Southwest Light-Rail plans lead to new lawsuit
Many Minnesotans, especially those in the Metro Area, are excited about the new transit projects that are underway. While construction can be difficult to live with, people are still looking forward to the faster and easier commutes that light-rail services provide. As the Metropolitan Council and the state of Minnesota have worked out the details for the newest rail line, not everyone has been happy.
In a previous blog post, this blog highlighted an environmental report that was conducted for the Southwest Corridor light-rail line — the newest line planned from downtown Minneapolis to Eden Prairie. In that report, experts looked at the noise and vibration that was likely to impact areas surrounding the new line.
However, some groups are saying that the Met Council has not fully explored the environmental impact of the new line. In particular, a lawsuit has been filed against the Met Council by the residents of a Minnetonka apartment building.
These people claim that the Met Council did not conduct an environmental study on how the light-rail will affect the building. In the suit, the residents say that the building is only 90 feet away from the rail line, which is closer than any other residential building. The building is also adjacent to a 49 acre park. The residents believe the rail line should be moved away from the wooded and wetland area of the peaceful park.
At this point, the Met Council has refused to redesign this section of the proposed light-rail line.
This real estate litigation is just one of example of the many different types of disputes that can arise from a new development. Property owners and developers alike need to ensure that they understand how new developments affect their legal rights. If a person’s property rights are threatened, legal action — like this new light-rail lawsuit — might be necessary.
Star Tribune, “Minnetonka residents sue Met Council over Southwest light rail,” Kelly Smith, April 7, 2015
Image Source: StarTribune.com