MINNEAPOLIS — Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey says he is now proposing a new location for the Minneapolis Police Department’s 3rd precinct.
That part of the city has been without a precinct since the original building was burned during the George Floyd riots in 2020.
Since then, Frey says he and his staff have offered up close to 30 locations for a new precinct, many of which have been rejected by city councilmembers.
He believes the site at 2633 Minnnehaha Avenue is the most cost-effective location, and he hopes councilmembers see it the same way.
“This very site was put forward three years ago and was tanked by a combination of the council and the owner getting threats to both he and his family,” Frey said, “so he pulled out of the deal entirely. It’s back on the table. We are glad he is working with us towards a resolution. And again, it’s a Goldilocks saga to a close. The site is cheaper, it can get put up faster, it’s just right.”
Frey says he’ll ask the council to act on this site on Wednesday.
As previously reported, a number of councilmembers have opposed most if not all of the sites offered up so far, stating that there needs to be a more comprehensive plan for public safety — and a truth and reconciliation process— before any decisions can be made.
Less than two weeks ago, the city council delayed action on a new plan for the police station. Those who tabled the decision said they would vote on the plan on Oct. 31. But that didn’t ease the frustrations of some other members, who said taking more than three years to determine a path forward is too long.
“What I hear from my constituents frequently and loudly is make a decision. We deserve public safety. We deserve to have a precinct that is responsive to our needs,” said Council President Andrea Jenkins.
Any new facility must be located within the precinct’s borders.
