Mississippi Corridor Neighborhood Coalition

Mississippi Corridor Neighborhood Coalition

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WHAT IS THE MISSISSIPPI CORRIDOR NEIGHBORHOOD COALITION?

The Mississippi Corridor Neighborhood Coalition (MCNC) is a Minneapolis non-profit neighborhood-based planning, organizing, education and advocacy coalition working on behalf of neighborhoods.

It is the first coalition in the upper urban corridor to develop neighborhood-based planning for reclaiming the Mississippi as a neighborhood amenity and natural resource.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE RIVER

The image, identity and connection of the river corridor to the neighborhoods is of primary importance. It is represented in the close proximity to downtown, the unparalleled natural beauty, recreation and open space opportunities, and the potential to become the primary natural feature which will provide for a stable and sustainable urban environment.

MISSION

MCNC's mission is to preserve, protect, enhance and restore the Mississippi River to serve the interests of neighborhood residents and others who value and respect our Great Mississippi River, now and for future generations.

GOALS

- Improve the water quality and the eco-system of the Mississippi River in the urban corridor.
- Conserve the natural beauty of the river by increasing, protecting and enhancing wildlife habitat, fish and natural vegetation and protecting and restoring the critical area of the shoreline from all sources of degradation.
- Revitalize river neighborhoods, using the natural beauty of the river corridor, and adding definition to the neighborhoods by connecting the community elements of housing, open space, commercial and industrial to create a river oriented community.
- Increase accessibility to the river while respecting its value as a natural resource.
- Develop a long-term public acquisition and restoration plan for the river corridor.

SCOPE OF ACTIVITY

- Community organizing
- Education: raising awareness of river-related issues within river neighborhoods, government agencies, public officials, businesses and the broader community.
- Collaboration with community organizations and with public and private organizations: participating in riverfront redevelopment planning with all jurisdictions having a voice in river redevelopment.
- Pilot projects: housing developments, green ways, parkways, commercial development, streetscapes, bike and pedestrian paths.
- Technical assistance to neighborhoods: providing design and planning assistance.

OUTCOMES

- Major financial resources for river redevelopment from the State, County, Park Board and City.
- Publication of two significant works: 1) the Environmental Inventory, prepared by Citizens for a Better Environment, detailing over 650 sources of pollution in the upper urban corridor and 2) the Conceptual River Corridor Plan, prepared by neighborhood residents and Scott Wende Architects, that the Minneapolis Star-Tribune called a "national model." It won a 1995 Honor Award from the Minnesota Chapter of the American Institute of Architects.
- Partnerships developed with area businesses, other river groups and public agencies.
- Inclusion of river-related projects in several Neighborhood Revitalization Program plans.

AN INVITATION TO JOIN MCNC

If you agree with the Coalition's goals, please join us and help reclaim the Mighty Mississippi. Send your name, address, phone, e-mail to MCNC, P.O. Box 18748, Minneapolis, MN 55418 or FAX to 612-781-1191 or e-mail:

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