Though big parts of Lyndale Avenue’s construction project was completed this November, construction on Nicollet Avenue is far from over. A new project, set to begin in 2026, will be led by Hennepin County and will redo the road all the way from 66th Street to 77th Street. The need for this construction is simply the result of 30 years of wear and tear. The roads were originally built in the 1950s and 1960s, so it is due time for a complete rebuild. There are also goals to update parts of 65th Street, but Richfield mayor Mary Supple stated that construction for that section “depends on the weather.”
Since so much of this construction surrounds the AHA area, Supple went into detail on how some of this work may affect students. She stated that the construction teams will work on “plans for traffic flow,” and will focus on developing convenient reroutes for students looking to get into school each morning. In addition to parking and traffic flow, AHA students may also be affected by a long term redevelopment of the Hub Shopping Center.
Not only is there a short-term project in the future, Supple also discussed the long-term plan for the future of Richfield. She said the plan envisions Nicollet, Lyndale, and the area around AHA as the effective downtown of Richfield. Part of this plan eventually looks to modernize and develop the Hub, but it is privately owned, and as Supple stated, “We have to go at the pace of the private owners. It’s not something we have control over.”
The mayor spoke of the goal of having a vibrant downtown, even in a community full of commercial spaces, housing, along with green spaces and places to enjoy the outdoors. She emphasized the great green space already offered to the community by AHA and the many parks around the city.
Supple also discussed ways to provide input on the Richfield’s future and ways to get involved. First, she encouraged people to come provide their input at City Council meetings. These are times where the City Council takes input from their constituents and gauges how the community is feeling. Supple stated that “showing up at those open houses and giving input would be really important,” as it better helps the government take into account feelings of the community. Another way AHA students could get involved is to apply and serve as a youth commissioner. This opportunity is open to youth at least 15 years of age who either live in Richfield or attend a Richfield school and allows them to get involved with different topics from transportation to human rights in the Richfield community while also providing meaningful input to the local government.
The future of Richfield truly looks bright with current and future investments in developing infrastructure, community, commerce, and a vibrant downtown, which will carry the community, including AHA, well into the future.
