Old Mpls. school closer to wrecking ball

A Minneapolis City Council committee has voted to allow the demolition of a 54-year-old elementary school on the city's north side.

The Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Commission blocked the demolition earlier this year, saying Shingle Creek Elementary could be considered a historic landmark.

But Council President Barbara Johnson argues the money the school district is spending on the building would be better spent on other projects in the community.

"But we can't do that if we are spending $50,000 a year to keep vandals out of a public school that hasn't been used for six years," Johnson said. "Taxpayers want to see their money used wisely, and this not a wise use of public money."

The Zoning and Planning Committee recommended to delay the demolition for six months to allow Minneapolis Public Schools one last chance to sell the building. The unanimous vote means the full City Council is likely to approve the demolition permit when it takes up the matter next week.

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