A stormy, humid afternoon in Minneapolis drew more than 20 community members to demand that Mayor Jacob Frey transfer the Roof Depot site to the East Phillips Neighborhood Institute (EPNI) so the space can become a community center in a neighborhood burdened by pollution.
Background and numbers
– Two years ago, Frey indicated he would sell the Roof Depot site to EPNI, but tied the deal to a $5 million funding promise from the state to help relocate city facilities. The 2025 legislative session ended without the state delivering that money.
– EPNI has offered $10.2 million for the site, which is currently appraised at about $3.7 million. City supporters argue the neighborhood should not bear the costs of utilities or facilities once the city owns the land.
Community advocacy and environmental justice at the center
– The Climate Justice Committee (CJC), which has been organizing with East Phillips residents for years, frames the Roof Depot clash as part of a broader fight against environmental racism. Their efforts began with a push to halt demolition plans that would release arsenic and other contaminants sealed beneath the site.
– The CJC has also highlighted past victories driven by public pressure, including the temporary shutdown of a nearby asphalt plant and a century-old foundry that had polluted the area. They say those actions demonstrate the power of community organizing in improving neighborhood health and safety.
Current status and outlook
– Opponents of the sale argue that delaying or denying the transfer to EPNI prolongs environmental and economic hardship for East Phillips and that every day spent in limbo deprives residents of a planned resource for youth programs, recreation, and community services.
– Supporters emphasize that theRoof Depot site could become a long-promised community asset, helping the neighborhood address pollution concerns while providing a space for local services and gatherings.
What to watch next
– The city’s ongoing negotiations with EPNI and any potential state funding decisions will shape the timeline for a possible transfer.
– Community groups say continued public pressure is essential to keep the issue in the spotlight and to push for a tangible outcome that aligns with environmental justice goals for East Phillips.
Commentary and context
– This event underscores a broader trend in Minneapolis and other cities: residents in overburdened neighborhoods fighting for equitable access to green spaces and community resources amid industrial pollution.
– The debate reflects competing priorities between city infrastructure plans, environmental remediation, and community-led redevelopment, all within a framework of accountability to residents most affected by pollutants.
Summary
– A coalition of East Phillips residents and their allies gathered to advocate for selling the Roof Depot site to EPNI for a community-centered future, highlighting past environmental concerns and ongoing demands for justice and investment in the neighborhood. The outcome depends on state funding and city decisions in the coming weeks and months.
Additional note
– This story illustrates how local activism can connect housing, health, and environmental issues into a single effort to transform a polluted site into a community hub. Keep an eye on updates from city hall and EPNI for further milestones.