rich 1.0 Action Network https://actionnetwork.org <link href='https://actionnetwork.org/css/style-embed-v3.css' rel='stylesheet' type='text/css' /><script src='https://actionnetwork.org/widgets/v6/letter/action-support-homes-on-east-lake-street?format=js&source=widget'></script><div id='can-letter-area-action-support-homes-on-east-lake-street' style='width: 100%'><!-- this div is the target for our HTML insertion --></div> Neighbors for More Neighbors https://actionnetwork.org/groups/neighbors-for-more-neighbors https://can2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/letters/photos/000/398/380/normal/SupportHomes_EastLakeStreet.jpg The Planning Commission recently proposed a 2040 Comprehensive Plan amendment to increase the number of homes allowed on parcels on East Lake Street near the Midtown Global Market. This change will allow for 90 new affordable homes to be created at this location, as long as the amendment is approved by the City’s BHZ Committee. Some people in the area have shared opposition to this amendment. Why this matters: This sets the stage for the 2050 comprehensive plan. The location, 1119 E Lake Street, is ideal for this type of project as it’s close to transit, parks, and other amenities. We need more homes of all sizes and price points in Minneapolis, especially in walkable, transit-connected neighborhoods like this one. This amendment will also set the stage for the direction the City takes as they consider the 2050 Comprehensive Plan. How to help: The amendment will go to the Minneapolis Business, Housing and Zoning (BHZ) Committee at their meeting on Tuesday, May 6th. We need to email or call city council members by Monday May 5th, especially the members of that committee, and let them know that you support the amendment to allow for more homes and other projects such as this one. Talking points: I support the proposed amendment, and the proposal for more homes at 1119 E Lake Street. Two BRT lines are located within 4 blocks of this project, the D Line and B Line, in addition to the local 14 bus. Future residents will have some of the best transit access in the state for getting to work, school, or the store. This project is just 1 block away from the new 10th Ave bikeway, supporting multimodal transportation for the future residents. The project is also located within comfortable walking and biking distances to Midtown Global Market, Powderhorn Park, Abbott Northwestern Hospital, Andersen Middle School, and the Midtown Greenway – making this a great place for more people to live close to amenities they desire. The height of this building, at 7 stories, fits easily into the existing neighborhood – the nearby Midtown Global Market is 17 stories, Spirit on Lake is 5 stories, and the Division of Indian Work is 5 stories. The vision of the Comprehensive Plan is to allow more homes within walking distance of major transit lines – this parcel clearly applies. This neighborhood lost naturally occurring affordable homes in 2018 (Robert’s Shoes) and 2020 (homes above shops) that have not been rebuilt. We’re past due for more affordable homes above shops here. These parcels are already developed land, not green spaces. The best way to prevent building over green spaces is to have more homes in neighborhoods that already exist.   We are experiencing a regional housing shortage. If we don’t build more homes, rent prices continue to rise. One of the ways we correct this is allowing more homes in neighborhoods that already exist. https://actionnetwork.org/letters/action-support-homes-on-east-lake-street