Progress At 415 31st Ave. N.

Photo By John Hoff

The impact of any particular newspaper headline may be short-lasting in the minds of a publication's readership, but a story in yesterday's StarTribune had a big impact on the Hawthorne neighborhood.

"HAWTHORNE SCORES ONE IN FIGHT AGAINST BLIGHT," shouted the headline, and it was indeed in ALL CAPS.

Yes, Hawthorne has triumphed! CitiMortgage has settled the groundbreaking lawsuit over allegations of predatory lending. For a mere $18,500...quite a good price...Hawthorne is obtaining 415 31st Ave. N., a derilect building which has been an eyesore and an ongoing problem in the neighborhood and which stands right in the way of the Eco-Village development...
...Just yesterday, a survey crew came out. I spoke to them, and learned they had "six houses" on their survey list, all of the houses owned by CPED. I asked if my former property, 3016 6th St. N., was on the list, but the worker didn't know; he didn't have it in front of him.

"Could be," he said, cheerfully.

Word comes this very hour of a crew digging up utility lines at 415 31st Ave. N., accompanied by a plainclothes police officer displaying a badge. (I assume this is a precaution for security purposes in a part of Hathorne with a tought but rapidly-changing reputaiton)

Demolition is reportedly scheduled for October, but I have to wonder if things are going to move faster.