34th and Cedar Comes Together to Combat Neighborhood Crime
(17 Jan 07) by Eric Gustafson, CNO Staff

Twenty-four community members attended a meeting at the Corcoran Neighborhood office last Thursday to discuss crime around 34th and Cedar.

Shell gas station owner Adam Ali acknowledged problems around the store but said he is actively working to improve the atmosphere, and has hired a security guard for Thursday through Sunday from 6 to 11 pm. The measure is one of 18 ‘business license operating conditions’ agreed to by the owner and Minneapolis Licensing in response to ongoing youth loitering and drug dealing activity unaddressed by station staff and documented by Licensing. The conditions will require station staff to actively deter and stop such activity, and include installation of three exterior surveillance cameras.

Another surveillance option, which was discussed at previous community meetings, is a police camera similar to those installed recently at ‘Safe Zones’ on Bloomington Avenue and downtown. While the Third Precinct has discussed a Safe Zone camera for this corner, explained Council Member Gary Schiff, Precinct leaders are wary of pushing current activity a block in either direction without permanent resolution.

Minneapolis Police Lieutenant Dan Roen said that some enforcement progress is unseen but ongoing, including a three-year investigation of area racketeering activity, including drug dealing, led by federal attorneys. Roen said he hopes City Attorney Paula Kruchowski will have the opportunity to prosecute area drug dealers. Kruchowski said she hopes to keep offenders out of the area using geographic trespass restrictions. She plans to encourage greater cooperation between City and County Attorneys since the County takes the lead on cases involving juveniles but is often unable to share information.

Licensing staff Julie Casey shared a sense that improvements were underway at 34th and Cedar, but urged residents to support the Shell station, create a positive presence in the area, and continue to report illegal activity using 911. A proactive attitude was evident amongst residents on hand, though several stated they would boycott the gas station until the dealing and loitering are gone.

Crime Prevention Specialist Karen Notsch urged residents to use 911 to report suspicious or illegal activity, and to provide specific details to 911 operators or herself about observed behavior. “The operators sit in a blank room, so paint a picture for them. Help them to see what you see so that officers can best use the information.”

In addition, Notsch said she is available to assist in a security audit for any home or business owner wishing to optimize safety at their property. Jeff Soderlind of Brothers Electric said his Cedar Avenue contracting firm has shown a willingness to offer a reduced rate for group-sized projects, such as a block of residents wishing to install motion lighting at alley garages.