Sioux Trail School/Tennisioux Park Development
Once the pride of the North River Hills Neighborhood and a School Of Excellence Award Winner, the Sioux Trail Elementary School and adjacent Tennisioux Park are being considered for re-development. Our neighborhood has a lot at stake and we need to have a voice in the decision making process.
proposed project
current site aerial for reference
Re: North River Hills Neighbors Oppose Zoning Changes
To Whom it May Concern,
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Residents in the North River Hills neighborhood have organized and are calling on you to reject any proposal to redevelop the Sioux Trail Elementary School property that requires zoning changes or increases the housing density in the neighborhood. River Hills was one of the first communities settled in Burnsville and we care deeply about the future generations that will be born and raised in this neighborhood. We are committed to preserving a vibrant neighborhood design that prioritizes community gathering and outdoor activities, and fellowship.
Why Zoning Changes Harm Our Community:
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Fails to properly consider traffic flow and the capacity of current roads and infrastructure. A high-density development would result in the addition of hundreds of personal vehicles, in addition to service and delivery vehicles. The significant increase in traffic will create safety and convenience issues for residents on North River Hills thoroughfares, which were not designed to support traffic at this increased volume.
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Jeopardizes public safety, especially for families and children. Increased traffic flow, coupled with a reduction in green space and public park amenities, will force more young people and families to walk close to a mile to access the next nearest park.
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Removes a community gathering space. The property is not only known for the empty school building, Sioux Trail has been a public space, a safe playground, a sledding hill, and a neighborhood landmark since the creation of this neighborhood.
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Prioritizes quick development over long-term vision. Burnsville has the opportunity to create something better than rezoning part of a historic neighborhood to maximize the profit of a private company.
The North River Hills neighborhood is asking for any redevelopment of the Sioux Trail Elementary School property to be responsive to the needs of our community and maintain the current Zoning Ordinances, to preserve the vibrant character of our community and be welcoming for generations to come.
In Solidarity,
North River Hills Neighborhood Residents