>>[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: At times it seems as though more police would be needed. However, more police would not be needed if the infrastructure of the area were more economically sound. Or if the city’s empowerment zone would allow dollars to those wishing to start their own businesses, other than nails; liquor; knock off clothing stores, and corner “hood” stores selling outdated WIC (Women Infant‘s and Children), in addition to selling cigarettes cheaper than any other place in the city.<<
JP: I agree wholeheartedly with Vanessa. A clear connection can be seen between the economic investment in a community and the amount of crime and poverty that exists there. The higher the investment, the lower the other two become. Sound economic investment is key to diminishing and ultimately eradicating crime from areas. To that end, while the Empowerment Zone has put funding into a number of businesses and initiatives, it has never put money into "nails; liquor; knock off clothing stores, and corner “hood” stores selling outdated WIC (Women Infant‘s and Children)" to my knowledge. In my mind, that approach would be counterproductive to helping the community. What we have funded are places like Café Tata Bunna, El Amin's Fish House, Lucille's Kitchen, the Franklin Bakery, Siyeza and a host of others. We also provide funds through the West Broadway Area Coalition for West Broadway businesses to do façade improvements and we provide free technical assistance and small business loans to EZ business through four providers: NRRC, WomenVenture, MCCD and Whittier CDC. In fact in the course of our 5 1/2 years, $10.4 Million (of our $25.8 Million) has been committed to 34 economic development projects and initiatives, which have served 1,174 persons, trained 170 residents and created or retained 485 resident jobs. 65 EZ business loans have been processed and 441 EZ businesses have received technical assistance. Many people are not fully aware of what we do and don't do, I encourage people to check out our website (www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/ez) or email me directly at work at: [EMAIL PROTECTED] with any questions. On our end, we're trying to get the word out more of the resources we have to offer. In addition, the City has a great Business Finance division which works with businesses to find resources and funding, they even put out a free guide on how to start a business. Bob Lind heads that up, and is another great person to talk with. Bottom line is that both the EZ and the Business Finance division are here to help and have been assisting people as they start up or expand their business, primarily small businesses. Many people are not aware of the resources available to them, and I would encourage anyone to contact my office or other divisions for assistance. Jonathan Palmer Victory REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[email protected] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
