New Emergency Medical Shelter Proposal Sparks Debate on Uptown’s Direction
At a recent Planning Committee meeting, businesses and neighbors near 918 W. Lake Street voiced their objections to Lakeshore Care Inc. opening an emergency 24/7 homeless medical shelter at this location. The facility would provide care for up to 12 men and 12 women.
We intend to review several aspects related of this proposal. Today, we will focus on the first topic listed below, with the intention of addressing topics 2-4 in subsequent articles.
- Whether Lakeshore Care Inc. is a legitimate service provider.
- Examination of the current state of Uptown.
- Defining NIMBYism and if it is being applied fairly to this situation.
- Ways to rebuild businesses and community in Uptown.
Red Flags Require Further Review
Before delving into the various opinions regarding this business, we wanted to research the company. It seemed prudent to look at their background to determine whether they had successfully operated a respite homeless shelter before, and if so, where? It struck us as odd that the applicant for the business, Tim McLaughlin of Grootwassink Real Estate, did not respond to the Star Tribune for an interview. Additionally, it seemed unusual that a spokesperson for Lakeshore Care did not provide a statement explaining why this location was chosen. We recognize there is a lot we have not been able to learn about this company and it is possible their endeavor is serving a worthy cause. What we have been able to learn, however, makes us skeptical.
The first red flag is the absence of a dedicated website for the company, at least not that our search revealed.
The second red flag was that no registered agent was listed in the business filing at the Secretary of State’s office. With no website, no registered agent, and the filing being recently done in March of 2024, listing 918 W. Lake Street as the business location, several questions arise. If the permit to operate at this location is denied by the city, where would the business be located? Or were they assured of the business’s approval prior to community feedback?
*Record of business filing from the MN Secretary of State.
We requested contact information for Lakeshore Care from the city, but we have yet to receive a response. However, there are enough red flags with this company to warrant a thorough examination of their business model, owners, and their intentions before approving this location.
Final Notes
Businesses are struggling to regain traction after the destruction left in the wake of George Floyd’s murder. Adding to their struggle is construction in the area, which has made accessing their businesses extremely difficult. While this one 24/7 emergency shelter may or may not cause the spike in crime feared by surrounding businesses and neighbors, it is difficult to imagine how it will contribute to Uptown’s rebound.
It is not clear why Lakeshore Care believes this location is ideal. We hope to find someone willing to speak on the company’s behalf that can provide details. It would be interesting to learn what other sites were considered. Even without the addition of the Lakeshore Care facility, people are choosing to dine and shop in areas other than Uptown. Many businesses and residents believe the continued presence of the unhoused are contributing to a heightened sense of lawlessness. The area needs its own 2040 Plan, and we will explore a few items that plan could contain in future stories.
Part 1 – Uptown 2040
Part 2 – Dumpster fire: Uptown 2040
Part 3 – NIMBYism: Uptown 2040
Part 4 – Building a Better Uptown: Uptown 2040
This piece has been edited from its original publication in the Better Minneapolis newsletter.
