Rethinking I-94 Community Voices

Rethinking I-94 Community Voices provides community members the opportunity to share stories of how they live, work, play, and commute on and near I-94.

Public engagement and community feedback is key to the Rethinking I-94 process. The Community Voices stories not only inform us of public opinions and community needs but shows the public the many ways the I-94 corridor is used and how transportation decisions affect peoples’ everyday lives.

Read our feature profiles below to learn more about each of our community members. We will be sharing more profiles so make sure to sign up for email updates to get alerts when new profiles are added.

To provide feedback on Rethinking I-94 please email rethinkingI94project.dot@state.mn.us or leave a comment or question.

MnDOT Community Voices serves as a platform for community members to share their perspectives, experiences and opinions related to I-94. The views expressed by participants in MnDOT Community Voices are solely their own and do not reflect the official stance or views of MnDOT. This engagement initiative is designed to gather diverse input and feedback from the community, and the opinions shared do not imply MnDOT's endorsement or agreement with any specific viewpoint.

All Community Voices photographs by Liam James Doyle.

Sharon G.

Rondo

Sharon G. recalls the construction of the 259-mile east-west Interstate 94 highway. In the late 1950s and 1960s, a significant section of the freeway passed through the Rondo Neighborhood of Saint Paul where her family lived.

As a young person, she experienced the turmoil, sense of loss, and degradation that followed the demolition of over 300 units of businesses, homes, recreational facilities, and gathering spaces, which were dismantled and removed, building by building and block by block.

She witnessed the pain and suffering of families forced to endure a large void in their community for nearly a decade. The aftermath of lost property due to social covenance, combined with the urban renewal displacement project, took a devastating toll on the community.

In the mid-1970s, urban renewal resulted in demolition of approximately 300 additional homes in the Rondo Neighborhood, specifically between Dale and Western Sts. and University and St. Anthony Aves. This redevelopment impacted Rondo residents for a second time, further adding to their anguish and despair without fair compensation or reconciliation. The redeveloped land was intended for Rondo residents displaced by the I-94 construction, aiming to create new housing and a new community. This led to the establishment of the Central Village Neighborhood and Park, the first suburban style development in Saint Paul. Many original families, including Sharon and her husband Rev. Gerald, still reside in the community, which celebrated its 50th anniversary on July 13, 2024.

For most Rondo residents, using the freeway became part of daily life. Sharon relied on I-94 to commute from Saint Paul to Minneapolis for over 20 years during her banking career. Nowadays, the freeway serves as a convenient means for shopping, attending sports events, and traveling both locally and nationally.

Sharon became involved with Rethinking I-94 because she believes it is vital for her community to have a say in the planning and decision-making process for future projects that affect them. Many individuals were displaced without their consent or any recourse, paying a heavy price for the creation of the highway system. She is passionate about preventing any further disruption to her community and does not want to see I-94 removed. She wants to ensure that her community's voices are heard.

Greg M.

Elliot Park

In the heart of downtown Minneapolis, within the Elliot Park neighborhood, Greg M., lives with his dog. His days are a blend of freelance copy editing and the lively world of bar trivia hosting.

Greg embraces his neighborhood. He walks his dog past charming cafes, inviting pubs, and discovers hidden gems along the way.

For Greg, transportation is not about the convenience of a car. Greg bikes or walks everywhere he needs to go. He enjoys a quick walk to the Eagle on Washington Ave for a relaxing evening or to Eat Street Crossing for dinner. He also catches a game at Target Field or Target Center. Greg views each place as an opportunity to connect with his community.

Prioritization of cars over walkability often leaves Greg feeling uneasy. Greg is passionate about safer streets, stricter traffic enforcement, and safer infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists. His daily walks are not without their hazards as he navigates around speeding cars coming off of I-94.

Since 2016, Greg has lived with a seizure disorder that has prevented him from driving. He relies on bikes, scooters, rideshares, and public transit to get around the city. Moving from Lansing, Michigan to downtown Minneapolis has offered him the ability to access downtown attractions and minimized the need for a car.

Greg's interest in Rethinking I-94 comes from hope for transportation and transit improvements. He is particularly interested in dedicated bus rapid transit (BRT) lanes on I-94. He believes improvements could reduce traffic congestion, and enhance mobility options across Minneapolis, making it easier for non-car users to get around.

Mario L.G.

New Hope

Mario L.G. starts his day at home in New Hope. Mario and his dad own a father/son business specializing in asbestos abatement. His home near Highway 100 is convenient for this daily routine. Five days a week he uses Highway 100, I-394 and I-94 to visit clients and job sites.

