Concerns about the St. Paul apartments raise questions about crime and drugs

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – Concerned residents gathered Thursday evening to voice their concerns about an apartment complex described in a St. Paul police report as a “hub” of trafficking in narcotics in the Hamline-Midway neighborhood.

Crime, drug problems

Kimball Court, located near Snelling and University avenues, serves people emerging from homelessness who often struggle with addiction and mental health issues.

Residents say drug trafficking and other crimes at or near the complex have spiraled out of control, leaving many feeling unsafe in their own neighborhoods.

During the meeting, residents circulated an October police report describing the complex as a “hub for the majority of drug trafficking” in the area and citing other crimes including robberies and thefts.

“My tenant saw two people throwing meth at people downstairs and catching them,” said Andrea Suchy-Shinn, a landlord who also lives in the neighborhood. “My tenant, who lives four doors down from Kimball Court, almost got stabbed.”

She said police are doing what they can, but she doesn’t feel the city is adequately addressing the problems.

“It’s quite unpleasant because these people don’t know how to behave properly,” said Daniel Sarasti, who pointed out that the problems have also spread to other areas, including bus stops.

Expansion plans

In October, Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative, which owns and operates the complex, received funding from the city to renovate and expand it, something that drew sharp criticism from residents.

“We are all feeling the effects of homelessness – unsheltered homelessness and the opioid crisis in our community. And housing first is the answer to that,” said Chris LaTandresse, president and CEO of the organization.

But not everyone agrees.

“Why on earth would you add anything to that? It doesn’t make sense,” Suchy-Shinn said.

Beacon said it has installed no-trespassing signs and is considering adding security cameras.