Thread by @WedgeLIVE

The line to sign in to speak.

I made this council chambers seating chart (distributed only by email), but someone told me that a member of the radical red sign extremist organization Minneapolis for Everyone has already printed it out, and they're consulting it right now.

So if you only see assholes in your city fall livestream crowd shots, I apologize.

They've moved away from red signs.

Answering the question: is Jono Cowgill's hair as magnificent in person?

Sassy Planning Commissioner Nick Magrino will be:

President Brown asking people to respect the buzzer because many people are waiting to speak over the next three hours

Loud applause for the speaker who says Ward 13 is opposed because they're the only ones who got a mailer. Also wants to know where the missing postcards are.

Guy says people prefer single family homes and he doubts people behind this plan use transit.

Speaker says this will only benefit singles and couples. "What about families with children?"

Congratulations to the handsome man holding a @MoreNeighbors sign on the livestream.

Former Ward 10 Council Member Lisa McDonald says she "came out of retirement" to work against this plan. Calls it a "top down plan."

"You didn't let people know."

Says the plan calls opponents "elitists, racists" (I didn't catch that part)

Guy says don't change the zoning citywide, "change the zoning in some areas" (guess which areas those are)

Lady comes out against having "different kinds of neighbors... Tenants."

Thank god for this guy.

"We are people, not a social experiment... I ask you to start all over again."

"This is neither comprehensive nor a plan"

"complete disregard for environmental impact of radical upzoning"

"some of us have been at this for years" says the guy who sued to stop some condos. "Follow the money."

"you shouldn't be tearing down our neighborhood." (Maybe let's all go protest a mansion teardown in Ward 13?)

Ward 13 resident and business owner is very angry to be called prejudiced. Says she's been considering upgrades to her home, but now she's reconsidering because it's just gonna become a "pile of rubble."

Guy steps up to the microphone to demand council member Palmisano receive answers to her questions. Pity the poor powerless council member, relying on random guy off the street to petition the city on her behalf.

2nd speaker in support says duplexes are fine! She supports the plan.

Plan opponent says there are single family homes and duplexes in her neighborhood bordering uptown, forgets there are apartments too.

Just a reminder as we find ourselves amongst the affordable housing supporters of Ward 13. They will fight you to the death if you suggest raising their taxes to pay for it.

Guy says he has a "positive suggestion." Says let's "maximize housing" under current zoning. (Hate to break it to you guy, but that would require a hell of a lot of eminent domain style BULLDOZING.)

Opponent calling for incrementalism of only allowing what already exists on a block and adjacent blocks. I think he underestimates the degree to which that opens up wide swaths city to 4plexes.

We've got a reference to "killing the goose that laid the golden egg."

3 story buildings won't make the city better. She's moving to Richfield. (City Pages' Best Suburb 2018!)

"Homeowners have a vested interest in their communities that renters do not."

Comparing the plan to tar sands pipelines and mining.

Very loud applause for opposing a 4 story apartment building on transit. (36th and Bryant. Lawsuit ongoing.)

First "bodybag" reference

Guy says we need "diversity of housing choices." Says bulldozing currently produces huge single family homes. He's trying to clear up misinformation.

Two supporters in a row. We're on a roll.

Guy says, no really, more people living in a city close to destinations is actually much better for the environment. Contrary to some of the other environmentalists you've heard from today.

Can we do this for two more hours?

Guy raises the volume and calls out "arrogance and ignorance" of the city. He's gonna hold the city accountable for the "destruction of my neighborhood" and all the other neighborhoods. Says "wake up."

"my death will be hastened" wow hold off on the plan then

Guy announces he drives a hybrid, which gives him the credibility to call the Hennepin Ave reconstruction "asinine."

I'm going as a "Monster Mansion" for Halloween.

"Take the current zoning and build on that"

Thanks to the guy who announced he has master's degree in planning before lecturing us about the fact that Minneapolis was developed around the streetcar and not the Model T. @Volantene

Peggy from the Wedge is my Wedge friend. A lot of people think I don't have friends but Peggy proves otherwise.

