Minneapolis could vote as early as Thursday on a demolition contract for the controversial Roof Depot warehouse in the East Phillips neighborhood.
The proposed $1.6 million deal with Rachel Contracting would tear the structure down. The work would be part of a project that has been the focus of lawsuits, and numerous neighborhood and city meetings.
Minneapolis will expand its Public Works facility at 1911 E. 26th St. with more offices, a storage yard for vehicles and equipment, a diesel fueling station and employee parking ramp. It spent nearly $7 million to buy the adjacent Roof Depot property.
The City Council's Policy and Government Oversight Committee on Monday forwarded the proposal to the full City Council without recommendation. The council could vote on the contract at its Thursday meeting.
Council Member Jason Chavez, who represents East Phillips, and Vice Chair Robin Wonsley voted against advancing the motion.
"I hope that if we are not able to stop the demolition today that my community still has a say on these resources we deserve and need," Chavez said.
The Roof Depot site has pitted the city in need of a new water distribution and maintenance facility against environmental activists, who have proposed the site be preserved for an urban farm and community resource hub.
"We're trying to find a balance between what the city needs and a balance in how we can reverse the future of the neighborhood," said Dean Dovolis, president of the East Phillips Neighborhood Institute, a group of residents, environmental activists and potential investors.
