Land Use & Planning

Riverfront polluter Northern Metals violates laws... again

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

February 26, 2020

After polluting on the North Minneapolis riverfront for years, Northern Metals was given a second chance to build a new facility in Becker. However, before that facility was even fully open, a large pile of cars caught fire and burned for five days. We spoke to KSTP News about Northern Metals' history of violations and community harm. >>

February 24, 2020

Our river corridor director Colleen O'Connor Toberman gave KSTP reporters a tour of Ford Area C to explain why so many in the metro area are calling for thorough cleanup of the toxic riverfront dump site. >>

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

February 21, 2020

At a recent community meeting, 150 residents gathered to hear about the history and future of Area C, the Ford Motor Company's hazardous waste pile sitting on the floodplain in St. Paul. Out of the many questions raised, one in particular didn't have a clear answer: Will anyone make Ford clean up its mess on the Mississippi River? >>

Upper Harbor Terminal project draws media attention

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

February 4, 2020

Recent news articles in MinnPost and the Star Tribune highlight several concerns being raised about the city of Minneapolis' Upper Harbor Terminal project, including state funding controversy, a rushed planning process, and violations of open meeting law. FMR board member Paul Bauknight and staff member Colleen O'Connor Toberman are interviewed. >>

Ford Area C (video)

January 30, 2020

In this video, we take you to Ford Area C, Ford's toxic riverfront dumpsite in St. Paul. You’ll see the Mississippi lapping at the dumpsite’s edge. What pollution remains there? How much is leaching into our river? We still don’t know enough. >>

January 28, 2020

While many articles look back at the life of Twin Cities Ford Assembly Plant, not many focus on Area C. In fact, most stories about the Ford plant don't even mention it. Here's a basic timeline of this floodplain dumpsite to lend historical context. Read more