
Photo Credit: ABC 5 / KSTP / Heritage Park Apartments
(MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.) – The City of Minneapolis and the Minnesota Public Housing Authority’s emergency relocation plan for residents of Heritage Park Apartments has begun.
So far, the MPHA has helped transfer nine families and hopes to help the remaining families within one to three months of filing for voluntary transfer. Of the 202 families residing at the apartment complex, 70-75 have already told the City or MPHA that they want to leave.
The City of Minneapolis has set aside 2.5 million for relocation costs; another 12.6 million for repairs will be covered by taxpayer dollars. All funds pass through the MPHA, and remaining relocation funds will go towards repairs.
As part of the emergency relocation, the MPHA is putting money toward moving expenses and temporary housing as needed, hoping to complete the relocation process by the end of January 2027.
Initially, strong concerns about the salvageability of the 440-unit apartment complex were an issue.
Some units had visible black mold, mushrooms growing out of the floors, squirrel infestation, and leaking windows, among other complaints. Excessive exposure to damp, mold, and fungi can lead to long-term respiratory issues.
Director of Minneapolis Community Planning and Economic Development Erik Hansen now says those concerns have significantly lessened, but the situation will remain an emergency until a full, feasible renovation plan is set.
Hansen summed up the reason for requiring a concrete renovation plan before ending the state of emergency by stating, “Then we will know we can return those 400-some units to a condition we expect to have at Heritage Park.”
Residents and interested parties can find relocation-related information, including updates, on the City’s dedicated Heritage Park Relocation Website.
To add to or correct any information in this report, please contact me at kristin.h@lead4earth.org.
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