The full list of 2023 MnDOT construction projects in Twin Cities Metro is available.

ST. PAUL MN – The Minnesota Department of Transportation released information about the more than 200 projects that its crews are working on in spring and summer. This includes dozens of construction projects within the Twin Cities metropolitan area.

In a press release, Commissioner Nancy Daubenberger said: “After a winter of record snowfalls and cold temperatures, MnDOT welcomes the arrival spring.”

The warmer weather will also mean more orange cones, work zones and people working around highway projects. MnDOT is planning a large construction program this year. We need drivers’ help in order to keep everyone as safe as possible. Please obey speed limits, slow down when you are in a work zone, turn off your cell phone and any other distractions. Be patient and plan ahead for road closures.

Below is a list of all state-funded construction projects in Twin Cities, along with MnDOT’s summaries of each.

Highway 5

Close Crimson Bay Rd access on Hwy 5 in Chanhassen and construct new connections

Resurface Hwy 5, from Mendota St. in St. Paul, to Hwy 120 in Maplewood. Repair/replace drainage. Improve pedestrian access at intersections. Replace traffic signals at Forest St., Earl St., Ruth St., and Johnson Pkwy. Improve accessibility to modern standards (ADA), make safety improvements. Build stormwater treatment basins at the Edgerton St/White Bear Ave interchanges on Hwy 36

Highway 10

Rebuild the Hwy 47/169 Interchange, build noise walls, add auxiliary lanes, and update accessibility to modern standards.

Add turn lane, access improvements to Riverdale Dr south of Hwy 10 in the city of Ramsey.

Highway 13

Construct a bridge over the highway 101 interchange and build frontage roads to Quentin Ave.

Highway 21

Build trails and a roundabout at Sawmill Rd/CR 66 in Jordan.

I-35W:

Concrete Repair with Diamond Grinding of I-35W, Hwy 61 and metrowide

Construction of stormwater system along NB I-35W between 42nd St and 0.1 mile south from 40th St, Mpls

Resurface I-35W from Minnesota River bridge to 0.1 mile south of W 82nd St in Bloomington; construct auxiliary/acceleration lanes, update accessibility (ADA) to meet modern standards

Landscape I-35W in Mpls from 26th Ave. to 31st St.

Landscape I-35W in Mpls from Park Ave. to 26th St.

Landscape I-35W, from Cliff Rd. in Burnsville to 106th Street in Bloomington

Landscape I-35W, from CR C in Roseville (NE 29th Ave.) to Sunset Ave. in Blaine

Highway 36

Construct Hwy 36 ramps in Roseville at the CR 48 (Fairview Ave.) interchange; resurface and improve drainage, signaling, and accessibility (ADA).

Landscape Hwy 36, from Searle St. to Arcade St. in Maplewood

Landscape Hwy 36 at Manning Ave, Lake Elmo/Stillwater

Highway 41

Resurface highway 41 at the intersection of Peavey Road in Chaska, including pavement markings and guardrail work

Resurface Hwy 41 between 0.23 miles north-east of Pioneer Trl, Chaska and Hwy 5 in Chanhassen

Highway 52

Resurface Hwy 52 between 0.2 mile north of CR 86 in Hampton Township and 0.2 mile north of CR42 (145th St.) in Rosemount. Repair 2 bridges. Add cable median guardrail

Highway 55

Mendota Heights: Replace railings and lighting along Hwy 55/62 at the Minnesota River Bridge

Highway 56

Construction of turn lanes along Hwy 56 at the new CR 88, Randolph Township

Highway 62

Mendota Heights: Repair the pavement along Hwy 62 between Hwy 13 and Lexington Ave.

Highway 65

Rehabilitate the Third Avenue bridge on Highway 65 in Mpls

Bridge repairs on Hwy 65 at CR 10 (Central Ave.) in Spring Lake Park

Replace pipe crossings and construct crossovers along Hwy 65 between 97th Ave. in Blaine and Klondike Dr. in East Bethel

I-94

MnDOT’s portion of the project is to repair I-94 bridges that cross St Croix River between Lakeland, MN, and Hudson, WI.

