City Of Minneapolis: Public Works Collaborates With Community On Street Demonstration Project In East Phillips Neighborhood

Press release from the City of Minneapolis:

September 27, 2021

City of Minneapolis Public Works staff recently hosted a community planting event with the Native Youth Arts Collective and members of the Little Earth and East Phillips communities to install a street demonstration project. The project will help inform an upcoming transportation study of 18th Avenue South (from 24th and 26th streets) and Ogema Place and Stately Street.

As part of the demonstration project, the Native Youth Arts Collective painted street art reflective of Indigenous culture. Other elements installed included 25 planters with Native grass, trees and vegetation, and seating, converting this unused street space into a pedestrian plaza.

In the summer of 2020, the East Phillips neighborhood experienced an increase in public safety challenges following the murder of George Floyd. Convened by the Ward 9 Council office, City staff met with residents throughout the year to collaborate on changes to the right of way to improve public safety and reduce speeding in the neighborhood.

The engagement plan for this study is intended to build on past visioning and community engagement, expand stakeholder participation, and work toward developing a cohesive concept and implementation plan that is reflective of community needs and desires for the area. Financial support for the demonstration project is provided by the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO).

Next steps include evaluation of the demonstration project and planning for the first round of engagement for the transportation study. Learn more and sign up for study updates on the project website.

This press release was produced by the City of Minneapolis. The views expressed here are the author’s own.