|
Dear neighbor,
I’m writing this devastating update regarding the future of the East Phillips Urban Farm and its uncertain future once again. While the community held its end of the bargain with the $3.7M cash escrow deposit for the purchase of the roof depot site, the State Legislature was unable to fulfill its pledge.
The Minneapolis Legislative Delegation made this a top priority. They’ve been working hard to get this project done. The funding was 30 seconds away from passing, but the chaos at the Capitol prevented its final passage. Temporarily killing our communities' dreams.
Governor Walz can still call for a special session to pass the cash-only capital investment bill which included funding that would have led to authorizing the sale of the roof depot site. However, he has already indicated that there will be no special session, which means more uncertainty for our community.
This is a setback, a hard pill to swallow, and a broken promise. East Phillips residents were promised funding to finalize this agreement and did not receive it. Our community is used to being an afterthought and a dumping ground for pollution. We are also used to broken promises that shatter the trust between the government and the people it represents.
I’m so sorry to all our residents in East Phillips and South Minneapolis who have to keep on fighting for our dreams and for our community.
I’m looking at all the tools at the City Council’s disposal to help address this issue. The ways the City of Minneapolis can cover some of the costs, extending potential dates, how we can work with the Mayor’s Office, City Council, Hennepin County, and the State to figure this out.
Our dream is far from over. I’ll keep you all updated on the pathway forward. But we will not give up.
Jason Chavez |