Resurface I-94 between Hwy 120 (Century Ave.) in Oakdale and the St Croix River at Lakeland. This includes traffic management, drainage, signage, lighting, guardrails, noise walls, median barriers, and improving accessibility (ADA) for modern standards. Construct a EB auxiliary lane from I-94/I-494/I-694 (Oakdale) to Hwy 19 in Woodbury. I-94: Widen and reinforce bituminous shoulder from Hwy 120, Oakdale, to St Croix River, Lakeland. Update traffic management system; improve drainage; add bituminous crossings

Rebuild the I-94 St. Croix Rest Area Buildings in Lakeland including picnic, trails and pet exercise areas

Construction of St Croix weigh-station inspection pit along I-94, Lakeland

Construction of new pedestrian facilities that meet modern accessibility standards (ADA) at the I-94 Elm Creek Rest area in Maple Grove

Repair the bridge over I-94 on Plymouth Ave in Mpls

Landscape I-94 in Mpls from Williams Ave to Warwick St

Highway 95

Improved Hwy 95 Approach at CR 28 in Denmark Township

Improvements to pedestrian and cycling facilities along Chestnut Street from Hwy 95 up to the Stillwater Lift Bridge (project led by the City of Stillwater)

Repair the drainage on Hwy 95 from 0.14 mile north of Pillar Rd up to 0.52 mile north of CR 26 at Scandia

Improvements to pedestrian and cycling facilities along Chestnut Street from Hwy 95 up to the Stillwater Lift Bridge (project led by the City of Stillwater)

Repair the drainage on Hwy 95 from 0.14 mile north of Pillar Rd up to 0.52 mile north of CR 26 at Scandia

Replace the lighting at William O’Brien State Park and at Hwy 95/97 at Scandia intersection.

Highway 169

Rebuild interchange, pavement, traffic signals, and trails between Nathan Lane and Gettysburg Ave. in New Hope.

Construction of noisewall along NB Hwy 169 between Bass Lake Rd and 62nd Ave, New Hope

Install a pavement edge drainage system on Hwy 169, between Old Brick Yard Rd and Canterbury Rd (Shakoee), from 0.42 mile east of Old Brick Yard Rd.

Install cable median barriers and drainage improvements at the intersections of Hwy 169 from Hwy 19 in Blakeley Township up to Hwy 25 in Belle Plaine.

Install traffic management systems on Hwy 169 from Hwy 41 in Shakopee to Canterbury Rd, and Hwy 41 between Hwy 169 and the Minnesota River near Chaska.

Hwy 212

Resurface Hwy 212 in Cologne from 0.14 mile west of CR 36, (Lake St W), to 0.7 mile east of CR 36, (Lake St E); repair 2 bridges and install cable median barriers

Hwy 244, Hwy 284, Hwy 96

Chip seals on Hwy 244, 284 and 96 in the metro area

Hwy 252

Improve intersection at 66th Ave and install warning flashers on 85th Ave.

I-394

Fix drainage and improve accessibility to modern standards along I-394 between Washington Ave. and 3rd Ave. in Mpls.

I-494

Work on lighting and pavement repair on I-494 at the NB exit of Lake Rd, Woodbury

Reconstruct I-35W/494 interchange in Bloomington/Richfield; repair, replace and construct new bridges from West Bush Lake Road to Hwy 77

Reconstruct I-35W/494 interchange in Bloomington/Richfield; repair, replace and construct new bridges from West Bush Lake Road to Hwy 77

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St. Paul cop won’t face criminal charges in deadly shooting

ST. PAUL (MN) — The Ramsey County Attorney’s Office has announced that it will not be filing criminal charges for the fatal police shooting of Howard Peter Holliday Johnson, which occurred on December 5, 2022.

Ramsey County prosecutors reviewed the investigation by the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and concluded that St. Paul police sergeant Cody Blanshan’s use of deadly force was legal under Minnesota law.

In an email sent to his staff, John Choi of the Ramsey County Attorney’s Office said that Sergeant Blanshan responded to a report about a domestic violence as described in your memo.

Your memorandum concludes, in the end, that the use by Sergeant Blanshan of deadly force was justified under Minnesota Law. I agree with the conclusion you reached and commend the thoroughness of your analysis of the evidence collected by BCA investigators. “I also appreciate that Jeff Noble was retained as a police force expert to help us and the public better understand the circumstances surrounding this officer-involved fatality, including the tactics used by responding officers.”

Just days after the shooting, St. Paul Police released the body camera footage. Choi requested that BCA release “all public data” from this investigation as quickly as possible.

BCA reports that St. Paul Police responded to Earl Street near Hudson Road shortly after 6 pm on Monday to reports of domestic violence.

Investigators reported that the 911 caller said Johnson was armed and that officers had formed a perimeter at the scene.

A woman left a store on Hudson Road at the same time and got in her car. The BCA reported that Johnson pointed a gun towards the woman’s vehicle as she started driving away.

