Minneapolis City Council - Business, Housing & Zoning Committee Summary

Meeting Information

• Date: November 19, 2024
• Title: Regular Meeting of the Business, Housing & Zoning Committee
• Present: Osman (Chair), Rainville, Cashman, Jenkins, Chowdhury, Ellison (Vice Chair)
• Absent: No absences noted
• Guests: Multiple presenters from CPED, business owners, and project applicants
• Votes: 7 voice votes, all unanimous

Highlights

• Approval of $17 million in 2024 Affordable Housing Trust Fund awards across 11 projects
• Authorization of $221 million in tax-exempt revenue bonds for Children’s Healthcare System improvements
• Interim use permit approval for The People Shelter, a 30-bed emergency shelter
• 2025 9% Low-Income Housing Tax Credit preliminary reservation for 2116 Nicollet Housing
• Recognition of Lisa Ock’s retirement from her role as committee clerk

Discussion

2024 Affordable Housing Trust Fund Awards

Staff presented recommendations for $17 million in awards across 11 projects, selected from a record 25 applications requesting $42.6 million. Projects include new construction and preservation of affordable housing units, with emphasis on family-sized units and supportive housing. Council members expressed concern about future funding limitations, noting next year’s budget might only have $5 million available. Councilmember Ellison praised staff efforts: “Every single year our staff are working with, sometimes with a lot of resources, sometimes with dwindling resources to make these projects happen.” Passed unanimously.

The People Shelter Interim Use Permit

Discussion centered around neighborhood impact and accountability measures for the proposed 30-bed emergency shelter at 1803 Bryant Avenue North. A neighbor expressed concerns about existing neighborhood issues, including drug activity and safety. The shelter operator, Kellie Martin, addressed these concerns by outlining security measures, clinical support, and housing placement services. Councilmember Ellison facilitated dialogue between the operator and concerned neighbor, emphasizing the importance of both addressing homelessness and maintaining neighborhood safety. Passed unanimously.

2025 Low-Income Housing Tax Credit

Staff recommended awarding credits to 2116 Nicollet project, which tied for highest score but demonstrated superior project readiness. The development will provide 53 units, with 41 units at 30% AMI and 12 units at 50% AMI. The project includes support services from Simpson Housing and coordination with Minneapolis Public Housing Authority for rental assistance. Passed unanimously.

Public Comments

• Betty Louise Jones (The People Shelter discussion): Expressed concerns about neighborhood safety around the proposed shelter location, citing existing issues with drug activity and requesting accountability measures for the new facility.
• Brad (Urban Wok liquor license): Explained plans to add beer and wine to menu, emphasizing focus on dining rather than becoming a nightclub.
• Deepak (Rabbit Hole liquor license): Presented plans for new establishment, emphasizing commitment to being an asset to the North Loop neighborhood.
• Elijah (Mother Dough liquor license): Shared family history of the business and plans for offering wine and beer service with their bakery items.