City's proposal to add onto 'Democracy Center,' remove alley negatively affects The Hook musicians

The City's current proposal to add onto the former Third Precinct involves removing the alley between Minnehaha and Snelling, a move that representatives from the Hook and Ladder Theater (3010 Minnehaha Ave.) point out will negatively impact the ability of musicians to load in and out of the event venue.

The City's design creates a tight 90º turn that trucks won't be able to maneuver, according to Hook representatives.

The City seeks to use the former Third Precinct as a "Democracy Center" to house its election equipment. Nearly half of the existing parking lot that has been used by Hook patrons will be removed to build an RV garage and recessed loading docks. Planners did make sure that the entrance off of Snelling was large enough for their vehicles to turn into the site. Musicians at The Hook load in off the alley on the north side of the historic theater, that was once a fire department building, and the City's planners didn't factor in those uses.

"We believe that this specific collective vision, or any future of The Hook and our neighbors, should not be threatened by a singular parking spot for an RV, especially when the city has a variety of viable and secure parking options and spaces already at its disposal," said Chris Mozena of The Hook. "We are also respectfully asking for an economic impact study while they further consider our design change request."

The Planning Commission held a public hearing on the build-out proposal on Monday, June 22 as this edition of the Messenger was going to print.