Peggy asks you to think of the children.

Downtown Guy feels very strongly that neighbors should be able to judge your triplex if you want to go from a single family home. Has he met any of the people in this room? (People in the room love Downtown Guy. He wants a plebiscite. Put it to a vote. Downtown Guy for Mayor!)

"I'm not a racist because I'm against this plan. I take real umbrage against that. The people you see here are not racists."

"Building more housing in Minneapolis is a pro labor position" says SEIU guy. Also: forcing more long car commutes is a threat to humanity.

Interesting theory from guy who says when he started renting in his neighborhood he paid 700 and it went up to 1100 and no new housing had been built.

Bad news. Handsome guy is gone. Who will hold my @MoreNeighbors sign?

"I don't wanna live in a condo. I want my single family home." Good news, you can keep it.

People from the suburbs park in her neighborhood to access the good transit downtown.

"they all have cars"

Guy wants an environmental impact study. I want an environmental impact study of the status quo.

Guy announces he's a landlord, says "from experience renters aren't as engaged in the neighborhood."

My heart drops when someone says they're "here to speak in support of the plan." Love you all.

"I'm living proof that you can walk, bike, and take transit year round."

"Cities are our last best chance" to make a dent in climate change.

Guy supports multi unit housing in his Ward 11 single family neighborhood. He agrees with UN climate scientists that automobile emissions are killing us. Says let's reduce car trips.

people call out as he goes past his 2 minutes: "TIME TIME TIME!"

Thanks to our backup Handsome Man for showing up told hold a @MoreNeighbors sign on camera. I feel so much better now.

This guy's clearly from New Zealand. What does he know about what's good for America? He's opposed to single family zoning.

"it hasn't happened in Seattle. It hasn't happened in Denver."

"I don't think this plan is gonna do what people think it does."

"Kmart, which divided our city."

"urban sprawl"

"High buildings where they don't belong"

"Bird migrations"

The backup Handsome Man isn't really visible on camera but take my word for it, he's almost as handsome as our first stringer.

"We can do it in other ways instead of taking over all the single family homes." (Remember, you can keep your single family home)

She says the plan is too divisive.

Another call for an environmental impact study.

"this plan is polarizing our community."

Guy in an 11-plex speaking. 11-plexes everywhere!

Lol Carol Becker just sat next to someone holding a @MoreNeighbors sign and is now in a sign visibility duel. I'm watching it on the big screen.

"please remove triplexes from all interior 1 districts" because there's no limitations on number of "people and animals."

"I don't want you to destroy my single family neighborhood or anyone else's"

Soon to be mom says she's supporting this plan for her daughter who will be 22 in 2040.

Neighborhoods with access to daily destinations are too scarce and too expensive. She lives in an apartment. "Please don't fear families like mine."

Guy who said you can keep your single family home is my hero. Love you, guy.

This just in to the wedge live mobile newsroom. I stand in solidarity with my colleagues at the Star Tribune.

Speaker wants people to have the option to live in walkable neighborhoods across the city. Places where if you have to drive, it can be a short drive.

Responds to the idea, voiced by some here, that this plan is an "experiment." Says maybe our current land use patterns are the actual failed experiment. Let's "return to traditional neighborhood development."

Guy with reality check: "the nature of the world is change"

Admits he lives in a home with "character." Brave admission, guy.

Wants to have choice to stay in his neighborhood when he gets older. That requires some housing diversity.

"We don't own anything. We're all just stewards of the future."

"10, 20, 30 story towers in the middle of our lakes"

(Not even I'm a fan of that kind of vista. )

Announces Uptown is dead.

Poll: Anton?

They're extending the comment period to 830.

Renter, responding to anti renter sentiment, announces that he gardens. "I'm invested in my home, in my neighborhood, in my city."

"legalize it!"

Tall guy who lives in the former servants quarters of a triplex, says he has to duck his head. (Why doesn't @Mpls2040 address that?)

"cities are for people, not cars or buildings."

