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SSCO Safety Strategy

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Stevens Square Community Organization (SSCO) has in place a comprehensive and proactive safety and crime prevention program that works successfully with law enforcement to reduce and prevent crime by bringing to the table significant volunteer involvement and staff expertise.  SSCO has the longest active Block Patrol in the city, which has been highly effective.  Block Patrol is a way for residents to communicate with the organization regarding concerns, and a way for the organization to connect with residents to promote safety in the neighborhood.

The Safety Committee continues to address crime and safety issues that negatively impact quality of life.  The Safety Committee’s initiatives – in cooperation with law enforcement and business and property owners – have led to a significant reduction in crime in the neighborhood.  The committee’s volunteer programs include Block Patrol, graffiti clean-up initiatives, public education campaigns (regarding making 911 calls, preventing property crimes, etc.), social events and community building activities in Stevens Square Park, and coordination with the Restorative Justice Community Action program.

Stevens Square Community Organization’s strong and active commitment to neighborhood safety and crime prevention has earned the organization legitimacy and respect with Minneapolis police and other law enforcement agencies. The neighborhood safety coordinator, funded through NRP, serves as a vital and consistent liaison between residents and law enforcement.

Perhaps most importantly, Stevens Square Community Organization’s partnership with law enforcement helps residents feel that they are not alone in dealing with neighborhood issues.  SSCO’s active and extremely visible safety programs provide people with opportunities to take a measure of control of their environment by participating in solution-oriented volunteerism. The goal is thus not only the elimination of crime, but also the elimination of fatalism and paralysis in the face of crime. Even for those residents who do not directly participate in SSCO safety programs, one goal is to reduce anxiety by communicating that important, results-oriented work is being done by neighborhood residents to combat the problem.

Related Content:

Stevens Square Historic District

The Stevens Square Historic District was locally designated in 1988 and nationally designated in 1993, thanks to the hard work and cooperation of neighborhood residents and property owners.  The area has been designated because of the unique and cohesive historic architecture of 3-1/2 story brownstones surrounding Stevens Square Park. For more information about the formation of the district, click here.

History of the Stevens Square-Loring Heights Neighborhood

The area south of what is the Minneapolis Central Business District was platted in 1856. Two property owners, Richard J. Mendenhall and Dr. Nathan B.Hill, owned most of the surrounding land which they developed as a residential neighborhood made up of a few large, single family homes. These large residential lots and "country estates" ensured that the Stevens Square area remained stable during periodic, speculative real-estate booms.

Community Standards

“We the people of Stevens Square-Loring Heights have the right to, and recognize our collective responsibility to foster, a neighborhood that is safe, clean, respectful and friendly.”

Building Safety Improvement Program

The Stevens Square-Loring Heights NRP Building Safety Improvement Program aims to support property owners and tenants in their efforts to increase the safety of the neighborhood through improvements to their buildings and environs. This program was formerly known as the Lighting and Fencing Program, but has been expanded to include other safety-related improvements, as described in the guidelines. It is funded in full by the Minneapolis Neighborhood Revitalization Program in conjunction with the priorities of the members of the Stevens Square-Loring Heights neighborhood, and is implemented with the support of the 5th Precinct SAFE Unit.

I you are interested in applying for a safety grant, please contact SSCO’s Safety Coordinator at (612) 874-2840.

Safety Resources

Here are a few useful links to local and state safety-related sites.

Restorative Justice Community Action

Community Resource List

Just moved into the neighborhood, or looking for some assistance? Here are a few links that may be helpful:

Community safety resources

Neighborhood Revitalization Program

Stevens Square-Loring Heights Architectural Style

In 1989, Stevens Square received its historical designation due primarily to the number of three-and-a-half story brick apartment buildings: similar in size, character and materials, surrounding the park.  Today, many are renter occupied similar to the profile of the people who first lived in the neighborhood.  Therefore, the neighborhood character is demographically as well as physically very much the same as it was when it first took shape as a neighborhood of respectable apartment dwellings in the early 1900's.

Commercial Corridors

The commercial center of the neighborhood is located on Nicollet Avenue, where several restaurants, social service agencies and schools, and retail merchants operate.  Minor commercial hubs include Franklin Avenue and the Clinton Avenue strip mall.

Our Flickr feed
Fire Safety Meeting for Residents of Apartment Buildings and Condos

Please join us on Tuesday, May 8th from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at the Plymouth Church (1900 Nicollet Ave - use the Lasalle Ave entrance).

Learn how to keep yourself and you neighbors safe. Topics will include the recent fire at 137 East 17th St, preventing fires in multi-unit buildings, evacuation plans, fire inspection procedures, and renters insurance. There will be plenty of time for questions and discussion.

City Council Member Robert Lilligren will facilitate the meeting. Presenters will include Minneapolis Fire Department staff and a member of the Minnesota Multi Housing Association. Co-sponsored by Mint Properties, Stevens Community Apartments, The Apartment Shop, Kleinman Realty, Copenhagen Enterprises and Rand Management.

Please call 612-874-2840 with questions.

May 19 Clean Sweep

Don't talk trash . . . pick it up!

SSCO's Spring Clean Sweep is set for:

Saturday, May 19, 10 a.m. to noon.  Meet at Stevens Square Park, East 18th St & 2nd Ave South.

Compete for the prize (an Electric Fetus gift card) for finding the most unusual piece of trash!

May 26 work day at the Overlook Gardens

Saturday May 26th at the Overlook Gardens on 17th street between 2nd and Stevens: We will be meeting at 10:30 a.m. Come be part of the native habitat garden we have been installing. We need volunteers to help clean and add some more plants.

Brought to you by Stevens Square Community Organization and Minneapolis Park Board.

Contact Robert Skafte for questions:
skafte7@gmail.com or 612 750 3779

June 9 SSCO Annual Meeting

Stevens Square Community Organization's annual meeting is set for:

Saturday, June 9, 2012
Registration begins at 9:30 a.m., the meeting begins at 10:00 a.m.
Plymouth Church, 1900 Nicollet Ave.
(Use the LaSalle Ave entrance.)

On the agenda:

Election of Board officers and directors: chair, secretary, and four at-large directors.
Updates from committee co-chairs on SSCO activities.
Reports from public officials.

Eligible voters include anyone 16 years of age or older who lives, owns property, or is employed (up to two employees per business) in the Stevens Square-Loring Heights neighborhood. Please bring a form of identification verifying that you are eligible to vote, such as a current Minnesota driver's license or identification card, utility statement, lease agreement, state or county tax statement, a pay stub showing employment in the neighborhood, or an eligible voter to vouch for you.

For more information, call SSCO at (612) 874-2840.