Neighbors band together to save historic St. Andrew’s Church

Group seeks historic status for church turned school, gathers petition signatures, places lawn signs, and more

By TESHA M. CHRISTENSEN
A neighborhood group has formed to save the historic St. Andrew’s Church building.
The future of the former church building built in 1927 is in jeopardy as the Twin Cities German Immersion School (TCGIS) has proposed razing it to construct a larger, 3-story facility in its place.
Photo right: Save Historic St. Andrew’s (SHSA) group members include (left to right) Anna Mosser, Bonnie Youngquist, Ron Greene, Steve Greenwood, and Teri Alberico. They are concerned about tearing down a beautiful historic building and replacing it with another structure the school might grow out of, as well as traffic, parking and noise issues. (Photo by Tesha M. Christensen)
For years, Warrendale/Como neighbors have sought to resolve concerns about parking, traffic and pedestrian safety near the school through dialogue facilitated by the Land Use Committee of the District 10 Community Council.
“Unfortunately, the proposed expansion plan offers little or no solution to these issues, only particulars that would exacerbate these problems—and elimination of a significant historic structure that has served as a meaningful anchor and visible symbol of stability for nearly a century,” said Save Historic St. Andrew’s (SHSA) founder Teri Alberico, who has lived in the neighborhood since 1986.
600 sign petition
SHSA is a neighborhood coalition focused on the preservation of the historic and residential character of the Warrendale/Como neighborhood.
“SHSA is working to find solutions that will meet the needs of the school without negatively impacting the surrounding community,” explained Alberico.
The group has about 25 members and recently circulated a petition asking that the TCGIS school board hold off on making changes until 2020. (See related story on page 1.)
In all, 600 people signed the petition. SHSA has also distributed hundreds of flyers and placed more than 65 signs on lawns throughout the adjoining neighborhood.
“SHSA believes that language immersion programs are important to child development and genuinely support the programs and the families that make up TCGIS,” she added. “However, the proposed expansion has not included sufficient community engagement, adequately addressed impacts on the residential character of the Warrendale/Como neighborhood, or considered the cultural importance of the historic St. Andrew’s building and its significance to our surrounding community.”
A historic site?
Save Historic St. Andrew’s is pursuing a historic designation for the church building, which can be done with or without the cooperation of a landowner.
In a 1983 formal assessment, the Historic Resources Survey, this Romanesque church building was declared “worthy of consideration for the National Register of Historic Places,” and listed as a “Site of Major Significance.”
The building is described in Larry Millett’s American Institute of Architecture Guide to the Twin Cities as, “one of St. Paul’s best Period revival churches.”
The design of the St. Andrew’s building is believed to have been done by a small pool of excellent 1920s architects, according to committee members Anna Mosser and Steve Greenwood who have been delving into historic documents.
A history of the St. Andrew’s parish lists Charles Hausler as the church’s architect, and an entry in a ledger dated 1927 shows payment of $1,000 to C.A. Hausler. However, city documents do not include a specific architectural attribution. Millett’s AIA Guide to the Twin Cities attributes the design to either Frederick Slifer and Frank Abrahamson or John W. Wheeler.
Charles Hausler was St. Paul’s first city architect (1914-22) and apprenticed under Clarence Johnston, Harry Wild Jones, and Louis Sullivan.
He designed many libraries, churches, commercial buildings, and homes. Six of Hausler’s buildings are now on the National Register of Historic Places. A significant part of Hausler’s practice involved churches where he used to experiment with Gothic, Romanesque, and Byzantine Revival styles. One of these, St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Hague, ND, built in 1930, is listed on the National Register as part of a historic district.
