urbanMSP

Saw that new photo posted on a SLP history-oriented Facebook page. Threw me for a loop seeing six stories. Everyone but me was complaining "... aaarrrrgh, MOAR apartments!!1!" I don't think I'll ever manage to wrap my head around the mindset that prefers a vacant commercial building (with...

In relation to Nicollet Mall: There needs to be a balance of access and comfort for all. Saying, "Welcome to the city" or "Urban areas always have clashes like this" is defeatist. Betty Burnsville's feeling of safety must hold equal weight with Urban Scoundrel's access to public...

If we truly want a vibrant, welcoming downtown, it's also important to ensure that we maintain a sharp distinction between "hanging out to cause trouble" and just "hanging out". Going after people who fall into the latter category makes the area feel more like a prison camp than ...

Step 1: Inform commuters of little-known Virginia Avenue crossing.
Step 2: Tell residents of that area you did this because of the ongoing resistance to the Dakota / Edgewood connection.
Step 3: Pop the popcorn.

Sorry for the poorly timed edit. You did quote me as then-written. Just for the record.

I also found some of the church leaders' points in the March 20 editorial rather interesting. Regardless of one's position on this specific development, we have to ask ourselves whether it makes sense to render zoning and development decisions on the basis of an existing building's prominence or sym...

Not transit-related as such, just idiots doing idiotic things because they're idiots... which is why we have cops. Question is, how do we successfully present that message to the PiPress commentariat? Or are people who'd take Tuesday's events as an indictment of mass transit just likely to have been...

Funny, whenever I bring the family over to that area and park on say Elliot and 48th, I'm self-conscious of the neighborhood people thinking something like, where did that trash blow in from? I guess it all depends on your perspective.

Do they think you're... heaven forfend... RENTERS?

but as for all their other concerns, they're in the middle of a major city, and they need to accept that buildings might be built nearby. THIS. This cannot be said enough. If our speaker were really seeking Not-Downtown, aren't there tons of places that would better fit her bill (Linden Hills? Kenn...

It might have been more of a general regulatory encouragement than a full-on carrot/stick approach. That factoid came from a long-ago vague recollection, and perhaps I should have done a better job of emphasizing its shaky provenance.

Receiving heavy opposition from locals who fear impact to property values (via crime & school degradation) & higher municipal costs thanks to likely high police call rates. https://www.facebook.com/groups/SaveCarver/ Typical. They don't want anyone who works a lower-paying retail job (and w...

I'm mostly curious about grids though. I know sight lines have a little to do with it, and if memory serves from City Planning classes crime prevention as well. I seem to recall hearing that at some point in the 1960s, the availability of FHA financing for homes in new developments was made conting...

Please tell me her maiden name was Roberts. Then she could go by Mrs.Roberts.Shoes.

David is correct that this couldn't happen here. Minnesota has a statute (passed after the Kelo decision) establishing that private redevelopment shall not be deemed to satisfy the federal constitutional "public use" condition. In other words, Minnesota voluntarily limits its own (and, by ...

Ah yes, the old physical / logical direction confusion. I work part-time in Shakopee and get a lot of confused looks when giving directions, because "southbound" 169 physically runs almost due west for about 8 miles through the heart of town...

Fair enough -- I probably should have clarified that my points about suburban design were aimed at the furthest of the far exurbs, the area where I grew up (and which I most quickly associate with the broader term "suburbia"). Look up Shakopee on Google Maps, and you'll see what I mean -- ...

the reader comments below this story are precious. But... but... #1 rule of Teh Interwebs! Never read the comments! ;) Especially precious was the guy who insistently identified us as Murderapolis. How many homicides did we have last year -- something like 26? While that's obviously 26 more than wo...

Some Prospect Park NIMBY probably escalated concerns that there would be too many Students and Renters (and Bears, Oh My!) drinking there.

I wouldn't expect it to be as much of a problem over there as it is at my gym in the Warehouse District. If I had a nickel for every douche-bro who's strolled past on a Friday night and made ridiculous pantomime flexing movements, I could stop working out and just BUY a better body.

Noticed a site-office trailer on this block last night... Indicative of anything?