Blanshan was seated in a squad vehicle nearby, as part of the perimeter.

According to the video, Blanshan told his radio “He’s there.” “He is walking eastbound.” He’s got the gun in his hand. He’s pointing at a vehicle, he is trying to carjack.

Investigators claim that Blanshan then hit Johnson with his squad car, knocking him down.

“Don’t do it!” Johnson shouts.

Johnson got up and fired at Blanshan. He was killed. Blanshan did not suffer any injuries.

Investigators claim that officers handcuffed Johnson before EMS arrived and administered first aid. He was taken to Regions Hospital where he later died.

BCA agents reported finding a Glock Pistol in.45 calibre and three bullet casings of.45 calibre at the scene. The BCA also said that they found 10 9 millimeter cartridge cases, which “could be consistent with the department handgun Blanshan used.”

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Driver still at large after deadly Minneapolis crash involving stolen Hyundai

MINNEAPOLIS — People in Minneapolis were frustrated Wednesday after police said someone driving a stolen vehicle took an innocent life.

The accident occurred at North Washington Avenue and 21st Avenues around 7:30 pm on Tuesday.

Paper Cutz Barber Shop is owned by Jaycee Cargill, a barber.

Cargill stated, “We keep a pretty positive vibe here.”

Tuesday was a very heavy day – and a really sad one. The crash occurred just feet away from the front door of the shop.

Cargill stated, “All of a sudden, you hear…I don’t think I even heard brakes…it just sounded like ‘boom’.”

CBS

The police say a driver in a Hyundai that was stolen crashed into a classic vehicle’s driver, and then fled.

Cargill stated, “By time I got out of the house he had already started running up the road.”

The victim was the most dramatic part of the scene. Cargill said he saw first responders try CPR but it was already too late.

He said, “As soon as I saw the guy on the ground…I knew he was severely hurt.” “This car theft situation, we have to act now.”

The police tell WCCO that this is a part of a larger problem they’re trying to solve, as dozens of vehicles are stolen every day. Between July 11-17, 163 vehicles were taken – 63% of which were either KIAs and Hyundais.

WCCO reported that Hyundais and KIAs were more susceptible to theft. Now, the hope is that no more lives will be lost.

Cargill stated, “We need to act now on this stolen car issue.”

The Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison said his office was still conducting a civil investigation into the automakers KIA & Hyundai.

Ellison stated that “at the end of it all, they have moral responsibility and we will find out if they have legal responsibility.”

He claims that the companies are partly responsible for the increase in thefts, including the more than 100 reported in Minneapolis last week.

“The thieves who steal cars are wrong in every way and should be held responsible. Ellison added that corporate responsibility was also an issue. “They need to make the cars as safe as any other car on the road. But they aren’t doing that.”

Ellison, along with other attorneys general, were denied a recall request in March. Ellison insists that this will not stop his office from pursuing a possible lawsuit.

Ellison stated that “they still may be sued under theories such as negligence, nuisance, and other things.”

Ellison refused to say when or if a suit would be filed. However, he said that if your KIA, Hyundai, or other vehicle has been stolen, you should call his office.

No arrests have been made in the deadly accident that occurred on Tuesday. The victim is yet to be identified.

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BCA investigates Oakdale incident where Minneapolis man died in confrontation with police

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension investigates an Oakdale incident where a Woodbury officer fired non-lethal rounds of pepper balls at a man’s car without realizing that the man had already died.

The Ramsey County Medical Examiner’s Office has identified the deceased as Keith Lavance Lewis of Minneapolis. Lewis died from a gunshot to the head. The BCA did not specify whether or not the gunshot was self-inflicted. Oakdale Police had previously stated that he shot himself.

According to an initial investigation, the incident occurred at 4:30 am on Wednesday morning in Oakdale. Officers approached a car parked near 1200 Glenbrook Avenue. Lewis was found asleep in the car by the officers. According to the BCA, when they woke Lewis, he had a gun in his hand. They began to retreat behind their squad car, but then heard a shot. Unaware that Lewis was already dead, the officers called for backup and brought in squads from other departments including Woodbury Police Department and Washington County Sheriff’s Office.

According to the BCA, Woodbury officer Alec Gulbranson fired pepper-ball rounds at the vehicle to try to convince Lewis that he had died. After confirming that he was dead, the officers cleared the area for crime scene investigators, who found a.40 caliber pistol.

BCA officials confirmed that all officers were wearing body cameras at the time of the incident. They are also reviewing all video footage as part of the investigation. This is done on the request of Oakdale Police Department.

