Brooklyn Park Seeks To Create ‘Biotech Innovation District’
The city of Brooklyn Park is hoping a cash infusion from the state legislature can drive more biotech businesses to the Highway 610 corridor.
A bill being considered at the legislature could designate about 70 acres near the intersection of highways 610 and 169 as a so-called “Biotech Innovation District.”
The bill was discussed during an April 3 House Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee meeting.
If it’s approved, the city would be granted $12 million for a new water tower and three new water main crossings running under the highways to help create the new business development area.
The city would also receive $3 million for workforce development and $1 million for the Brooklyn Park Small Business Center.
A handful of medical companies including Takeda Pharmaceuticals, Olympus Surgical Technologies and Certex Medical are located near the corridor.
An overhead map shows the intersection of highways 610 and 169 in Brooklyn Park. Nearby businesses and housing developments are also highlighted.
New Jobs
Medical industry officials say the bill could help create new jobs in the region.
“The establishment of a biotech innovation district would create as many as 10,000 quality and sustainable jobs to the benefit of residents,” said Ben Wagner, associate director of marketing and communications for Medical Alley. The Golden Valley-based organization advocates on behalf of health industry partner organizations.
Brooklyn Park Mayor Hollies Winston told the committee that the bill could have an impact on racial disparities.
“Disparities exist very much in our city if you’re talking about 60 percent people of color,” Winston said. “If you grow those jobs and you grow those economic opportunities, you will not only impact the disparities that exist in Brooklyn Park, but you will be impacting disparities at a state-wide level.”
The city of Brooklyn Park is also considering housing development within the district. Approximately 3,000 new housing units could be added to the area.