To get St. Andrew’s listed on the National Register of Historic Sites, several studies are needed. The initial one will cost about $1,500, and the more in-depth study an estimated $8-10,000. SHSA is fundraising through Go Fund Me to pay for these studies.
If listed on the National Register, the structure could not be torn down, and improvements and changes would need to be approved ahead of time. Grants would be available for preservation work.
“St. Andrew’s is a unique structure that is not like anything else,” stated Greenwood, who has lived in the neighborhood since 1983. “I support keeping the building because it’s so beautiful and elegant.”
He added, “Never, in the 42 years that I have lived in St. Paul, [have I] ever witnessed such a divisive project.”
School shares block with 11 homes
Committee members range from lifelong St. Andrew’s church members to atheists who never attended church there.
Kevin Dahm is a former District 10 board member who still serves on the land use committee. He got involved in the issue after hearing from neighbors concerned about how noise from the playground affected a house 10 feet away. Neighbors have also talked about how difficult it is to park on the street as the school does not have adequate parking for staff and parents, and how dangerous pick-up and drop-off time is on the streets around the school when about 350 cars are coming and going.
“Eighty percent of the kids are driven here and 20% bus,” observed local resident Ron Greene, who is concerned about traffic safety.
While schools today typically take up an entire city block, the TCGIS shares the block with 11 houses, according to 25-year neighborhood resident Bonnie Youngquist.
When it was a church school, the student population ranged from 100-300. When the tuition-free, K-8 German Immersion School moved into the neighborhood in 2013, it had 370 students. This year, that number has reached 548, and it is projected to top out at 648.
Alberico pointed out that while school officials have said no attrition has taken place, that isn’t entirely accurate. Students have left. But rather than keep the space empty, staff have pulled in a new student to fill the space even in the older grades.
Dahm is concerned about the school’s lot size and the number of students on it. “That amount of space seems small to me for that many students,” said Dahm.
SHSA has suggested that TCGIS consider partnering with the nearby Central Lutheran School (775 Lexington Pkwy. N.), which faces closure due to a low student enrollment. The school has a gymnasium, which is one of the main reasons TCGIS is considering a new building.
“We’re trying to work with the school on solutions,” stated Youngquist.
Enough space?
Given the popularity of the German Immersion School and how it’s currently turning away students, Dahm isn’t sure that the school’s current plan will work for the long-term and he thinks the school will once again find itself outgrowing its buildings.
“They could easily grow out of that space and we’ll lose a historic building in the process,” he pointed out.
Alberico is concerned that the school seems willing to spend $5.7 million on a new facility instead of $1.2 million on maintaining the old building—but it has not addressed the maintenance costs needed later on at that new building.
The cost to demolish the church building, issue debt, and create a contingency fund is estimated by the school to be $2.2 million.
In order to move forward with the tear-down and construction project, TCGIS will need to seek a variance request from the St. Paul City Council. The District 10 Community Council will state its opinion on the request before it goes before the city’s zoning board.
“One way to stop this from happening is to deny the various requirements,” observed Dahm.
Should residents get a say?
Some people have asked SHSA members why they think they have a say in this school project.
“It’s a public school funded by our taxpayer dollars, and I feel that as a resident I have a say,” responded Mosser.
GoFundMe
The group has set up a GoFundMe page at www.gofundme.com/savehistoricstandrews. By Monitor press time they had raised $3,775 of their $10,000 goal.

