By: Meghan Holden

Plans for a new apartment complex in Dinkytown have been moving quickly, but some businesses say the proposed building will disrupt the area’s urban environment.

Opus Group plans to build a 140-unit apartment complex where House of Hanson, Book House, Duffy’s Dinkytown Pizza and Casablanca Hair Design currently operate. But the Minneapolis City Council needs to rezone the area before Opus can begin construction.

Business owners and the group Save Dinkytown were originally supposed to have a public hearing at Monday’s City Planning Commission meeting, but didn’t have to since they had more than 100 people sign their petition for an environmental review of the project.

This environmental review will take place, and the Planning Commission will review it and Opus Group’s applications before the full City Council can approve the project.

Save Dinkytown’s petition stated Opus Group’s project could negatively impact the “unique history, aesthetic character and identity of Dinkytown.”

Minnesota’s environmental policy says the state has a responsibility to “preserve important historic, cultural, and natural aspects of our national heritage.”

The Opus Group’s project would require a rezoning of the current neighborhood commercial district to a community activity center district, which allows more mixed use residential and commercial development.

In its preliminary plans, the apartment would have 9,500 sq. ft. of commercial space available on the ground floor. Opponents of the project said in the petition the cost of this new space would “push [the] traditional small business base out.”

Book House owner Kristin Eide-Tollefson said any delay to the project is good.

“We’re relieved that there’s a little more time,” Eide-Tollefson said.

Pick up Wed. May 28's Minnesota Daily for more on community and business reactions.