Merging the "Twin Cities" - Minneapolis - St. Paul - Minnesota (MN) -Twin Cities - Page 5 - City-Data Forum

knke0204 · 05-06-2010, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Globe199

Why do you say things like that?

Say things like what? That Hilltop is a crap city? that's my opinion. It's America. If you don't like my opinion don't take it to heart. It's a freaking tiny land area that is covered by trailer homes. Everybody who knows how a city works knows that it's based off of Tax Base. I can't imagine that city even having a significant tax base off of a couple hundred manufactured trailer homes. They don't even have any commercial or retail properties. So, I was asking, what's the point of making it it's own Municipality? I don't get it. It's not like it's a flourishing town with all this great business and wondeful homes. I've been there plenty of times, I used to work in Columbia Heights and Fridley.

I just don't get it. There's a point when Municipalities have to ask "Are we really effecient and sustainable? What's the best move for our residents?"

Maybe Hilltop is better off being independent from Columbia Heights. But I can't see it, as it's land locked by CH, and has no significant tax base. Again, what services does the city need? I'm sure they contract out to Columbia Heights for police. What about schools?

west336 · 05-06-2010, 03:06 PM

+1

You bring up several very interesting points. I forgot how interesting city planning is, I should consider going back to school to learn more...

Ben Around · 05-06-2010, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by knke0204

Say things like what? That Hilltop is a crap city? that's my opinion. It's America. If you don't like my opinion don't take it to heart. It's a freaking tiny land area that is covered by trailer homes. Everybody who knows how a city works knows that it's based off of Tax Base. I can't imagine that city even having a significant tax base off of a couple hundred manufactured trailer homes. They don't even have any commercial or retail properties. So, I was asking, what's the point of making it it's own Municipality? I don't get it. It's not like it's a flourishing town with all this great business and wondeful homes. I've been there plenty of times, I used to work in Columbia Heights and Fridley.

I just don't get it. There's a point when Municipalities have to ask "Are we really effecient and sustainable? What's the best move for our residents?"

Maybe Hilltop is better off being independent from Columbia Heights. But I can't see it, as it's land locked by CH, and has no significant tax base. Again, what services does the city need? I'm sure they contract out to Columbia Heights for police. What about schools?

Maybe they could annex Landfall.

knke0204 · 05-06-2010, 09:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ben Around

Maybe they could annex Landfall.

Is Landfall the same?

northstar22 · 05-06-2010, 09:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by knke0204

Is Landfall the same?

Yes.

Thegonagle · 05-07-2010, 01:25 PM

knke, I guess you haven't noticed all the businesses on the west side of Central between 45th and 49th, or the strip mall on 45th Avenue. That's all Hilltop, and that base is what keeps that little city alive. It's still rough for them, though. It's been acknowledged many times that they're one major financial crisis away from ruin.

Hilltop was incorporated as its own city in the 50's because Columbia Heights didn't want them. There was once a significant intercity rivalry between Hilltop and Heights, which led to the construction of the Hilltop water tower (supplied by the city of Minneapolis), the creation of the Hilltop police department (a chief, 3 officers, and one squad car), and the contracting of fire service from Fridley.

Thankfully, tension between Hilltop and Heights had eased by the time one of their police officers totaled the only squad car in the 70's. Hilltop was unable to fund a replacement, so the department was disbanded. Columbia Heights police have served Hilltop ever since.

It's really not a question of if, but when, Hilltop will have to merge with Columbia Heights. Columbia Heights still doesn't want them because the trailer courts are a net loser as far as the taxes vs. cost of service goes. Furthermore, Columbia Heights has never allowed manufactured housing, but would have to grandfather in the current properties. MGM liquor would have to go as well, since it competes with Heights' municipally owned liquor stores.

If there are two cities that will merge in the not-to-distant future, it won't be Minneapolis and St. Paul.

ColdRedRain · 05-07-2010, 07:26 PM

You posed a good argument for both cities annexing nearby communities.

knke0204 · 05-07-2010, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thegonagle

knke, I guess you haven't noticed all the businesses on the west side of Central between 45th and 49th, or the strip mall on 45th Avenue. That's all Hilltop, and that base is what keeps that little city alive. It's still rough for them, though. It's been acknowledged many times that they're one major financial crisis away from ruin.

Hilltop was incorporated as its own city in the 50's because Columbia Heights didn't want them. There was once a significant intercity rivalry between Hilltop and Heights, which led to the construction of the Hilltop water tower (supplied by the city of Minneapolis), the creation of the Hilltop police department (a chief, 3 officers, and one squad car), and the contracting of fire service from Fridley.

Thankfully, tension between Hilltop and Heights had eased by the time one of their police officers totaled the only squad car in the 70's. Hilltop was unable to fund a replacement, so the department was disbanded. Columbia Heights police have served Hilltop ever since.

It's really not a question of if, but when, Hilltop will have to merge with Columbia Heights. Columbia Heights still doesn't want them because the trailer courts are a net loser as far as the taxes vs. cost of service goes. Furthermore, Columbia Heights has never allowed manufactured housing, but would have to grandfather in the current properties. MGM liquor would have to go as well, since it competes with Heights' municipally owned liquor stores.

If there are two cities that will merge in the not-to-distant future, it won't be Minneapolis and St. Paul.

Oh wow, I didn't know those were Hilltop, I thought that was Columbia Heights, the signage says it's Columbia Heights...

Thanks for the lesson.. This is exactly what I wanted to hear about.. Thanks for your post.!