paid consultants, is inherently a taking of the public’s most historic property in this most historic area—the force of the falls over the St. Anthony apron."
"The historical area, of course, is called the St Anthony Falls Historic District. It is not called the Stone Arch Bridge Historic District, nor the Lock and Dam Historic District, nor the River Parkway Historic District, nor even the Mill Ruins Historic District. That which makes it historic, of course, is the Falls itself—the flow of water and its force."
The U.S. Army Corp of Engineers:
“The St. Anthony Falls District and the individual sites within it are among the primary reasons Congress established the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area. The proposed project would likely have significant adverse impacts on the nationally significant historic resources within the MISS corridor.”
Jessica Overmohle, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
"The Draft Plan does not address aesthetic flows over the spillway. The MDNR believes it is imperative that an adequate flow over the spill way be maintained. [It] is one of the only aspects of the St. Anthony Falls area that portrays the significance of the largest falls on the entire Mississippi River. The location in downtown Minneapolis creates a demand for viewing the falls 24 hours a day throughout the year."
United States Department of the Interior
“. . . is very concerned about potential project impacts on the historical resources of the St. Anthony Falls Historic District and with the flow of water over St Anthony Falls,, the only falls on the entire Mississippi River. . . may seriously impact the recreational use and visual integrity of this area.”
And...
“The proposed project would likely have significant adverse impacts on the nationally significant historic resources. . . “
Minnesota State Archeologist Scott Anfinson
"...the exit tunnel for this facility will adversely impact a significant historic structure, namely the historic tailrace tunnel system. The construction of the turbines could also prevent the restoration of the historic waterpower canal entrance should that be proposed in the future.”
Minneapolis City Attorney
“[Crown could] consume water to the point of elimination of flow of St Anthony Falls without Park Board consent, regardless of any contrary requirement in Park Board resolutions.”
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) License Article 404
“During low flows in July and August, the project will operate with up to 500 cfs during the daylight hours even if it dries up the falls . . . “
Crown Hydro, LLC
“CHC acknowledges that its project may endanger MPRB owned historic facilities..."
National Trust for Historic Preservation (May 2011)
The National Trust for Historic Preservation is deeply concerned to learn about the proposal of S.F. 1191, which requires the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) to approve a lease agreement for a hydroelectric facility on their property no later than May 31, 2011. It is our opinion that this legislation will only harm Minnesota’s natural resources, and it could have unintended and very negative consequences on effective local government regulatory processes.
The Crown Hydro hydroelectric project is obviously the intended beneficiary of this legislation, since this project’s request for use of Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (“Park Board”) property in the St. Anthony Falls Historic District was denied. Repeated challenges to this decision have only reinforced the appropriateness of the Park Board’s decisions to deny a permit for a new hydroelectric facility on Park Board land in a highly-visible and sensitive area of the riverfront that contains many natural and historic resources.
While we strongly support renewable energy production through alternative sources such as wind, geothermal, and hydroelectric power, we do not support the destruction of our state’s limited and nonrenewable cultural resources for the creation of renewable energy. Although this project has been many years in development, we have yet to see the full plans for the Crown Hydro project or comprehensive evaluation of the impact it will have on the Mill Ruins area. It is clear that this project requires significant environmental review before it can move forward, so as not to destroy one nonrenewable resource for the benefit of renewable energy generation, which could feasibly be located elsewhere.
We also feel strongly that Minnesota’s natural resources should be utilized in ways that are effective and sustainable. Based upon an analysis of the project by engineer John Gulliver (attached), the proposed location for the Crown Hydro project is very problematic. His assessment concludes that “energy generation projections of Crown Hydro LLC are optimistic and the risks are ignored.” In addition, the flow of water over the St. Anthony Falls will be significantly reduced by the operation of the Crown Hydro project. This will eliminate the defining feature of the St. Anthony Falls Historic District and compromise one of Minneapolis’ most prominent viewsheds.
Most importantly, the proposed legislation will deliberately subvert the regulatory review processes established to ensure a thorough and transparent public process based on established criteria. Approving S.F. 1191 would greatly diminish the ability of local government and state agencies to assess the appropriateness of proposed projects on property that has been set aside for public use and benefit.
