Minneapolis Businesses Brace for Unrest After Shooting
Minneapolis shop owners are taking immediate action in response to a recent police shooting, boarding up windows in anticipation of unrest. This reflex is not merely precautionary; it stems from a collective memory of past violence. In May 2020, riots devastated the area, resulting in over $500 million in damages and leaving scars that remain fresh for many business owners. “It’s happening again,” lamented a Lake Street store owner. Their sentiment captures the pervasive anxiety that has taken hold since the chaotic events of three years ago.
The current shooting has prompted businesses to fortify against potential fallout, particularly along Lake Street, where many storefronts are sealing off their windows. This instinct to protect livelihoods draws a stark parallel to the destructive aftermath of George Floyd’s death. During those turbulent days in 2020, protests quickly gave way to large-scale looting and arson. Key locations, including the Minneapolis Police Department’s Third Precinct, were attacked and burned, highlighting the volatility of those protests.
The impact of the previous unrest was nothing short of profound. Investigators documented 164 structure fires that affected nearly 200 properties. In total, over 1,300 buildings were damaged throughout the Twin Cities area. The repercussions continue to resonate. Though established responses have evolved, the deeper decline in community stability has not been adequately addressed. Nearly 60% of the damages from those riots were uninsured, leaving many business owners struggling to rebuild. Some were forced to close for good, while others are still feeling the weight of debt and insecurity.
Hassan Hamid, owner of Power Wireless, described a grim reality of accumulating $40,000 in credit card debt while attempting to recover. “If I give up, it’s going to be worse,” he shared, bound by the fear of not providing for his family. The stories of those who have tried to rebuild paint a troubling picture: sharp drops in annual revenue and ongoing challenges with insurance access. Ngan Hoang, who runs a nearby nail salon, saw her earnings fall drastically from $125,000 to just $25,000 due to evolving safety concerns and damage to her business. “I keep thinking I’m going to hang on,” she said, showcasing the resilience of many small business owners.
While the shooting has yet to ignite unrest, the lived experiences of many in Minneapolis linger long after the initial chaos. Business owners express fear for their safety, particularly because of a diminished police presence in the area. “We’re scared on Lake Street,” remarked Barlin Kadiye, voicing concerns that resonate with many others. These worries reflect not only the direct consequences of previous violence but also the lingering effects on community morale and security.
As noted by community advocates, the landscape remains marred by stalled recovery efforts. The Lake Street Council noted that about three-quarters of businesses along this corridor are minority-owned, underscoring the inequities that have complicated recovery. Some businesses struggle with inadequate insurance, while others face rising crime rates that have forced them to reduce operating hours. Simultaneously, neighborhoods present a patchwork of partially rebuilt lots, conveying a sense of stunted recovery.
Redevelopment has not come easy. Efforts by firms like Seward Redesign to purchase damaged properties often encounter barriers, namely a lack of insurance options. “It’s messy and it’s a damaged building,” described project manager Taylor Smrikárova, illustrating the frustration in clearing paths for future development. Compounding the issue is limited assistance from local government programs, which have offered only superficial help to address the deep-seated concerns of struggling business owners. According to Executive Director Allison Sharkey, the response thus far is merely a fraction of what’s necessary to facilitate real recovery.
These struggles are reflected in recent data. Surveys reveal that the Minneapolis retail and hospitality sectors experienced greater revenue declines and lower reopening rates compared to national averages from 2020 to 2022. The East Lake Street area now grapples with some of the city’s highest commercial vacancy rates, reinforcing the need for substantive change.
With safety top of mind, business owners like Kadiye find themselves living with the looming threat of violence. Having witnessed a shooting outside her boutique, she now only leaves work when accompanied by family. “We always wonder, ‘Am I going to make it home today?’” she explained, capturing the pervasive uncertainty that has seeped into everyday life. This loss of peace of mind marks another cost of the chaos that swept through Minneapolis not so long ago.
As the city faces yet another potentially volatile moment, the hurried boarding up of windows is a stark reminder of past traumas. The actions taken by business owners are not signs of paranoia but rather a defensive stance born from hard-earned experience. Officials remain silent on whether further security measures will be taken, yet the cautious actions of local businesses foreshadow a community still in the shadow of its recent history.
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