The BCA will submit its findings to the Washington County Attorney’s Office without making a recommendation for charges.

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South Minneapolis boxing club offers community through sport

Ludy Webster is waiting at the front of his boxing studio for his students. Children are shrieking with excitement as swinging punching bag chains creak.

Ludy’s Boxing Gym, located in south Minneapolis, is a place where everyone gets greeted by the owner with a hug, high-five and / or handshake.

The chorus of “Hey Ludy!” returns the greeting. The students return the greetings before they swarm into the gym. Some are stretching, others are waiting for their coach’s instructions.

Webster, 56 years old, began boxing when he was 13 years old. He credits his career as a boxer with keeping him away from trouble. He hoped that by opening his gym in 2021 he could provide the same outlet to others in his hometown.

Webster stated, “It helped me to remain disciplined as I aged.” “I was boxing in my late teens and early 20s.” My friends would go to the bar, and so would I, but I never drank or did anything bad, because I knew that I had a match coming up.

Webster raises money for the gym, a non-profit organization. The gym offers kids boxing classes at a discount and supports a group young, competitive boxers.

Webster and a co-founder spent $40,000 from their savings to rent the building in 2021 and buy equipment. U. S. A. Boxing also donated $10,000, an organization that helps new gyms.

Webster’s income is still derived from his plumbing business, even though the boxing club has broken even. After paying for the gym, Webster spends any extra money on more boxing equipment, water bottles, and Gatorade drinks for children.

Webster stated, “It’s starting to be tight for us.” “I barely make it with all of our bills and rent.”

Webster’s “for-profit” side of the gym, which sells memberships and adult classes as well as classes for children and adults, helps him finance his goal to train boxers to travel and represent Minneapolis at national competitions.

Webster admitted that it is difficult to manage two businesses – one for money, and another for passion – almost all by himself. He can be responsible for organizing car washes, fundraisers, and free memberships to volunteers, as well as teaching boxing lessons, including two children’s sessions, about 12 adult trainings, and a beginner’s course each week.

Boxers may also choose to purchase a membership or pass at a gym for more access. Costs start at $25 per day for access to a class or the gym and go up to $150 for unlimited access by a whole family.

Webster’s clients agree that he is the main selling point for the gym, even though he admits it doesn’t come naturally or easily to him.

Miguel Arroyo’s son attends Webster’s classes two times a week. “He is very supportive of the children,” Miguel Arroyo said. The environment was very welcoming. “That’s why we continued to go.”

Webster attracted 60 new clients when the gym first opened its doors through social media and flyer distribution. The gym now has 115 members.

Webster stated that “it just took off.” He hopes to eventually double the size to accommodate more customers.

Webster’s good reputation led Damarius Gilbert, a local boxer who competes in the amateur ranks, to join Webster a year before. Gilbert says that Webster, as a coach creates an environment for boxers to grow in which is warm and comfortable.

Gilbert explained, “I had to find a coach.” “I was welcomed into the family as soon as I arrived. It was an amazing first experience.”

Gilbert says that being able to box has improved his mental and physical health. Having a coach that prioritizes building personal connections with the students has also been a game changer.

Gilbert stated that “boxing has improved my life.” It changed me into a man of better character.

Webster’s relationship with students has grown in the past two years that he has owned the gym. This is especially true with a group teenagers who come to the gym regularly to do their homework and spend time with friends.

Webster told him, “You’re not just a coach. “You are a father figure.” A psychiatrist. You are helping the children mentally because they are trying to find their way in life. “They’ve got more questions than just boxing questions.”

Webster, with the help of other gym volunteers and older boxers, creates a fun class for children ages 6-14. The class includes intense cardio, running exercises, correct stance, and punch technique. The class is set to Disney songs.

Justin Hill, who has more than 10 years of experience in boxing, helps to teach these classes. He maintains the energy required to keep up with 12 spirited students eager to punch a grownup. Hill said that Ludy has a sense of community not found in other boxing clubs.

Hill smiled down at Ayla who was bouncing around the gym wearing a rainbow ribbon in her hair. “My daughter loves to hang out with other kids. “When I was a child and boxed it kept me from getting into trouble.”

“I just feel like there’s more care and love here.”

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Emails contradict chiefs comment that Minneapolis police were aware of officers stun-gun incident prior to hiring.

In April of last year, Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said to reporters that he had “just learned” about a recruit who was involved in an incident involving the use of excessive force in Fairfax County in Virginia.

