‘Cover Stories’ Archives
Residents storm city hall to protest
Phillips community not given a voice at meetings on public works expansion BRAD PASSAs part of a protest by Phillips residents who have been ignored by city staff and council members, a Native American Drum group performed a prayer and request for understanding prior to the Transportation and Public Works Committee meeting on Dec. 4, 2018. Throughout this process, the city has ignored its own principals and civic engagement, and sought to railroad its own plans for the neighborhood. by Carol Pass, EPIC Board president Neighborhood residents continue to oppose the city”'s plans to expand its public works facility into the Roof Depot/Sears site in Phillips neighborhood (1860 E. 28th St.) that would further increase pollution and illness in the area. Instead, they support a plan fashioned by local residents themselves that bring jobs, affordable housing, an indoor aquaponics urban farm, solar energy, and a bike repair shop to the location along the Midtown [...]
ANALYSIS: Environmental racism, degradation not new to Phillips
Residents disregarded by city for decades and, perhaps, more is yet to come by HARVEY WINJE The Mpls. City Council”'s recent denial of any use of the Roof Depot site by East Phillips Neighborhood Institute is a continuation of the institutionalized environmental racism that has plagued local residents for decades. The continuing prejudicial treatment ensures that the same devastation to the neighborhood will keep happening in years ahead. In 1939, an incinerator was built adjacent to Pioneer and Soldiers Memorial Cemetery in spite of broad disagreement and protest by the South Minneapolis Association (a large coalition of many sub-groups), the area”'s City Council Alderman, and the Mayor. Organizing meetings at the old South High School (current site of Little Earth of United Tribes) had 3,000 people attending and 300 people protesting at a city council meeting. At the time of the building of this incinerator in the 20th century, large tracts of land east [...]
Navigation Center built
Franklin/Hiawatha Encampment respite ready TESHA M. CHRISTENENWorkers put the finishing touches on the Navigation Center in mid December 2018 so that those experiencing homelessness will have safe and secure, low-barrier housing at 2109 S. Cedar Ave. by CAMLLE GAGE and MARGARET KING, COURTESY OF METROPOLITAN URBAN INDIAN DIRECTORS If you”'ve been following the situation at the Franklin Hiawatha homeless encampment, you”'ve probably heard of the new “Navigation Center” being created by the city of Minneapolis and a variety of government and other partners. After months of waiting, information about the center is now available to share. Here is a list of frequently asked questions about the center, which will provide safe and secure shelter for the homeless residents of the Franklin Hiawatha encampment. Thanks to Margaret King, the city of Minneapolis Navigation Center project coordinator, for helping to compile these answers. What is the [...]
