The Ford Plant Site has been an area of contention for Highland Park residents for many years now. Ever since the Ford manufacturers shut down the plant and demolished it, the city has been working to figure out what to do with the large open area on the river bank. As of Sept. 27, the argument has come to the start of a conclusion: the city council voted 5-2 to allow the plant rezoned to make way for a new 135-acre area of residential housing. At least 10% of this housing will be allocated to low-income families making less than $27,100 a year.

While the site is still owned by the Ford Corporation, the sale to a land developer is expected within the year.

This news came after years of neighborhood arguments, represented this fall through signs on many residents’ front lawns.

“[The Ford Plan] might increase our taxes for awhile, but in a few years we will sell our house for a lot more than it’s worth now,” senior Marlo Graham said.

The city of St. Paul says that it’s possible that taxes will increase to help pay for expenses, but the city says it’s possible this new development might also decrease the taxes of nearby residents.

People against the new development are concerned about the possible increase in traffic that would accompany 2400 to 4000 new residents.

“There will be a lot of multi-houses…  and a lot of people and cars. It will flood into other areas and cause a lot of congestion,” sophomore Thomas Bagnoli said.

The city of St. Paul is currently attempting to address this issue of more traffic by spreading out the entry points to both Ford Parkway and Montreal Avenue and adding smaller roads in between them.

For more information on the Ford Plant Development visit St. Paul’s website