Strategic Development Plan Signals New Era for Uptown
February 4, 2008 (MINNEAPOLIS)—The Minneapolis City Council and Mayor R.T. Rybak approved the recommended vision document for the Uptown area on Friday, February 1. The plan signals a new era for Uptown and is a guide for future development in its core and along south Hennepin Avenue. Uptown offers high quality of urban living—it’s adjacent to the Chain of Lakes, well-connected to the metro area and is a dynamic urban community.
"This plan started with the City calling residents and business owners together to develop a shared vision for the future of Uptown," said Mayor R.T. Rybak. "The public worked together, in partnership with the City, to develop a shared vision and now it’s up to all of us – residents and city government – to put this plan to work and implement its vision," he added.
The public helped shape the plan through a community based steering committee, a series of open houses, survey participation, and online feedback.
"This plan provides predictability, finds common ground and will help make Uptown the urban neighborhood it should be while leading the way to the future," said Council Member Ralph Remington, Ward 10.
The plan promotes responsible growth and:
- Recognizes, protects and enhances the established neighborhoods of the area.
- Recognizes the value and benefits of high quality, well-located and well designed urban density.
- Celebrates Uptown’s primary amenities, its adjacency to the Lakes and the Midtown Greenway.
- Prioritizes streets as places for social interaction and urban activity and not just conduits for through-traffic.
- Accepts the dual role of Uptown as a regional attraction and a local community.
The Plan represents a 15 to 20 year vision for the area, and will be implemented incrementally over the coming years.
# # #
Contact: Krista Bergert, Communications, CPED, (612) 673-5015
Published Feb. 4, 2008