For all of these reasons, we respectfully request that you do not support S.F. 1191.
Christina Morris
Minnesota Program Officer
National Trust for Historic Preservation
How Can This NOT Be Unconstitutional?
Could it be anymore unambigous?
From Article XII of the Constitution of the State of Minnesota:
"The legislature shall pass no local or special law...granting to any private corporation, association, or individual any special or exclusive privilege, immunity or franchise whatever..."
"Short Description: Hydroelectric facility (Crown Hydro) municipal approval requirement exemption, federal regulation compliance, and Minneapolis park and recreation board approval"
This legislation is intended for the sole benefit of Crown Hydro, LLC in direct conflict with the Constitution of the State of Minnesota.
About This Series Kim and I walked down to check out the location of the Crown Hydro project located in Mill Ruins Park at St. Anthony Falls. The proximity to the Stone Arch Bridge and other important historical treasures surprised us, so I thought I'd take a rough measure - I'd "step it off". It was 49 steps from the center of the proposed Hydroelectric facility to the foot of the Stone Arch Bridge. I decided to dig a little deeper. This 5 part series is the result of that effort.
The mission of The Fit Tourist is to introduce tourists to our fabulous trail systems while offering a safe, healthy and memorable ride. However, you don't literally have to be a tourist to take advantage of this service. For example, people new to our neighborhood might want to take the "Downtown Extravaganza" ride to get a lay of the land before venturing out on a Nice Ride or even their own bike.
Check out their website for route details, ride times, registration info, what to expect, etc.
The Preservation Alliance of Minnesota(PMA) announced its 2011 10 Most Endangered Historic Places List at the May 12 (Anti) Wrecking Ball event at the Soap Factory. The Pillbury A Mill was included in this years list.
Since 1995, the Preservation Alliance of Minnesota has compiled an annual list of the state’s threatened historic buildings, sites, and structures. While the endangering circumstances vary, PAM’s response remains the same—to shine a spotlight on these important places, to equip local advocates to rally for preservation, and to focus public attention on favorable outcomes that can be achieved through a preservation approach.
About two-thirds of the 150 sites listed by the alliance have been saved.
Just released by the Minneapolis Park Board. Seems Crown Hydro is going to be out of the picture, and all normal approval processes, including the Citizens Advisory Committee will be followed.
At the May 4th 2011 Board meeting the Park Commissioners decided to move consideration of the Letter of Intent to the Board’s May 18th meeting to allow for more thorough review of the terms. Since then, ongoing discussions have led to modifying the approach to the Letter of Intent. The Letter of Intent now contemplates a joint venture agreement with an entity other than Crown. As a joint venture partner, the Park Board would hold a minority interest in the hydro electric facility and retain more control over its operations.
The Letter of Intent with Crown is to provide any entity considering purchasing Crown’s interests confidence that a joint venture arrangement is workable with the Park Board. Consequently, the considerations that existed previously with the Letter of Intent have now evolved into new considerations based on the new character of a potential joint venture agreement.
If the Board approves the Letter of Intent for a joint venture, and if an entity decides to purchase Crown’s interest including its FERC license, the Park Board may then negotiate ownership arrangements with that potential joint venture partner that secures valuable credits and funding for the joint venture that were available to Crown if it were the owner. These arrangements will require the Park Board to hold interests in at least two corporate entities to meet the criteria necessary to maintain funding for the project.
As a partner, the project becomes a Park Board development, and as such, would be part of a Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) process, and the Park Board would also be closely involved with all other agency approvals. The Letter of Intent for a joint venture follows the same structure and form as the prior Letter of Intent that was before the
Update on Friday, May 13, 2011 at 7:22PM by
David Tinjum
After further investigation, major concerns remain. Can the Park Board properly evaluate a joint venture to build a power plant on the Mississippi River, in a National Historic Park, in 5 days? Can't we take 2 weeks more to give it due consideration?
Update on Tuesday, May 17, 2011 at 7:38AM by
David Tinjum
Please attend the Minneapolis Park Board meeting May 18 at 5:00 PM to show your support for stopping this ill-conceived project.