Internal emails obtained by The Star Tribune reveal that Tyler Timberlake informed the city about the prior incident in his background check conducted in September 2022, seven months before an article brought attention to this hire.

Timberlake accused O’Hara of defaming his character and asked city officials to investigate the matter. This was a month after O’Hara had publicly promised to conduct a thorough investigation into Timberlake’s hiring.

Timberlake wrote in an email dated May 15, which was verified by Star Tribune as being authentic. These statements have hurt my reputation, including implying the chief was unaware of my previous work history and my hiring by MPD, when in fact he played a role in my hiring.

A spokesman for the MPD did not respond to comments Saturday. O’Hara also declined to comment last week when asked what he knew and when about Timberlake’s history. Casper Hill, a city spokesman, said that “the city does not have any comment on these emails.”

Insiders and watchdogs have criticized O’Hara for the way he handled Timberlake’s tenure with the department. O’Hara was appointed chief of police less than a month ago, on a promise that he would help usher in an era of improved public safety. Timberlake’s employment ended on July 5, according to records. The city spokesperson would not confirm whether Timberlake was fired or resigned.

These emails are coming two days after O’Hara’s last interview with Timberlake was reportedly conducted by O’Hara, who “was fully aware of his past.”

Sherral Schmidt, the union president, said that Chief O’Hara had assured Timberlake he would be fine if he performed well. “This is not the case.”

Chief comments prompted a ‘grave concern’

Timberlake was officially hired by the city in January. The Minnesota Reformer reported in April that Timberlake had been charged with criminal and federal charges for subduing an individual using a stungun.

The footage, which was used in news articles across the country, shows Timberlake, other officers, and paramedics responding to a call from a Mount Vernon (Va.) resident who reported that a man needed oxygen on June 5, 2020. Officers arrive to find Lamonta gladney pacing around and responding to their questions in a confused manner. Gladney is coaxed into an ambulance by others, but Timberlake uses a stungun to shoot the man, causing him to fall to the floor in pain.

Fairfax County Police Chief slammed Timberlake for his conduct. He said the video “erodes public trust in police officers.” Timberlake was found not guilty of the three misdemeanor assault and battery counts by a jury. Fairfax County paid $150,000 to the victim in a settlement last year.

O’Hara responded to the report on April 20 by saying that Timberlake will not be assigned as an officer until the investigation is completed.

The chief of police said, “We’ll get to the bottom this issue and take any necessary measures to ensure that we always hire officers who meet our standard and we place only the most competent and qualified police in the service and protection of the City of Minneapolis.”

The emails show Timberlake communicating with a city worker about the incident on September 26, 2022, during his background check.

Craig Johnson, a Minneapolis Police sergeant, wrote that he would like to know the date of the critical incident as well as the timeframe.

Timberlake responded by saying that the incident occurred on June 5. The next day, he was placed on administrative leave and told to report himself to the Fairfax County Jail. He was released the next day from jail and was placed on leave. After being acquitted in court, he was then reinstated.

O’Hara’s appointment as chief was made in November, just two months after his exchange.

Timberlake expressed “grave concerns” in his email of May 20, 2023 to city officials, accusing O’Hara for lying to the media. He also said that O’Hara was likely to continue to defame Timberlake. As the city knows and as the proof shows, I have been candid, honest, and self-aware in my efforts to earn a position within the MPD so that I can contribute to a profession I love,” wrote Timberlake. It is disappointing that Chief O’Hara, when faced with a limited narrative of the events by certain media, found it easier defame than own the truth. This will show that he interview me and approved my hiring after a full disclosure.

The email asks for a city investigation at the end.

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Fire in St. Pauls Highland Park may have been caused by fireworks. 30 people displaced.

The fire department reported that an apartment fire in St. Paul’s Highland Park caused about 30 people to be displaced and estimated damage of $2 million.

The fire that occurred on Saturday afternoon did not result in any injuries. According to Deputy Chief Roy Mokosso, investigators discovered firework debris near the place where the fire began. Residents reported hearing fireworks before they saw flames on the grass. The police are helping with the investigation.

On July 8, 2023 in St. Paul, a fire started on a lawn in the 1300 Block of St. Paul Avenue. The fire spread from the trees that were against the apartment to the attic above third-floor flats. (Courtesy the St. Paul Fire Department).

About 4:20 pm on Saturday, firefighters responded to reports of a grassfire on the lawn of a building in the 1300 Block of St. Paul Avenue. Mokosso stated that wind gusts of up to 22 mph, as well as dry conditions, contributed to the rapid spread of the fire from the trees in front of the apartment building into the attic above the third-floor apartments.

