Residents air concerns over SW light rail

Supporters of the proposed Southwest Light Rail line from Minneapolis to Eden Prairie say it's an opportunity to bring economic opportunity to minority communities.

North Minneapolis pastor Jerry McAffee spoke Thursday night at a public hearing on the $1.6 billion project. He says at least a third of the jobs building the line could go to people of color.

"Unless we have another project that is coming within the next couple of months that would be at this same amount, I don't know how you can not vote for this," McAffee said.

McAfee and other activists from north Minneapolis are pushing the city to approve the light rail project over objections from southwest Minneapolis residents concerned it will harm a scenic recreation area.

Sara Brenner, who lives in the Kenwood neighborhood of Minneapolis, said her husband, who died last year, planted numerous trees along the proposed line. Some would need to be removed to make way for the trains.

"These trees were cut down by a disease as he was cut down by a disease. But the disease that will cut down these trees can and should be stopped. My heart breaks over the loss of this regional jewel, which my husband helped to build. I will continue to fight to protect that legacy," Brenner said.

The trees are one reason Minneapolis opposes a plan to bury the trains in shallow tunnels as it passes through the area. The city and the Metropolitan Council are negotiating over the issue with the help of a mediator.