This article appeared in the June edition of the St. Paul Monitor.

TCGIS denies request by 600 petitioners to delay building project

But, board postponed final vote for demolition to pursue ‘real estate opportunity’

By TESHA M. CHRISTENSEN
The Twin Cities German Immersion School (TCGIS) has denied the request of 600 petitioners to wait for an expansion until June 2020. Instead, the board is moving forward with its plans to demolish the former St. Andrew’s Church building and construct a new building on the site.
Board members considered the petition from neighbors and the group Save Historic St. Andrew’s (SHSA) during its May 23 meeting, but the majority voted to deny the delay.
However, during a call for a vote to approve the proposed building and demolition plan, TCGIS Facilities Committee Chair Nic Ludwig requested that additional time be granted him to pursue a “real estate opportunity” related to the proposed expansion of the school.
“The board voted to postpone taking official action, which SHSA sees as a positive step toward saving an iconic, historic structure of significant importance to many in St. Paul,” stated SHSA founder Teri Alberico.
Plan to raze Aula, replace with a larger structure
The school facilities committee is made up of volunteers with experience in architecture, structural engineering, and city planning. Members also include school staff and teachers.
Photo right: The Twin Cities German Immersion School Board is deciding the fate of the St. Andrews Church building. (Photo by Tesha M. Christensen)
After a year of study, the facilities committee presented the option of tearing down the existing church building, called the Aula, and building a new facility for use starting with the 2019-2020 school year.
A listening session for neighbors was held on Apr. 9 and neighbors were told that the school did not have anything set in stone and that this was the first of many listening sessions.
Residents had expressed concern that this timeline didn’t give them much time to investigate options, such as raising money to save the former church building.
Among the options studied by the facilities committee were leasing space, splitting campuses, reducing class sizes, and purchasing property.
However, a study of various alternatives concluded that replacing the 1927 Aula with a new, three-level structure is more cost effective than retrofitting the existing Byzantine-Romanesque structure. The project is estimated to cost $5.7 million. The existing structure needs an estimated $1.2 million in repairs and upgrades, including a new roof, boiler, windows, doors, insulation, and tuck-pointing.
According to a memo distributed at the board meeting, the facilities and finance committees do not support preserving the Aula because “it is inadequate for the school’s educational needs.”
Specifically, the Aula cannot house a gym large enough for two sections to operate at one time. Nor is there room for six additional classrooms, additional office space, special education spaces, and a cafeteria.
“Delaying the building project by a year will not change the fact that the Aula cannot provide the educational or professional space that the school’s students and teachers need, in order to provide the best learning environment possible,” stated the memo.
The facilities and finance committees believe that the cons to delaying the project include: higher interest rates, higher construction costs, and paying for the cost of the Aula’s operations and repairs for another year.
Plus, there’s the programming impact for teachers and kids who use the gym, cafeteria and specialty classes, and as well continued uncertainty for families and staff about the future plans of the school.
The committee is also concerned that the historic designation process may play out in a way that is harmful to the school, according to a facilities committee report from its May 8 meeting.
600 petitioners
Save Historic St. Andrew’s collected 600 signatures from neighbors and others concerned about the proposed expansion at the TCGIS.
The petition points out that an increase in the number of students at TCGIS would magnify the existing issues at the school site including inadequate off-street parking for staff and visitors.
Calling the former church a meaningful anchor and visible symbol of stability to its surrounding neighbors for over a century, the petition notes that this structure has historic significance worthy of historical preservation status.
As “TCGIS seeks to be a responsible neighborhood partner, committed to the welfare of its neighborhood community,” and “a delay in the current planning schedule will provide for important input from the surrounding community,” petitioners requested that the proposed plan for the St. Andrew’s Church Structure be delayed until June 2020.

This article appeared in the June 2018 edition of the St. Paul Monitor.

City adds density in 2040 plan to fit more people, more businesses

Comments being accepted online and in person until July 22 regarding draft Minneapolis 2040 comprehensive plan

