The Americ-Inn invasion of Lake Street & Central raises many issues. I find it interesting that a few people have tried to make the case that a Lake Street motel in Central neighborhood would somehow benefit the neighborhood. It might create a few service jobs that might go to area residents, is commonly repeated. What a narrow interpretation of the impact! (we all know the story of the Trojan horse, right?) First, this assumes that folks in the neighborhood will actually get the jobs that may become available - most existing jobs in the neighborhood are filled by people from outside our area, many from the suburbs! The fact that a job is located near where one lives really does not give the "neighbor" access to the job. How many residents work at Honeywell / Wells Fargo / Allina? Second, this interpretation also assumes that service jobs are in short supply. A recent survey noted that within a couple of blocks of this location each direction on Lake there are dozens of similar jobs that are available and currently unfilled. Further, jobs would be created in alternative development proposals as well - jobs that might provide opportunity for small businesses rather than putting money in the pocket of a large corporation. Incidentally, the management at McDonalds across the street from the proposed location has a policy of trying to hire folks from the neighborhood, but says that they cannot recruit enough local help, and must hire from outside the area. The most interesting assertation of all is the idea that opposition to a motel is in some way classist or racist. Many people of color are opposed to the motel, but everyone doesn't register their opposition in the same manner. Many of the most adamantly opposed to the motel are people of color - so much so that in the area surrounding the proposed motel, already two households (of color) that I am aware of have chosen to sell their houses and leave the area. It is this phenomenon that uncovers the true racism and classism of the motel proposal. Why hasn't anyone proposed building a motel on the Uptown portion of Hennepin Ave, or along the parkway? The reason: probably the perception that the folks in Central have less influence and ability to control or limit development that is considered undesirable elsewhere due to our demographics. (the "you can do that there" effect) The loss of the people who are already choosing to leave Central rather than endure a motel causes a major social impact in the city in the midst of a housing crisis. These folks need safe, affordable housing and space to raise their families; they found that in Central, and now they feel they have to look elsewhere because our neighborhood is vulnerable to bad development. Thus far I have observed a disproportionatly negative impact on people of color by this proposal. One of the folks who has chosen to put her house on the market referred to the Americ-Inn Motel as a "corporate crack house", and because she feels powerless to stop it, is "getting out". Americ-Inn, according to the Star Tribune article, thinks they can control "most of the prostitution" with their security. "Most" isn't good enough, and what about the drug dealing which has started up in the area again this past year?? Are they aware that on the next block to the east there is a raging crack house, sawed off shotguns and all? And there are now at least a couple more crack houses that we are aware of in the immediate vicinity. Basim Sabri uses video cameras around his buildings on the adjacent block - and while that is more effort than a lot of businesses make, (and appreciated) it hasn't been enough to stop the drug dealers from returning. I believe that although they may make a valiant effort to keep the motel "clean", the proposers won't be able too, it's beyond their control. Someone noted that a few years ago a motel was a bad idea due to the criminal activity in the area, but now it's different; the re-emergence of crack houses in the former "Crack Alley" neighborhood this year should testify to the fragility of the progress made in the past several years regarding criminal activity. A motel does nothing to enhance or even stabilize the liveability of the neighborhood. It makes no significant contribution to the availability of services folks need on a regular basis like a bakery, a cooperative food store, a restaurant, a video store, or any number of services would. The risk for the neighborhood is the significant propensity for failure, with massive potential spillover effects for the area, which is of course highly visible. There are many other options for suitable development that would benefit existing and future area residents directly, and better ways to bring additional employment opportunities and options to the area. Basim Sabri has listened to some of these proposals, although I don't know if they are being considered at this time; zoning changes are being requested to accomodate a motel. Another interesting assertation was that since it will be a multi-million dollar investment, it will be good for the neighborhood. It's bizarre that people seem to equate dollars with "good". Bad developments cost money too (how much did the Nicollet K-Mart cost?). A development's merits cannot be judged by the price tag, or a new sports arena wouldn't even be debated. The truth is that there are only a handful of people on the "inside" of this proposal who will benefit from it, everyone else will end up paying a price (a pound of flesh?). In addition to all of this, a significant level of public subsidy is being considered, through the Empowerment / Enterprise Zone programs and potentially NRP. Why on earth would public subsidy be used to suburbanize the city and disenfranchise the residents - and why subsidize and environment fertile for criminal activity in the area most vulnerable to it??? If public subsidy is used for a project, then the project should be one that presents a significant benefit to the area, and one that couldn't happen without the assistance; the motel is neither of these. As far as the viability of the motel if it is built, I have heard folks argue that it presents an affordable alternative to downtown hotels. At starting prices of $99 per night, the Americ Inn is less affordable than at least a couple of downtown options, and far less convenient. Hotels near the airport present stiff competition with their regular shuttles to downtown and access to the Mall of America (or is that, Maul of America.....). It's time to end "Americ-Inn Imperialism" and look to options that folks can agree on (and there are many) for the development of this location. Council Member Herron & Council Member Candidate Lilligren have met with Basim, let's take what they have learned from each other and move forward with a more appropriate development. Regards David Piehl Central ______________________________________________________________________ The information contained in this message is private and confidential information which may also be subject to the attorney-client privilege and work product doctrine. This information is intended only for the individual or entity named above. 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