News & Views of Phillips Since 1976
Sunday December 21st 2025
Navigation Center built
Franklin/Hiawatha Encampment respite ready
TESHA M. CHRISTENEN
Workers 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.Â
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.Â
Thanks to Margaret King, the city of Minneapolis Navigation Center project coordinator, for helping to compile these answers.
What is the Navigation Center and when will it open?
The center is a low barrier 24/7 access shelter designed for people living in the Franklin Hiawatha encampment. It will provide a calm, clean, safe environment with access to intensive support services. The center is scheduled to open in mid-December.
Who came up with the idea?
The Navigation Center concept is being used in a variety of cities across the country who are experiencing large numbers of homeless residents.… Read the rest “Navigation Center built”
Karen Clark honored
Tesha M. Christensen
As she retires after 38 years of service as the District 62A Representative, Karen Clark was honored by various community members, including Indigenous Peoples Task Force Executive Director Sharon Day (above) and several members of the Somali community (below) on Dec. 6, 2018. She was the first openly gay representative in America and worked on social justice issues. Clark quoted Dr. Dorothy Cotton, former Associate to MLK, Jr., “I”'m here to tell you God gave my torch to me and I am still using it! I”'ll be glad to light your torch so that together we may light the way and fight the fight!” She added, “I”'m not going away.”
Karen Clark Tribute upon Retirement from Pam Colby Productions on Vimeo.
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Cepro site may become neighborhood park
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) may aquire the Cepro site along the Midtown Greenway to add a path from 10th Ave. S., a stage with seating and onsite utilities.
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE MINNEAPOLIS PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD
A public hearing is planned for Wednesday, Dec. 19, 6:30 p.m. at the MPRB Headquarters, 2117 W. River Road N. to discuss whether the Cepro site should become a neighborhood park.
The site currently belongs to Hennepin County.Â
The MPRB, Hennepin County and community members collaborated on a concept plan for the property in 2016-17. Â
If the Cepro site is transferred to the MPRB, the site would become a neighborhood park and MPRB would assume responsibility for operations, maintenance and public safety. The park would also be eligible for funding through the 20-Year Neighborhood Park Plan.
About the Cepro site
The Cepro site is a 1.65-acre green space along the Midtown Greenway between 10th and 11th Avenues S in the Midtown Phillips neighborhood.Â
It contains bike and pedestrian paths that serve as a connector to the Midtown Exchange building, Abbott Northwestern Hospital, Anderson Schools, Powderhorn Park and the Midtown Phillips Community.
Hennepin County acquired the former grain elevator site in 2000 to support Midtown Greenway Phase 2.… Read the rest “Cepro site may become neighborhood park”
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