I Stand with Glendale Residents: No Displacement and No Misinformation
One aspect of our community that I truly value is our commitment to looking out for one another. When I speak with neighbors, they frequently raise concerns not just about their own area, but also about issues affecting other streets, neighborhoods, and wards. The matter of the Glendale TownHomes are a great example of this spirit of solidarity, as I am asked about my position on their future all across our ward.
I want to speak clearly about where I stand on Glendale Townhomes. I support the wishes of the residents. In a 2019 listening session, MPHA met with residents to learn more about their concerns as it worked to address needed improvements. On December 19, 2024, MPHA met with residents to begin work on a multi-phase plan to address the concerns raised. Residents made it clear that they wished above all else to remain the tight-knit community they have developed.
The residents expressed dissatisfaction with several items with heating, unit sizes, and lack of air conditioning. They wanted more parking, renovations and increased unit sizes to address their growing families.
They also expressed a deep desire to not be moved or evicted.
I support keeping Glendale families in their Glendale community, and I always have.
Unfortunately, supporters of the incumbent council member have resorted to spreading false claims about my position: suggesting I would support demolition or erect a “memorial plaque” instead of preserving the community. This is simply untrue. I have never proposed anything other than protecting this vital community.
As a member of the Prospect Park Neighborhood Association and someone who has followed this issue for years, I have spoken directly with Glendale residents. I know how critical it is to preserve the community they have built and connections they have fostered.
Here’s what actually happened at City Hall:
On June 5, 2025, the City Council had the opportunity to move forward on Glendale’s historic designation, a key step toward protecting the townhomes.
Council Member Wonsley spoke about the misinformation being shared that MPHA was planning on demolition. She also addressed the issue of the historic designation and that this designation does not prohibit MPHA from renovating the property.
On June 10, 2025 at the Business, Housing & Zoning Committee, Council Member Ellison—on Council Member Wonsley’s behalf—withdrew the motion altogether and sent it back for further staff review. Council Member Wonsley was not present at that meeting nor did she speak to the concerns raised by this community. This motion sent the item back to staff for reconsideration of the historic designation only.
What should have been a moment for transparency and action turned into indefinite delay. We are now in a holding pattern with no clear timeline, no vote, and no answers for Glendale families.
The work being done to support Glendale residents by the MPHA is well documented on their website at mphaonline.org. On October 3, 2025, a Resident Update Letter went out to all residents of this community outlining next steps which includes establishment of a resident advisory group to guide the project development through the summer of 2026.
As a community member, I was eager to hear from city staff about historic designation options. I support a historical marker in addition to preserving Glendale TownHomes. But today, we’re stuck without the facts we need to move forward.
My commitment is clear.
I will never support displacement.
I will always advocate for meaningful preservation.
I will stand with Glendale, not sidestep the issue when leadership is needed.
I will continue to advocate for the fact that no resident should be displaced. This campaign is about honest leadership and a commitment to doing the hard work, not misinformation.
Thank you for staying engaged, and thank you to the Glendale residents who continue to engage with me on this important issue. You deserve to be heard, and you deserve a council member who listens, represents the facts accurately, and follows through with concerns.
Business, Housing & Zoning Committee agenda 6/10/2025 1:30 pm - city of Minneapolis. (n.d.-a). https://lims.minneapolismn.gov/agenda/BHZ/5376
Legislative Information Management System - city of Minneapolis. (n.d.-a). https://lims.minneapolismn.gov/v2/