August 4, 2025 Planning Commission

Monday, August 4, 2025

Approval of July 21, 2025 Minutes

Consent Agenda management

1500 44th Avenue North development

Public right-of-way vacation at 5117 Harriet Avenue

Development proposal for 734 and 800 Tyler Street NE (34-unit residential building)

Renaming Edmund Boulevard to Lena Olive Smith Boulevard

Areas of Interest (4)

Planning Commission greenlights 34-unit 'Passive House' development despite stiff neighborhood opposition over parking and scale.
Controversy erupts over the renaming of Edmund Boulevard to honor civil rights leader Lena Olive Smith due to Edmund Walton's history with restrictive covenants.
City officials move to address safety and infrastructure concerns related to lack of alleyways in new infill projects.
Residents voice concerns that new luxury market-rate apartments are failing to address low-income housing needs.

Votes (5)

Adopt July 21, 2025 Minutes

AdoptedVoice vote

Moved by Not specified · Seconded by Not specified

Adopt agenda as modified

AdoptedVoice vote

Moved by Not specified · Seconded by Not specified

Adopt Item 5 (1500 44th Avenue)

AdoptedVoice vote

Moved by Not specified · Seconded by Not specified

Continue Item 6 to August 18, 2025

AdoptedVoice vote

Moved by Not specified · Seconded by Not specified

Adopt staff findings for Tyler Street development

Approved8 Ayes, 0 Nays

Moved by Chair Meyer · Seconded by Not specified

Notable Quotes (3)

There will be no fossil fuel energy put into this building at all. 40% of the building's energy consumption will come from rooftop solar.
— Cody Fisher

EnvironmentPitching the sustainability of the Tyler Street project.

These are not apartments that are going to help people who need housing. These are not low income, they're not Section 8, they're not subsidized.
— Andrew

Housing AffordabilityCritiquing the developer's market-rate focus.

In our 2040 plan, we really tried to advance our climate goals and this project clearly fits that adding more infill density.
— Chris Meyer

2040 PlanDefending the project approval against neighbor concerns.

People (6)

Chris MeyerChair

Presiding over the commission meeting and facilitating discussions.

Lindsey SilasStaff

Presented the 734 and 800 Tyler Street NE proposal and staff recommendations.

Cody FisherPresident

President of Footprint Development, representing the Tyler Street project.

1 quote

“It will be about 70% more energy efficient than typical code-minimum new construction.”

Describing environmental benefits of the proposed building.

AndrewResident

Long-term neighbor opposing the Tyler Street development.

1 quote

“I absolutely don't want a four-story monstrosity next to me.”

Expressing concern regarding the building height.

Arlene ZimoraResident

Long-term neighbor opposing the Tyler Street development.

1 quote

“It’s a very tight street. It’s actually a roundabout. And it’s already hard enough for fire trucks and ambulance.”

Commenting on traffic and safety issues.

Connor CarolResident

Ward 8 resident speaking in favor of the Tyler Street development.

Places Mentioned

734 and 800 Tyler Street NE1500 44th Avenue North5117 Harriet AvenueBroadway Street NECentral Avenue NEEdmund BoulevardMississippi River Gorge

Events & Meetings (2)

August 4, 2025: Regular Meeting of the Minneapolis Planning Commission
August 18, 2025: Scheduled date for continued items

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