Recent UN climate report "makes it clear we need to step up the pace of change."

Speaker supports the plan. Grew up in a neighborhood where duplexes became single family homes. Neighborhood got less diverse. Transit got worse.

Happening now: all our old homes are asbestos-infested poison bombs so we can never replace them.

Homeowner says they watched their home explode in value in just two years. Says this might be indicative of a housing shortage. Let's zone around "form, not number of units." Says we need to expand our conception of what makes a family. Families are changing.

Oof, guy pulls a devastating switcheroo. Says he agrees with all that's been said about preserving neighborhood character. That's why he supports the plan. "If you wanna save our neighborhoods and their people" pass the plan.

Love that this guy is an eminent domain lawyer. You hear me? TIM KEANE IS AN EMINENT DOMAIN LAWYER. He's coming for your homessssssss!

"let's throw this plan in the woods where it belongs."

-Tim Keane, eminent domain lawyer

Commissioner Rockwell just snorted!

Guy says the plan wasnt paid for by Soros or developers.

Longtime resident alert: 30 year resident of the 11th Ward supports the plan.

Speaker raising concerns of criminal records following people around destabilizing families' housing situations.

This guy is wearing wedge live brand apparel. Love this guy.

I feel this guy's pain. City needs taller podiums.

Let me break form from my role as impartial commentator, to say that I'm very touched by all the people who came out, took some time from their day to support a forward looking long range plan for Minneapolis.

Speaker says let's not push people to live out in the middle of nowhere. Minneapolis is compact, with good access to downtown. There's no part of the city that couldn't handle an apartment building.

Seniors for @Mpls2040! It's a thing!

"We need all types of housing, all over the city, so everybody has a choice."

"I'm not anti density. I'm pro smart density."

"Our transit system is not built to handle what's in the 2040 plan." There's not enough money. "We don't know who the governor's gonna be"

"It's Minnesota. There's winter."

Too much truth from this speaker.

"None of you have the balls to stop this."

(That'll work, Carol)

"balls" count: 3

"balls" count: 4

Up to 5

Oh my, Carol is upset about how this is dividing the community.

Carol's message of unity: agree with her or she'll steal your shit.

"Legalize housing for people who need housing."

"urgent need for affordable housing."

"There's a difference between not being able to find parking and not being able to find housing."

"This comp plan doesn't do anything to help them."

Guy can't believe what he's hearing "I've heard people use climate change to argue against the plan."

"Why are we afraid of a neighborhood by neighborhood referendum?"

"We are all in favor of reducing greenhouses gases.." we just want to do it "thoughtfully"

"I am Ward 13"

"I've made great investment in my house and in my neighborhood...I don't care who lives next to me, I just don't want six people looking down on me" from next door

"I love people, I wanna live near people... Just be more thoughtful."

Lady calls out Heather Worthington for not being in the room, then Heather Worthington appears out of nowhere like the Boogeyman she is.

Another guy wants an environmental impact statement. I still want an environmental impact study on the status quo.

Speaker 109!

"A wise man once told a king, 'don't sell the crown jewels.'"

I think the king meant don't let more people live near my lake house.

All these calls for environmental study reminds me of the endless calls for study from climate change deniers.

First speaker to thank the city for all the free food during the endless public engagement process. I echo this sentiment. 🥙

Speaker says they lived in California, where environmental studies are used to roadblock housing.

We're almost done with our 4 hours of testimony which is a good time to point out we get to do this all over again in two weeks!
facebook.com/events/5486411…

I think this is our second former city council member against the plan.

Speaker recently moved to downtown out of concern for aging in place. Housing options weren't available in her old neighborhood. A call for more housing choice and diversity.

"Please don't forget about pregnant mothers"

"Nuclear families are decreasing..."

Another reminder that families are changing while laws regarding housing have not.

Uh oh, they forgot to start the timer on the last guy.

Recent townhouse purchaser feels like he won the lottery. Value exploded after he bought it. He wouldn't be able to afford it today.

"We need more housing in Minneapolis. We need it now." Says you shouldn't feel like you won the lottery if you own a home in the city.

