Letters to the Editor - SuperAmerica finally closes - SuperAmerica finally closes

The SuperAmerica, at Lowry and Upton Avenues, is history. The City of Minneapolis, in an effort to curb the evils of drug dealing, gang violence and prostitution, has stepped up efforts to rid North Minneapolis of outlets for crime. And we are noticing the difference first-hand.

    We arrived home from our week-long trip in Rome to the darkness of the once thriving SuperAmerica store. My wife and I could not contain our excitement as we drove by the boarded up building, devoid of traffic, gas pumps ripped from their foundation, and the once lit sign a faded memory. Most noticeable was our street, which did not have one car parked on it.

    Our struggle to see action taken against this business, which in my opinion was only taken from our neighbors and ourselves, was long fought. Numerous letters were written to Speedway and the City of Minneapolis over the past two years. I feel like our vigilance and persistence have paid huge dividends for ourselves and our fellow residents of the surrounding Upton and Lowry area.

    In the few weeks we have been home, the differences are quite profound. No traffic on our block - foot or car. Very little garbage blew around during the recent winds. No transient traffic through our alleyway. And an overall feeling that our home is truly a home now, and not a side note to a business that has tainted this area for far too long.

    The ownership of this establishment could have done more to curb the criminal activity at this location. I am sure of it. But this station was simply a non-item for them, whether it was making any money at all. The matter is that the owners did not seem to care for the people they affected who live nearby. The residents who were affected took action; the city stepped up and is taking action. We need to stop patronizing establishments that take from the areas they do business in, and reward the responsible business owners.

Cleveland