Hennepin County Partners With Local Entities For Affordable Housing On Minnetonka Boulevard In St. Louis Park

Hennepin County Partners With Local Entities For Affordable Housing On Minnetonka Boulevard In St. Louis Park

Hennepin County is gearing up for a housing leap forward with the Minnetonka Boulevard Redevelopment project, aiming to create affordable homes in the St. Louis Park area. Slated to begin on March 10, the county will request the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to release $3 million in Community Project Funding (CPF), a vital piece of the total $8 million development cost. The notice of finding declares no significant impact on the human environment, dodging the need for a more extensive Environmental Impact Statement.

Collaborations seem to be the backbone of this initiative as the City of St. Louis Park and its Economic Development Authority join forces with Greater Metropolitan Housing Corporation (GMHC) and Homes within Reach. Together, they plan to erect 4 twin homes—that’s 8 units—on what are now vacant lots on Minnetonka Boulevard. Unique to this project will be the land trust established for low-income buyers, with a section earmarked for first-generation homeowners.

Community input is not just welcomed, it's encouraged. Hennepin County has set a March 7, deadline for public comments on the Environmental Review Record (ERR). Anyone pondering the plan's details can tap into a wealth of information, either online or by mail, after contacting the Hennepin County Housing and Economic Development office or browsing their website for the full ERR.

Chief Housing and Economic Development Officer Kevin Dockry, who also serves as the Certifying Officer for HUD programs, has signed off on the project, effectively allowing the county to use the CPF funds upon HUD's nod of approval. Citizens with objections can channel their concerns to HUD until 15 days post-submission of the release of funds request. Specifically, grievances could relate to procedural mishaps or preemptive fund commitments not sanctioned by HUD regulations, yet HUD’s final say will likely seal the deal on whether Minnetonka Boulevard's transformation can begin.

SOURCE: hoodline