Possible major changes for East 26th Street

In a manner of speaking, the Seward neighborhood portion of East 26th street could be called a “blue-collar” street. In workmanlike fashion, it carries the bulk of neighborhood traffic from the river’s edge through South Minneapolis or to the busy, complicated Hiawatha Avenue junction that leads to all points north or south. Soon, it will link to light rail transit stations on Lake Street and Franklin Avenue.

On the east end of Seward, 26th Street cuts through the middle of a working-class dominated industrial park scattered amidst family housing and a few retail outlets. The mixed uses surrounding the street have been problematic over the years. The noise and traffic from industry trucks have disrupted the quiet residential ambience nearby and caused friction between homeowners and industry merchants.

All of that may change soon, along with the very nature of the 26th Street corridor. Due to the collaboration of three community-based organizations—Seward Neighborhood Group (SNG), Seward Redesign and the Longfellow Community Council (LCC)—East 26th is slated to become part of the dramatic new Midtown Greenway that will cross South Minneapolis within the next two years. SNG Housing and Development Coordinator Bernie Weibel explained the plan for the “greening” of East 26th Street. “There will still be small industries along the street,” he said, “ but the atmosphere is about to undergo major change. Twenty-sixth will become part of the Midtown Greenway running east from the river through Minneapolis. Along and near 26th Street there will be bike and pedestrian lanes. We also plan to build more housing in the area, some of it in conjunction with working space. Some small industries may be displaced.” Waibel added that the plan also will include methods to slow vehicle speed and to provide for additional park space.

Along with its other amenities, the project is designed to stabilize an area of Seward that has deteriorated over time. “Twenty-sixth has been a problem in the neighborhood because of industrial noise and traffic,” said Waibel. “Truck traffic averages about 150 runs a day during peak hours. Trucks may only go 25 miles an hour there but it seems like a lot faster to area residents. A few years ago, a group of residents started a campaign to slow down traffic on the street, putting out their own signs for drivers going by.” In addition, there have been a series of violent crimes in the area recently along with an increasing number of homeless people. Adding more housing and bike and pedestrian use will allow for more “eyes on the street,” Waibel said.

This planning effort is being funded by a grant from Hennepin County. The process is guided by a steering committee of LCC and SNG residents and staff, as well as representatives of the Minneapolis Planning Department, the City Council, Hennepin County and the Metropolitan Council. Residents and business owners affected by this new project have been meeting regularly to discuss the plan and ways to minimize and resolve conflicts over zoning and land use.

The next planning session will be held Tues., July 22, at 6: 30 p.m. and Wed., July 27, at noon. Call SNG at 612-338-6105 for the location of the meetings and with any other questions or comments.