In case you have plans to visit the East Bank / Stadium Village areas this weekend (or use an MTC route that passes through this area) please read the following Light Rail construction update:
A general overview of construction for the East Bank and Stadium Village is now available via this link. This four page document is an outline only created to give those visiting the area a general idea of how to get to Stadium Village and East Bank and travel within the area. Weekly construction updates will continue to be sent out every Friday with details on closures and detours.
Please pass this information along to ensure people are prepared for the closure of Washington Avenue from Pleasant Street to Oak Street. This major road closure will occur this weekend and affect bus routes starting on Saturday.
Saturday, May 14th Metro Transit bus detours begin for East Bank and West Bank. Bus stops on Washington Avenue are relocated to 4th Street or University Avenue for construction. Buses will return to Washington Avenue once the majority of construction is complete in 2-3 years. Watch for bus stop improvements at these locations; University & Pleasant, University & 17th, University & 19th, 4th & 17th, and Washington & 19th. For full information on bus stop changes and bus detours, go to www.metrotransit.org/construction or call the Transit Information Center at (612) 373-3333 for the most current information.
12:00 AM Monday, May 16th I-35W Ramp: Westbound 3rd Street to south I-35W, east HWY 55, west I-94 closes. Between Downtown Minneapolis and East Bank of Campus: Washington Avenue/3rd & 4th Street closes. West Bank: North Cedar Avenue ramps closing, all traffic detoured to south ramps. East Bank: Washington Avenue from Pleasant Street to Oak Street closes. University of Minnesota Campus Connector and Campus Circulato Bus detours begin; no stops on Washington.
Just in, The National Trust for Historic Preservation has taken a formal position opposing the Crown Hydro project and asked key members of the Minnesota State Legislature to drop their support of the bills moving through both houses of State government.
In a statement issued within the last hour, Christina Morris, Minnesota Program Officer for the National Trust for Historic Preservation cites several fundemental flaws with the proposed project, and more importantly, the manner in which the developers of the project have tried to circumvent safegaurds for the protection of our cultural heritage.
The statement comes as the Park Board is negotiating under duress the very legislation being opposed.
The Park Board meets to vote on this matter on Wednesday, May 18 at 5:00 PM at Minneapolis Park Board headquarters located at 2117 W. Broadway. The public is encouraged to attend this pivotal meeting.
Sanctuary the restaurant, 903 Washington Avenue South, is currently offering a great opportunity to win a dinner, lodging and a show package for Friday, May 20. Click here for details on how to win.
MacPhail Center for Music has 46 summer camp offerings for students 3 years to adult. These camps are held at their three locations, as well as at parks, museums and even the Minnesota Zoo.
Early Childhood Music classes like "Pop, Sizzle, Bang" are a great way to discover the fun of music. MacPhail's camps for school aged kids - from Allegro Orchestra Camp to Rock Week, provide high-quality experiences to deepen musical skills over the summer. Unique ensemble opportunities are available in through piano camps, jazz camp and Suzuki Institute for piano, flute and guitar.
MacPhail's chamber music camps for adults are a fun, low-key, way to make music and socialize with others with similar musical interests.
Dawn Doll, founder of 501SP1N, and her client were recently featured on RealRyder.com. 501SP1N is located at 501 Washington Avenue South, and shares space with 501F1T.
From now until May 31, 501SP1N is offering a Summer Special (June 1 to August 31) of Unlimited Cycling for only $125. This special is for RealRyder and Krankcycle classes only. Class Schedule.
The Minneapolis Riverfront Development Initiative launched with an intensive four-day, seven-meeting spree, April 27-30, featuring the MR|DI design team TLS/KVA presenting their RiverFIRST proposal. These meetings were the first in a series of three multi-day information exchange sessions, running April - July, during which the public and Steering, Technical and Advisory committee members are invited to participate in the MR|DI's "iterative design process." (And what is that, exactly? See this blog post.)
The next public meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, May 25, 7:00pm-9:00pm at the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, 2117 West River Road.
