Following an outcry from the community surrounding issues of public health, Minneapolis city officials are actively addressing citizens’ concerns through legislation. A public hearing is set for December 2, regarding a new wrecking provisions ordinance, as announced on social media by Jason Chavez of Minneapolis Ward 9. The hearing will be held at 1:30 PM in the Public Service Center, aimed at evaluating measures to safeguard residents from hazardous materials during the demolition process of industrial and commercial sites. Chávez's announcement invites the community to join in what is said to address the broader health and safety of the city.
The proposal for this ordinance stems from the uproar after the demolition of Smith Foundry, a move that, according to local residents, was done without adequate warning and potentially exposed them to harmful substances. "The current ordinance is not strong enough to ensure the health and safety of nearby residents," and "the procedures used in the Smith Foundry demolition process need to be improved upon," explains Chavez. In light of these events, the intent is to prevent similar future occurrences by requiring wrecking permit applicants to disclose any possibly harmful materials or conditions beforehand, thus mandating to enactment of certain precautions to prevent adverse health impacts.
Chavez’s office, working alongside City staff and the City Attorney’s Office, sought community input to devise a system ensuring greater transparency and safety measures for similar demolitions. The requirements will necessitate the disclosure of any potential materials, such as toxic chemicals, mold, or other factors affecting air quality that could detrimentally impact residents’ health during the wrecking process, with a focus on developing specific mitigation measures to ensure the community's well-being.
Gratitude was extended towards East Phillips and Midtown Phillips community members and associations for their leadership and accountability demands, holding both the office of Chavez and City staff responsible for driving change. An "internal workgroup around this with department staff, community, and my office," has been formed according to Chavez, illustrating a collaborative effort to push the ordinance to fruition. Residents are being asked to attend the hearing, partake in the process, and see the ordinance reach the ‘finish line.’