By TESHA M. CHRISTENSEN
In the next 20 years, the city of Minneapolis is planning for more. More houses. More businesses. More transit. And more demand to be in the city.
To make room for this, the city’s updated comprehensive plan increases density in just about every area of the city.
Residential districts with single-family bungalows could have up to four dwelling units in the future under the new Interior 1 district.
Well-traveled routes such as Cedar Ave. S., 28th Ave. S., 34th Ave. S., 42nd Ave. S., 38th St. E., 42nd St. E., and 50th St. E. will support business buildings along the entire stretch of up to four stories tall.
The Transit Districts 10, 15 and 20 along Hiawatha will allow buildings that are 10, 15 and 20 stories—with minimum height restrictions of 2, 4, and 6 stories—in order to best take advantage of the access to transit, jobs, and goods and services provided by the proximity to a METRO transit station.
Residents gathered at Northrop Elementary on May 15 to learn more about the draft Minneapolis 2040 plan. The meeting was jointly hosted by the Nokomis East Neighborhood Association (NENA) and the Standish-Ericsson Neighborhood Association (SENA).
“We’re glad that you’re here today because your voice does make a difference,” stated NENA Executive Director Becky Timm.
Ward 12 Councilmember Andrew Johnson agreed. “We have a real opportunity here to make some pretty wide, substantial and impactful policy changes. We need more eyes on it. We need more input,” he said.
Three main themes
Minneapolis Principal Project Coordinator Paul Mogush stated, “We’ve made an effort to make this a plan that reflects the values of the people of Minneapolis.”
Photo right: Residents gathered at Northrop Elementary on May 15 to learn more about the draft Minneapolis 2040 plan. Comments are being accepted on the interactive online plan until July 22. (Photo by Tesha M. Christensen)
The draft plan is the result of 50 meetings over the past two years, involving residents, business owners, developers and others with interest in the future of Minneapolis. It incorporates thousands of comments.
Three central themes guide the plan that goes above and beyond typical comprehensive plans, according to Mogush.
“Housing is extremely important. We’re staring down an affordable housing crisis,” Mogush said, both of type and affordability.
Second is racial equality. “We have substantial disparities,” pointed out Mogush, in income, education, and health.
The third is dealing with climate change. The city’s goal is to reduce greenhouse gases by 80% by 2050.
Photo left: Minneapolis Principal Project Coordinator Paul Mogush stated, “We’ve made an effort to make this a plan that reflects the values of the people of Minneapolis.” He was joined by fellow panelists South Area planning staff member Joe Bernard, Ward 11 Council Member Jeremy Schroeder and Ward 12 Council Member Andrew Johnson. (Photo by Tesha M. Christensen)
Interactive website
The draft plan is a website that is entirely interactive, observed Mogush. It is designed to be navigated by what is relevant to each user and is arranged both by topic and the city’s 14 goals.
On the website is the Future Land Use Map that shows the types of uses allowed on a given parcel according to 12 categories. It works in conjunction with the Built Form District Map that shows the scale of development for every parcel in the city broken up into 13 districts.
Comments are being collected at public meetings, as well as online, through July 22. Feedback will be taken into consideration as city staff member revise the plan for city council consideration.
As the Longfellow Nokomis Messenger is being delivered, an interactive open house is set for Thur., May 31, 5:30-8pm, at Powderhorn Recreation Center, 3400 S. 15th Ave. It is the last of five open houses spread throughout the city in May.
Comments can also be made at minneapolis2040.com or shared on Twitter: #Mpls2040 @Mpls2040.
“Please continue to share your thoughts and ideas,” urged SENA Executive Director Candace Miller Lopez.
Fourteen goals
In 2017, the City Council adopted 14 goals divided into ten topic areas. These draft policies include:
• Increasing the supply and diversity of housing in all Minneapolis neighborhoods, including small-scale multi-family buildings
• Committing to the production and preservation of affordable housing and to limiting housing displacement
• Enhancing transportation options and reducing air pollution from transportation
• Prohibiting new heavy industrial uses while preserving land for quality living-wage production and processing jobs
• Supporting businesses by making it easier to have commercial uses near transit
• Supporting entrepreneurship particularly in communities of color
• Supporting the arts and creative economy
• Supporting workers through living wages and workplace protections
• Reducing greenhouse gas emissions through energy-efficient buildings.
Concern about 4-plexes
The change from R1 Single Family to Interior District 1 has generated more comments than any other by residents concerned about single-family homes being torn down and 4-plexes built in their place, and this was discussed during the May 15 town hall meeting.
Photo right: Standish-Ericsson Neighborhood Association (SENA) and Nokomis East Neighborhood Association (NENA) Executive Directors Candace Miller Lopez (left) and Becky Timm welcome attendees to a meeting on the comprehensive plan at Northrop Elementary on May 15. (Photo by Tesha M. Christensen)
One resident with an 18-year-old son was in favor of the change to provide affordable housing. Another was against it, fearing the loss of the character that drew them to the neighborhood in the first place.
One woman suggested limiting the taller structures to the north sides of each block to avoid blocking the sunlight coming in from south windows, which is highly needed in the winter months.
Ward 11 Council member Jeremy Schroeder, also the chair of the city’s zoning and planning commission, stated, “You can’t make a lot cheaper, but you can make a lot smaller.”
He remarked that there are options to the 4-plex, which include accessory dwelling units.
According to the draft plan, new buildings in the Interior 1 district should be primarily small-scale residential structures on traditional size city lots with up to four dwelling units, including single-family, duplex, 3-unit, 4-unit, and accessory dwelling unit building types. Building heights should be 1 to 2.5 stories.
South Area planning staff member Joe Bernard pointed out that these structures will be limited to the scale of the single-family home requirements that the city currently has as far as setbacks, height, and yard requirements.
However, once the comprehensive plan is approved, the city will need to update its zoning ordinances to match it, and this may change.

