Faster Transportation
A Link to Jobs and Education
A Catalyst for Housing and Commercial Development
6:30 p.m. - Sign in, Refreshments, and Social 7 p.m. Program
Nelima Sitati-Munene - Community Organizer
Harrison Neighborhood Association
Wynfred Russell - Executive Director
African Career, Education, and Resource Center
The proposed Bottineau Light Rail Line could bring big benefits to Brooklyn Park and other communities along the line. One of the Hennepin County Engineers will explain the planning process for the Bottineau Line, its route, and the location of stations. Nelima Sitati-Munene, who has been helping residents in North Minneapolis contribute to the design of the stations, will tell us how residents in other communities can become involved in that process too. Wynfred Russell will discuss the many potential benefits light rail could bring to our city from greater accessibility for the disabled, elderly, and parents who ride with toddlers to expanded opportunities for education and jobs.
Because light rail requires infrastructure, it has a stable route and attracts residential and commercial development along its path. Who will this development benefit? Brooklyn Park's population is nearly half minority with 21% of its residents new immigrants. What kinds of housing, services, sources for jobs, and retail development would be most helpful for this community? How can we assure that development along the Bottineau corridor will serve their needs? Mr. Russell will address these questions and let us know how our involvement can assure the coming development will serve all Brooklyn Park residents equitably.
Speakers
Nelima Sitati-Munene works on housing-related issues, safety and crime prevention, and increasing community participation in the committees of the Harrison Neighborhood Association. She has previously worked as a victim’s advocate at the domestic abuse center in Hennepin County and at Alexandra's House.
Wynfred Russell was formerly an infectious disease researcher at the University of Minnesota. Prior to that, he served as director of the Center for Multicultural Services at Normandale Community College. He also taught in the Department of African American & African Studies at the U of M and at North Hennepin Community College and Century College. In 2009, Russell received the Human Rights Award from the League of Minnesota Human Rights Commissions for his service to numerous organizations and the community at large.
Under his leadership, ACER received a Metropolitan Council Corridors of Opportunity Community Engagement Team grant in 2011 to implement “Making Transit Meaningful,” a program aimed to connect communities of color through a series of culturally appropriate engagement strategies. ACER received a second round of funds in September 2012. Included in recent activities under this grant was a Mobile Guided Tour of Light Rail Transit. Watch the four minute video describing the tour:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IAH5KOkla3Y
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Sponsors
Think Again Brooklyns is a monthly forum at Brooklyn Park City Hall on third Tuesdays covering issues that promote justice, fairness, shared prosperity, and sustainability. September's forum is co-sponsored by the Brooklyn Park Diversity Team; the African Career, Education, and Resources Center; and the League of Women Voters Brooklyn Park, Osseo, Maple Grove, and Brooklyn Center Chapter. For questions or future topic suggestions, contact Carol Woehrer, carolwoehrer@usfamily.net
