Developments & Initiatives
RiverFIRST
RiverFIRST is a citywide vision for sustainable development and the preservation of the Mississippi River adopted by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board as a guide for future development and renewal of the Upper Riverfront.
RiverFIRST outlines a number of key goals:
- Establish parks as a engine for economic development along the river.
- Transform the river from a barrier to a connector.
- Re-focus the city toward the Mississippi River.
RiverFIRST outlines a variety of projects to be completed over the course of the next twenty years in effort to revitalize a 5 miles stretch along of the Mississippi River from the Stone Arch Bridge to the edge of City limits.
On June 15th the City Council approved the Passage of Resolution supporting the Vision of the Minneapolis Riverfront Development RiverFIRST Initiative; and Engagement with the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board to implement a shared vision for the City's Upper River.
Council Member Hofstede is a member of the RiverFIRST steering committee working with our Parks Board members, staff, other elected officials, community, Park Foundation, and business members to further the RiverFirst vision.
The proposed upper riverfront parks have a lot to offer all people of Minneapolis and our region, but especially residents and businesses in North and Northeast Minneapolis
To see renderings of projects, visit the RiverFIRST website.
Read Diane's letter of support and recommendations for the RiverFIRST project.
Granary Corridor
Several proposals are being considered to update infrastructure within the Granary Corridor. These plans are of great significance to the Third Ward, as each proposal outlines potential projects in the Marcy Holmes and Nicollet Island/East Bank neighborhoods.
A number of key stakeholders have evaluated the plans and carefully considered their potential impact on the University District and the Third Ward, among these, the Minneapolis Park Board, the University of Minnesota, the University District Alliance, the Marcy Holmes Neighborhood Association, Prospect Park East River Road Improvement Association, the Nicollet Island & East Bank Neighborhood Association, and the Minneapolis Riverfront Partnership. Together they have completed a number of studies assessing each plan’s potential effect on vehicular traffic, alternative modes of transportation (bikes, pedestrians, transit), livability, railroads, economic development, and environmental quality, Through in-depth research and assessment stakeholders are working to identify the best overall plan for the future of Granary Road.
University District Alliance Partnership
The Alliance is a legislative partnership of SE neighborhoods, the University of Minnesota, Augsburg College, the Third Ward, regulatory services, business community, 2nd Police Precinct, and U of M Police Department that supports the vision of:
- capitalizing on its exceptional resources (Riverfront, Dinkytown, and University of Minnesota);
- maintain and improve a vibrant, safe, healthy and sustainable community;
- a preferred place for people of all ages to live, work, learn, do business, and visit.
Riverfront Enterainment District
The Riverfront Entertainment District (formerly the Northeast Strategic Partnership) is a partnership of the NE Chamber of Commerce, NE businesses, the 2nd Police Precinct; Minneapolis Parks, churches, nonprofits and others to promote communication, public safety and livability in the Northeast community. Since the creation of this team, significant strides have been made toward addressing public safety issues in Northeast Minneapolis. Together the coalition provides businesses, the precinct, and the city with the tools they need to keep Northeast a safe place to live, work, and play.
Aging in Place
Aging in Place is a joint initiative between the Third and First Wards, non-profit agencies, senior care agencies, City of Minneapolis Senior Citizen Advisory Committee, and others, to address the issue of the aging population in Northeast Minneapolis. Aging in Place is working on developing ways to assist older members of Northeast Minneapolis that allow them to age independently. Aging in Place is incorporating aging issues into existing community organization programming, creating an interconnected support system, and centralizing community services in order to serve the needs of our senior population. Our seniors are an important asset in our society and the Aging in Place initiative aims to provide the support and safety nets for our growing senior population, not only in the Third Ward, but throughout the entire city.
Last updated Aug. 9, 2012