Crime in downtown doesn't scare business owners
By CASEY GODE
DCN Reporter
It may be rough, but the area still has a lot of character.
To the north are schools and community centers. To the south is Canal Park. The area of concern contains Liquor stores, bars, pawnshops and a Casino.
“Once every day there’s police called, sometimes more,� says Laura Bohmann who owns a pawnshop across the street from the Kozy bar on 1st street.
In an area that carries the stigma of a tough neighborhood, it’s one of the busiest places in downtown Duluth. No matter the time of day or the kind of weather, it’s easy to find people walking around.
Some of the reasons are obvious. It has bars, a Casino, the Gospel Mission is just up the street and low-income housing is everywhere.
Because the areas constantly busy it ‘s not a bad place to have a business.
Some business owners might stay away from such a troubled neighborhood because of the fear of theft and crime.
Thus far the businesses in this area stay safe and continue to provide a service to the community.
"I really do feel as safe as a kitten," says Mike Mcmahon. He works the cash register, and greets most customers by name. “Ninety percent of our customers are repeat business. Outside they may be drug dealers, but in here we all have a mutual respect.�
Many businesses in other areas of Duluth have trouble with theft; for such a troubled neighborhood petty crime stays seems to stay pretty low.
“We really don’t have a lot of trouble with theft,� said Bohmann, “every once in a while someone will take a movie, but not often.�
That may not seem amazing but considering she has hours of stories of drug deals and prostitution just outside of her store it kind of is.
“[crime]It doesn’t help,� she says, “but it really doesn’t bother us much. I stay inside, and if they loiter outside the store I ask them to leave.