The 8th Ward Community Safety Forum was held on September 24, 2007 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Park Avenue Methodist Church. Pastor Oglesby welcomed the neighborhood residents.
In attendance was Councilmember, Elizabeth Glidden, staff and volunteers, Mayor R T Rybak, Police Chief Tim Dolan and police staff including Lt.
Amelia Huffman, Inspector Lucy Gerold and staff that work in the 3rd precinct. Councilmember Glidden gave an overview and purpose of the meeting, the
agenda, and the structure. She recognized all of the agencies and individuals who have been working hard in our neighborhoods (Central, Powderhorn
Park, Bancroft, Bryant and Kingfield). Many citizen volunteers worked hard for the success of this forum. Approximately 275 people were in
attendance.
The councilmember , the Mayor, the Chief and his staff each discussed their concerns about the importance of safety in the neighborhood, the need for
increased action including hiring more police and tougher enforcement, positively supporting neighborhood efforts like block clubs, Central Weed
and Seed, obtaining more resources and funds for prevention of negative youth behavior and positive child and family development, more investment
in economic development, housing, and more collaborative work with social service agencies, including the schools and the programs and organizations
that impact our community. Several speakers discussed “reaching across boundaries” to work together positively with young people including
increasing youth employment and after school activities.
The Minneapolis Police department discussed that although overall crime is decreasing there is a concern about aggravated assaults and recent violence
including homicides in the 3rd Precinct. Statistics were discussed and the police are making new efforts to have a visible presence in our
neighborhoods.
The question, answers, and statements from the audience included those who came to the microphone and those who submitted written questions.
Approximately 20 questions and answers were discussed. In summary people attending were very concerned about the recent killing of Mark Loesch, concerns about the results of the murder investigation, concerns about recent shootings in the neighborhoods, general crime trends, and the need for increased action for the neighborhoods to be safe. Most of the persons in attendance were of European descent and several persons of African American and Latino descent questioned the diversity of the audience, how were people informed about the forum, and the lack of racial diversity of the persons speaking from the podium. Several African American persons discussed that “we have two worlds….white and black… and it is imperative that more persons of color be recruited in neighborhood efforts on safety and services for youth and families with workers and volunteers that are African American.” One of the Latino persons asked that the Chief call and attend a special meeting at a local church for Spanish speaking residents to discuss the impact of arrests re: immigration. Chief Dolan accepted the opportunity for a meeting to be arranged. Several
people expressed concerns about Cup Foods on the corner of 38th and Chicago and the behavior of youth in and around the store. Several people asked
about bike safety.
Audience members were given “Action Sheets” when they entered the church for individuals to write down specific actions that are needed to solve the
safety problems in our community. Because the question and answer period went overtime, the action sheets were all collected and will be reviewed by
a committee of professional staff and residents to look for achievable action generated by the forum. “Action Sheets” are in important part of the
forum encourages neighborhood involvement for solutions.
Residents can e-mail Councilmember Glidden directly at HYPERLINK “mailto:” or call her at (612) 673-2208