As the Blue Line Extension moves forward, one of the project’s top priorities is ensuring residents and businesses can stay rooted in their communities.
Minimizing displacement and building a light rail line that contributes to inclusive prosperity for current and future corridor residents is a core commitment of the Blue Line Extension project. This commitment has shaped the route and design of the project in many major and minor ways.
While it’s not possible to build this project in a way that truly benefits current corridor residents and future generations with zero property impacts, we can minimize those impacts whenever possible. And, when there are impacts, we can support those impacted through the transition.
36 homes or buildings in total will be purchased to build the project
There is an estimated total of 36 homes or buildings that may need to be purchased for the construction of the project. If a property is acquired, residents or tenants in the affected structures will need to relocate. The project was designed to avoid relocating residents and tenants as much as possible and staff tried to prioritize the impacts of building the project to vacant, dilapidated, or non-functioning structures, whenever possible.
As outlined in the Supplemental Final Environmental Impact Statement, the project anticipates that 35 of the 36 homes or buildings that will need to be purchased for the project include relocating residents or tenants. Of the 35 structures, 18 are commercial properties, 14 are residential properties, 2 are institutional properties, and 1 property is undeveloped. Importantly, impacted property owners have already been contacted directly by the project team.
Through ongoing design and outreach, the number of properties where a resident or tenant may need to be relocated is subject to change. Whenever possible, project staff are looking for ways to further avoid relocations or reduce property impacts. Learn more about anticipated property impacts in chapter 4.2 of the Supplemental Final Environmental Impact Statement.
Specific buildings expected to be impacted are reflected in the current 60% design plans.
Temporary and partial property acquisitions
To construct the project, the Metropolitan Council must also acquire some permanent or temporary easements on private property. This may include a limited duration temporary construction easement or a small permanent easement on the edge of private property to widen a sidewalk or improve other infrastructure. Most of the acquisitions for the project (roughly 600) are easements where people or businesses will not need to relocate but will be paid just compensation for the purchase of any property.
When purchasing property for the project, the Metropolitan Council must follow federal and state law. This includes paying the owner just compensation for the property acquired and providing residents and tenants that must relocate benefits and assistance consistent with the Uniform Relocation Act.
Learn more about your rights and the property acquisition process at metrocouncil.org/real-estate-acquisition.
A Focus on Stability
The Blue Line Extension is actively working to prevent displacement and keep communities whole in multiple ways.
Groundbreaking Support Programs
To support communities during construction, two new support programs were identified as mitigation strategies in the Blue Line Extension’s Supplemental Final Environmental Impact Statement. The programs will be administered by the Council through the Blue Line Extension project. They include:
- $5 Million Business Support Program: Impacted businesses can receive up to $30,000 in rent or mortgage assistance to help them through construction disruptions and maintain stability.
- $5 Million Community Investment Fund: Community-serving organizations will be funded to provide housing and rent assistance, helping residents stay in their neighborhoods long-term.
These commitments are separate from and in addition to the relocation benefits and assistance that will be available to eligible residents or tenants because of a building acquisition.
Continued outreach will shape how these new support programs are implemented, ensuring residents and businesses help decide how resources are used. More details about how these programs work will be shared with the community in the coming months.
These Blue Line Extension Project commitments are separate from another $10 million allocation from the State of Minnesota for the community-led Blue Line Extension Anti-displacement Community Prosperity Program. Learn more about that work at yourblueline.org.