Unaffordable by Design, and How to Change It

A duplex at 4257 Vincent Ave South was demolished recently. The land is zoned for single family, just like a lot of the Linden Hills neighborhood that surrounds it, so the duplex will be replaced with a single family home (I suspect this explains why nobody vigiled or tried to give the house a pedigree by researching a famous former resident). Many of the exclusive single-family neighborhoods that we know today, the kind dotted with small apartment buildings and grandfathered triplexes, have become that way because of some long-forgotten downzoning that made new multi-family housing illegal.

Meg Tuthill: What About Her Emails?

Misleading graphic note: emails not leaked, they were data requested.

(Read Part I)

When last we heard from Meg Tuthill on the bike lane issue, she was flanked by signs that said "Nazi Lane" while participating in a protest of the new safety features on 26th and 28th Streets. But she's more than just an outspoken opponent of bike lanes.

After being defeated in 2013, Council Member Tuthill transitioned directly from working as an elected official into an administrative position with the city's Community Planning and Economic Development (CPED) department. This allowed her to keep her old City Council email address, and become Meg Tuthill: Shadow Council Member.

Wedge Bike Lane Skirmish About More Than Bike Lanes

(Part I of II)

A meeting of the Whittier Alliance neighborhood organization was overrun on Monday by a group of Wedge residents eager to voice concerns over a proposed bikeway on 24th Street.

Staff from the city's Public Works Department found it hard to even begin their presentation, as former Council Member Meg Tuthill -- notorious "Nazi Lane" protester, accompanied by about a dozen energized loyalists from the Wedge -- interrupted the introduction by snapping "first of all, who are you?"

Tuthill at left, participating in "Nazi Lane" protest.

Tuthill, who was defeated by Lisa Bender 64 percent to 30 percent in 2013, tag-teamed the meeting with another former Minneapolis elected official, Audrey Johnson. Johnson, a former school board member, is known for hurling insults ("Bendrification") at Lisa Bender while giving public testimony at the City Planning Commission.

Wedge to the MAX!

We've come to the end of a long, weird, grueling election season. I’ve had some days off. The team is newly invigorated.

We’re pleased that Tom Hoch wasted an unprecedented amount of his own money not becoming the next mayor of Minneapolis. My pumpkin, Mayor Betsy Hodges, is off to the compost bin. And the actual Betsy Hodges is probably planning a Hawaiian vacation. No more Barb, no more Blong -- a striking change in leadership for north Minneapolis. John Quincy lost his seat in Ward 11, and on the bright side, I imagine he probably never had strong feelings either way about that.

As we contemplate the transition from one city council to another in 2018, we’re declaring this "Wedge to the MAX Week." Our work is not sustainable without your support. Getting to 200 total subscribers is the next step. If you value what Wedge LIVE! adds to the local conversation, please subscribe on Patreon.

You can send a message that you're serious about us doing serious coverage in 2018. Seriously!

Next Step for New Minneapolis City Council: New President

Minneapolis City Council c/o 2017 with Mayor-elect Frey (in crown)

Our municipal elections are over and the biggest story nobody can see happening is the race to become president of the Minneapolis City Council in 2018. Newly elected members won't be sworn in for two months, but the behind the scenes discussions, jockeying and waffling is happening right now. Four years ago, in 2013/2014, we didn't get the full story until late January, weeks after it was officially settled.

Wedge LIVE 2017 Voter Guide: Minneapolis City Council

This post comes a little late! But I've been busy volunteering for a candidate (you should be too!) Election day is Tuesday. This is your abbreviated Wedge LIVE! Voter Guide for competitive city council races in Minneapolis. (For a non-partisan voter guide please see our sister publication, MSP Votes.)

Ward 11 Endorsement: Erica Mauter

Conventional wisdom says incumbent John Quincy is a goner in Ward 11. The Star Tribune would not have endorsed against him if they thought he had a chance of surviving this election. Which means Ward 11 will likely have a new city council member come 2018.

Ward 7 Endorsement: Janne Flisrand

This one goes without saying. I've been a Janne supporter from the beginning. But it's important to make it clear one last time before election day: Ward 7 would be very lucky to have Janne Flisrand working for them.

Ward 10 Endorsement: Lisa Bender

Nobody should be surprised I'm endorsing Lisa Bender. I agree with her on just about everything (even though I'm still shaking my fist at the Great Downzoning of 2016!). As someone who bikes, walks, and takes transit, I'm grateful for all that she's done to make Ward 10 a safer place to travel. 

Ward 3 Endorsement: Steve Fletcher

I saw Steve Fletcher compete for the DFL nomination earlier this spring. He won on the first ballot at the Ward 3 convention, as the candidate of the left. Before the emergence of Ginger Jentzen's campaign, it seemed like Fletcher would glide easily to an election victory in November.