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I Hate Plywood
As someone involved in civic matters, I often hear friends complain that Uptown doesn’t have businesses that attract them. I usually respond with a list of options to refute that, but everyone knows there’s too much vacancy in Uptown — much of it boarded with plywood.
As I reflect on the changes made to Hennepin Avenue, the proposals for Lyndale, and the Doran residential development at 31st and Hennepin, I wonder whether the future will bring what these designs intend. Governments don’t make the future, but they shape it. Capital markets take what the government gives them and either find a way to make money — or find a different place to make money.
The City Council envisions Uptown as a walkable neighborhood akin to New York City. Automobile use in Uptown is being discouraged. Lyndale Avenue, having been converted to one lane, now moves at the pace of the slowest car — further slowed by stoplights and pedestrian crossings. Lake Street, as it enters Uptown from the west, is down to two lanes, but one is flanked by parked cars and pedestrians, so a safe speed is very low. When completed, Hennepin Avenue will dedicate significant space to bicycles, pedestrians and mass transit — at the expense of parking and automobile efficiency.
Reducing traffic speeds increases pedestrian and bicycle safety, but it also reduces consumer traffic as people find alternate routes that are more efficient. It’s idyllic to imagine a neighborhood where everything is within walking distance and cars aren’t needed, or where transit is accessible and safe enough to move people and their cargo to and from local businesses with ease. But the population density of truly walkable cities like New York is far greater than Uptown’s. We simply don’t have enough people within Uptown’s boundaries for businesses to thrive without drawing customers from beyond a walkable perimeter.
That means any new business has to plan to profit from the number of people it can naturally attract. They must do more with less. Rent, employee wages and raw materials are all very high in Minneapolis, so many businesses can’t see a way to profit. St. Louis Park and Richfield are nearby, with similar consumers and more business-friendly regulations.
We see this dynamic play out nationally as the unpredictable and vindictive Trump regime creates a business environment hostile to new investment. Why would someone build a new factory in America if the rules surrounding that business could change daily and arbitrarily? The same mentality exists in Minneapolis: Why would someone start a new business under a City Council that’s hostile to business and similarly unpredictable? The answer is they wouldn’t — so new businesses aren’t springing up, and we have our plywood.
Minneapolis needs to create an environment that attracts new businesses. Those new businesses will employ our neighbors. Those employees will spend their earnings locally. Yes, business owners will prosper — but so will all Minneapolitans. A revitalized Minneapolis will benefit all Minnesotans. We are the shoulders of commerce for the entire state, and our success is essential.
So let’s elect leaders on Nov. 4 who are committed to building an exciting and prosperous city — and let’s get rid of the plywood once and for all.
Scott Graham, Former Ward 7 Candidate, Bryn Mawr
Setting the Record Straight
Recent claims by Minneapolis for the Many suggesting that we — Andy Luger, Mike Erlandson and Brian Melendez — are Republicans are completely false and misleading. The facts could not be clearer: All three of us have long, proud histories of service and leadership within the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party.
Andy Luger was a DFL candidate for office and has twice been appointed by Democratic presidents — first by President Barack Obama and again by President Joe Biden — to serve as U.S. attorney for the District of Minnesota. His record reflects a deep commitment to justice, fairness and public service that align squarely with Democratic values.
Mike Erlandson likewise has an extensive history of DFL leadership. He served as chair of the Minnesota DFL Party for six years, was a DFL candidate for Congress and spent two decades working alongside the late
Congressman Martin Olav Sabo — one of Minnesota’s most respected and progressive voices in Washington.
Brian Melendez also brings decades of DFL experience and leadership. Like Mike, he served as chair of the Minnesota DFL Party for six years, guiding the organization through critical elections and working tirelessly to strengthen Democratic values and voter engagement across Minnesota.
We are all proud Democrats who care deeply about Minneapolis and its future. Our endorsement of Elizabeth Shaffer for Minneapolis City Council in Ward 7 is based on her qualifications, her commitment to results for residents and her ability to make real progress on public safety, housing and livability. Shaffer is a Democrat — not a Democratic Socialist — and she represents the pragmatic, solutions-focused leadership our city needs.
Astonishingly, Minneapolis for the Many insinuates that Shaffer is a Republican, even though she’s the DFL-endorsed candidate for Ward 7.
It’s unfortunate that misinformation is being spread to divide Democrats and distract from the issues that matter most. The record speaks for itself: We are lifelong DFLers who have dedicated our careers to advancing Democratic values in Minnesota.
