Mayor’s Minutes: Brooklyn Park’s Hollies Winston
Brooklyn Park Mayor Hollies Winston spoke recently with CCX Media’s Dave Kiser about a new crime reporting tool available to residents soon and ways those in the city can let lawmakers know how they feel about ways the state can help the community grow.
Brooklyn Park Mayor Hollies Winston in May 2024
This summer, Brooklyn Park police will roll out an online reporting toll that city leaders hope will allow residents to report more non-violent crimes.
“If they don’t immediately need a squad car to come out, they can put some inferences in regarding whether its animal control or vandalism or theft, and it may trigger an investigative component to it,” said Winston. “But it’s just a new tool for people to put in if they don’t necessarily want to (call 911).”
Residents will be asked to put in certain criteria in the online form, including whether they want investigators to respond.
Legislative Agenda
Brooklyn Park leaders continue to work with state lawmakers in St. Paul as the session draws to a close on bills and funding for projects like the biotech corridor in the northwest corner of the city, along Highway 610–where Winston believes the city could create as many as 10,000 jobs with development of high-tech businesses with the help of tax increment financing allowances and market rate housing options elsewhere–along with improvements to the city’s Community Activity Center.
“We’re encouraging people to check out (the city’s website) because we’ve got some insights in terms of how you can reach out to some of your legislators and let them know your concerns and how you want them to support legislation,” said Winston.
State of the City
The State of the City comes up on May 9 at 5:30 p.m. at the Community Activity Center.
“We’re going to be talking really about the future of the city and the direction we want to go,” said Winston. “If you don’t want to hear me (give a speech), then come for the food!”
Summer Blossom Awards
This is the 25th year for the city’s Summer Blossom Awards that help recognize those who beautify their properties as the weather’s warmed up. The nominations are coming in now and city council will formally recognize the winners in the fall.
“Whether you have a home or a town house or a business, you can enter this,” said Winston. “It’s so cold so much of the year, so folks can go out and plant their roses or whatever they want, and we’ll go out there and judge. It beautifies our city.”
