Pillsbury United Communities, the organization that runs the Brian Coyle Community Center in Cedar-Riverside, sent the following notice of a meeting at the center, 420 15th Ave. S., at noon on Thursday, Sept. 24. Members of the public are encouraged to attend.

In the aftermath of Monday’s killing of a 20-year old Somali student near the Brian Coyle Center, it is imperative that this community take quick action to reduce this kind of senseless violence among Somali young people. Pillsbury United Communities and community leaders are committed to making our Brian Coyle Center and the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood safe.

We are proposing the following actions and request that you attend a meeting on Thursday, September 25th at 12:00pm at the Brian Coyle Center (420 15th Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN, 55454) to help us determine the best method for implementing these actions:

1. Installation of security cameras on the exterior of the center

2. Onsite presence of a security officer or police liaison from 5-10pm nightly

3. Increased police presence in adjacent Currie Park and surrounding streets

4. Current funding sources continue to support Coyle Center as pledged

5. Hiring of two competent and professional Somali outreach workers focused on connecting with Somali young adults

We cannot be successful without your presence and commitment to this course of action.

Please RSVP to me at wagnera@puc-mn.org or 612-302-3450 or Bridgette Perry at perryb@puc-mn.org or 612-302-3407.

Tony Wagner, President, Pillsbury United Communities

Saeed Fahia, Executive Director, Confederation of Somali Community in Minnesota

Paul Pribbenow, President, Augsburg College

Alemayeu, Executive Director, Oromo Community of Minnesota

last revised: September 24, 2008

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