When he is not working, Mario spends his free time cheering on Minnesota sport teams. Mario frequently uses I-94 to get to sporting events. Whether he is spending a summer afternoon at a St. Paul Saints game, a winter evening with the Minnesota Wild, or catching a Minnesota United game, Mario appreciates how easy it is to get to downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul from the northern suburbs. He typically drives his own car, but sometimes he will drive to a light rail station and come into the cities that way. He and his family also use I-94 for occasional trips to Milwaukee to explore a new city and try new restaurants.

Mario’s access to I-94 is important to his daughter’s health. She was born with a condition requiring continued care for the next several years. The family makes frequent trips to Gillette Children’s Hospital in St. Paul.

He engaged in Rethinking I-94 because he and other skilled tradespeople rely on I-94 for efficient travel between job sites. He is concerned about safety, congestion, and high speeds. He knows that the history of I-94 is complicated, including the legacy of Rondo, but, to Mario, maintaining I-94 or expanding it is about the future for him, his family, and the region’s economic growth.

Austin W.

Union Park

Austin W. lives in the Union Park neighborhood of St. Paul. His apartment, between University Avenue and I-94, is where he begins his daily commute to downtown St. Paul.

Each morning, Austin uses the Green Line light rail to commute from his apartment to his office downtown. The Green Line is convenient, saves him time and money, and helps shape his daily activities. Austin often patronizes the local businesses along University Avenue, which makes his neighborhood feel like home.

Aldi and Target are his go-to spots for groceries and errands. He can easily hop off the light rail after work and pick up essentials without needing a car. The Merriam Park Public Library offers him a quiet place to read and relax. Coffee shops like Gingko Coffeehouse and restaurants such as Mario’s Pizza on Marshall Avenue provide places to gather with friends. These places are easily accessible to Austin, all within a 30-minute walk or a quick transit or bike ride.

Austin faces challenges as a non-driver in a city where cars often take precedence over people. He experiences long wait times at pedestrian crossings, such as the one at Snelling Avenue. As he goes about his day, he is always aware of the presence of I-94. Austin feels the highway has created a divide through the community, making it more challenging to get around.

Austin moved to St. Paul from Vancouver, Canada where he never needed a car. Vancouver has a robust public transit system and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure. Austin deliberately chose to live along the Green Line to avoid needing a car. He said it was not a cost saving measure, but a lifestyle choice.

He is an advocate for improved public transit and urban planning. He wants to see his community grow and thrive. Austin has engaged in the Rethinking I-94 process because of the opportunity to transform his neighborhood into a more connected and livable place.

Austin hopes for a future where every neighborhood is as accessible and convenient as Union Park, where living car-free is a viable choice.

Mercedes Y.

Rondo

Mercedes Y., known as Mizz Mercedez in the Rondo community, loves being at the heart of everything. In 2021, she and her family moved from Shoreview back to the Rondo neighborhood in St. Paul—a place Mercedes has always called home. As a proud Rondo descendant, she cherishes being surrounded by family, friends, and community, where she feels a strong sense of belonging.

With I-94 just behind her backyard, Mercedes finds convenience in its proximity, especially as a busy mother of four boys. The freeway keeps her connected as she shuttles them to school, after-school activities, and sports. On weekends, you’ll likely find them hosting community events at Central Village Park, visiting Como Zoo, catching a downtown concert, or cheering at a Timberwolves game at Target Center.

Mercedes previously worked for the Saint Paul Public School District, often traveling along I-94 between schools. Now, she enjoys a shorter commute, biking to her role as a Community Engagement Director at 825 Arts. Her work centers on amplifying the arts and creating safe spaces that honor the rich history of the Rondo community. Known throughout her neighborhood, she frequently documents community events with the hashtag #YoKidzFavoriteTeacher.

Biking around the neighborhood is a favorite pastime for Mercedes and her family, often crossing I-94 via the Dale Street Overpass, where she feels safest. They explore local businesses along Lexington and Grand Avenues, enjoying stops at their favorite pho shop, Trieu Chau, and 2 Scoops Ice Cream.

Walking is another beloved activity for Mercedes and her family. They often stroll to nearby spots like the Martin Luther King Center for basketball or Flava Café for a snack.

Mercedes is deeply invested in the future of her neighborhood and is passionate about how transportation options will shape their lives. She envisions innovative solutions like solar-powered roads and infrastructure for electric vehicles, ensuring these projects benefit the community. Additionally, she advocates for public art installations that honor Rondo’s history and preserve its legacy.

Through her involvement with Rethinking I-94, Mercedes is committed to ensuring her community has a voice in shaping its future. As someone with deep ties to Rondo, she believes it is essential to champion its thriving culture and keep the memory of Rondo alive for generations to come.