Andy Luger, Lowry Hill
Mike Erlandson, East Isles
Brian Melendez, Lowry Hill
Let’s Keep Our Parks Grounded in Common Sense
Those of us who live in the Hill & Lake area know how deeply our lives are intertwined with our parks — walking the Lake of the Isles loop, biking the parkways or gathering at neighborhood playgrounds. These spaces give our community beauty, calm and connection. They also need good governance. The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board plays an essential role in keeping our parks safe, clean and accessible.
This election, we’re supporting candidates who understand that stewardship, not ideology, should guide the Park Board’s work:
Park Districts
District 1: Dan Miller — A longtime park volunteer focused on maintenance and safety in North and Northeast parks.
District 2: Charles Rucker (unopposed) — A firefighter, incumbent commissioner and strong voice for community partnerships and youth recreation on the North Side.
District 3: Kedar Deshpande (unopposed) — Dedicated to access, equity and continued investment in trails and recreation centers in the University and Southeast areas.
District 4: Jeanette Colby — A Kenwood resident with experience in the arts, planning and budgeting, focused on safety, riverfront access and pragmatic leadership.
District 5: Steffanie Musich — A veteran commissioner known for environmental expertise and thoughtful decision-making in Southeast and South Minneapolis.
District 6: Cathy Abene — A Southwest Minneapolis civil engineer, fiscal watchdog and advocate for lake health, trees and transparent park operations.
At-Large
Mary McKelvey — A collaborative leader committed to accessibility and parks for all ages.
Meg Forney — A veteran commissioner and champion for the Mississippi Riverfront and sustainable design.
Matt Dowgwillo — A small-business owner with practical ideas for park safety, programming and community engagement.
These candidates share a commitment to protecting the natural resources that make Minneapolis exceptional. They understand that political activism doesn’t belong on the Park Board — stewardship does.
Early voting has begun. Let’s elect leaders who will keep our parks green, safe and welcoming for everyone.
Tamara Kaiser, East Bde Maka Ska
Constance Pepin, Linden Hills
Jeanette Colby Brings Steady Leadership to North Loop Parks
The 4th Avenue Playground inthe North Loop is one of those small gems that make city life special — a nature-inspired play space along the Mississippi River. It connects kids to the river while giving families a safe, imaginative place to play outdoors. Parks like this remind us what truly matters to our North Loop neighbors: safe, well-maintained spaces to gather, play and enjoy nature.
That’s why I’m supporting Jeanette Colby for the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board’s District 4 seat. Jeanette understands that what neighbors need most isn’t ideology but practical, representative leadership. She listens, does her homework and focuses on results.
Jeanette knows that families, workers and visitors simply want parks that are safe, funded and cared for — not political agendas. She will continue the thoughtful, balanced leadership of Elizabeth Shaffer, who set a high standard for collaboration and professionalism on the Park Board.
Now is not the time to elect activists. It’s time to elect adults — people like Jeanette Colby, who understand that our parks are for everyone and that their care requires steady, experienced leadership.
Jolene Zich
North Loop
Supporting Meg Forney Will Keep the Riverfront Thriving
Please return Meg Forney to office with your No. 1 vote for Park Board commissioner at-large to support the continued transformation of riverfront parks along our iconic Mississippi River. It was — and remains — a legacy vision.
As chair of the Minneapolis Riverfront Partnership, and with Meg serving as vice chair, I witnessed firsthand her dedication to converting former industrial parcels into public parklands, creating a continuous linear park along the river. For too long, North and Northeast residents have had little or no access to the Mississippi — even though this world-renowned natural asset runs right through their backyards.
Viewing the serenity of a waterscape enhances well-being, reduces psychological stress and creates a tranquil atmosphere. Greening the riverbanks improves air and water quality, mitigates urban heat islands and expands the tree canopy in areas where it has been most diminished — providing essential habitat for wildlife and a renewing refuge for people.
Meg Forney will carry on this important vision for the city and for generations to come.
Linda Mack
Kenwood
Cathy Abene Has My Vote and Deserves Yours Too
I support Cathy Abene for another term on the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board representing District 6 because she has done an exceptional job as both commissioner and board president. Cathy is a professional civil engineer who understands how parks operate best and brings common sense and steady leadership — qualities that are too often missing among elected officials. Her technical expertise, professionalism, and ability to work effectively with both staff and constituents make her uniquely qualified for this role. We should be grateful for her generosity and commitment to public service. She has my vote for sure, and I encourage you to vote for her as well.
Kim Kozachok
Fulton
