Susan Lenfestey is a regular contributor. She lives in Lowry Hill.
October, being the month of ghosts and haunted houses, seemed a good time to check in on the property at 2737 E. Lake of the Isles Parkway to find out what the heck is going on.
Hill & Lake Press has written previously about the once-lovely house that has been left empty and neglected by owner Terry Persaud since 2012.
In the February 2024 issue, Sean Murphy detailed the deterioration of the house and Persaud’s puzzling lack of upkeep. After he failed to pay taxes, Hennepin County foreclosed on the house in 2023, raising hopes for a new owner. But despite testimony from neighbors and the City of Minneapolis, the county allowed Persaud to pay the $63,000 due and reclaim the property with no restrictions. At the time, Persaud promised to rehabilitate the house within six to nine months. Trick or treat.
In the October 2024 issue, Mike Erlandson reported that nothing had been done and, in fact, things had gotten worse — with squatters and squirrels moving into the house, and ongoing safety issues, including a gas leak requiring an emergency nighttime repair.
A recent check-in with neighbors revealed more of the same: the front door left wide open, the garage door partially open, people freely accessing the building, foot-high grass, and garbage strewn about the property.
If there is any good news in this creepy story, it’s that neighbors are heartened by the efforts of Minneapolis inspector Wayne Murphy, who says the property has been a thorn in his side for years.
According to Murphy, on Sept. 1 of this year, the house was placed on the city’s new prolonged vacancy program, which starts with a $250 monthly fine and doubles every month until it caps at $2,000. He’s hopeful the fines will be expensive enough to capture Persaud’s attention and prompt action.
Murphy also noted steps the city is taking to discourage vagrancy and make the property less of an eyesore. Crews have hauled garbage, boarded the garage and mowed the lawn. Persaud is responsible for paying for these services. Trick or treat.
Neighbors are encouraged to call 911 if they see anyone in the house or attempting to enter it. Other, less serious complaints should be directed to 311, where — if nothing else — they create a paper trail.
As long as taxes are paid, there is nothing the county can do. It’s up to Persaud to restore the house or sell it to someone who will. For now, this scary house is one to avoid on Halloween.
The scariest house on Lake of the Isles doesn’t need Halloween decorations — vacant for years, it already gives neighbors the creeps. (Images: Tom Hoch)
