SIOUX FALLS, SD (Dakota News Now) – During Tuesday’s City Council meeting in Sioux Falls, the agenda included a handful of items that were important matters for the community this year. Hannah Ekwall joined Anndrea Anderson at the desk and gave a summary of the topics discussed during the meeting.
The main topic of discussion that caught the attention of council members and the public in attendance was the future of the 11th Street area, where the Mercato building is currently located.
During the meeting, the council, by a unanimous vote of 8-0, gave the green light to a second hearing on rezoning the area from a commercial and streetcar district to a Midtown mixed-use district. This will allow Southeastern Behavioral Health to implement its plans to build income-based housing.
The council has approved a $1 million grant to Southeastern Behavioral Health to support the construction of these apartments, but in order for the grant to be used, the rezoning must be approved.
Council member Rick Merkouis said of these measures: “This has been one of the most potentially difficult places in the city of Sioux Falls over the last 20 to 25 years. Just given the number of police calls and other things, revitalization and renewal of this neighborhood is critical.”
Council members also had the opportunity to hear and vote on providing additional funding for the future of an outdoor aquatics center in south Sioux Falls.
The $500,000 will help accelerate the overall planning/design and site acquisition processes.
City Councilor David Barranco expressed hope that the initiative would start in December.
Finally, the council voted to demolish and preserve four buildings along S. Dakota Ave. and W. 19th St.
Tre Ministries will expand its ministries at this location.
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