28th Ave. will be closed for bridge replacement next year

Photo above: This image from 1904 shows the 28th Ave. bridge over Minnehaha Creek shortly after it was built. Vehicles and pedestrians shared the roadway. (Photo submitted)

The project includes moving the multi-use trail underneath the busy roadway

By TESHA M. CHRISTENSEN
When the bridge over Minnehaha Creek is replaced next year, 28th Ave. will be closed to vehicles and pedestrians for about six months.
Once the work is complete, pedestrians and bikers will cross underneath the busy roadway.
Construction is expected to begin in April 2019 and be finished in November 2019.
Photo right: Resident Michael McMurghie (left) and dog Huckleberry chat with City Bridge Engineer Jack Yuzna on Wed., May 9 during an open house on the proposed project. McMurghie expressed safety concerns about the current trail crossing the busy roadway. (Photo by Tesha M. Christensen)
Right now, users of the multi-use Regional Park trail cross 28th at a skewed alignment at a crosswalk. This intersection was highlighted in the Nokomis-Hiawatha Regional Master Plan, and a trail crossing below the bridge ranked as the second most important priority for the entire park.
“It’s dangerous for people going over all the time,” stated resident Michael McMurghie on May 9 during an open house on the proposed project.
As he’s collected comments on this project, City Bridge Engineer Jack Yuzna has repeatedly heard from people that they want the trail to cross 28th under the bridge.
Data on accidents at the trail crossing show they’ve primarily been vehicles rear-ending each other, or sideswiping another while passing. A few vehicles have run off the road.
Bridge built in 1904
In addition to providing a grade-separated trail crossing under 28th Ave. S. for non-motorized users, the purpose of this project is to provide a structurally-sound crossing over Minnehaha Creek for motorized and non-motorized users.
This trail is a component of the Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway that has been nominated for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places, and so the bridge needs to complement the historical setting as well as the natural setting.
The original bridge was constructed in 1904. The arch has a clear span of 25 feet and rise of 7 feet. Vehicles and pedestrians shared the roadway. In the 1920s, the iron railing from the Franklin bridge was installed on the 28th bridge, and sidewalks were added by cantilevering 3.5 feet beyond the bridge’s spandrel walls.
The existing structure has narrow sidewalks of 4.5 ft wide. In the new design, there will be at least 10 feet on each side to make it more comfortable for pedestrians and easier to remove snow.
The clearance needs to be at least 9.5 ft to place the trail under the bridge. A separated trail for bikes and pedestrians is planned.
Community input
Planners are asking for community input on the design of the project. “It’s a community amenity,” acknowledged Yunza.
Photo left: This renderings shows one of the design options for the new bridge and trail crossing along Minnehaha Creek at 28th Ave. (Illustrations submitted)
To accommodate a trail under the bridge, the new design can’t be an arch like it is now, explained Yunza. Doing that would require more space from the yard next door. However, design elements can be incorporated that could make the square shape look more like an arch.
Planners are also seeking input on the type of railing that will be used. Current safety regulations require a concrete railing for crash protection, but that could be topped by a steel one to look like it does now.
Photo left: This renderings shows another of the design options for the new bridge and trail crossing along Minnehaha Creek at 28th Ave. (Illustrations submitted)
Originally slated for 2017, the project was delayed because of the time it took to obtain a permit from the Army Corps of Engineers. The city applied for the permit in 2015.
While the exact detour route has not yet been determined, planners are coordinating it with the 34th Ave. reconstruction project as well as Metro Transit.
After the Messenger went to press, a public meeting was held May 30 on the project.

Wash Me car wash staying for now

 
Above: The updated building concept at the northeastern corner of Hiawatha and 42nd reflects a more urban design with higher density and multi-uses. (Photo submitted)

