Minneapolis residents express concerns about proposed Blue Line extension plan

Minneapolis residents expressed their opinions Thursday afternoon about the proposed Blue Line extension at a city council hearing.

Dozens of people signed up to speak to members of the climate and infrastructure committee, including members of the Faith Tabernacle Gospel Fellowship International Church located near the proposed extension at North 21st Avenue and Fourth Street.

The church’s representatives said it provides mental health services, assistance with expungement, support groups and free funeral services among other services to the local community. 

Pastor Ella Beecham said Faith Tabernacle is being displaced.

“We have dedicated our lives to the service that we provide in the Hawthorne community,” she said. “We’re asking you to not give approval. Do not give the city’s consent to the Met Council until the Met Council agrees to make it possible for the church to relocate and fully establish itself inside the Hawthorne community.”

The preliminary plans include closing off North 21st Avenue for the rail. That would eliminate street parking used by congregants and hinder the use of a back exit. It would also affect Metro Mobility vehicles used by churchgoers and there would be no room for the buses to park.  

The proposed route would go through West Broadway Avenue.

Kristel Porter, a resident near West Broadway and the executive director of the West Broadway Business and Area Coalition, said the route needs a safety plan before it can go forward.

“After talking to two different firefighters that live in north Minneapolis, one of them the assistant chief, they would not be able to get their ladder truck on Broadway to be able to serve a fire in one of those buildings, there would not be enough room to anchor that truck down,” Porter said.

Not everyone was against the Blue Line extension’s preliminary designs.

Ten-year resident Connor Carroll said he was in favor of the project. He said he felt invested in the success of the city and its residents.

“The Blue Line extension really checks a lot of boxes for me, and I think it’s the best design we’ve seen so far,” he said. “We need public transit solutions like this that help people get to their destination safely, address climate change and serve the most people possible.”

Ward 5 Council member Jeremiah Ellison addressed the public at the end of the meeting.

“I just wanted to thank you all for coming out and giving your testimony and I look forward to further conversation with my colleagues,” Ellison said.

Municipalities where the route will be located are holding public hearings on the preliminary design plans. Minneapolis City Council members are listening to feedback and will vote on whether to grant municipal consent for the project.

The vote must take place before Oct. 10.

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