Court of Appeals sides with city over library EAW

Efforts to replace the Hamline-Midway Branch Library got a boost in June from the Minnesota Court of Appeals. On June 17, judges filed a 16-page ruling that affirmed a city decision to not conduct more detailed environmental studies on the current library.

The advocacy group Renovate 1558 took its case to the court in April, asking that the city conduct an environmental impact statement or EIS prior to library demolition. 

A short environmental assessment worksheet or EAW was completed as part of the process toward library demolition and replacement. The city’s position was that the EAW was sufficient.

Both types of studies, which are governed by the state’s Environmental Quality Board, are used to determine various impacts of a project. The impacts scrutinized are wide-ranging. The studies are used for both construction and demolition projects.

A three-judge panel heard arguments on the case and then issued a 16-page ruling, siding with the city.

Advocates for preserving the current building had argued that an EIS is required. One issue cited in the argument for detailed studies is the building’s status on the National Register of Historic Places.

Demolition was considered carefully and the city has properly relied on mitigation measures that were recommended by the State Historic Preservation Office, the ruling stated. 

The EAW was conducted by the city and released in September 2023. The EAW process includes a 30-day comment period. As part of the EAW process the city had to issue a record of decision. In that decision the city indicated that the project doesn’t have the potential for “significant” environmental impacts. It also stated that project impacts can be mitigated.

That prompted the challenge to the EAW and what is seen as a lack of attention to impacts such as greenhouse gases emitted during building demolition. There was also debate over the state historic office’s level of review. But the appeals court disagreed with those concerns.

Renovate 1558 representatives expressed disappointment with the ruling.

Mayor Melvin Carter issued a statement after the ruling, calling it a positive step forward. He and supporters of a new library say they remain committed to the vision of a new structure.

One more legal action is pending. A trial was held in May in Ramsey County District Court. Renovate 1558 also filed that case, in an effort to stop library demolition. That case was heard by Judge Stephen Smith. A decision is expected by year’s end.

Plans to demolish the library and replace it with an $8.1 million facility at its current 1558 Minnehaha Ave. site were announced two years ago. The library has been closed for more than a year. Users go to other libraries or use bookmobile services.

If the city wins at the district court level, and a new library can be built, it will take about 18 months to complete.

It would to include an outdoor reading garden, an interactive play area for children, study and meeting rooms, a wellness room, an area for teens and space to feature public art. It’s also designed as a one-story building that will feature low shelving for greater accessibility.