The City of Minneapolis is moving forward with a $6.8 million purchase of an industrial site in the East Phillips neighborhood for a new Public Works water maintenance facility.

The deal, approved in a 9-4 vote of the City Council on Friday, sparked concern from some neighbors and Council Member Alondra Cano, who represents the area. Cano and a group of residents have spoken out against the city's plans since they reached the council last year, saying that the neighborhood is already overburdened by industrial operations and truck traffic.

The 7.5-acre site on E. 28th Street is currently occupied by roofing supplier Roof Depot.

The city plans to relocate its water maintenance operation from a more than century-old facility in northeast Minneapolis, along with water meter operations currently based in Fridley. Officials have said the site could also be used to store items for other city operations outside of the Public Works Department.

Before the vote Friday, Cano suggested that the council direct city staff members to use the property only for water maintenance operations and seek advice from community members on private use of a small portion of the site that won't be needed for city business. That proposal was rejected by the council.

The city plans to close on the deal July 1.

Above: Several East Phillips neighbors attended Friday's meeting, including some who carried signs expressing concerns about the city's plans for the Roof Depot site.