Mokosso stated that firefighters put out the fire with “extensive efforts” after the building was evacuated. Over 60 firefighters responded to the incident and remained on site for more than four hours.

The Minnesota Red Cross has provided temporary shelters and other assistance to residents of the 17 units.

The estimated $2 million damage to the building structure and contents is 2 million dollars.

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East Metro: Some severe storms are possible on Monday afternoon.

According to the Twin Cities Office of the National Weather Service, there’s a possibility of severe weather on Monday afternoon or evening in the east metro.

Meteorologist Melissa Dye says that if these storms are to develop in the Twin Cities area, they will most likely do so over Ramsey Dakota and Washington Counties.

The NWS warns that the main threats are large hail, damaging wind and frequent lightning. Heavy rains are a secondary risk.

On Monday, July 10th, 2023, scattered severe storms could affect the Twin Cities’ east metro area in the evening and afternoon. Illustration courtesy of National Weather Service office in Twin Cities.

Dye, in a Monday interview, said that Wisconsin may be the state facing a greater storm threat.

It’s best to get out of the house before late afternoon if you’re looking to take advantage of Monday’s warm weather, which will feature sunshine and temperatures in the nineties.

Dye explains that storms could appear anywhere between 4 pm and 6 pm.

By sunset on Monday (8:59 pm), things should be quiet.

Dye tells us that “it’ll be done by 9 pm.”

The rest of the week will be milder, with temperatures hovering around the 80s. Dye said there’s a possibility of showers but not enough for the drought to be eased.

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St. Paul: Water Street/Plato Boulevard sewer project closes eastbound Plato Blvd

The project, near the intersection between Water Street and Plato Boulevard at St. Paul, has caused traffic to be closed on eastbound Plato from Wabasha Street to Ohio Street until November. St. Paul Public Works expects the road to be reopened by November 22.

Closure began on Monday. The westbound lanes of Plato will be open only to one-way traffic. Enter Wabasha Street from Ohio and use the westbound lanes on Plato to access businesses between Wabasha Street. Continue westbound along Plato, and then head eastbound onto Water Street towards Wabasha. Access to businesses and driveways will be maintained.

Wabasha Street is closed to all through traffic south of Plato Boulevard as of June 20. The street is expected to reopen on August 31.

The construction of the sanitary sewer will take place in 2023 and 2024. This is to increase sewer capacity and satisfy the demand for new housing developments, such as the Buhl Investors’ multi-building Farwell-on-Water mixed-use project, which is being built on seven acres. Sewer work includes removing and installing sanitary sewer pipes and building a new liftstation. Xcel Energy is also working on Wabasha Street between the bridge and Plato Boulevard during the entire project.

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Metro Transit is working to change its negative perception as ridership increases.

MINNEAPOLIS – The new police chief attributes the increase in ridership on Metro Transit’s light rail to several changes made on the ground.

The biggest challenge facing the LRT is overcoming the negative perception.

Ricky Greer, a passenger, said that he has always had positive experiences.

“It’s pleasant. Greer said, “I think it’s really nice.”

Robin Lund’s reality is different.

Lund stated that “people who are threatening and people who obviously are not here for commute” are the worst. “They are here to sell drugs.”

Metro Transit Police Chief Ernest Morales III said he rides the Blue Line with his wife.

The first six stops were quite comfortable. We were thrilled. We thought, “Wow, this is a great system.” Then, we hit Frankin, and then Cedar-Riverside. Then we hit Lake [Street]. Morales said, “It’s as if the floor has fallen out from underneath us.”

Chief Ernest Morales III

CBS

Morales may have seen what WCCO did a few month ago: open drug use, and drug exchanges.

The ride on Monday was uneventful. Security was present on the train, the platform and the entrances to the stations. MSP Airport had new signage. New murals and construction were visible at the Lake Street station and Target Field.

Morales stated that if you take care of your property, and clean it up properly, others will follow.

Metro Transit’s Homeless Action Team is working to make buses and light rail safer

Transit officials claim that they did, particularly during Pride Week and Taylor Swift concerts last month. Overall, ridership has increased by 23%.

Officials say that reported crimes are also on the rise. But Chief Morales said that this is a result of more proactive police activity.

I will encourage everyone to return to the system. He said that numbers make us safer.

The chief says that his biggest challenge, despite only being in the job for four months, is recruiting. The force still lacks more than 60 officers but has much to be proud about.

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