ST. PAUL, Minn. — Garbage problems, dangerous drugs and violent crime are what brought out frustrated people in St. Paul’s Hamline-Midway neighborhood in droves.
Neighbors point the finger at one problem property, Kimball Court Apartments, a supportive housing complex for people experiencing homelessness run by Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative.
On Thursday, people at the Hancock Recreation Center wanted to hear from local leaders about what is being done to ensure safety after community members said it has become a space for open-air drug use.
“At Kimball Court we recognize that people often deal with many difficult things, including drug use, but using substances on sight is not a violation of the lease,” said Charlotte Morris, Avivo program director.
The requests for service range from drugs and narcotics, theft and disorderly conduct. St. Paul police were called 32 times in September and 24 times in August.
On the same block as Kimball Court, St. Paul police found today’s man, Earl Bennett charged in a triple murder.
Body camera footage from two weeks ago you can see how Bennett points the gun at himself, after which the police open fire.
Police, city leaders and Beacon staff say they are doing what they can to ensure the area is safe.
Neighbors also raised concerns about plans to expand the facility after the city of St. Paul approved funding last month.
Beacon staff say they have upgraded lighting, installed no trespassing signs and are working on adding interior and exterior security cameras.
Beacon leadership says they will continue to work with partners and community members for the benefit of all who call St. Paul’s Hamline-Midway neighborhood home.
