Interesting perspective in ZippinZack's testimonial. I wonder why he didn't
sign his post as an employee (current or former) of Sabri Properties, since that
is the case.
However, there are some items noted in the post that need a little more
information.
ZippinZack wrote:
What some people do not like is the type of businesses that have
moved onto Lake Street and the communities or cultures that they serve.
David Piehl writes:
The only businesses that people have objected to that I am aware of are the
Royal Knight Sauna, and the Pawn America proposal (which Zack opposed too).
Basim Sabri objected to the car dealership at Portland & Lake, but that
dealership has been there for decades, and serves primarily Latino customers -
the community supports the dealership. Basim has also objected to the Taco Bell
and the Roundup, but that probably had more to do with his Motel scheme than
business specifics.
ZippinZack wrote:
No one in Minneapolis will argue with the point that no one individual or
sole proprietorship development and management company has done more then
Basim Sabri of Sabri Properties.
David Piehl writes:
Well, that depends on what you mean by what he's "done". I can think of a
number of developers and CDC's that have done a lot more than Basim Sabri in
terms of development and providing opportunities for residents. I can't think
of any one individual who has done more to damage the African American
leadership in the city; Brian Herron and Sharon Sayles-Belton are casualties of
Sabri's business style, in my opinion, and probably nobody has done as much
damage to the neighborhood input process in more neighborhoods than Basim has.
Many Latino neighbors have indicated that there is broad dissatisfaction with
having Basim as a landlord, and the frequent rent increases. Many tenants have
had their rents tripled. This was the case with Ben, an African immigrant who
rented from Basim (featured on KMSP) - Ben also spoke about having utility bills
at other Sabri properties mysteriously appear in his name. Then there is the
case of Titilayo Bediako, the way Basim evicted her and her "We Win" program for
African American youth, or the case where Basim tripled Judy Cooper Lyle's
rent....Hmmmmm, you're right, Basim has done a lot!
ZippinZack wrote:
Basim Sabri has received some subsidy funds for his one of his projects. To
my knowledge it is the amount to $60,000 that was tied to the development of
301 east lake by the neighborhood organization. That's it. Of all the
projects, of all the reconditioned buildings, of all the commercial
development, $60,000.
David Piehl writes:
As Sabri's former (current?) property manager, I'm suprised Zack isn't aware of
the numerous other subsidies Basim's "projects" have received. The building to
the west of 301 E Lake, 311 E Lake, got $25K from CNIA's NRP funds, in addition
to the $67K that 301 E Lake got. 341 E Lake was sold to Basim Sabri by the MCDA
for $50K less than the highest bid at Brian Herron's request, so that is an
indirect $50K subsidy of public dollars. To build the motel that Basim wanted
gave rise to an anticipated $800,000 subsidy for a single location!! There was
also subsidy approval on the CDC agenda last summer (as Herron-gate broke) for
something like $150K. I don't know how much subsidy Basim's developments in
other neighborhoods included (maybe list members can help) - I know that the
greenway site in Whittier also included subsidy amounts. Basim likes to sell
his developments as not requiring subsidy, and maybe they don't require subsidy
but he has definately taken subsidies on them. What is interesting is how the
dollar amounts get bigger with every project.
It's also interesting to look at the value of the work listed on permit
applications for Sabri buildings. 301 E Lake
on the city website shows permit values of less than $50K....hmmmmm
ZippinZack wrote:
Selwin Ortega owns several buildings on Lake Street. Frankly more then anyone
in Minneapolis. They are to him real-estate investments. So if they go
unoccupied for several years its OK as long as they appreciate in value.
David Piehl writes:
Selwyn came in and bought a few buildings long before anyone else was
interested, and helped stabilize the area. He does own a number of buildings,
but I'd wager Basim owns more. Are you implying that Basim doesn't see his
properties as real estate investments as well? Why the campaign against Selwyn?
I haven't observed problematic behavior around Selwyn's buildings.
David Piehl
9 yr Central Resident
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