Favorite anti @mpls2040 argument?

Last speaker in support. That means we win.

Renter in Ward 7. Caretaker who gets a rent credit. Sees new applicants for building. Sees rents exploding. Takes bus every day. Did it all winter. Still alive. Doesn't own an umbrella. Walks to the theater with her partner (the hero from earlier. Love this family)

We're still here. Commissioners back from 10 minute break. Ready for amendments.

Some debate around production and processing areas of the city. Commissioner Coleman wants to "hold the line on job-generating" industrial areas.

Some amendments to strengthen language on climate change policies.

Rockwell with a couple of amendments. One of them adding language about greenways and protected bikeways.

City Council Member Schroeder says he'll be brief because he'll see this again when it comes to the council. Says affordability needs to be "baked in." That's why he's working with President Bender on the inclusionary zoning policy to mandate affordability.

Amendment to "protect solar air rights." From Coleman.

Rockwell imagines a 1910 1-story commercial with solar on Lake Street. Asks, do we preclude development in that case?

Coleman seems to satisfy Rockwell's concern. Says it's about shifting burden from solar owner to developer to accommodate the solar.

Rockwell with a love letter to Heather Worthington and her planning minions.

Rockwell says plan has the potential to make the city a much better, more sustainable place. Quotes his wife, "change requires change."

Says he was amused by people tonight who divided themselves into supporters and opponents of the plan. It's 450 pages. Nobody could possibly support or oppose all of it

Rockwell says we have a responsibility to lead. Other cities will follow our example--if we go forward or pull back.

Rockwell pushes back on idea there's lack of evidence for this plan. Quoting UN climate report: Density of people and places and non car transportation options. "That's what this plan does."

"To not do these things quickly is a form of climate denial... We're out of time to make changes like this."

For those looking for a plan with more detail and specifics, Rockwell says, "This is a policy document, not a law." It will guide more specific action in years to come.

Rockwell is better in person than on the TV.

Coleman reassuring people they have been very deliberate in this 2 year public process. Her motivation for supporting: "It's a plan for the future and we need to think about change that's needed for the future."

"In the lifetime of my children, we're going to make or break this." (Meaning the planet)

Coleman: "we're not raising 6 person households anymore." Duplexes and triplexes are reasonable in that context.

Coleman says plan is modest, not extreme. "We're not replacing the car. We are only nipping at the edges." Making modest space for alternatives.

Luepke-Pier noting lack of geographic diversity in public comments tonight.

"literally in the climate we're in, we have to do something now." Though, she's "not comfortable with the triplex thing."

Luepke-Pier: "this is only the beginning." Rezoning comes next year.

I want to thank Nick Magrino for not getting jeered tonight.

Magrino commends the public, says aside from the "balls commenter" everyone was respectful.

Magrino says over the past decades the city has been very responsive to a group of a few hundred people who did really good work in the 80s.

The collapse of human civilization is imminent, says Magrino. Land use and transportation is the way to attack that, not just recycling our batteries.

Commissioner Cowgill is excited to see everyone who came out to comment on a 400 page document. I'm just excited to see his hair in person.

Did he just misquote Lincoln?

Commissioner Sweasy is voting against the plan.

"If the goal is affordable housing, to me that case has not been made." Skeptical that supply affects prices. Worries the city will become mostly apartment buildings.

Sweasy says rezoning will be so contentious that it will bring city functions to a halt.

Kronzer says plan concentrates density along existing transit.

President Brown says testimony focused on so few issues that it's a testament to how non controversial this 400 page plan is. (I think this is wrong. It mostly just shows people these days get most of their news from yard signs.)

Brown says population growth is happening. calls this a debate about "where in the city that population growth should go."

Brown says affordable housing policies in @Mpls2040 are "much more aggressive" than status quo.

8-1 to forward @Mpls2040 to council. Sweasy lone vote against.

Congratulations to the guy who flew his plane here. Thanks for tuning in. See you on November 14. Same time, same council chambers.