Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Curtis Gilbert
Minneapolis

Twin Cities light rail foes hire lawyers ahead of key vote

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
Proposed Southwest LRT route map
This map shows the proposed route of the Southwest light rail line.
Courtesy Metropolitan Council

Minneapolis residents concerned about the Southwest light rail line are hiring lawyers as the city nears a vote on the controversial project.

• Previously: Sabo urges city to reject SW light rail

Mayor Betsy Hodges has received at least two letters this week from lawyers representing groups based in the city's Kenwood neighborhood.

One came from a condominium association concerned its buildings could be damaged by light rail construction. The group had previously supported the proposal to bury the trains in shallow tunnels, but now it wants more information.

Lawyers for another group, calling itself the Lakes and Parks Alliance of Minneapolis have also sent a letter. They argue the Metropolitan Council is legally required to do additional environmental review before the city votes.

The Met Council disputes that interpretation. And it pledged to work with the condo owners to address their concerns.

The council and the city are negotiating in private with the help of a mediator. They face a July 14 deadline.

Last week, retired U.S. Rep. Martin Sabo wants Minneapolis to reject the proposed light rail line, warning it will do little to help the city.

A Democrat who represented Minneapolis in Congress for almost three decades, Sabo said he decided to speak out about the project and its $1.7 billion cost after hearing some of the recent arguments made by proponents of the line, including how it would help people on Minneapolis' north side.