Regional Rail Authority approves demolition and cost‑share with Minneapolis for West Broadway parcels

The Hennepin County Regional Rail Authority, meeting immediately after the county board on Oct. 14, approved agreements to manage demolition and related interim uses for properties along West Broadway as part of preparation for the Blue Line Extension.

Staff said the authority previously acquired four tax‑forfeited parcels along West Broadway and coordinated with the City of Minneapolis on a contiguous vacant parcel (formerly a body shop). The regional authority will hold and implement a single demolition contract; the City of Minneapolis agreed to participate and reimburse its pro rata demolition costs, estimated at $250,000. The five cleared sites are expected to be fenced for security and are intended for interim staging during Blue Line construction, with an eye toward eventual redevelopment and coordination with anti‑displacement efforts.

County staff and commissioners discussed chain‑link fencing, interim activation ideas (art and temporary activation programs), remediation needs for housing development, potential transfer to the HRA for future redevelopment, and alignment with anti‑displacement and station‑area planning. Staff confirmed the rail authority will retain ownership through the construction period even if Met Council manages construction activities. The motion carried by voice vote.

Separately, the rail authority approved an assignment of a long‑standing storage/access lease in Shorewood/Tonka Bay, allowing the tenant to assign the lease to a new entity; staff said the lease will terminate if the area is redeveloped.