Jamal Votes to Delay Third Precinct Location Decision to Prioritize Community Voices
Jamal Votes to Delay Third Precinct Location Decision to Prioritize Community Voices!
October 17, 2023 — Minneapolis, MN — In a 9-3 vote, the Minneapolis City Council has chosen to delay an important decision regarding the location of the future MPD Third Precinct station.
This delay underscores the need for meaningful consideration for an alternate location than 2600 Minnehaha Avenue.
Council Member Jamal Osman (W6, DFL), an advocate and voice for neighbors and neighborhoods regarding this location, supports this delay. He's stated on multiple occasions the importance of listening to all of the community voices regarding this location - and there is already a collective community vision for the 2600 Minnehaha Avenue location that conflicts with the wishes of the Mayor.
Prioritizing Community Voices
Jamal has heard from the community about this location. Jamal said,
"My commitment has always been to champion the ideas of the people in the neighborhoods - and to ensure their voices are not only heard but genuinely considered. It's crucial that we actively listen and always be willing to work together with the community."
The delay signifies a commitment by the Council to prioritize community voices. And as far as the 2600 Minnehaha Avenue location goes, the community has made it very clear that they want to see a community center serving their neighbors at 2600 Minnehaha Avenue - and have been working toward that goal for years.
CM Osman believes that this extended period will provide the community with a chance to actively engage the Mayor directly - so the Administration realizes the importance of not tearing down their dreams, just to build up a new police station.
This cannot possibly be the foundation the Mayor wants to build a new MPD Third Precinct upon.
Jamal believes we absolutely must make a final decision regarding the Third Precinct location - but we must make sure our decision is well-informed and reflects the shared vision of the Minneapolis community.
And yes, let's not disregard our neighbors' dreams in this process.
A Turning Point in History
Jamal realizes that this new delay comes after a series of postponed decisions and a lack of consensus among city leaders. But he's committed to keep working together with the Mayor and his Council colleagues to find the right location.
The original Third Precinct building remains a stark reminder of the tumultuous events of 2020, boarded up and surrounded by razor wire. Supporters of the delay argue that rushing this decision could have a profound and lasting impact on the community.
Jamal believes,
"The events that unfolded at the Third Precinct in 2020 were a turning point in our city's history. We owe it to our constituents to ensure we make an informed, well-considered decision regarding the precinct's future."
For more than three years, the defunct MPD Third Precinct station has sat vacant, surrounded by concrete barricades, symbolizing the need for thoughtful consideration of its future.
Exploring Alternative Solutions
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey's current proposal for a future Third Precinct suggests possibly expanding it to encompass a "community safety center" with various city services. Jamal supports this proposal.
But the 2600 location should not be where it is located - and Jamal has said it many times. CM Osman emphasized,
"I am encouraged now by Mayor Frey's willingness to explore alternative locations and the prospect of further community input on the final location.
Our goal should be to work together and build bridges within our community, striving to accommodate the needs - and dreams - of our residents even while we find the right location for the Third Precinct."
CM Osman does not support building the new Third Precinct for the MPD at the 2600 Minnehaha location because our neighbors have envisioned a neighborhood community center for immigrant and Native American youth there. And he's going to fight for his neighbors on this.
A Commitment to an Alternate Location
This delay signifies an opportunity to identify much better candidates for the new MPD Third Precinct station - and gathering support for allowing the community the time and opportunity to continue to engage meaningfully.
Jamal believes that this delay will provide the community with a chance to participate actively, ensuring that the decision regarding the Third Precinct location is well-informed and reflects the shared vision of the Mayor, the Council, and everyone in our Minneapolis community.
Jamal concluded,
"I am committed to representing the voices of my constituents and actively engaging with the community to create a brighter future for us all - and be their voice on the Council. I look forward to supporting a new MPD Third Precinct station - and to continue working together with my colleagues to make Minneapolis safer, more inclusive, and supportive of the dreams and aspirations of its residents."
Thank You CM Emily Koski & Council Colleagues!
Tuesday's vote was 9-3. Those in favor of the delay and request for more information by Oct. 31 included CM Emily Koski and Council Members Jamal Osman, Elliott Payne, Robin Wonsley, Jeremiah Ellison, Jason Chavez, Aisha Chughtai - as well as Council President Andrea Jenkins and Vice President Linea Palmisano.
Let's just listen to - and hear - hear the community voices when it comes to these locations - and let’s perform the proper due diligence as a oversight body as we approve a final MPD Third Precinct site.
Thank you to all the neighbors who are supporting CM Jamal Osman for re-election! Jamal could not — and would not — do this without your tremendous support! Let's re-elect Jamal Osman - the Labor-endorsed, Ward 6 Democrat who is Fighting for Renters, Workers and Neighborhoods!
~Team Jamal
For questions about the campaign - or about Early Voting or Registering to vote – or if you need transportation to the Early Voting polling location or if you would like to host a “Meet & Greet” for Jamal, please contact the Team Jamal campaign at info@jamalosman.org or call (612) 735-2448.
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Please Rank #1 CM Jamal Osman for City Council - and Let's Re-elect a Ward 6 Democrat Fighting for Renters, Workers and Neighborhoods!
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Resources & Background
For more information on this article, please visit:
Star Tribune | Minneapolis City Council delays vote on Third Precinct police station
Star Tribune | Frey to Minneapolis City Council: Put the Third Precinct at 26th and Minnehaha
*For media inquiries or further information, please contact:
Osman Volunteer Committee
Communications Lead
info@jamalosman.org