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Help Resolve Problem Properties
By Partnering with Corcoran’s Problem Properties Caucus
by Eric Gustafson, CNO Staff

According to corcoranneighborhood.org, CNO helped resolve 17 Problem Properties last year. What is a Problem Property? and How can neighborhood residents help identify and address them?

The neighborhood Problem Properties Caucus (PPC) was established in 2002 by CNO and Council Member Gary Schiff to address distressed properties and chronic criminal activity. The PPC’s partnering agencies include Minneapolis Police/SAFE, Council Member Gary Schiff, City of Minneapolis Housing Inspections, and Corcoran Neighborhood Organization. The group meets monthly to address a list of mutually agreed upon ‘Problem Properties’ with chronic problems including drug dealing, unsafe housing conditions, and nuisance activity such as prostitution.

Each Caucus partner plays a different role in identifying and solving problems at these chronic addresses. Partners are able to amplify one another’s efforts and leverage other resources when necessary. The Police have power of enforcement where illegal behavior occurs. Housing Inspections enforces ordinance or rental license violations. Council Member Schiff brings issues and specific properties before standing committees of the full Council, sets city policy and works with City departments to follow up on complaints. The SAFE Crime Prevention Specialist works closely with block leaders, uniformed officers, and special Police units such as Narcotics. As a citizen participation organization, CNO serves to voice resident concerns at specific addresses, educate residents on crime prevention and encourage active block clubs, prioritize and focus the efforts of the Caucus, and follow up with PPC partners to ensure timely resolution. When necessary, CNO also advocates that special attention be given to larger issues of concern by decision makers such as Council Member Schiff.

While monthly caucus meetings and minutes are confidential to maintain the privacy rights of residents and businesses, block leaders and other residents make crucial contributions to the Problem Properties Caucus. Here are some things you can do to make your block safe and to solve problems quickly when they come up:

  1. Call 911 every time you observe illegal, suspicious, or threatening behavior. Legitimate 911 calls do more than summon uniformed officers. These calls establish a record of problems. This record is crucial in applying the resources available through SAFE, the Police, and other PPC partners.
  2. Turn on your front light from dusk to dawn, install a motion light in your back yard or behind the garage, and make sure your door and window locks and other security measures are adequate. SAFE and the Minneapolis Police are available to help. Contact Crime Prevention Specialist Karen Skrivseth at 612-673-2856 or karen.skrivseth@ci.minneapolis.mn.us.
  3. Get to know the neighbors on your block. Do you have an active block club? When do they meet? Who is the block club leader? Is your block having a National Night Out party on August 1 this year? Contact CNO, or Crime Prevention Specialist Karen Skrivseth at 612-673-2856 or karen.skrivseth@ci.minneapolis.mn.us.
  4. Meet the other neighborhood activists who make great things happen in Corcoran – things like the Midtown Farmer’s Market, Caring Corcoran Neighbors (a committee dedicated to a safer community), the Corcoran Fiesta, and CNO Housing Programs. Volunteer at a one time event or find out how to get more involved. Contact CNO at 612-724-7457 or eric@corcoranneighborhood.org, or check out happenings advertised in the Corcoran News.
  5. Become a block leader. SAFE offers free block leader trainings. Every resident is welcome, even if your block already has a block leader. To find out more, contact CNO, or Crime Prevention Specialist Karen Skrivseth at 612-673-2856 or karen.skrivseth@ci.minneapolis.mn.us.
  6. Call your Council Member.  Council Member Gary Schiff and his staff are available to address complaints and concerns and help residents resolve problems. Contact Council Member Gary Schiff at (612) 673-2209 or gary.schiff@ci.minneapolis.mn.us.
  7. Call 311 to report problems in the neighborhood and on your block.  311 can help with everything from long grass on your neighbor’s yard to graffiti on a garage to streetlights burned out.