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Residents urge inclusive planning for city‑owned Franklin Gateway parcel
Summary
Residents, youth groups and neighborhood leaders urged the council to center Franklin Gateway residents in planning for the city‑owned former Ikea parcel and cautioned against private commercialization or displacement.
Several Franklin Gateway residents and youth representatives spoke during the meeting’s unscheduled appearance period to press the council for inclusive planning of the city‑owned parcel on Franklin Gateway (the former Ikea site).
Laura Keith, executive director of YELTS (Youth Empowerment through Learning, Leading and Serving), told the council her organization has worked in Franklin Gateway since 2008 and asked that community voices be central to decisions about the newly city‑owned property. "We’re really looking forward to working with you and any other players that are at the table to collaborate and elevate the community voices throughout the process," Keith said.
A YELTS teen, Damon, told the council youth want to be part of planning and proposed uses such as a community garden, recreation center or amphitheater. Other speakers expressed concern that the city could transfer too much control to private interests or convert the site into private sports fields that would exclude local residents. Amy Lunar and other residents pushed for affordable housing and mixed‑use options that prioritize long‑term Franklin Gateway residents.
There was no final action on the item; comments were taken during unscheduled appearances and the council later moved into executive session for legal matters. The remarks signal community expectations that staff and elected officials engage residents, youth and nonprofit partners during next steps of planning for the parcel.
