September 20, 2023

Mayor Jacob Frey, the City Council of the City of Minneapolis & Inspector Phil Cotterill:

We are concerned citizens and community leaders who live, work, do business, worship, attend school, and more near the intersection of West Broadway Avenue & Lyndale Avenue North in North Minneapolis. We are here in North Minneapolis because we sincerely love this community pray for its health and safety.

The Merwin Liquors parking lot has long been a place of historic violence, trauma, and addiction.  On Tuesday, October 3rd at 6 pm, there will be a public hearing at the Broadway Cub Foods to discuss TXT's new application to get a liquor license.  TXT, which is operated by We Push For Peace's leadership and has less than one year of experience in operating a liquor store, is attempting to buy the business side of Merwin Liquors--the current owners will remain the property holders. 

We oppose a new liquor store license being issued to anyone at the Merwins location for two main reasons.

#1. Although the violence and illegal activity has decreased on the Merwin Liquors property, there are still many signs of trauma and addiction.  Drug and alcohol abuse and overdoses still occur. We oppose any liquor store at the corner of Lyndale and Broadway and do not want to see the cycles of addiction and unhealthy behavior continue in our community.  We stand against any business that profits off the suffering of others.  

#2. We believe that our Northside community deserves something better than a liquor store at the corner of Lyndale and Broadway.  This critical intersection should be reimagined for the betterment of our community.  This is a unique opportunity to lead with strength, vision, and justice by supporting innovative change and revitalization.  When our city leaders fail to reimagine what could be, you perpetuate and condone what has been. This is the moment to act with visionary leadership to transform our community with a people-centered approach.

The community needs to see that Mayor Frey and the current Minneapolis City Council are as concerned about the health and well-being of those in North Minneapolis as they are about other parts of the city. We need to see that our leaders can serve all Minneapolis residents, especially those who face historical inequalities and underinvestment.

We ask that you deny TXT's application for a liquor license and advocate for the health and well being of our most vulnerable community members.

The Sanctuary Covenant Church