One-story Starbucks and Dominos reimagined as urban four-story building

By TESHA M. CHRISTENSEN
The Starbucks and Dominos proposed at 42nd St. and Hiawatha Ave. is no longer on the table, and instead the property owner is looking at a four-story, multi-use building to fit with the urban setting of the location.
When neighborhood residents, the Longfellow Community Council, the Standish-Ericsson Neighborhood Association and the Planning Commission voiced concerns about the initially-proposed two single-story buildings with two drive-throughs, property owner Nic Boosalis restarted from scratch.
Boosalis has owned the Wash Me car wash at this intersection since 1985, and also operates one along Nicollet and another in Hopkins. Additionally, Boosalis owns PooPrints, a company that uses DNA technology to ensure that dog owners pick up dog waste.
Over the years, he has periodically explored other uses for the 42nd and Hiawatha site, Boosalis explained.
However, there is no timeline for this conceived four-story redevelopment.
“It’s a work in progress,” stated Boosalis. “It may get built or it may not. Until then, the car wash will continue to operate as it does now.”
Three businesses, 40 micro-apartments
According to Boosalis, the updated plan meets the city’s goals for the corridor with higher density and housing.
The current plan has space for two to three businesses on the main level, with a drive-through behind and under the building that is not visible from Hiawatha.
On the next three floors are 40 units of micro-apartments with one bedroom or less. These smaller apartments for singles or couples are one way to make housing units more affordable, explained Boosalis.
The plan calls for about 20 parking spaces. It is not anticipated that residents would have vehicles, but would instead use light rail, bike or walk.
Boosalis pointed out that the car wash currently has seven bays, and vehicles are continually coming and going. He doesn’t think that the proposed plan would increase the number of vehicles moving through the site.
“This is a dramatic and positive change in what’s being proposed,” stated council member Andrew Johnson. “It adds much-needed housing at a time when a lack of supply is contributing to rising rents, and the design is more urban, less suburban.
“Residents and our neighborhood associations unquestionably made a difference on this by speaking up with concerns about the original proposal, which helped drive this change. Nick also deserves credit for listening to our community and being willing to go back to the drawing board.”
U-Haul pulls proposal
U-Haul has pulled its plan to construct a five-story self-storage facility on the southeastern side of the 42nd and Hiawatha intersection after city staff recommended denial of the proposal.
The company is considering its options at this time, which include seeking Planning Commission approval despite the recommended denial, converting the existing single-story warehouse into a self-storage facility, or creating a new plan that integrates housing and active commercial space.

Hiawatha Golf Course CAC members seek clarification from MPRB

Majority of committee members want all options on the table—not just reduced pumping scenarios

