Photo By John Hoff Louis Dachis responded on behalf of Merwin's Liquors to things I was saying about their "butt fence" and how its bad design allows long-term loitering, and how Lt. Mike Sauro of the 4th Precinct had made mention of the situation at the most recent Hawthorne Huddle.
Those who want to enjoy the discussion and/or add more points should check out the comment threads on this post, sorry the link is not live.
http://adventuresofjohnnynorthside.blogspot.com/2009/05/mr-merwintear-down-this-wall.html
(Do not click "Read More.")
Those who want to enjoy the discussion and/or add more points should check out the comment threads on this post, sorry the link is not live.
http://adventuresofjohnnynorthside.blogspot.com/2009/05/mr-merwintear-down-this-wall.html
(Do not click "Read More.")
Now that I've seen the wall, it looks like it might have been mandated in the design by the city. It looks like there might be a slope there or a return for the fence was deemed wrong for the site but something was required. It may be one of those things where the landscape/design work and city codes which would be fine anywhere else had this unintended consequence. I doubt the owner wanted to pay extra for "the butt fence." Even a short retaining wall is probably $$$. My personal experience of building in North taught me that there are plenty of things that are mandated by the city which don't take into account anti-crime design (which is a new and developing field all by itself). Even some aspects of anti-crime design reverse themselves after further research proves them wrong.
ReplyDeleteBottom line: the police said what they said. Louis (he of the $1700 cognac) has said what HE has said, and I'm glad to provide a source of intensely localized media so these things can be said.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to hear more from Louis or the police or whoever has some expert insight.
In the meantime, I'm not letting go of the tail of this tiger. What's going on at that intersection and in the area around Hawthorn Crossings strip mall has been dragging our community down for a long time and it's my self-appointed task to call bull**** on it and, as I've made clear, I bit my tongue about Merwins for a long time until that remark was made at the Hawthorne Huddle.
If the police are going to criticize the "butt fence," heck if I'm not going to report THAT. And heck if I'm not going to add my own commentary if I happen to agree. But I'm also happy to sponsor the discussion in comment threads.
I've never claimed to have cornered the market on truth.
Johnny, no one is saying you shouldn't speak up about this. There is no need to be so condescending about it though. I immediately understood Louis's point in his retort, which was--his liquor store is not one dedicated to only selling cheap bum liquor to satisfy the 'no accounts'. He also has high end liquors. And the fact that you keep joking about it and dragging it on makes you seem like you are embarrassed that he called you out. Perhaps you should have, instead of biting your lip for a year, acted like a real community activist and made an effort to meet the owner, talk with him about your concerns, instead of firing off a snotty little article on your blog. You probably have no idea of the pains that are involved with owning a liquor store in this part of town. Pressures from the residents to keep bad people away, pressures from the customers to meet their inventory requests. (Mad Dog 20/20?) ...And of course the demands of being a business owner--Trying to diversify your customer base, make enough money to stay in business, and provide a friendly, safe environment to those who want to shop there.
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to leave a comment to let you know that the way you handled this was very underhanded. I don't care if you think it is ok now, and are backpedaling because the police brought it up first. You could be affecting the guy's business negatively by making it sound as if he does not care what kind of people hang around his business, While you know nothing about him and have never made an effort to speak with him directly. It was clear from his response that he is involved in trying to make things better in the area, while providing a service to the community.
I think you owe him an apology, but that's just me.
No, I'm dragging it on to keep the discussion going so that something CHANGES. And "I have not yet BEGUN to blog."
ReplyDeleteI'm drawing a blank to understand your "underhanded" comment. What am I supposed to do, walk in there and say, "Hi, Louis, I'm a blogger you've never heard of. Would you consider making some expensive and substantial changes in your property for what I personally think is the good of the community?"
How many times do I have to replow this old ground? I have no moral, ethical or legal obligation to run around getting information from every single person who has an interest in a particular issue. If I did that, nothing would ever get written.
What the officer said was the equivalent of breaking news. When somebody (bless her heart) provided contact info for Louis, I thought it was decent to send him the info, but only just that. DECENT. Not required. I gave him his say, and now he's apparently said his say and prefers to turn back to the task at hand: pushing Mad Dog 20/20.
I bit my tongue for a year, mostly, about this butt fence issue--I did write in the Minnesota Daily about one of my first trips to North Minneapolis, and my first impressions gathered right there at Merwins Liquor--but I didn't write about Merwin's Liquor for a while because, well, I normally assume business owners are doing all they can.
But when the Fourth Precinct makes a public critique, well then a year's worth of frustration with Louis of the (expletive) $1700 cognac comes bubbling to the surface, and I'm happy to report what the officer said and add my own long-suppressed commentary.
I OWE LOUIS AN APOLOGY? You are out of your anonymous mind. When is Louis going to apologize for each and every scary incident I have experienced in his parking lot and/or at the periphery of his property where no-account people hang out on his oh-so-convenient "butt fence?"
How many times have I had to dial 911 because of, for example, witnessing drug dealing out of a car in the parking lot while the security is inside and (I would presume) keeping an eye on the $1700 cognac?
And, obviously, it's not just ME Louis needs to apologize to, it's the whole community. All the while wrapping himself in the mantle of a respectful businessman and do-gooder. Like, oh, how DARE somebody point out in a public way how his store is ****ing up?
Imagine the impression his establishment makes when potential new home buyers drive by the intersection of Lyndale Ave. N. and West Broadway for the first time. How often have I seen people who are literally PASSED OUT and laying upon the "butt fence."
So the city told him to build that fence? Did the city actually say, "Be sure to provide a ledge of adequate width at butt level for long term convenient sitting?"
Furthermore, I may make a critique but I'll also print the counter critique and the (ridiculous) demand that I apologize. Why?
Well, for one thing...readers probably find it amusing. Yeah, I'm going to apologize to Louis! (Sarcasm font) Over drinks of "Mad Dog" 20/20.
And as we drink those drinks, we will be sitting in Hell upon a frozen lake of fire, let me tell you.
Margaret-
ReplyDeleteyou raise very interesting points--especially about changing strategies toward anti-crime design. i didn't go to the design workshop that the U held for the Plymouth/Penn strip mall, but i did talk to someone who did, and saw the workshop materials, and it sounded like it was all about creating inviting places to sit. i think the theory in that case is that the space is close enough to the building, and the building is full worker bees, so seating isn't a crime/loitering risk. i wonder if the U has consulted with the 4th precinct about their design, (whatever it is).