Latest news with #CharlieZelle
CBS News
07-04-2025
- Business
- CBS News
SWLRT audit prompts more Met Council criticism from Minnesota lawmakers
Minnesota state auditors on Monday released the results of their investigation into construction of the Metropoilitan Council's oft-delayed and over budget Southwest Light Rail Transit project. The Office of the Legislative Auditor's report found "instances of noncompliance and weaknesses in internal controls" in cost discrepancies, work with certain subcontractors, contaminated soils and security. The audit focused on "construction activities and the work performed by the civil construction contractor, Lunda/C.S. McCrossan Joint Venture," the OLA said. The 14.5-mile extension of the Metro Green Line from downtown Minneapolis to Eden Prairie is the most expensive public works project in state history at $2.8 billion. Construction began in 2018 and has been delayed numerous times. The Metropolitan Council expects it to be up and running sometime in 2027. At a hearing Monday morning with the Legislative Audit Commission, the Metropolitan Council responded to the findings. "Most importantly, as I mentioned before, there were no overpayments and we have protected, we believe, taxpayers' interests in delivering this project," Met Council Chair Charlie Zelle said. "Southwest Light Rail, or we refer to as the Green Line Extension, is a generational investment in a transformative network of transit throughout this metro area." Lawmakers on both sides excoriated the Met Council during the hearing. "There is a big problem in the Met Council, the way they conduct business, spending other people's money," Republican state Sen. Calvin Bahr said. "People work hard for their money, and all three of your problems go so over budget, it's like you don't care." "We will continue to get these results because that's the way the system is designed. It's up to the public to rise up if they want better outcomes from this regional body," DFL state Sen. Scott Dibble said. The auditors' full findings and recommendations can be found on the OLA website . Two years ago, an OLA report found the Met Council wasn't fully transparent about the project's cost overruns and delays and began construction without securing the necessary funds for completion. The council's alleged mismanagement of the SWLRT project has led to calls to reform the unelected body.
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
'Transformative' $130M downtown St. Paul development plan advances
A Indiana-based developer's plans to transform a vacant property in the heart of downtown St. Paul have taken a significant step forward. The city of St. Paul said this week the $130 million proposal for the property, known as the Central Station Block, is advancing. Developer Flaherty & Collins recently gained approvals from the Metropolitan Council and the city's Housing and Redevelopment Authority to enter into a tentative developer agreement, clearing the path to begin public engagement, design and other steps needed before a final agreement. A 20-story apartment tower with 300 market-rate apartments and 10,000-square-feet of ground-floor retail is currently envisioned for the site, which is served by the METRO Gold Line and several bus routes. The Central Station Block proposal also calls for a six-story building to be connected by skyway over the light rail. In a statement, Met Council Chair Charlie Zelle said the agency is excited to advance the "transformative" development. "This pivotal project will not only revitalize a key urban hub but demonstrate our commitment to smart growth principles," Zelle said. "By strategically increasing density around major transit modes, we're creating a more sustainable, equitable, and economically vibrant region that benefits all residents and positions us competitively on the national stage.' The property is comprised of two parcels owned separately by the Met Council and city of St. Paul. Both were acquired over a decade ago as part of the Green Line's construction. 'Central Station is a key intersection for commuters, residents, and visitors to access our urban core," stated St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter. "Flaherty & Collins' ideas to reimagine this area with housing and retail echo our vision for a vibrant, connected, and revitalized downtown Saint Paul.'
