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Irving and Fairmount Brownfields Revitalization Plan Complete

Public Celebration Planned for October 18

[Duluth, MN] - The City of Duluth Business and Economic Development and Community Planning led a lengthy and involved planning effort which included other City departments, economic development partners, St. Louis County, community stakeholders, residents and consultants, Perkins + Will, over the past year to collect input and create a plan for revitalization of the Irving and Fairmount neighborhoods with the intent of establishing long term economic development strategies that also promote health, prosperity and strong families. The project was funded with an Area Wide Brownfields Planning grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The planning process has produced final recommendations that will be shared at a public celebration on October 18 at Loll Designs, 5912 Waseca Street from from 4-6 pm. City staff and consultants will be on hand to provide information on the final plan and recommendations. 

"We are excited to present this community crafted revitalization plan that reflects the needs, desires and vision of the Irving and Fairmount neighborhood residents and businesses. As many people know, Duluth has a demonstrated track record of committed community members who can work towards a common vision that builds up and not just builds out our neighborhoods. We invite the public to join us next week to learn more about this exciting plan," said Heidi Timm Bijold, Business Resources Manager for the City of Duluth.   

The plan provides a decision-making framework to ensure that the Irving and Fairmount neighborhoods will have: a) a range of housing stock; b) a diverse network of roads, trails, and sidewalks that safely and efficiently connect people to places of employment, goods and services, residences, institutions, and nature; and c) opportunities for the sustainable expansion of commerce, recreation, and social interaction. The project goals are to: 

• Increase economic activity, e.g., more employment, more businesses, etc.
• Increase housing choices
• Improve health outcomes of study area residents, workers, and visitors, e.g., safer conditions, clean-up polluted sites, more physical activity, healthier foods, etc.
• Improve multi-modal connections, e.g., safer truck route to Grand Ave, better sidewalk access to Spirit Valley stores, more connections to parks and trails
• Make Grand Avenue more inviting
• Provide opportunities for community gardens and other gathering spaces

About

The Irving and Fairmount Brownfields Revitalization Plan will promote a healthy community by incorporating design ideas to create socially, economically, and ecologically resilient neighborhoods that support its residents, businesses, their employees, and visitors. The redevelopment of underutilized brownfield properties will be key to achieving this.

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