From Brahms to Berlin to the Beatles - Voices of Experience is a choir for adults ages 55 and older, directed by Dr. Mary Kay Geston, associate professor of music at Northwestern College. The choir is a collaboration of MacPhail Center for Music and The Minnesota Chorale.
On this day in 1858, Minnesota became the 32nd state admitted into the Union. Then-President James Buchanan had received Minnesota’s application for statehood in January, but it became temporarily entangled with the issue of statehood for Kansas, a political hot potato because of the expansion of slavery.
Known as the “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” Minnesota is the northern terminus of traffic on the Mississippi River and the westernmost point of an inland waterway, flowing through the Great Lakes and, with the Saint Lawrence Seaway, to the Atlantic. The state’s name comes from a Dakota word for “sky-tinted water.”
The French claimed the region from the mid-1600s to the mid-1700s, developing a fur trade, but they ceded the lands east of the Mississippi to Britain. The United States acquired part of the area from the British under the Treaty of Paris in 1783 and the rest from the French under the Louisiana Purchase in 1803.
U.S. administration of the region began with passage of the Northwest Ordinance by the Continental Congress in 1787. The ordinance sets out the requirements for a territory to become a state.
Congress split the Minnesota Territory from the Iowa Territory in 1849. Between 1850 and 1857, Minnesota’s population rose from about 6,000 to more than 150,000, facilitating its successful application for statehood. As a state with much land suitable for homesteading, Minnesota proved particularly attractive to immigrants from Norway, Sweden and Finland.
From the 1820s on, Fort Snelling, where the Minnesota and Mississippi rivers meet, has protected the Twin Cities, Minneapolis and St. Paul.
During World War II, the War Department’s Military Intelligence Service Language School was at the fort. Some 300,000 soldiers were taught Japanese there.
Earlier this year Dave and I became members of Mill City Commons. We joined for a number of reasons, including the interesting member-only events, meeting fascinating people, and having more of a hands on role in helping with various fundraising activities.
Here are some examples of exclusive MCC May events:
The Minnesota Genealogical Society will host a class on how to research family history through the use of their library. Members will have access to over 50,000 items including books, microfilm, microfiche, journals and paper family history records.
A private wine tasting hosted by Sorella Wine & Spirits. Wine buyer Darrin Minehan led a guided tour of Spains most important wine region, and special pricing on a variety of Spanish wines was available.
MCC members Scott Parkin and Amy Sperling hosted a fabulous menu sampling at the Riverfront's newest restaurant, Masu Sushi & Robata:
On the 16th, MCC members will join I Wish You Love playwright, Dominic Taylor, for an intimate and informal dialogue about the play. Mr. Taylor will provide context for the play that runs now through May 22 at Penumbra. Education Director Sarah Bellamy has scheduled "Bookends" on the Mondays before and after the May 19 performance exclusively for MCC.
Finally, a Guthrie play reading of God of Carnage. Play readings are hosted by a member of the Guthrie staff or an Artist affiliated with the play. Participants are assigned parts for reading and may rotate parts as necessary.
There's always something new going on around here. We popped into the Segway Tours office (125 Main Street SE) this past weekend to check on tour times, and found a new activity: Real Ghost Tours.
Bill Neuenschwander, who also leads Segway Tours, filled me in on the details. Real Ghost Tours is not a gory haunted house experience - it's a history-packed 90 minute tour during which you'll learn about (and maybe encounter the spirits of) people who shaped this area. Visit the website and Facebook for more information.
Real Ghost Tours launched in April. Public tours are 9:00pm Friday and Saturday nights, with a 10:30pm tour to handle overflow from the 9:30pm show. Private tours can be arranged for groups of 15 or more. The $25 per person fee includes parking, plus a voucher for 25% off at your choice of Pracna, Vic's or Tuggs.
During the tour you'll explore areas of the building that are otherwise off limits, using an EMF meter (a scientific instrument for measuring electromagnetic fields, and the prime sensory instrument of any ghost investigation).
Dave and I have devoted countless hours researching the history of the Mill District - and we also enjoy shows on ghosts, hauntings and the paranormal - so we can't wait to take this tour! For reservations, call 952-888-9200.
David Tinjum
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