First the rain: break-ins, boarded windows and a boutique that gave up. Then the rainbow: new leadership, a returning art fair and a holiday passport.
A conversation about Uptown with Judy Longbottom, owner of The UPS Store at 28th Street and Hennepin Avenue, is a little like walking through a rain shower and winding up under a rainbow.
“ But then comes the rainbow.” — Judy Longbottom, owner of The UPS Store
Break-Ins and Boarded Windows
She cites the property crimes that she and other Uptown business owners endure: entry through rooftops or doors jimmied open, and theft of or damage to equipment that falls below their insurance deductible, so repairs and replacements come out of their own pockets.
She doesn’t understate the expense and exhaustion of boarding up, cleaning up and installing new security systems. These are not crimes against people, but they deter new businesses from opening and make it hard for established ones to stay open.
Shop My Closet, a resale boutique inside Seven Points, closed after less than a year in business. The owner said she had hoped to be part of the Uptown renaissance, but she is now looking for a new location.
But then comes the rainbow.
New Leadership, Big Crowds
The Uptown Association is growing and has new leadership. Stefani Pennaz, who lives in the neighborhood, is the new executive director.
Andrea Corbin has stepped down as president of the board of directors, and Lawrence Thomas has stepped up. Thomas owns the Lawrence Thomas State Farm Insurance agency, owns residential property in Uptown and is active in the community.
The association worked hard to bring the art fair back to Uptown, and it was a big success, with more than 175,000 attendees. Thousands of dollars in proceeds are being put back into Uptown through beautification and revitalization efforts.
The association also helped coordinate the neighborhood super sale and once again hosted Open Streets, turning Hennepin Avenue from 26th to 36th streets into a bike- and business-friendly street festival for one afternoon.
Uptown United, a group started by neighbors Kevin and Gina Norman, collaborates with the Uptown Association to encourage people to live, work in and enjoy Uptown and its environs. Members of both groups join the Friday evening community walks started by Uptown United and partner in supporting the farmers market, movie club and other community-building efforts.
What’s Coming
And Holidays on Hennepin will be back for a second year. The brainchild of neighbor Will Stancil, it encourages local shopping, and more than 70 neighborhood businesses take part with festive decor and fun prizes. Get your passport now at holidaysonhennepin.com. The Hill & Lake Press covered the program last year; you can read that story at hillandlakepress.org.
Finally, the city’s Community Safety Ambassadors are on target to hit the streets in November, just in time for — winter! They will serve as an unarmed, visible street presence to complement police work, not replace it.
“ Are there still problems in Uptown? You betcha.”
Are there still problems in Uptown? You betcha. But there is also a dedicated group of citizens and business owners digging in and contributing ideas, energy and long hours to help solve those problems. This being the November issue, it’s a good time to give them our thanks.
Susan Lenfestey writes for the Hill & Lake Press. She lives in Lowry Hill.
