My wife and I have lived in north Minneapolis for seven years. During that time, we've seen homes boarded, become vacant and be leveled by bulldozers.
The idea that North Side neighborhoods would reject a social-services hub on West Broadway because it "will draw thousands of poor people to the block" is not only absurd, but delusional ("Social services hub rejected," Jan. 18). Thousands of poor people are already on this block and throughout the neighborhood.
If the city has plans to turn West Broadway into a "bustling street of retail stores, restaurants and coffee shops," may I suggest the entire length of Broadway between Ilion and Logan Avenues, where there is nothing but grass? Or maybe the whole block on the west side of Penn Avenue between Broadway and 26th Avenue, where every single building has been boarded since May's tornado?
There is no shortage of unused property on the North Side and more than enough space for businesses. The only thing we lack is investment.
If the city wants to exile poor people from the poor area of town while gentrifying it, that's its business. Those of us who live here would love to create a viable neighborhood of small businesses and local connections.
The City Council's development committee should involve us in capital projects, since we are the ones who live here.
KEVIN MOBERG, MINNEAPOLIS