By TESHA M. CHRISTENSEN
The Hiawatha Golf Course Community Advisory Committee (CAC) wants to be able to explore all uses at the golf course for the future, including maintaining the current level of pumping.
At the CAC meeting on April 30, members voted 9-6 to bring this issue back to the Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board (MPRB) of Commissioners. The vote was done by a show of hands at the end of a meeting that went over an hour past the advertised end time.
The exact motion was as follows: The Hiawatha Golf Course Community Advisory Committee is requesting the Board of Commissioners to respectfully clarify the existing Resolution 2017-243 to include the exploration of all uses related to a reduced pumping scenario and for all uses related to a circumstance that would perpetuate the current pumping situation.
“Some members of the CAC felt the language provided by the MPRB was vague or contradictory to what they were being told verbally,” explained CAC Chair David Kaplan via email. “So the interest was to get clarification from the MPRB or DNR on the pumping question once and for all.”
Photo right: Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board staff member Deb Pilger answers questions about the permit at Lake Hiawatha Golf Course that is issued by the DNR for irrigation. (Photo by Tesha M. Christensen)
While the title of the MPRB resolution calls for a reduced pumping scenario, the rest of the resolution seems to indicate that an 18-hole golf course might fit within the scope of the project, pointed out CAC member Kathryn Kelly, appointed by an at-large commissioner. She pushed for a clarification on the CAC charge at both the Mar. 30 and the Apr. 30 meetings.
The golf course is currently pumping 242 million gallons of water each year in a circular fashion to keep water from flooding the course, although it only has a permit through the Minnesota DNR for 36.5 million for irrigation.
Discussion about options
The 18-member CAC includes Kaplan, Kelly, Anne Painter, Chakra Sankaraiah, Craig Nichols, Damon LeFlore, Duane Whittaker, Joan Soholt, Matt Hilgart, Nathan Shepherd, Roxanne Stuhr, Sean Connaughty, Sean Keir, Sheila Terryll, Tara Olds, Teresa Engstrom, Tim Clemens, and William Means.
Some CAC members felt that that the charge from the MPRB was too vague because it didn’t reference the Scenario B figure (from planning in 2017) that would reduce pumping by 70%. Therefore, members could look at a plan to reduce pumping by 1 liter, and it would be in accordance with the resolution, explained Kaplan.
“Others felt the issue had been addressed, and the CAC was not the right body to review or question the science and engineering previously looked at by the MPRB and staff—that the intent of the MPRB was clear last fall to reduce pumping to the lower level, even if the language was poorly constructed,” said Kaplan.
“I don’t know what I want this space to be, but I want the options open,” stated CAC member Matt Hilgart, who was appointed by the Nokomis East Neighborhood Association.
Photo left: Resident Monica McNaughton pointed out, “We don’t know the answers to many questions.” She questioned why planning was being done when the full scope of the problem isn’t understood. “These are people’s lives we’re affecting,” McNaughton stated. (Photo by Tesha M. Christensen)
Fellow CAC member Nicols, the Northrop School parent representative, also expressed his desire to consider all options. He pointed out, “It’s a completely different park board” now due to the November election as compared to last August when the motion was passed.
“My opinion has, and always has been, that we need to review the use of the parcel for its fundamental intended purpose—as an Administrative FEMA Flood Plain used to protect homes in the neighborhood and downriver. This is a role it serves,” said Kaplan. “Once that is addressed, then, and only then, do we look at what recreational activity can or should go on the space.”
Public comment taken at MPRB meetings
The MPRB of Commissioners is expected to address the issue at its June 8 meeting, although that agenda won’t be finalized until June 1.
All board meetings offer open time, starting at 5:30 p.m., for the public to voice comments directly to the commissioners.
The next CAC meeting, initially scheduled for May 30, has been postponed until the MPRB Commissioners have addressed the issue.
Firm to be hired
In the meantime, MPRB staff is negotiating a professional services agreement with the Barr Engineering/Berger Partnership design team.
This team will assist in creating a master plan for the golf course property.
An action will go before the Board of Commissioners in June for approval of the consulting contract.
MPRB Project Manager Tyler Pederson pointed out that the CAC is moving from a water management alternative to a master plan. A water management alternative provides a narrow focus that looks at water resources and is a starting point to figure out what is feasible. A master planning lens looks at the big picture, explained Pederson.
Through the process, a set of clear concept plans will be created and assessed, and CAC members will select the preferred one.
DNR permit for five years
MPRB is also applying for a temporary permit from the DNR to pump additional water from the golf course. This permit must be re-evaluated each year, and will only be extended for up to five years, stated MPRB Assistant Superintendent of Planning Services Michael Schroeder.
“They’re allowing us to continue pumping until we come up with a different way,” he stated.
During these five years, the MPRB will make annual reports and investigate the integrity of the earthen berm along the lakeshore.
The Minnesota DNR manages 16,000 permits for pumping water in the state, as any entity pumping more than 10,000 gallons a day or 1 million gallons a year needs a permit.
The highest active permit is 235,000 million gallons per year by a nuclear power plant. The highest golf courses permitted to pump over 150 million gallons per year (MGY) for irrigation are Lutsen, Bunker Hills, and Pebble Creek. Generally, the uses that pump between 220 and 300 MGY are construction dewatering, mining, municipal water supply, pollution contaminant, agriculture, power generation and petroleum, chemical and metal processing.
Opinions, comments shared
During the Apr. 30 meeting, time was taken to listen to questions and comments from commissioners, as well as meeting attendees.
CAC member Connaughty, appointed by the Friends of Lake Hiawatha, questioned whether trash mitigation at the stormwater sewer pipe that drains into Lake Hiawatha is being delayed for five years while the MPRB creates a master plan for the golf course property.
Connaughty pointed out that a five-year delay will mean that an additional 10,000 pounds of trash will enter the lake.
CAC member Soholt, appointed by the Hale Page Diamond Lake Community Association, wondered where all the water is coming from that is filling Lake Hiawatha and neighboring areas. “What will happen to the floodplain if we fill that up with more water?” Soholt asked.
Stuhr, appointed by the Standish-Ericsson Neighborhood Association, pointed out that neighboring homes affect the area water issues. “Each of our personal watersheds is contributing to the larger watershed,” she said. “So what we do on our own properties has an effect not only on our own home but on our neighbor’s.” She requested more information on water quality issues.
Resident Monica McNaughton pointed out, “We don’t know the answers to many questions.” She questioned why planning was being done when the full scope of the problem isn’t understood. “These are people’s lives we’re affecting,” McNaughton stated.
MPRB staff took notes on each question and comment, and will return with an FAQ sheet that addresses the issues raised.