By Zev Radziwill

Smurfit WestRock recently announced the closing of its paper recycling plant at 2250 Wabash Ave. in St. Paul, resulting in the loss of 189 jobs.

The facility, a fixture in the community for decades, is scheduled to cease operations by the end of June. The company’s move comes in the wake of re-evaluating its current and future capacity needs and operating costs. 

The plant’s closing is certainly bad news for its workers and the community.

But the silver lining is that it opens up significant possibilities for the future of south St. Anthony Park. The 40-acre site, located near I-94 and the Green Line light rail, is being considered for redevelopment.

Local officials and community members are beginning to explore how the area can be transformed to better serve the neighborhood.

“While this loss is significant, it also presents an opportunity to reimagine the space and its role in our community,” said Kenny Niemeyer, co-chair of St. Anthony Park District 12 Community Council’s Land Use Committee. “We encourage neighbors to add their voices to the conversation.”

The District 12 Land Use Committee will discuss the plant closing and reuse at its next meeting, which is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 12, at 2375 University Ave W, Suite 110. For more information, visit sapcc.org/events.

Zev Radziwill is executive director of the St. Anthony Park District 12 Community Council.