The South Metro Airport Action Council (SMAAC) supports more compatible land use around the MSP (Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport) for many reasons, especially through those projects that would enhance environmental, historical and recreational land use in a densely-populated urban area.
Ms. Jeffrey's note that the Coldwater Spring area is in a crash zone is literally true, but other areas not designated as such, and more overflown, are at a greater risk of a crash.

I have always wondered what idiot planner could compute the social, economic and public safety cost of a major airport in the middle of cities as less than one surrounded by farms such as the MSP alternative Dakota County site advocated by many citizens in the '90s.

Given MSP's projected expansion through 2030, though, and the long-term population growth forecast for the metro area, the need for more recreational/educational space with few buildings— and no high ones—will become increasingly evident.

Northwest Airlines, prospective developers and the several city governments that lobbied for expansion at MSP in 1996 were willing to sacrifice 3.5 square miles of centrally located development area for an elusive transportation capability. If a dirty, unsafe and economy-limiting airport was their goal, they got it.
If a medium-sized airport more suited to residential zones becomes the planning goal, the next step is to limit MSP use as a hub and develop adjacent places like Fort Snelling, Minnehaha Park, Coldwater Spring and other amenities.

Jim Spensley
Minneapolis