Amidst the challenges faced by businesses and residents, Jamal Tashtoush, the owner of A & J Fish and Chicken in Minneapolis, remains hopeful for the future. In just two weeks, he has observed a significant drop in sales by 25%, which he attributes to the homeless encampment behind his restaurant. Despite this decrease in foot traffic, Tashtoush has been investing in additional security measures and spending hours cleaning up around his business to maintain safety and cleanliness.
Yasmin Vanesa Cano, the manager of Duke’s Cars and Towing, also shares concerns about safety and security issues. She stated that individuals from the encampment have attempted to break in by smashing windows, leading to slower business operations and feelings of insecurity among employees. The impact of the homeless encampment is not only affecting businesses but also nearby residents, such as the Romero family who have limited their daughter’s activities due to safety concerns.
Minneapolis police have responded to incidents in the area, including a shooting on Saturday morning and a fatal shooting on Monday. Tashtoush emphasized the need for the city to address the situation and take action to improve safety and security. Despite these challenges, Tashtoush expressed a desire for things to return to normal, where he can interact with regular customers and feel safe in the community after 29 years on Lake Street.
