Minneapolis Business, Housing & Zoning Committee Summary

Meeting Information

• Date: January 7, 2025
• Title: Regular Meeting of the Business, Housing and Zoning Committee
• Present: Jamal Osman (Chair), Katie Cashman, Andrea Jenkins, Jeremiah Ellison (Vice Chair)
• Absent: Michael Rainville, Aurin Chowdhury
• Guests: Beth Dominguez (License Inspector), Amy Lingo (Business License Manager), Anthony (Regulatory Services)
• Votes: 8 voice votes

Highlights

• Extended Hours License for Lowry Handy Stop sparked significant neighborhood discussion about safety and operation hours
• Interim Use Permit for Metropolitan Transportation Network bus storage facility raised concerns about traffic impact
• Animal Control ordinance amendment to comply with ADA requirements regarding service animals
• Tax delinquency hearing for Pimento Jamaican Kitchen

Discussion

Lowry Handy Stop Extended Hours License

Neighbors expressed significant concerns about the 24-hour operation of this gas station, citing issues with crime, public safety, and previous incidents including shootings. The business has been operating 24/7 since 2007 without proper permits. Significant discussion centered around whether to approve the extended hours or enforce current legal operating hours of 6am-10pm. Multiple residents reported safety concerns, including a stray bullet incident.

Council members suggested continuing the item to allow for community dialogue between the owner and neighbors. Council Member Cashman noted: “There’s room for coming to agreements with owners who are willing and ways to build relationships with their neighbors.”

Decision: Motion to continue the item to next meeting passed unanimously.

Metropolitan Transportation Network Bus Storage

Discussion focused on the impact of school bus traffic on neighboring businesses. The facility will house up to 70 buses serving Minneapolis Public Schools. The owner clarified operation hours, with first buses leaving at 4:42am and last returns by 8pm. Council members viewed the location as ideal for this use, with Council Member Ellison noting the positive impact on local employment.

Vote: Approved unanimously.

Animal Control Ordinance Amendment

The amendment removes language requiring service animals to be “certified,” bringing city code into compliance with ADA requirements. Discussion clarified that under federal law, only two questions can be asked about service animals: whether the animal is required because of a disability and what work/task the animal has been trained to perform.

Vote: Approved unanimously.

Pimento Jamaican Kitchen License Revocation

Discussion centered around outstanding taxes owed to the Minnesota Department of Revenue. The committee moved the item forward without recommendation to allow time for the owner to resolve the tax issue before full council consideration.

Vote: Forwarded to Council without recommendation unanimously.

Public Comments

Lowry Handy Stop Discussion

• Malachi Tapin: Resident living half block away, reported issues with drug use, violent crime, reckless driving, and litter. Noted personal experience with stray bullet through home wall.
• Anelia Lusio: Neighborhood resident with family roots in area, expressed concern about sale of problematic items like nitrous oxide canisters and digital scales. Reported safety concerns including recent shooting incident.
• Neils Brenam: 10-year resident reported 323 total incidents in three years, with 153 occurring between 12am-5am, including six shootings and three stabbings.

California Street Bus Storage

• Monica Ellis: Property owner of multiple nearby buildings expressed concerns about traffic impact on small street and potential effects on other business tenants.