We appreciate reader feedback and strive to publish the vast majority of what we receive. Here are the comments readers submitted over the past month.
Kingfield residents resist Verizon 5G towers
I think that it’s important to note that these radio frequencies have been in use already, they are just now being assigned for commercial use. It’s also important to note that these frequencies exist below the visible light spectrum, and are non-ionizing which means they don’t have the level of energy that can cause cancer. Ionizing radiation, like ultraviolet light or X-rays, have much higher energy levels and are above the visible light spectrum, and can cause cancer by damaging DNA. I know you want to try to present community voices, but I think that it’s important to demonstrate that these frequencies are safe and there really isn’t a debate about that. Please consider reaching out to local experts on electromagnetic radiation, like from the U of M, as well as information from sources other than the FCC, like the FDA so that it doesn’t appear to be too biased. Beliefs of this sort are driven by legitimate concerns, but also by networks of misinformation similar to those that have driven anti vaccine sentiment that has put people and communities at risk. -Jesse S., Whittier
[Editor’s note: We are continuing to look into the story, specifically regarding the validity of the claims people make about the dangers of 5G technology. This topic is complex and, to us, our story is about neighbors organizing together and “succeeding” based on their goals.]
Park Board Releases Preferred Plan for Cedar Lake and Lake of the Isles Redesign
The "Preferred Concept" Plan is a horrible plan that caters to the loud, privileged voices of the residents near the regional park who want to keep it a "hidden gem" and keep it "secluded." Circulation and access were, from the start, prominent issues especially concerning Cedar Lake and Kenilworth Channel. Why do the nearby residents want to keep a lake "secluded and hidden"? These are not attractive attributes for public parks. It's as if they want the area for themselves. The east side of Cedar Lake, in spite of the Park Board owning public park land along the entire corridor, has had exclusive use of this public lake shore for 80 years. An earlier plan for Cedar/Isles Master Plan had addressed this issue with public access to the east side of Cedar and public access/ADA-compilable through the Kenilworth channel (another area where the public had very limited access to park land) to link up to Lake of the Isles. Also, this earlier Circulation and Access Plan included an ADA hard path through the "hidden, secluded" area of Cedar Lake. This plan was labeled "Unique Lake Experiences--Concept B." This great access plan was shuttled immediately after the Kenwood Rec Center meeting that drew the raucous, anti-amenities residents to the plan. This was the inclusive, equity plan that would allow public access to public land and be favorable to seniors, ADA and mobility afflicted persons. They are now back to having full access to the regional parks. -Ron
Kenilworth tour gives public an up-close look at lightrail construction
Who really needs to hear from some reactionary living in Minnetonka on penal policy? Those of us with this predicted boondoggle literally in our backyards really don’t need gratuitous carping from the burbs. This was just a PR stunt from the Met Council. -Jim L.
A blockbuster report on gun violence in Minneapolis...
The reason guns were not purchased in Minneapolis is because there are no retail outlets for guns in the city. -Dave T.
The presentation from the city appears to show homicides are on pace with last year (56 vs. 56), not down 15% (56 vs. 66) as suggested. -Erik
[Charlie's response: There's a strange discrepancy on that metric, and we used what we feel is the more accurate metric as shown on the city's crime dashboard. The difference is whether a "Nonnegligent Manslaughter" should be counted as a homicide – the new system that the FBI uses says we should, while the old system did not. It's a tough call, but to me, "homicides" should include all the times that someone kills someone else (excluding self-defense). Would be curious to hear which metric you think is the one we should be using.]
Why did the author choose to report stats "year-over-year (down to X from Y this time last year)"? Thank you for reporting on this, I don't think it would have made my newsfeed without your input. I was pretty disappointed (and confused) about the stats language. It is at best very confusing and at worst, outright deceptive. Whats the problem with just stating the numbers "homicides are down 15% from last year (56 in 2022 and 66 in 2021 -- still elevated from 2019 levels, 21 homicides)"? This "year-over-year" wording makes it seem like that is long term trend when it really is not. -Jake,
[Charlie's response: Hi Jake, Sorry that that was confusing. Year-over-year is a statistics term that is commonly used when comparing stats from one year against stats from the year before it. However, I can see how it would be confusing, so we'll revisit whether to use that language in pieces like this in the future. I think the language you propose would probably be an easy change. Thanks so much for the feedback, we really appreciate it!]
A right-wing Republican is running for governor of Wisconsin. Minneapolis taxpayers are helping fund his campaign.
Can you also look into the contracts to see why the city is paying police to idle nearby all day while Michels contractors are working? Given the shortage of cops it doesn’t seem prudent. There were police cars on our block all day when they were working on our street in Linden Hills.
Editor’s note: We are following up on this question
What happened after I was carjacked
It must feel awful to come home to one that's been invaded by a complete stranger. If someone was threatened with a gun or other lethal weapon, then I'd categorize the invasion as violent crime, especially if someone was injured or killed. I have to draw the line at home or car invasion -- it's nonviolent. It makes us angry and vulnerable and scared; but it doesn't rise to the "violent crime" level. -Jullie, South Minneapolis
The same thing happened to me in my garage and I went through the same realizations...who are these children, where are their parents, what can I do? -Kaylee
Thank you for generously telling your story. I'm reminded of a Buddhist mantra: May this suffering awaken compassion. May this suffering awaken compassion. I've found it mooring in the last months. -Andrea, Lynnhurst
I appreciate that you published this woman's constructive perspective on a very frightening event. Thank you. May it encourage us all to live with compassion toward others. -Susan,
Clausen Servicenter– the place to go when you’ve got a lizard in your car
Love this! Very well done! This long-stay neighbor deserves the recognition! When Clausens pulled their gas tanks out of the ground, I used to joke that they were in a "tank-less business." [groan] -Dee, Stevens Square-Loring Heights
